Building Stronger Partnerships with the School of Ethnology and Sociology at Yunnan University

The “Building a Better Life: First Yunnan-Hong Kong Social Sciences Forum” was successfully held at Yunnan University from 16 to 18 September 2025. Co-hosted by the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yunnan University’s Centre for Studies of Chinese Southwest Borderland’s Ethnic Minorities and School of Ethnology and Sociology, the forum was supported by the China and Global Development Network of APSS, PolyU, and the Peking University – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre.  The forum brought together over 100 experts, scholars, students and practitioners from both universities to engage in in-depth exchanges on the theme of building a better life. Following the opening ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Prof. Ming HE, Dean of the School of Ethnology and Sociology at Yunnan University. The MoU lays the foundation for future collaboration in academic research, seminars, faculty and student exchanges, and related areas. The forum effectively fostered in-depth exchanges and intellectual dialogue in disciplines such as social work, sociology, ethnology and anthropology between Yunnan and Hong Kong, while elevating the collaboration between PolyU and Yunnan University to new heights. Online coverage: Yunnan U: http://www.msxy.ynu.edu.cn/info/1042/5399.htm CGDN: https://polyucgdn.com/article/469  

Professor Eric CHUI as a Panellist at AVPN Global Conference 2025

Prof. Eric CHUI,Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, was invited as one of the panellists by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to share his insights on the topic of “Addressing Systemic Inequalities through Philanthropy: Case Studies from Hong Kong” on 9 September 2025.   At the Asian Leadership for an Inclusive World (AVPN) Global Conference 2025, this panel was moderated by Prof. Christine LOH, the Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Other panellists include the Chief Executive Officer of St James’ Settlement, Ms Josephine LEE, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Christian Service, Ms Karrie CHAN, and Deputy Chief Executive of SideBySide, Ms May LEE. Together with Prof. Eric CHUI, their sharing was concerned with various innovative ways of addressing systemic inequalities affecting children and youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.    

Welcome Prof. Bruce THYER Back to APSS: Advancing Social Work Research Methods and Ethics

APSS was honoured to host a visit from Prof. Bruce A. THYER in August 2025. Prof. THYER, Distinguished Research Professor of Social Work at Florida State University, has consistently supported practice research and social work education in Hong Kong and the Mainland China. During his two-week visit, he conducted two full-day training workshops on "Advanced Research Methods, Research Integrity, and Ethics" and "Preparing Grant Proposals." Additionally, he delivered two topical seminars titled "Forty Years of Experience in Practice Research: How to Take Advantage of Naturally Occurring Opportunities for Conducting Social Work Research" and "The Harmful Effects of Theory on Social Work Education, Research, and Practice."

Welcome to New Research Postgraduate Students

The Research Postgraduate Programme (RPg) Orientation took place on 3 September 2025. The event began with an opening speech delivered to all incoming students by Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head of APSS and Chair of the Departmental Research Committee. Prof. Christian GREIFFENHAGEN, Associate Professor and Director of RPg Studies at APSS, together with the supervisors, also welcomed all new research postgraduate students as they began their academic journey with us. As always, our colleagues look forward to supporting our students and witnessing their achievements and success. We wish them all the very best during their time at APSS!

2025 Departmental Best Teaching Award

2025 Departmental Best Teaching Award The Departmental Best Teaching Award is a prestigious prize within APSS that acknowledges and celebrates our faculty staff members’ commitment and dedication to enabling student teaching and learning. Congratulations to Prof. Anson AU and Prof. Yvette TO (both Assistant Professors of APSS) who won the 2025 Departmental Best Teaching Individual Award!  It is hoped that both awardees continue to inspire our colleagues by sharing their best teaching practices and help promote a culture of teaching excellence within APSS. Let’s hear what our best teachers say: Prof. Anson AU “My teaching starts with a simple premise: technology is about people. As a sociologist, I help students unpack the hidden social worlds within our digital tools: the biases they codify, the communities they build, and the social contracts they rewrite. My classroom is a collaborative space for critical inquiry, where we use sociological lenses to examine our digitalising society and empower students to move from being passive users to active, critical interpreters of their digital reality. Winning this award is a testament to my students' enthusiasm and courage in embracing this important dialogue.” Prof. Yvette TO “I am honoured to be one of this year’s recipients of the Best Teaching [Individual] Award, which recognises the new learning and teaching methods I have adopted. By blending educational technology with traditional approaches, I aim to inspire students and enrich their learning experience. Innovation has enabled me to transform classrooms into dynamic environments that promote active learning. Through collaborative platforms like Perusall, interactive pre-class videos, and immersive activities such as HiVE and the Kyoto negotiation game, I have fostered an inquiry-driven setting where students are motivated to participate, ask questions, and learn from one another.”

