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.

APSS Holds a Successful Inaugural International Scholar Talk Series 2023/24 with Prof. Jim Campbell from University College Dublin

On 8 January, 2024, APSS held the first International Scholar Talk 2023/24. Our department was privileged to have Prof. Jim CAMPBELL, Emeritus Professor of Social Work at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, as our distinguished guest speaker. Dr Janet LEUNG, Associate Professor, and Dr Paul Vinod KHIATANI, Research Assistant Professor, from APSS served as the moderator and respondent of the inaugural event respectively.   During the Talk, Prof. CAMPBELL discussed his groundbreaking research on social work and political conflict in Northern Ireland. Also, on the topic of navigating challenges and maintaining social work values, he shared with attendees his valuable experiences as a social work educator and practitioner in conflict and post-conflict Northern Ireland. The Talk was well received by attendees, which included students and faculty members from the PolyU community and beyond.

HKMFTA Annual Conference 2023: Bridging Generations for Individual and Family Wellbeing held at PolyU

The Hong Kong Marriage and Family Therapy Association (HKMFTA) held its annual conference at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 16 and 17 December, 2023. Themed "Bridging Generations: Multigenerational Approaches for Wellbeing," the conference explored the impact of multigenerational dynamics on therapy outcomes and family relationships.   Hosted by the HKMFTA in collaboration with PolyU, the conference featured distinguished keynote speakers. Prof. Monica McGoldrick, an internationally renowned family therapist, presented on "The Genogram Journey: Reconnection and Healing." Prof. McGoldrick  emphasized the importance of understanding systemic family history for effective therapy. Ms. Anita FOK, an advisor to the HKMFTA, discussed "Antidotes to Multigenerational Transmission," exploring patterns of negative behaviour and potential solutions. Prof. Xue BAI, Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies in PolyU’s APSS, addressed "Intergenerational Proactive Coping with Future Care Needs," focusing on challenges and strategies involved in eldercare planning. Dr Cindy TAM, Programme Director of the Asian Academy of Family Therapy (AAFT), shared the challenges that divorced parents and children face in returning to their family of origin.   The conference provided mental health professionals with a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in multigenerational therapy approaches. Through understanding the interplay among past experiences, present struggles, and future challenges, therapists may better support individuals and families on their journeys towards wellbeing.