Brown School Professor Visits APSS to Foster Academic Collaborations in Social Work and Social Policy

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to host Prof. Shenyang GUO, the Frank J. Bruno Distinguished Professor of Social Work Research from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, on 8 June 2023.   During his visit, Prof. GUO received a warm welcome by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS, Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, Honorary Professor of APSS, and other senior staff members of APSS including Prof. Juan CHEN, Dr Qiaobing WU, Dr Lu YU, Dr Karita KAN, and Mr Ken WAN.   The primary purpose of the visit was to update the collaboration status between the two universities and to discuss the ongoing partnership in offering a dual degree program. This program includes two master's degree programs offered by APSS, namely the MA in Social Policy and Social Development (MASPSD) and the Master of Social Work (MSW), and the Master of Social Policy (MSP) program from the Brown School.   Discussions also encompassed topics such as student exchange programs, faculty exchange initiatives, research collaborations, and other scholarly opportunities of mutual interest.   APSS eagerly anticipates further collaboration with the Brown School to strengthen the partnership between the two universities and foster academic collaborations in the fields of social work and social policy.

Learning Outside Classroom – Overseas Study Trips Broaden Social Work and Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Students’ Horizon

Taiwan Study Trip (from 27 April to 2 May 2023) A group of five students from the BA (Hons) Social Work and Master of Social Work programme were led by Dr Angel LAI, Assistant Professor of APSS, on a study trip to Taiwan between 27 April and 2 May 2023. The trip aimed to create research impact based on a GRF-funded project – “School Ethnic-Racial Socialization, Ethnic Identity, and Psychological Health in Context: Indigenous Adolescents in Taiwan”, in collaboration with Dr Ciwang TEYRA at the Department of Social Work at National Taiwan University. Dr LAI met with leaders in the indigenous community, shared her research findings, and delivered a lecture on the toll of COVID-19 on the mental health of Hong Kong young people. The group also attended an academic conference on indigenous well-being and participated in cultural exchange workshops. Participating students expressed that they learned about discrimination and oppression and reflected on their cultural identity and relationship with Hong Kong.   Singapore Study Trip (from 22 May to 27 May 2023) Twenty-six students from the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE) programme, led by Dr Raymond TAM, Programme Leader of SPSE, and Dr Herbary CHEUNG, Research Assistant Professor of APSS, undertook a study trip to Singapore from 22 May to 27 May 2023. The tour was designed to improve students' understanding of social development, social entrepreneurship, and multiculturalism in Singapore. Students under the guidance of Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, visited various organisations, such as the Housing and Development Board, the Singapore International Foundation, and Dignity Kitchen Singapore. The aim was to understand public housing policies, international collaboration, community development, and empowerment of disadvantaged populations in Singapore. Additionally, they attended guest lectures by policy research scholars at the East Asian Institute and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, both at the National University of Singapore. Apart from academic activities, students enjoyed sightseeing at Little India, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown, exploring Singapore's multiracial, multicultural, and multi-religious society. They also visited Marina Barrage and Garden by the Bay to learn about urban planning and development.   These overseas study trips offer students’ valuable international exposure and study opportunities while fostering potential collaborations between APSS and international partners.

Outstanding APSS Alumni Award 2023

  The Outstanding APSS Alumni Award is a prestigious honour that recognises the remarkable achievements and contributions of alumni from the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS). This award serves as a testament to the exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication of APSS alumni who have made significant impact in their professional fields and communities. Ms Tung Ching Yvonne CHAK is currently the Director of Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS). Ms CHAK has accumulated extensive practical and leadership experience as an active contributor to social services for children, youth, pre-school, and elderly communities for many years. Under her leadership and the dedication of her team, HKCS has pioneered well-received and award-winning services over the years.  She has also been the Vice-chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and served on several government committees, as well as a number of advisory boards of the Social Work Departments of local universities. The award is presented annually to one or more alumni who have made outstanding achievements in their respective fields and contributions to society. The award not only recognises the recipient's achievements, but also serves as an inspiration to current and future students, as well as fellow alumni.

APSS Receives 15 Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme, General Research Fund and Early Career Schemes from the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2023/24 Exercise

