On 13 July 2026, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Dr Raymond TAM, Associate Head and Senior Lecturer of APSS, and Prof. Jacky NG, Assistant Professor of APSS, presented impact assessment reports on three major government initiatives under the Targeted Poverty Alleviation Scheme (TPAS) at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Welfare Services meeting. The presentation highlighted APSS’s contribution to evidence-based policy evaluation.
The first evaluation examined the Strive and Rise Programme. Findings confirmed its positive impact on broadening the horizons of underprivileged youth, fostering a more positive life outlook, and enhancing financial literacy, while also underscoring APSS’s role in supporting ongoing scheme refinement.
The second report focused on the Pilot Programme on Community Living Room, which aims to support households living in subdivided units. The APSS assessment revealed a high level of effectiveness, with over 90% positive outcomes across four key areas: improving living conditions, expanding living space, strengthened sense of community belonging, and enhanced interpersonal networks. The programme was particularly effective in reducing social isolation and fostering mutual-help networks and meaningful social connections. During the session, Prof. CHUI provided strategic recommendations, emphasising the need for deeper integration of social resources and further optimisation of resource allocation.
The final report evaluated the School-based After-School Care Service Scheme, presenting clear and quantifiable key performance indicators. The programme achieved an overall effectiveness rate of 85% in supporting families, and largely met its intended targets. It provided students with essential academic and social support while enabling parents to spend more quality time with their families. Notably, the initiative also yielded measurable economic benefits, including increased household income and the successful re-entry of 21% previously unemployed parents into the workforce, facilitated by the availability of reliable childcare.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. CHUI emphasised that the three programmes provide clear evidence of the Government’s effectiveness in targeted poverty alleviation and community support. While measurable progress has been achieved immediate outcomes, cross-sector coordination, and service refinement, the APSS team noted that sustained impact will require a robust, forward-looking strategy that prioritises continuous innovation to address the evolving needs of underprivileged groups in Hong Kong.
Online coverage:
LegCo of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China: https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr2026/english/panels/ws/agenda/ws20260713.htm
LegCo Webcasting System: https://webcast.legco.gov.hk/public/zh-hk?meetingid=M26070030
Minutes of the Meeting on Monday, 13 July 2026 (立法會CB(1)903/2026號文件): https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr2026/chinese/panels/ws/minutes/ws20260713.pdf
