2026 EASP Annual Conference: Call for Papers

We are pleased to announce that Abstract Submission for the 2026 East Asia Social Policy (EASP) Annual Conference (17-18 July 2026) is now open. This year, the conference will be hosted by The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and co-organised by The Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE), PolyU APSS. The deadline for abstract submission is on 23 February 2026, and the registration will commence in March 2026. More information can be found on the conference website. 2026 EASP Conference website: https://gs.hsu.edu.hk/en/easp-2026/

Kunming Medical University Visited APSS

APSS extended a warm welcome to a delegation from Kunming Medical University’s School of Humanities and Management on 15 December 2025. Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head and Professor of APSS, Associate Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies, and Associate Director of Mental Health Research Centre, and Prof. Yang ZHAN, Associate Professor of APSS, provided our guests with an overview of APSS. The Guests from Kunming Medical University (KMU) comprised Prof. An LEI (Associate Professor and Deputy Secretary of the School’s Party Committee), Dr Xinyue PENG (Lecturer in Social Work), Dr Yalin LI (Lecturer in Social Security), and Dr Rui MI (Lecturer in Marketing). In the exchange, both sides highlighted the strengths of their academic programmes, with the discussion focusing on teaching and research development, and it ended with cordial exchanges.   The discussion helped both institutions gain a deeper understanding of each other and identify potential areas for future collaboration, including medical social work and medical humanities. APSS sincerely appreciates the delegation’s visit and thoughtful dialogue they brought.

APSS Enters into a MoU with the School of Public Administration at Guizhou University

On 15 December 2025, APSS signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guizhou University’s (GzU) School of Public Administration. The ceremony took place in Guizhou, China, and opened with remarks from Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI and Prof. Da YANG, Dean of the School of Public Administration at GzU, establishing a framework for collaboration in research, joint publications, academic events, academic programmes, and student exchanges. Immediately following the MoU signing ceremony, Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of China and Global Development Network, gave a presentation titled 「社會工作如何以行動研究推動專業高品質發展」 (English translation: How Social Work Promotes High-Quality Professional Development through Action Research) to all attendees.

Hear from Our Awardees – APSS Entry Scholarship for Self-financed Taught Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26

The APSS Entry Scholarship for Self-financed Taught Postgraduate Programmes recognises exceptional students admitted to master’s level programmes. Recipients are nominated based on their admission performance and academic excellence. The scholarship provides a one-time award ranging from HK$10,000 to HK$80,000. Congratulations to all the award recipients! Here’s what a few of them had to say about their APSS experience: Ms Kaiyue JIN Master of Applied Psychology   “I am a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I chose the APSS programme at PolyU to synthesise my Western academic training with meaningful social practice in my home country. The programme’s well-regarded collaboration with community partners aligns perfectly with my goal of creating tangible, community-focused change.”   Ms In Kuan CHAN Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs)   “My undergraduate degree in Psychology from City University of Hong Kong provided ne with a strong theoretical foundation to support my further studies at PolyU. After graduation, I pursued a career outside the field, where I received valuable support and guidance that helped me clarify my calling for further study. Reflecting on my internship experience with autistic children reignited my passion for supporting individuals with special needs. I believe that PolyU’s Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs) programme is the ideal pathway to facilitate my transition, equipping me to become a skilled practitioner dedicated to helping those with diverse learning needs.”     Ms Rui GUO Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling   “With over ten years of counselling experience, a U.S. master’s degree, and national therapist certification from Chinese mainland, I chose this programme to deepen my practice in culturally grounded care. My motivation stems from my experience as a caregiver in a paediatric cancer ward, and I believe PolyU will equip me to make an even greater impact. The inspiring professors and diverse classmates here have been an incredible blessing!”     Ms Tsz Yan LI Master of Arts in Mental Health   “I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Nursing from PolyU and have worked as a mental health nurse for more than two years. PolyU offers excellent teaching and abundant resources. I believe studying in the PolyU APSS programme will broaden my horizons, deepen my understanding of clients, and enable me to provide better healthcare services for them.”               Ms Keyan XU Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology   “I am from Xinjiang and hold a Master’s degree in Project Management from Tongji University, with 11 years of experience in the fast-paced internet and e-commerce industry. I chose PolyU’s APSS programme for its interdisciplinary strengths and rigorous academic philosophy, as I hope to explore applied psychological practice and pursue the mission of supporting individuals and communities in need in the future.”     Ms Tsz Yan HUI Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Development   “After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Public Administration, I worked at a university unit and am currently employed in a government department. I am pleased to pursue the MASPSD programme at PolyU, as I believe it will equip me with comprehensive insights into policy formation and social development. The analytical skills and practical knowledge gained from the programme will enable me to tackle complex issues in my current role.”     Ms Man Ting LEUNG Master of Social Work   “I hold a Higher Diploma in Social Work and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Special Needs. Since graduating with my Higher Diploma, I have been working as a social worker for over ten years. Although I once considered changing my career path, ongoing reflection and frontline experience have reaffirmed my commitment to serving society as a social worker. I am here seeking to gain a more professional perspective on the practice of social work. Hopefully, after three years of study, I can become a fully qualified professional social worker.”  

