PolyU's APSS and Columbia University's School of Social Work Forge Collaborative Partnership

In a momentous event held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Columbia School of Social Work at Columbia University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave new ground in our collaborative partnership on 14 June 2024.   The ceremony was led by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor and Head of APSS, and Prof. Melissa BEGG, Dean of Social Work at the Columbia School of Social Work. Distinguished guests were in attendance to witness the signing.   Prof. Eric CHUI delivered a speech on the significance of this partnership as a milestone in PolyU-Columbia University initiatives and in elevating our research and service to the underprivileged and the marginalised. Dean Melissa BEGG also expressed her excitement about the opportunity to work closely with APSS, highlighting our shared commitment to advancing social work education and practice through this partnership. The ceremony marks the beginning of an extensive collaboration encompassing initiatives, such as research projects, postgraduate student exchanges, undergraduate dual degree programmes, and accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate programmes.   Issues of inequality, climate change, and social exclusion are proving to be the grand challenges of our era and rapidly expanding across borders. We firmly believe that our response in tackling these challenges must also be united without borders. We are thrilled that this MoU takes a significant step towards this objective by placing future generations of scholars into contact with fellow scholars and stakeholders from diverse racial, gender, and class backgrounds.

2024 Departmental Best Teaching Award

The Departmental Best Teaching Award is a prestigious prize within our department that acknowledges and celebrates our fellow colleagues' exemplary commitment and dedication to teaching. In addition to celebrating award recipients’ exceptional contributions, the prize also serves to inspire others and promote a culture of excellence within our department. For the individual and team categories respectively, the following colleagues have won the 2024 Departmental Best Teaching Award:   Individual Awards: Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor Dr Lin NIE, Assistant Professor Mr Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer   Team Award: Dr Lu YU (Co-leader), Associate Head & Associate Professor Prof. Daniel SHEK (Co-leader), AVP(UP), Dean(US) & Chair Professor (APSS) Dr Xiang LI, Assistant Professor Dr Xiaoqin ZHU, Assistant Professor Dr Diya DOU, Assistant Professor Ms Betty MOK, Instructor Ms Mabel CHENG, Instructor   Dr Lu YU and Prof. Daniel SHEK, along with their team, as well as Dr Angel LAI, have been nominated to the Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee to compete for the Faculty Awards/Prizes for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching 2024.   Please join me in congratulating the award recipients. Thank you for your hard work!  

An Inauguration Ceremony on the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training E-platform

On 29 May 2024, in partnership with the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), APSS of PolyU organised an online inauguration ceremony to officially announce and celebrate the opening of the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training e-learning course. The event signifies a significant milestone in the partnership between IASSW and APSS. One year ago, on 3 May 2023, an MoU was signed between IASSW and APSS. After 12 months of preparation, involving the effort of various renowned international scholars from the field, an e-learning course was completed. The e-opening featured a line-up of esteemed speakers from around the world. Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, the President of IASSW, Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD, the incoming President of IASSW, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Chair Professor of APSS, were distinguished speakers at the event. They opened the event, introduced the e-platform, and shared insights about social work education and training. The official announcement of the e-learning course, as well as the event in general, was widely appreciated by over 200 attendees around the world. By bringing together experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, the event fostered a collaborative environment to address both foreseeable and unforeseeable challenges and opportunities in the field of social work education and training. For those who will like to enrol to the modules of the e-platform, please register through the link below: https://tiny.cc/iassw   Related news: https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2024/05/21/iassw-global-standards-for-social-work-education-and-training-e-learning-official-announcement-webinar/

Dual Degree Agreement Signed between PolyU APSS and the University of Warsaw, Poland

In a significant step towards internationalisation and global engagement, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies (WNPiSM) at the University of Warsaw (UW) signed an agreement to establish a dual degree programme. The signing ceremony took place on 24 May 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. This agreement builds upon an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2023 between the two parties to foster strategic cooperation and collaboration. To follow the news about the MoU, please visit the following link: https://polyu.hk/CSxDB.   This partnership aligns with PolyU's Strategic Plan 2019-25, which emphasises the importance of internationalisation and global collaboration. Through the agreement, students enrolled in PolyU’s BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) programme will have the opportunity to study in the University of Warsaw for two years. Upon completing the first cycle of the Social and Public Policy programme at UW and the SPSE programme at PolyU, students will graduate with dual degrees.   This partnership between PolyU APSS and UW WNPiSM is a significant step forward in providing students with a truly global educational experience. It also marks an important milestone in fostering international cooperation and strengthening the academic ties between Hong Kong and Poland.