Congratulations to the following awardees in securing research funding from RGC in 2023/24 Exercise:   Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Awarded Professor Juan CHEN Developing Community Mental Health Care in Rural China: Local Policy Network, Implementation, and Advocacy HK$396,000   General Research Fund (GRF) Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Awarded Dr Lu YU A Prospective Study of Newly-Arrived Immigrant Adolescents from Mainland China to Hong Kong: The Way to Thrive HK$1,089,950 Dr Tsin Yee Janet LEUNG Unequal Childhood Development – Family Socio-economic Status, Concerted Cultivation and Children's Developmental Trajectories under the COVID-19 Pandemic HK$1,059,900 Dr Bo Kyong Grace SEO Promoting older adults’ proactive home modifications for successful ageing in place: A mixed methods study HK$990,926 Dr Xiang LI Cyberbullying among Children with Victimization Experiences: The Role of Emotional Risk Factors and Social-Ecological Protective Factors HK$840,644 Dr Hoi Wing William CHAN From I Believe to We Believe: Understanding the Behavioral Impacts of Belief in Climate Change Conspiracy Theories with a Conspiracy Belief–Social Identity Model HK$820,735 Dr Jingping Penny LIU How Brokerage Absorbs Popular Grievances in Rural China: Typology, Effectiveness, and Consequences HK$818,195 Dr Chi Mei, Jessica LI Procedural Justice for the Mentally Incapacitated: A Mixed Qualitative Study Using Timelines and Vignettes with Young People and Criminal Justice Personnel HK$809,700 Dr Hay Ming Herman LO The Effects of an Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Parents of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial HK$807,480 Dr Crystal KWAN Exploring the Lived Experiences of Adjusting to Early Retirement of the Older Working Poor: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study in Hong Kong HK$652,000 Dr Tin-yuet TING Technopolitical Contention over State-Led Social Datafication: A Digital Ethnography of Data-Driven Governance in Hong Kong's Counter-Public Sphere HK$569,200   Early Career Schemes (ECS) Principal Investigator Project Title Funding Awarded Dr Xiaoqin Julie ZHU Multidimensional Parental Psychological Control and Developmental Outcomes among Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong HK$833,610 Dr Chi Kit Jacky NG Effect Conservation in Process Analysis: The Reason, Solution, and Promotion HK$659,449 Dr Xiaomin LI Financial Management and Distinct Types of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in China: An Empowerment Perspective HK$570,920 Dr Po Yee Iris LO From Unspoken Secrets to Family Dialogues: The Negotiations of Family Expectations and Intergenerational Intimacy between Chinese Parents and their Adult Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Children HK$478,200   The total funding awarded in RGC GRF/ECS 2023/24 Exercise is HK$11,000,909.   APSS houses a large group of interdisciplinary professorial and teaching staff in the social sciences in Hong Kong. Our colleagues include world-renowned scholars and veterans in their fields, as well as young, promising scholars with tremendous talent and passion. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge for effective and humanistic social policies and services through education and research excellence.

APSS 50th Anniversary with Fun Lecture and Gala Dinner Attended by Over 300 Participants

On 27 May 2023, a memorable celebration was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event commenced with an engaging Fun Lecture on the significance of former staff and community involvement. The Lecture was delivered by a panel of distinguished speakers, including Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, and Helen YU, Jenny HUI, Teresa TSIEN, all former colleagues of APSS. Rodney CHU, Chairperson of APSS 50th Anniversary Organising Committee, gave the closing remarks. Raymond TAM also sent greetings from Singapore with a group of Social Policy & Social Entrepreneurship students, who were awaiting a return flight to Hong Kong after having completed a student exchange programme.   The latter part of the Fun Lecture involved a visit to the E-memory Promenade, which comprised three corridor lanes that are located on the fourth floor of HJ Wing and GH Wing belonging to APSS. Participants were invited to use their NFC-enabled mobile phones to tap or scan the cards and then view the details of different departmental memorabilia, such as certificates and old departmental photos, hung on the walls. They were also able to access the latest departmental information and relevant news.   Following this, a Gala Dinner was organised in the evening. About 300 participants from the community attended the Dinner to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of APSS. The event was a great success, with guests enjoying delicious food, pleasant company, and an evening of entertainment.   Throughout the evening, several speeches were delivered by eminent personalities, including Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS; and Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG, former Head and Honorary Professor of APSS. Also, speeches were given by alumni of APSS, including Prof. Bainian SHI, Mr Chi Hong WOO, Mr Charles CHAN, Outstanding APSS alumnus of 2022, and Ms Yvonne CHAK, Outstanding APSS alumna of 2023.   Highlights of the event included a celebration of APSS' remarkable achievements over the past five decades and a donation towards the APSS Graduates Association Award. The evening was filled with joy and a strong sense of community spirit, making it an unforgettable celebration. It also served as a reminder of the vital role of community involvement in creating vibrant and flourishing societies.

APSS Head and Colleague Visit Bangladesh for Research Collaboration and Criminology Seminar

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), visited Prime Minister’s Office and government agencies in Bangladesh on 10 May 2023 to exchange views and to discuss potential research collaborations and institutional development between APSS, PReCIT and Bangladesh under Belt and Road Initiative. Prof. CHUI was warmly welcomed by Mr. Doyananda Debnath, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority; Dr. Abu Saleh Mostafa Kamal, Director General of the Department of Social Services and Mr. Toufique Hasan, Director General of East Asia & Pacific Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Prof. Bashir Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Jahangirnagar University with his colleagues, and Dr. Herbary CHEUNG, Research Assistant Professor from APSS, also joined the visits and discussions.   Prof. CHUI delivered a keynote speech at Jahangirnagar University's (JU) international seminar on criminology on 11 May 2023. The seminar was organised by the Department of Government and Politics, JU, with the aim of promoting research and discussion on various aspects of criminology. The seminar was a great success, with scholars presenting research papers and engaging in lively discussions on topics such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug abuse.   The Financial Express - https://polyu.me/3LZPqG6 Link1: https://t.ly/saSAe Link2: https://t.ly/n3_D Link3: https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/education/356033

