On 26 October 2026, APSS welcomed a delegation from the School of Social Sciences at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) for an academic exchange designed to deepen institutional ties following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Led by Prof. Bo WANG, Dean of HIT’s School of Social Sciences, the delegation comprised Prof. Li SHAO from the Department of Sociology and three PhD students. They were received by APSS representatives Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology; Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor; Prof. Tin-Yuet TING, Associate Professor; and Prof. Lin NIE, Assistant Professor. The visit provided a valuable platform for both institutions to strengthen academic engagement, identify shared research interests, and align strategic priorities in research and education.
A key highlight of the visit was a cross-institutional research workshop, during which academic staff and PhD students from APSS and HIT exchanged research insights and explored opportunities for future collaboration. The delegation also toured the APSS CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) and Studio, where they viewed demonstrations of Hong Kong-based immersive social science projects and learned how emerging technologies can support innovative research and teaching.
Representatives from both institutions subsequently discussed ways to expand collaboration in research and education. Proposed areas included developing new collaborative programmes and initiatives, broadening educational exchanges, and co-organising a research forum. The visit concluded with a reception at the Staff Club, where the delegation was joined by additional APSS academic staff and PhD students for further academic dialogue, research exchange, and networking.
The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between APSS and HIT and advancing innovation at the intersections of social sciences, technology, and artificial intelligence. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership that promotes academic innovation, knowledge exchange, and mutual development.