PolyU Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025

The “Igniting Social Innovation Competition 2025”, attracting over 180 students from 22 secondary schools was recently organised between March and August 2025 by the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS). It is hoped that secondary school students were able to enhance their awareness of social issues, increase their creative thinking and empathy, and care for those in need in society through positive actions.   This competition adopted an interdisciplinary approach, with the teams integrating knowledge from social science fields and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, omnidirectional cameras and Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment facilities. An award presentation ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), was held on 30 August 2025 to recognise the outstanding student teams.   APSS takes the opportunity to thank Dr Yuk Lin CHOI, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, along with Prof. Jin Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, for officiating the ceremony.   Press release: English - https://polyu.me/4fXadbY; Chinese - https://polyu.me/45HoPZO   Online coverage: CRHK - https://polyu.me/45WJtnD Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3VxEapD  (subscription required) Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/47myVR8 Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3Vss4OC Line Today - https://polyu.me/41vzPqJ Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4g6GvRZ Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4na55Ul

APSS Taiwan Study Trip 2025 for BA (Hons) in Social Work Students

APSS organised a study trip to Taiwan from 9 to 15 August 2025. A total of 20 BA (Hons) in Social Work (BASW) students participated in this trip that was led by Dr Kong YAM , Senior Lecturer of APSS and Programme Leader of the BASW, and Dr Chi Yuen LEUNG, Lecturer of APSS. Students engaged in a variety of activities, including a guided community tour, a traditional Taiwanese lunch, and a unique nose flute experience. They also visited various Taiwanese community associations and non-governmental organisations to examine various social and poverty issues and explored initiatives related to social community and welfare in Taiwan. This enriching experience enhanced students' understanding of social work in different cultural contexts, fostering valuable insights for their future careers.  

Embarking a New Chapter as Taught Postgraduate Students at APSS of PolyU

On 25 August 2025, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) held an Orientation Programme for the new cohort of taught postgraduate students, with a total of over 320 freshmen this year. Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, extended a warm welcome to all freshmen and gave a brief introduction of APSS. Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS and Chairperson of the Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee, gave an overview of the learning and teaching opportunities and facilities in APSS. Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS and Chairperson of Students and Alumni Affairs Committees (SAAC), introduced the work of SAAC, which included career talks, mentorship programmes, social activities, and support services to our students. Subsequent to these welcoming remarks and introduction, freshmen were divided into several breakout sessions to meet their Programme Leaders and to further understand their own curriculum and course requirements before the commencement of the academic year. All APSS staff members wish our students every success and rewarding experience in the year ahead! 

Warm Welcome to New Undergraduate Students of APSS in the Academic Year 2025-26

The Undergraduate Programme Orientation for over 170 freshmen who are joining the APSS family was successfully held on 25 August 2025. It was an opportunity for incoming students to learn about the department, make new connections, and prepare for a new chapter in their lives. Representatives of the 32nd APSS Student Association (APSSSA) also extended their welcome to the freshmen, and shared their experiences, school life and learning tips with the incoming students. Programme Leaders and Academic Advisors were delighted to meet with new students in the break-out sessions in order to provide them with information necessary for a smooth and successful start to their university study. The Orientation session concluded on a high note, with many new happy faces and a sense of fun.

Rolling out the Welcome Mat for 2025 New Student-Athletes and Students with Outstanding Achievements in Leadership and Community Services

On 25th August 2025, APSS hosted a reception to welcome our newly admitted student-athletes and students in the areas of leadership and community services. During the reception, APSS outlined the resources and services available to them, ensuring that they would have the necessary guidance to thrive in their academic, athletic and community services endeavours. APSS is committed to supporting the development of our talented students and facilitating their growth in academics, sports, leadership and community services. Understanding their demanding training schedules and frequent involvement in local and international competitions and extra-curricular activities, APSS has been taking a number of supportive measures, such as matching student-athletes with APSS academic advisors, designing alternative assessments to replace group projects, and offering extensions of assignment deadlines. The list of incoming APSS student-athletes and students with outstanding achievements in leadership and community services (2025-2026) is shown below:  Student Name Area of Outstanding Achievement Chun Yee CAI Sports (Taekwondo) Chun Yu CHOW Sports (Wushu) Wing Ki LIU Sports (Basketball) Terry Wan Hei MAN Sports (Badminton) Hoi Ching CHOW Leadership and Community Services Ka Wai HUI Yan Ki LAU Chi Miu LEE