APSS signed Two MoUs with Asian Universities for Collaborative Academic Research and Exchange Programmes

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in Asia. The MoUs set the stage for collaborative academic research, joint publications, staff and student exchange, and related opportunities.     The first MoU was signed between APSS and the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University (TU) in Thailand. Dr. Ben KU, Associate Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN), and Ms. Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Development and Partnership) of CGDN, visited TU on March 27, 2023 for this important occasion. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head and Professor of APSS, was also present online to witness the signing ceremony. This partnership holds great potential for joint research, roundtable discussions, joint seminars, student and staff exchange, and related collaborations between PolyU and TU.   The second MoU was signed between APSS and Jahangirnagar University (JU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. On May 8, 2023, Prof. Eric CHUI and Prof. Rasheda Akhtar, Treasurer of JU, signed the MoU. The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof. Md. Nurul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Prof. Sheikh Md. Monzurul Huq, Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Bashir Ahmed, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Tarana Begum, Chairman of the Department of Government and Politics, Dr. Md. Farid Hossain, and Dr. Mohammad Tarikul Islam from JU. Also, Dr. Herbary CHEUNG from APSS attended the signing ceremony. The MoU aims to establish research centers, facilitate collaborative academic research, joint publications, staff and student exchange, and related opportunities that would benefit both universities.    These MoUs demonstrate the commitment of APSS and PolyU in promoting international collaboration and advancing academic research. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with these esteemed institutions.    Online coverage: The Financial Express - https://polyu.me/41dNIXn JU news: https://juniv.edu/discussion/14458    

APSS and IASSW Forge a Landmark Partnership to Enhance Social Work Education with a Global Online Learning Platform

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) held a signing ceremony on 3 May 2023 to mark the beginning of a significant joint initiative.  APSS and IASSW will work together to provide a global online learning platform on IASSW Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training for international users. The collaboration aims to enhance and promote the quality of social work education and the professional standards of social work practitioners around the world.   Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), delivered the opening remarks. He expressed confidence in the agreement, which enables APSS to positively contribute to the international community of social work educators as well as to build global networks for its students and academic staff.  Following the opening remarks, Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, President of IASSW, gave the opening address, expressing her delight in celebrating this important moment of cooperation between APSS and IASSW.   The agreement was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, and Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, Prof. Ben YOUNG and Dr Varoshini NADESAN,Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of Johannesburg.  Prof. CHUI delivered the closing speech where he thanked all of the guests for witnessing this important milestone in international social work education.  

A Roaring Success for APSSGA's Movie Screening and Fundraising Event! All Tickets Gone in Celebration of APSS's 50th Anniversary!

On 15 April 2023, as part of the APSS 50th Anniversary series of celebratory events, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) successfully organised a Movie Screening and Fundraising event. The event, which also included a ‘Director Sharing Session’, was held at THX Premiere Elements. Over 200 APSS alumni, students, and colleagues came together to watch the award-winning movie “A Light Never Goes Out”. The director, Ms Anastasia TSANG, joined us after the film to share about the background that inspired her to produce this remarkable film. The film and the sharing session were well received by the audience.   All proceeds from this fundraising event will go to the APSSGA Hardship Fund (APSSGA Award). The Award will be established to support APSS students with financial difficulties. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who generously donated to this meaningful cause. Donations to the APSSGA Award can be made at the following website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/about-apss/giving-to-apss/.   More exciting events are in the pipeline to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of APSS. Stay tuned for further announcements!

Introducing APSS to Secondary School Students in PolyU Taster Programme 2023

On 12 April 2023, the Global Engagement Office (GEO) collaborated with APSS to host the PolyU Taster Programme 2023 for Secondary School Students at the PolyU Campus. The Joint Programme Leaders of the BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences, Dr Kong YAM and Dr Raymond TAM, presented the key features and curriculum structure of this undergraduate programme to 34 Secondary 4 and 5 students.   During the small group sharing session, members of the APSS Student Association shared their experiences of university life with the participants. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, also welcomed the participants with a brief message before paying a visit to APSS CAVE cum Studio at Z Core. Participants had the opportunity to explore the teaching facility in APSS's CAVE cum Studio. Not only did they get to see the state-of-the-art equipment in teaching and learning, but they also had the chance to use the facilities themselves. As part of the experience, the students were invited to join a video shooting session, providing the students with a unique glimpse into the world of video production and editing. Overall, this was an invaluable opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience and to explore the exciting possibilities that await them in the field of applied social sciences.