Kicking Off the URA x PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2026 with Nearly 400 Young Changemakers

On 18 and 25 April 2026, APSS and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) co‑organised the Opening Ceremony and two‑day workshops of the URA x PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2026. As the first collaboration between APSS and URA, the initiative aims to inspire secondary school students to explore urban renewal and community development through the lenses of social innovation, technology, and the social sciences. The competition has attracted nearly 400 students and teachers from over 64 local and international secondary schools across Hong Kong. At the Opening Ceremony, Dr Raymond TAM, Associate Head and Senior Lecturer of APSS, and Ms Helen CHAN, General Manager (Community Engagement and Education) of URA, encouraged participants to harness innovation and technology to address pressing urban and social challenges. During the two‑day workshops, Mr Francis NGAI, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Social Ventures Hong Kong (SVhk), and Ms Zoe MUI of the Pang Jai Concern Group shared their frontline experiences in promoting community well‑being, inspiring students to reflect on local needs and opportunities for change. Dr Javier PANG, Lecturer of APSS, introduced key concepts in social innovation and design thinking, guiding participants in developing urban‑planning project ideas with positive and sustainable impact. Technical experts from MakerBay and Esri China (Hong Kong) further equipped participants with practical skills in AI training, 360‑degree video production, and geospatial data analysis to support the visualisation and presentation of their proposals. Under the supervision of Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, together with Mr Vincent YEUNG, Lecturer of APSS, the competition provides a dynamic platform for young people to connect academic knowledge with real‑world issues and to propose innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s communities.

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Researchers: APSS Welcomes JRMP Students

APSS welcomed 18 secondary school students to the Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme (JRMP) on 28 March 2026, organised by the Global Engagement Office (GEO). The PolyU JRMP offers senior secondary students (S.4–S.5 / Grade 10–12) a valuable opportunity to engage in real-world research under the mentorship of academic staff. This year, APSS introduced two projects, including AI for Academic Growth: Designing a Positive Youth Development–based Study Companion, led by Dr Jet Uy BUENCONSEJO and Exploring Gender Stereotypes: A Study of Attitudes and Interests, led by Dr Karen KWAN. Both are Research Assistant Professors in the Department. These projects aim to cultivate students’ interest in research, strengthen their analytical skills, and provide them with early exposure to undergraduate academic life. The AI project explores the integration of positive youth development with artificial intelligence to support students’ social-emotional learning in Hong Kong. The gender stereotypes project has already sparked strong motivation and enthusiasm among participants to engage in research. Representing both local and international schools across Hong Kong, the selected students will take part in research activities from April to August under the close guidance of Dr BUENCONSEJO and Dr KWAN. Through hands-on experience, the programme seeks to inspire and nurture the next generation of researchers.