APSS International Scholars Talk Series: An Insider's Guide to Successful Publication

APSS held an engaging international talk series titled "Writing for Publication: An Insider's Guide to Getting it Right and Getting it Published." This talk featured esteemed guest speaker Prof. Richard INGRAM, URAL (East Asia) and Professor of University of Dundee. Moderated by Dr. Angel LAI and Dr. Camilla LO, both Assistant Professors in APSS, the talk delved into Prof. INGRAM's valuable experience and expertise in the field of social work writing and publishing. Adopting a metanarrative approach, he shared insights into the process, experience, and purpose of writing and publishing in social work. The talk provided practical tips and insider knowledge to aspiring and seasoned writers in the field of social work. Prof. INGRAM's expertise inspired and empowered scholars, researchers, and professionals in their pursuit of successful publication.

Fostering Closer Links with Academic Partners from University of Dundee (Scotland, UK), Naresuan University and Thammasat University (Thailand) and Capital University of Economics and Business (Beijing, China)

APSS was pleased to welcome two distinguished delegations. APSS hosted representatives from the University of Dundee on 19 April 2024, followed by a visit from Naresuan University on 24 April 2024. During these visits, we had the pleasure of exchanging insights on recent advancements in teaching and learning from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Thailand. The two delegations were offered a guided tour of APSS’s teaching facilities, including PolyU’s Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) and our department’s virtual reality studio, the CAVE-cum-Studio Device (CSD). We were also very pleased to welcome students and academic staff from Thammasat University (13 May 2024) and the Capital University of Economics and Business (13 – 19 May 2024). APSS hosted a group of 6 students and academic staff from Thammasat University, who were offered a guided tour of the university campus as well as APSS’s teaching facilities, exhibitions, and one of our research centres (The China and Global Development Network). Additionally, APSS hosted 22 Social Work students and staff from the Capital University of Economics and Business. We were pleased to offer a tour of our university facilities, in addition to NGOs in Hong Kong to engage in a broader discussion about addressing the needs of the underprivileged. The students also had the opportunity to participate in a meet and greet with APSS’s own Social Work students.

APSS Postgraduate Students’ Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship

A start-up, named E-Bridge Elderly Services, has been founded by Mrs. Jianling LIANG (DSW Student) and Mr. Alex Jia ZHUANG (Ph.D. Student). E-Bridge serves as a seamless technological platform that promotes cross-border eldercare between Hong Kong seniors and high-end eldercare homes in Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area. It connects the two groups through 3-D scanning and VR production technology, a senior-friendly website and mobile application, as well as experiential travel. APSS is very proud to learn that this start-up which was initiated by two APSS postgraduate students was awarded the Education⁺ and Social Entrepreneurs (EASE) Fund (HK$150,000) and the Best Social Impact Award from The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) in March 2024. Prior to this, the project received the Micro Fund from PolyU and was selected in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s (HKSTP) Ideation Programme. APSS is committed to nurturing students to become change makers and future leaders in order to make a difference in society.    Congratulations to Jianling and Alex! Both of you make us proud.

