Prof. Sylvia CHEN elected as Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of the Humanities

The APSS department would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of FHSS, Associate Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, and Chair Professor of APSS, on her election as a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of the Humanities (HKAH). The HKAH is a cross-institutional body of scholars in the humanities based in Hong Kong. It strives to foster and advance knowledge of the humanities in Hong Kong, support and promote scholarship and research in the arts and humanities, and assist Hong Kong humanists in scholarly engagement and collaboration in Asia and other international communities. Fellows in the Hong Kong Academy of the Humanities are recognised by their peers as senior scholars of the highest academic distinction, or eminent practitioners of the arts, and honoured for their lifetime contribution to the humanities. Please find Prof. CHEN’s profile on HKAH website : Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN 陳曉華 (Fellow) – HKAH (humanities.hk)

PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition

We are delighted to announce that our department will be organising the PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition (香港理工大學點亮社會創新比賽2024), which is open to all secondary school students (S.4-S.6). This project aims to increase student participants' awareness of pressing social issues experienced by communities in Hong Kong and globally. By leveraging cutting-edge CAVE/HiVE facilities, among other resources available to participants of the competition, we provide an exceptional platform for proposing and advocating for creative and viable solutions to these issues. Winning teams get a chance to win HK$70,000 in prizes! Do not miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference! For more information, please visit our webpage at https://polyu.hk/gssPk. Let's ignite social innovation together! 

Congratulations to Prof. Elsie YAN and Dr Jacky NG for Receiving International Recognition

Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS, has been elected as a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS). An international body, APS awards fellowships to recognise members who have made sustained outstanding contributions to the science of psychology in the areas of research, teaching, service, and/or application. Find the fellowship list: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/fellows. Dr Jacky NG, Assistant Professor of APSS, has been selected as one of the Rising Stars of the APS. The APS Rising Star designation recognises outstanding APS members in the earliest stages of their post-PhD research career. The Rising Stars are selected for their research excellence based on six criteria, including publications, recognitions, discoveries, methodological innovations, or theoretical or empirical contributions, work with potentially broad impact, commitment to diversity in science, demonstrated independence from mentors. Full list of the APS 2024 Rising Stars: New APS Rising Stars – Association for Psychological Science – APS

“Fai Chun” Writing to Spread the Joy for the Chinese New Year 2024

On 5 February 2024, colleagues welcomed those inbound exchange students who came to APSS, PolyU in the second semester.  Both Local and non-local students had cultural exchanges on how to celebrate the Chinese New Year and wrote "Fai Chun" together.  Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Year of the Dragon!

New Monograph Published by Dr Anson Au

Dr. Anson AU, Assistant Professor of APSS, has just published a new monograph with Routledge titled Chinese Social Networks in an Age of Digitalization. In it, Dr. AU examines how digitalisation is transforming the rules of social and economic transactions in Chinese guanxi, where mobile device use appears ubiquitous. The monograph asserts that digitalisation is rendering guanxi liquid: that social and geographical boundaries of transactions are being melted away and, as a result, individuals are experiencing a newfound liberation in how they network, trust, and feel toward others.   https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003405962/chinese-social-networks-age-digitalization-anson-au   Dr. AU also recently wrote an article for the South China Morning Post discussing China's latest 2023 economic data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the nation's current investment-based economic model, and the need for greater consumption.   https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3249150/why-china-must-waste-no-time-pivoting-consumption-based-economy

APSS and PPAC Co-organised a Seminar on the "Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill” with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home Limited