HSBC Scholarships 2024/25 Presented to Ten Outstanding Undergraduate Students - BA (Hons) in Social Work

APSS is delighted to share that ten of our students have been awarded the prestigious HSBC Scholarships. Congratulations to all the recipients on their outstanding achievements!   Awardee of HSBC Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) Scholarship 2024/25 This award recognises individuals with a well-defined career plan, relevant professional expertise, and a strong dedication to advancing the growth and development of the GBA region.   Award value: HK$80,000   Mr. Yat Nam LAU Final Year, BA (Hons) in Social Work “My time at APSS has been both empowering and fulfilling. It has helped me recognise my strengths and potential, allowing me to grow into a capable and compassionate helping professional. I am deeply grateful for its continuous support and the honour it has bestowed upon me.”     Awardee of HSBC Social Work Scholarship 2024/25 Selection criteria: Awardees are chosen for their exceptional academic achievements and demonstrated dedication to making a positive impact on society.   Award value: HK$25,000   Mr. Hok Chun HUNG Final Year BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am honoured to receive recognition from HSBC and APSS. My studies in social work have helped me gain deeper self-awareness and inspired me to support others with empathy. I will continue striving to apply my knowledge to serve and uplift the underprivileged in our society.”   Miss Yeung Lei LAU Final Year, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am deeply grateful to receive the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. This recognition touches me deeply and reinforces my commitment to supporting those in need. It inspires me to keep striving, knowing that my passion and efforts are valued and can truly make a difference.”   Mr. Ming Yuen LI Final Year, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am honoured to be nominated by APSS and to receive the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. Throughout my studies, I have been grateful for the excellent learning environment provided by the programme, which has equipped me with a variety of social work theories and internship opportunities. I hope to further enhance my personal skills and resume through this scholarship.”     Miss Cheuk Yiu Yoko MAK Final Year, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “Receiving the HSBC Social Work Scholarship from APSS has deepened my commitment. The children’s joyful smiles, laughter, and play have always fuelled my passion as a social worker. This honour reaffirms that nurturing their brighter futures is profoundly worthwhile—every effort echoes in their happiness.”     Miss Hoi Yin NG Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “As a senior student returning to campus at a different stage of life, it has not been easy for me to resume my studies. Therefore, being nominated by APSS and receiving the HSBC Social Work Scholarship is not just an award, but also an important source of encouragement and recognition for me as a social work student.”     Mr. Lok Wang SO Year 3, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am deeply honoured to be awarded the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. This recognition reinforces my dedication to supporting service users with empathy and professionalism. I sincerely appreciate the guidance of my teachers, fieldwork supervisors, and peers in APSS who have nurtured my growth, and I will continue striving to make meaningful contributions to the community.”     Miss Ka Hing TAI Year 2, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am profoundly honoured to have been awarded the HSBC Social Work Scholarship. I believe that it serves as a great motivation for me to pursue my studies and goals. Studying in APSS provides me with ample opportunities to acquire essential skills and knowledge in social work, enabling me to be an all-rounded person!”     Miss Ching Nam TAM Final Year, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “I am grateful to have received this scholarship. It not only supports my studies and helps relieve my family’s financial burden, but also recognises my efforts and ambition to become a professional social worker. Thank you for providing this opportunity and for opening up new possibilities in my life.”       Miss Cho Yiu ZOU Final Year, BA (Hons) in Social Work   “Receiving the HSBC Social Work Scholarship motivates me to continue my journey in social work, striving to serve and uplift vulnerable communities. I am grateful for the unwavering support of APSS, which has provided invaluable learning opportunities and inspired me to grow both personally and professionally.”    