Annual Best Paper Award for Research Postgraduate Students (MPhil/PhD) 2023

The highly anticipated Annual Best Paper Award for Research Postgraduate Students 2023 presentation was held on 18 April 2024.  It highlights the commitment to excellence and academic achievement within the research postgraduate community. Congratulations to all the awardees for their remarkable accomplishments. The five outstanding recipients are: Mr Siu Wing Alex CHAN, PhD candidate in APSS, (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4420-8789), The following are Mr CHAN's award papers: Chan, A.S.W., Ku, H.B. and Yan, E. (2024). Exploring Discrimination, Social Acceptance, and Its Impact on the Psychological Well-being of Older Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Cross-sectional Study. BMC Public Health 24, 49. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-17574-8   Chan, A.S.W., Tam, H.L., Wong, F.K.C., Wong, G., Leung, L.M., Ho, J.M.C., Tang P.M.K., Yan, E. (forthcoming/in press). Investigating the Interrelationships among Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, and Suicidal Ideation among Lesbian, gay, and bisexual Adults in United Status: Population-Based Statewide Survey Study. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance. 18/12/2023:48776. doi: 10.2196/48776   Chan, A.S.W., Leung, L.M., Wong, F.K.C., Ho, J.M.C., Tam, H.L., Tang, P.M.K., Yan, E. (2023). Needs and Experiences of Cancer Care in Patients' Perspectives among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Community: A Systematic Review. Social Work in Health Care. 2023 Jul-Dec;62(8-9):263-279. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2023.2226182   Chan, A.S.W. (2023). RuPaul’s Drag Race: A Cultural Phenomenon That Challenges Gender Norms and Sparks Conversations Across Borders. Journal of Homosexuality. 1-4. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2216336   Chan, A.S.W., Tam, H.L., Leung, L.M., Wong, F.K.C., Ho, J.M.C. and Yan, E. (Accepted). Examining the Interplay of Psychological Well-being, Health, and Aging in Older LGBT Adults: A Systematic Review. Sexuality Research and Social Policy. Ms Shiyun CHEN, PhD student in APSS, (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3102-5679), Chen, S., Zhu, S. (2023). Unravelling the Intricacies between Gaming Motivations and Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents: A Network Analysis of 2-year Healthy and Deteriorating Transition Profiles. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health 17, 122. doi: 10.1186/s13034-023-00671-2 Ms Xiaoyan CHEN, PhD candidate in APSS, (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0729-3785), Chen, X.Y., Lo, C.K.M., Chen, Q., Gao, S., Ho, F.K., Brownridge, D.A., Leung, W.C., Ip, P., and Chan, K.L.E. (2024). Intimate Partner Violence Against Women Before, During, and After Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. doi: 10.1177/15248380241226631 Mr Bo LI, PhD candidate in APSS, (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7801-0319)  Li, B., Chen, J., and Howard, N. (2023). Community Nursing Delivery in Urban China: A Social Power Perspective. Social Science & Medicine 2023 Jun;326:115923. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115923 Dr Pak Lik TSANG, PhD graduate in APSS, (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2919-1587) Tsang, A.P.L., Lu, H. and Lo, H.H.M. (2024). The Acute Effects of Focused Attention and Open Monitoring Meditations on Prospective Memory in Older Adults. Mindfulness 15, 19–36. doi: 10.1007/s12671-023-02292-4   

Unwind and Recharge: Exploring the Beauty of Nature and Friendship

The APSS Graduate Association joyfully organised a Tung Lung Chau and Lei Yu Mun one day tour on 13 April 2024. This activity marked an exhilarating start to the spring season and attracted APSS alumni, staff, and students to come and relax. During the tour, participants had the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of nature, enjoy a delicious seafood feast, and visit Lei Yu Mun Temple and Souvenir Street. It was a rejuvenating weekend filled with delight and peacefulness for all who attended.

Supporting Rural Social Work for Children in Need: A PolyU-PKU-ChicagoU Tripartite Collaborative Project

The Training Workshop for Social Work Professionals Serving Children in Disadvantaged Conditions in Rural China took place on 20-21 March 2024 at Peking University (PKU). It was co-organised by APSS at PolyU, the Department of Sociology at PKU, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at The University of Chicago (ChicagoU), and the PKU-PolyU China Social Work Research Centre. Twelve teams of social work professionals from various regions in China, serving children in different disadvantaged conditions, participated in the workshop. This workshop is part of the PolyU-PKU-ChicagoU Tripartite Collaborative Project, and is the first onsite face-to-face workshop following a series of online training workshop for the same groups of participants held between July and October in 2023. The workshop was Chaired by Dr Qiaobing WU, Associate Professor and Associate Head of APSS at the PolyU, as PolyU Representative of the Tripartite Collaborative Project. Dr Suo DENG, Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology at PKU, and Dr Zhiying MA, Assistant Professor of The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at The University of Chicago, were also present at the workshop as PKU and ChicagoU representatives. Prof. Fengzhi MA, Professor of the Department of Sociology at PKU and Chairperson of China Association for Social Work Education, delivered a welcome speech for the opening ceremony of the workshop. In her address, she emphasised the workshop's objectives, which were to facilitate exchange among social workers and researchers serving children in the rural contexts nationwide and to further explore the path of integrating social work practice and research. During the workshop, various experts contributed their unique perspectives and expertise, enriching the discussions and knowledge exchange. Dr Qiqi CHEN, Assistant Professor of APSS, and Dr Wei LU, Associate Professor of Xiamen University, shared their insights into evaluating projects for children in distress. Dr Aimee HILADO, Assistant Professor at ChicagoU’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, presented on the impact of trauma on children's development, emphasising the significance of early experiences, caregiver support, and trauma-informed interventions in promoting children's well-being. Prof. Hok Bun KU, Professor of APSS, encouraged participants to reflect on their own practice and construct practical knowledge that can benefit other social workers. During the workshop, teams from different regions shared their cases and received feedback from guest speakers and workshop facilitators. Team representatives expressed their satisfaction with the case refinement and self-reflection process, discussing future plans and the workshop's vision.