APSS Students Recognised at the 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding Student and Presidential Student Leadership Awards

The Presentation Ceremony for the Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2025/26 was held on 19 March 2026 at the Silverbox Ballroom at Hotel ICON.

Prof. David SHUM, Dean of FHSS and Chair Professor of Neuropsychology, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co‑Director of PReCIT and ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, and Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS, attended the ceremony to show their support for the department’s award-winning students.

Congratulations to Miss Cheuk Lam LAU and Mr Tat Fung TSE, both BA (Hons) in Social Work students, for receiving the Outstanding Student Award of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and the Presidential Student Leadership Award, respectively.

Outstanding Student Award of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

Miss Cheuk Lam LAU (Year 4, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Work)
“I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when I was young. During my treatment journey, the care, understanding, and encouragement I received from others, helped me overcome many challenges and develop resilience. This experience deeply inspired me to pursue a career as a helping professional who can support individuals through difficult times. 

As I grew older, I came to realise that people often face not only physical illnesses but also a wide range of social and emotional struggles. Like physical illness, these issues are not always easily resolved. Yet, having someone to walk beside them can make a significant difference. This belief has driven my aspiration to become a social worker who stands by individuals in hardship while advocating for positive social change.

At PolyU, my academic learning and active participation in community service have equipped me with the skills and empathy to serve as a social worker with a special focus on mental health. My experience working with young people have highlighted the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces where they feel free to express distress and seek help.”

Presidential Student Leadership Award, respectively

Mr Tat Fung TSE (Year 2, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Work)
“Receiving this award marks a meaningful milestone in my journey, reflecting the dedication and passion I have poured into my leadership roles over the past few years. It symbolises the perseverance required to balance rigorous academic demands with my commitment to community outreach. What began as a simple curiosity to join Campus-Y has evolved into a fulfilling experience of leading initiatives that champion inclusivity and innovation on campus.

This recognition from the University reassures me that my efforts to support underprivileged communities in Hong Kong have created a real impact. I am deeply grateful to PolyU for shaping my leadership growth through its experiential learning opportunities and diverse resources. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds, enriching my communication skills and inspiring me to continue developing as a socially conscious and effective leader.”

Both Prof. Eric CHUI and Dr Kong YAM expressed their joy, saying, “Our students’ stories continue to make us proud and give us hope for what lies ahead, as they are poised to become the next generation of social work leaders.”