International Scholar Talk on AI and Psychology by Prof. Xiao Tian WANG

On 5 December 2025, Prof. Xiao Tian WANG of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) (CUHKSZ) gave an engaging talk on how AI and humans influence social decision making. As the founding director of the Applied Psychology Division and the Director of the Centre of Human Development and Mental Health at CUHKSZ, Prof. WANG framed AI versus human social choices through an evolutionary psychology perspective. He contrasted behavioural patterns in risk perception, fairness, and reciprocity, showing that AI agents tend to be less tolerant and less generous than humans. The findings offer benchmarks for a psychological Turing Test and implications for the future development of Generative AI and social psychology.  The Talk, moderated by Prof. Huijing LU, Associate Professor of APSS, prompted a thoughtful examination of how AI’s distinctive decision-making processes could reshape—or even challenge—the established social foundations of human cooperation.

Regional Dialogue at Peking University Symposium Organised by the Peking University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre

On 6 December 2025, Peking University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre held an international symposium “From China to ASEAN: Echoes and Resonance in the Development of Social Work”. During the morning session, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, presented on “Bridging for Advancement of Social Work Education: Glocalisation of Standards across Belt and Road Regions,” highlighting the blending of global and local standards in social work education. Other invited speakers included Prof. Hua-Yuan TSENG, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Taiwan Changhua University of Education, Prof. Jiangang ZHU, Department of Sociology, Zhejiang University, and Prof. Yuegen XIONG, Department of Sociology, Peking University. Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, delivered the closing remarks, offering thoughtful reflections on multiculturalism, localism, and globalism in advancing reconciliatory social work. Discussion followed their presentations, with ASEAN delegates and participating guests exploring ways for universities in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland to deepen collaboration with other universities to enhance social work education quality in Asia and the Pacific. In the afternoon, a salon called “New Developments in Children’s Social Policy and Social Work” was held. Prof. Eric CHUI spoke on “Philanthropy-Driven, Evidence-Based Residential Child Care through Cross-Sector Partnerships,” with additional contributions from Prof. Michael SHERRADEN of the Centre for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis, USA, and Mr. Houqi ZHANG of UNICEF China. On 7 December 2025, Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Former Vice-President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU and Honorary Professor of APSS, delivered a talk entitled “Nurturing Talent and Character, A Century of Endeavour, Staying True to Our Original Mission: Innovation and Inheritance in Social Work Education in the Chinese Mainland.” APSS colleagues continue to pursue dialogue and collaboration in social work across regions. Online coverage: IASSW: https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2025/12/11/regional-dialogue-at-peking-university-symposium-organised-by-the-peking-university-the-hong-kong-polytechnic-university-china-social-work-research-centre/ 