Celebrating Excellence at APSS: Best Paper Award 2025 Presentation Ceremony

On 24 April 2026, APSS hosted the “Annual Best Paper Award 2025” Presentation Ceremony, celebrating outstanding student research and academic excellence among its PhD students. The event was organised by Prof. Christian GREIFFENHAGEN, Associate Professor and Director of Research Postgraduate Studies at APSS. The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS. A highlight of the event was the presentation segment, during which 17 awardees each delivered a concise three-minute "lightning talk" on their research. These presentations showcased a diverse range of innovative work and demonstrated the students’ ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. Beyond honouring excellence, the event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, inspiring peers and further strengthening the department’s vibrant research culture. On behalf of APSS, we warmly congratulate all awardees on their hard work and take great pride in their achievements. 2025 Best Paper Awardees and Their Research: Awardee’s Name Manuscripts Published or Accepted in Q1-Ranked Journals Indexed in Scopus or Web of Science Ms Huiling CHEN Chen, H., Huang, S., Zhou, K., Zhang, T., Tse, M. M. Y., & Tse, G. (2025). The relationship between heart rate variability and frailty in older adults: Systematic review and three-level meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics (DOI) Chen, H., Tse, M. M.Y., Chung, J. W.Y., Yau, S.Y., & Wong, T.K.S. (2025). Disrupted circadian rhythm of heart rate variability in pre-frail adults compared to nonfrail individuals. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0743-7884 Ms Keyu CHEN Chen, K., & Zhang, H. (2025). The influence of parental involvement on the development of rural children: A comparative study of left-behind children and non-left-behind children. Children and Youth Services Review (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6209-2806 Ms Chen DENG Deng, C., Yu, L., Shek, D.T.L., & Zhu, X. (2025). The role of spirituality and beliefs in the future in the mental health of Chinese adolescents during the pandemic. Applied Research in Quality of Life. (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4241-0780 Ms Xiangying DING Ding, X., & Leung, J. T. Y. (2025). Concerted cultivation, parent-child closeness, and young children’s school readiness in China: An actor-partner interdependence moderation model. Early Childhood Research Quarterly (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6410-9257 Mr Behayilu Mulatie EWNETU   Ewnetu, B.M., & Seo, B.K. (2025). Governance of urban informal settlements in Africa: A scoping review. Heliyon (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6239-5887 Ms Yuxi HU Hu, Y., Chen, S., Qi, D., & Zhu, S. (2025). Problematic gaming and self-control among adolescents and emerging adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0896-1801 Ms Wei JIANG Jiang, W., Shi, Z., & Zhang, X.-Y. (2025). Effects of obesity on the relationship between eating behaviours and cognitive emotion regulation in Chinese college students: A network analysis. European Eating Disorders Review (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8439-2732 Ms Jingyuan LIU Liu, J., Lyu, C., Kwan, C., Lan, X., Deng, J., & Zhang, J. (2025). Understanding the effectiveness of psychosocial services for older adults' mental health in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7981-9574 Ms Shuang LIU Liu, S., Tobler, P.N., Hu, Y., & Wu, Y. (2025). How testosterone administration affects learning to avoid harm in healthy men: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Biological Psychology (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6961-6469 Mr Anthony Kwame MORGAN Morgan, A.K. (2025). Prevalence and determinants of helmet use among commercial motorcyclists in rural Ghana: Afadzato South District in perspective. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7904-9955 Mr Md Ashfikur RAHMAN Rahman, M.A., & Siu, J.Y. (2025). Food insecurity and adolescents psychosocial health problems globally: Observations based on school going adolescents from 59 countries. Psychiatry research (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5517-8557 Ms Chengrui WU Wu, C., Chen, Q., & Chan, K. L. (2025). Victimization among children With disabilities: A meta-analysis. Trauma, Violence & Abuse (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9787-4626 Ms Dan WU Wu, D., & Zhan, Y. (2025). Urbanization’s mediator: Reassembling rural Tibetan lives through pig breed changes. Geoforum (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9440-1272 Ms Linting ZHANG Zhang, L., Hui, B.P.H., Kong, F., Lu, H., & Chen, S. (2025). Why people “lie flat”? An integrative framework of social-psychological pathways in China. Personality and Social Psychology Review (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9687-3954 Ms Tao ZHANG Zhang, T., Hui, B.P.H., Ducasse, D., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Hu, J., Tang, W.C.S., & Ke, Y. (2025). Efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy for suicide and self-harm: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DOI) Zhang, T., Feng, W., Sun, Y., Li, Y., Hu, J., Du, X., Lai, L., Ke, Y., Hui, B.P., & Ren, Z. (2025). Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an asynchronous, internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for people living with cancer: A pilot randomized controlled trial using mixed methods. Computers in Human Behavior Reports (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7161-0728 Mr Kaiji ZHOU Zhou, K., Zhu, X., Lu, C., Yang, Y., & Chen, S. (2025). Adverse childhood experiences, basic psychological needs, and adolescent affective distress: Revisiting the buffering role of resilience factors. Journal of Research on Adolescence (DOI) Zhou, K., Zhu, X., Shek, D. T. L., & Zong, W. (2026). Parental rejection and adolescent problematic social media use: Role of interpersonal strengths and gender dyads. Family Relations (DOI) ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7996-3330 Mr Jia ZHUANG   Zhuang, J., Chaskin, R., & Wu, Q., Chen, J., & Fu, L. (2025). Academic resilience of Chinese rural left-behind adolescents: A multisystemic perspective. Children and Youth Services Review (DOI) Zhuang, J., Deng, C., Fu, L., Ng, J. C. K., & Wu, Q. (2025). Educational development of chinese rural left-behind children: Promotive and protective factors at multilevels. Child & Family Social Work (DOI)   ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8033-4147  

APSS Community Joins Social Work Run to Celebrate World Social Work Day 2026

On 12 April 2026, APSS students and staff took part in the Social Work Run 2026 at the Ma On Shan Promenade. The event celebrated World Social Work Day 2026 under the theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” A total of 43 APSS members joined the occasion, comprising 36 Bachelor and Master of Social Work students and seven teaching staff. Participants took part in the 3 km, 5 km, and relay categories, enjoying the scenic waterfront route while demonstrating their energy, dedication, and solidarity as members of the social work community. Throughout the event, APSS participants exemplified strong teamwork and mutual encouragement, fostering a sense of unity and pride in their professional entity. The Run also provided meaningful opportunities for networking and professional dialogue, as students and staff engaged with senior practitioners from various non-governmental organisations present at the event. By joining the Social Work Run 2026, APSS members embodied the spirit of World Social Work Day, advancing hope, harmony, and collective action within the profession and the broader community. On behalf of APSS, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Dr Stella WONG, Clinical Associate of APSS, for her leadership and dedicated efforts in mobilising students and staff to participate in this meaningful event!