On 29 January 2024, S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home Limited, in collaboration with PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Professional Practice and Assessment Centre (PPAC), organised a seminar focused on the "Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill" (the bill). The seminar aimed to discuss the legislative progress of the bill and facilitate dialogue between different perspectives regarding concerns from various sectors.   The seminar commenced with a welcoming speech by The Revd Canon Peter KOON Ho Ming Peter Douglas, BBS, JP, the Chairman of S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home Limited. Hon. TANG Ka Piu, BBS, JP, Legislative Council member and Bills Committee Chairman, shared insights into the progress of the bill and highlighted opinions and concerns from different sectors.  Hon. KONG Yuk Foon Doreen, lawyer and Legislative Council member, compared the bill in Hong Kong with similar legislation in other countries. This discussion shed light on international practices and provided a global perspective on child protection.   Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, presented the last topic about "Professional Training for Child Protection in Hong Kong: Current Status and Future Needs". This presentation delved into the existing professional training and education in PolyU APSS and addressed future requirements for enhancing child protection efforts.   The sharing sessions were moderated by Ms. Silvia MAK, Chief Executive of S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home Limited. Participants from various sectors such as social welfare, education, and medical and healthcare were invited to share their views on the proposed bill that may affect their day-to-day practice. They discussed the practical challenges and necessary support systems required in their respective fields to effectively address child abuse issues.

An APSS Alumnus Creates Puzzle Hunt Games to Build a Sense of Belonging

Mr Ken CHAU, an alumnus of BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Administration and Project Associate of APSS, has established the innovative startup, called "Puzzle Weekly" (搵呢搵路) since 2022. Mr CHAU is the Co-founder of Puzzle Weekly Limited and has developed puzzle hunt games to allow young people to explore Hong Kong's communities. With guidance from PolyU mentors and support from the PolyU Micro Fund Scheme, Puzzle Weekly has already attracted several potential collaborations from the Philippines, India, and mainland China. Their services will expand locally and globally in the future. APSS is proud of his achievement! Keep up the good work.   To discover more about Puzzle Weekly, watch their video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azvDfbdeavw and PolyU Facebook news at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=764648032362915&set=a.621615899999463

APSS Scholars Share Insights on Assessing Public Opinions in Seminar on Green Deck Development

Prof. Eric CHUI, Professor & Head of APSS and Dr William CHAN, Assistant Professor of APSS, were invited by Faculty of Construction and Environment as the speakers at the "Seminar Series on Green Deck Development" to share their insights and valuable experiences in assessing public opinions towards the Green Deck Project. Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/news-and-events/news/2024/118_1_enlighten-students-on-green-deck/ https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fce/news-and-events/photo-gallery/20240109_12-seminar-series-on-green-deck-development/?&page=1

Groundbreaking Research Revolutionises Child Abuse Prevention and Protection

Prof. Edward CHAN Ko-ling, RGC Senior Research Fellow & Chair Professor of Child and Family Welfare, was featured by PolyImpact. The article highlights Prof. CHAN and his research team’s focus on identifying risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect in order to develop early interventions and preventive measures.   Prof. CHAN and his collaborators have also developed an actuarial risk assessment tool to assess both child abuse and family risk factors. Their research findings have influenced policy-making and legislative reforms, with a bill currently being drafted to require reporting of suspected child abuse cases. Prof. CHAN’s dedication to preventing child abuse and protecting vulnerable children has made a significant impact on society, providing crucial insights for policymakers, professionals, and communities striving to create a better environment for children.   Read the full article on PolyImpact Magazine (English only): https://www.polyu.edu.hk/-/media/department/home/publication/press/polyimpact_vol2_2023_en.pdf

Prof. Rachel Murphy Shared Invaluable Insights on Research Assessment Exercise at APSS and RIO Event

On 12 Jan 2024, APSS and Research and Innovation Office (RIO) were very pleased to host Prof. Rachel MURPHY for a talk on the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). In her talk, Prof. MURPHY shared invaluable insights on effective research practices, strategies for writing strong papers, and ways to communicate and demonstrate impact. Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head and Professor of APSS, delivered an opening address and served as the moderator for the event.   Prof. MURPHY serves as Professor of Chinese Development and Society at the University of Oxford. She is the author of The Children of China’s Great Migration (Cambridge University Press, 2020) and many articles in international journals, such as Geoforum and Comparative Education Review. She is a sociologist and the former Research Director of the Oxford School for Global and Area Studies.