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences 2025

Dr Carmen YAU is a distinguished scholar and practitioner in the field of social work, with a sustained commitment to advancing disability rights, inclusive research methodologies, and intersectional policy frameworks. A graduate of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU, Carmen has demonstrated academic excellence through her leadership as Lecturer in Social Work at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she serves as the Lead of the Wellbeing Research Unit. Carmen’s impact extends beyond academia to global advocacy, having represented Hong Kong at the United Nations (UN) in 2022 and contributed to multiple non-governmental organisation (NGO) shadow reports on both the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Carmen’s scholarly contributions challenge conventional models by advancing an intersectional approach to disability, foregrounding gender, race, and power in both theory and practice. More specifically, her work focuses on disability-affirmative sex education, restorative justice in domestic and sexual violence, sex volunteering services, “crip” experience in kink and fetish, and radical professional practices. Carmen is a multi-award-winning advocate in the community of the disabled. In 2024, Carmen won the Award of Disability Power 100 (Education & Research Category) as one of the 100 impactful disabled individuals in the United Kingdom. In 2021, she was nominated for the UN Women’s Rise and Raise Other Award as an acknowledgement of achievements that she has made supporting and inspiring women and girls all over the world. In 2020, She was the third-place winner in Tatler’s Hot List of “Sixteen Women Fighting for Fairness in Asia”. In 2025, she has been awarded The King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognising her active contribution to the official coronation events in Westminster Abbey as well as processions and other officially recognised ceremonial Coronation events. Receiving this medal, Carmen remarked, is not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of collective efforts to create more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming public spaces. She said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to APSS and PolyU for nurturing my journey as a disability researcher. Through the knowledge imparted and the invaluable research experiences offered, I have been empowered to champion accessibility with confidence and purpose. Thank you for laying the foundation that continues to guide my work and advocacy.”

Save the Children China's Child-Friendly Justice Programme Team Visited APSS

On 7 November 2025, APSS and The China and Global Development Network (CGDN) were pleased to host an exchange with the Child-Friendly Justice Programme Team from Save the Children China at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. For more than two decades, their Programme has been focused on protecting the rights of children in contact with the law, promoting community-based delinquency prevention, and developing tailored intervention models in cooperation with the police, social workers, and research institutions. The visit began with warm welcomes from Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Prof. Ben KU, Professor at APSS and Director of CGDN. Mr David LUI, Executive Officer of APSS, and Mr Hiu Fai CHAN, Service Director (Youth Service) at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service of Hong Kong, gave a brief account of the juvenile justice system and outreach social work service in Hong Kong. Team members also provided updates on juvenile justice in Chinese Mainland and discussed potential collaborations to advance the well-being of children and youth. Online coverage: CGDN website: https://polyucgdn.com/article/477

APSS Students Contribute in EAGLE the Adventurers' 2024/25

The Appreciation and Showcase Dinner for EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25 took place on 3 November 2025. The event was a vibrant celebration of the accomplishments of students involved in the EAGLE the Adventurers programme (the EAGLE), which empowers young minds to create impactful social projects. Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of Students and Alumni Affairs Committees, represented APSS to participate in this Dinner. Three BA (Hons) in Social Work fresh graduates (Class of 2025), including Ms Audrey Tsz Kiu AU, Mr Felix Ka Hoi LAM and Ms Chinny Ching Yi SIN, carried out their projects in Nepal for the EAGLE programme earlier this year. All three were recognised for their commitment to understanding community needs in Nepal and their dedication to co-creating social projects in the Nepali community. Miss Hao Ci CHEN, a year-2 student from the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship, attended the EAGLE thematic trainings in 2024/25. APSS encourages all students to participate actively in out-of-class activities in Hong Kong and beyond! Discover more about the students’ transformative year in the EAGLE the Adventurers 2024/25 Yearbook and Video, highlighting their projects and development. Online coverage: PolyU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eagle-adventurers-202425-appreciation-showcase-dinner-polyu-eagle-gbkaf/