APSS Graduates Association Shines with 1st Runner-Up Finish at PolyU Homecoming Futsal Match 2026

The Department of Applied Social Sciences Graduates Association (APSSGA) participated in the PolyU Homecoming 2026 Friendly Futsal Match held on 12 April 2026, organised by the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office. The event served to foster stronger bonds among PolyU alumni and the wider university community through a spirited and friendly sports competition. Demonstrating outstanding teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, the APSSGA team performed impressively throughout the match and secured the 1st runner-up position. Our alumni players left a lasting positive impression on fellow participants and the PolyU community, proudly representing the spirit of APSS and the University.

A New Book Co-edited by Prof. Ben KU, Dr Ellen FOK and Mr Ricky FUNG

Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network (CGDN), has co-edited a new book titled Classic Readings and Cases of Action Research in China (行动研究经典读物及实践案例), together with Dr Ellen FOK (Guest Lecturer and Supervisor) and Mr Ricky FUNG (Project Associate), both from APSS. As social work action research continues to gain momentum across China, receiving growing recognition from both academia and frontline practitioners, the scholarly discourse on this subject within the Chinese Mainland remains in its formative stage. Addressing the pressing need for Chinese-language resources, this book provides an essential link between the classic foundations of action research and their localised applications in the Chinese context. It features seminal Western readings on social work action research alongside practical outcomes from projects conducted by university researchers and frontline social work practitioners across the Chinese Mainland.   A promotional feature about the book has been published on the publisher's WeChat public account: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/lmr9kvOhcida30oaQLyhIw Online coverage on the CGDN website: https://polyucgdn.com/article/494

Stronger Together: APSS Amplifies Student Voice at Undergraduate Student and Staff Consultative Group Gathering

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) convened its Undergraduate Student and Staff Consultative Group (SSCG) meeting on 23 March 2026. Conducted in two sessions focusing on different undergraduate programmes, the meeting gathered the Head of Department, Programme Leaders, Subject Panel Chairpersons, Fieldwork Co-ordinators and Directors, and Class Representatives. The SSCG served as a structured platform for open dialogue between staff and students, enabling the exchange of views on curriculum delivery, fieldwork arrangements, and student support services. Nineteen undergraduate representatives from different APSS programmes participated, sharing valuable insights and concerns, while Programme Leaders and Co-ordinators engaged attentively with their feedback. The discussions were constructive and productive, underscoring a shared commitment to the continuous enhancement of the learning experience at APSS. APSS is exploring new ways to gather feedback from students, alumni, and prospective employers to further enhance the student learning experience and strengthen the achievement of learning outcomes. We really value what our students have to say – their feedback helps us keep improving and making APSS even better! 

APSS Signed MoU with the School of Philosophy and Sociology at Lanzhou University

On 30 March 2026, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Philosophy and Sociology at Lanzhou University (LZU) to promote academic collaboration, knowledge sharing and student exchange between the two institutions. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Prof. Ying WANG, Associate Dean of the School of Philosophy and Sociology at LZU.  This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing academic excellence and mutual development between APSS and LZU. Following the signing ceremony, Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, delivered a talk on Action Research and Social Innovation, followed by a presentation to LZU students and staff that introduced the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programme, campus life, university resources, and research opportunities at APSS.   In addition, Prof. Eric CHUI delivered a seminar titled From Charity to Impact, which explored how the government, major philanthropic organisations, universities, and non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong are moving beyond traditional charity models to co‑design more systematic approaches that address the needs of children from low-income families. 

APSS Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University

On 27 March 2026, the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Education at Beijing Normal University (BNU) to enhance academic collaboration between the two institutions. The signing ceremony took place at BNU, where Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Prof. Jianwu BAN, Dean of the Institute of Basic Theories of Education and Director of the Centre for Civic and Moral Education Research at BNU, signing the MoU on behalf of PolyU and BNU respectively. This MoU sets out a framework for co-operation in areas such as academic collaboration, student and staff exchanges, and the development of joint academic programmes and courses. It also covers collaborative research projects, joint publications in books and journal articles, and the co-organisation of academic seminars and conferences. Following the signing, Prof. Qiaobing WU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS, introduced the department’s study programmes and research achievements, highlighting potential areas for future collaboration. Prof. Eric CHUI and Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of the China and Global Development Network, also joined a roundtable discussion with BNU counterparts to explore new opportunities to deepen academic exchanges and partnerships between the two universities.

The 14th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Student Award Ceremony Took Place in Beijing

The 14th Lam Woo Distinguished Social Work Student Award Ceremony (the Ceremony) and the Peking University–The University of Chicago–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Tripartite Forum were held in Beijing on 28–29 March 2026. The Ceremony recognised those who have made substantial contributions to social work education, service management, and practice on the Chinese Mainland. About 100 representatives from academia and the social work sector attended, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of this year’s awardees in advancing the discipline of social work. Heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees this year! Online coverage: CGDN: https://www.polyucgdn.com/article/493 WeChat (PKU-PolyU China Social Work Research Centre): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/1a_4RUOsLCjqsqA5GvWh0A?scene=1&click_id=33