2025 Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship Symposium on Linking Housing with Welfare and Care

On 17 June 2025, the Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University hosted a one-day symposium titled "Linking Housing with Welfare and Care: Experience from Hong Kong and South Korea." The symposium brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the vital role of the third sector in affordable housing and integrated care models. The panel sessions featured insightful presentations and engaging discussions, highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing social issues in Hong Kong and South Korea. APSS is grateful to have Prof. Rebecca L. H. CHIU (Honorary Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, HKU), Mr KyungHo CHOE (Research Fellow, Institute for Green Transition), Ms Tracy LI (Project-in-charge, Social Housing Service, St. James’ Settlement), Mr Yun Hyung LEE (Social Developer Group, DEOHAM), Mr Charles Chun Kit HO, (Director, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service) and Prof. Ahyoung SONG (School of Social Welfare, Yonsei University) for sharing their views and experiences in the symposium. Participants exchanged valuable insights and explored innovative solutions, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between housing, welfare, and care. The symposium concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration to enhance support systems for vulnerable populations.

Malaysia Study Tour 2025

From 27 May 2025 to 3 June 2025, 25 undergraduate students from the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) travelled to Malaysia for an educational study trip to Penang, Ipoh, and Kuala Lumpur. Led by two Lecturers Mr Vincent YEUNG and Dr Javier PANG, this trip provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about social innovation, sustainable development, community empowerment, and the dynamic context of Southeast Asia.   The itinerary included visits to notable non-governmental organisations, such as the Women’s Centre for Change and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC). During these visits, students gained a deep understanding of the vital contributions these organisations are making towards promoting gender equality and women’s rights in Malaysia.   Additionally, students explored sustainable development projects, particularly at Look Port Weld (再, 看見十八丁), where they learned about locally led environmental conservation and historical preservation initiatives.   While in Kuala Lumpur, students had the chance to engage with innovative social entrepreneurs, including PichaEats, Biji Biji Initiative, and Eats, Shoots & Roots. These organisations showcased innovative approaches to social entrepreneurship, such as using food to empower underserved communities, promoting eco-friendly living, and advocating for urban farming.   The study tour was a transformative experience for all participants. Students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and to witness the positive impact of social initiatives in Malaysia. The trip not only broadened their global perspectives but also inspired them to contribute meaningfully to society in their future careers.

APSS Signs MoU with Huazhong University of Science and Technology on Social Work Education and Research

On 9 June 2025, the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huazhong University of Science and Technology (華中科技大學; HUST). HUST is part of Project 985, Project 211 and the Double First-class Construction.   The 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, PolyU and Prof. Jinhua DI, Dean of the School of Sociology, HUST.   This collaboration aims to advance research and initiatives in several key areas, including the development of capacity building programmes for medical social work practitioners, and collaborations on the application of advanced technology and artificial intelligence in social work services and social sciences research.   In many respects, this partnership highlights the commitment of both institutions to foster innovation and address pressing social issues through collaborative research, education and knowledge exchange.

Our APSS Undergraduate Student Won the Men's Singles Championship in 2025!

Congratulations to Mr. Yee Shun CHAN, a second-year student of the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, for his outstanding achievement in winning the Men’s Singles Tertiary Division Champion title at the 2025 Hang Seng All Schools Table Tennis Championships. The final took place on 8 June 2025 at the Kowloon Tong Table Tennis Centre. This event attracted over 3,400 participants from more than 920 schools and tertiary institutions across Hong Kong, a record high. Yee Shun’s outstanding performance and dedication has brought great pride to APSS and PolyU and sets a shining example for aspiring athletes. APSS extends our heartfelt congratulations to Yee Shun on this well-deserved victory and wishes him continued success in the coming competitions! As always, APSS is proud of the student’s achievements!   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3FSsVnC Sport Road: https://shorturl.at/CoajQ

Our APSS Alumna Makes Us All Very Proud

Dr Carmen YAU obtained her Master of Social Work in 2017 and Ph.D. degree in 2023 from the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.  She is now a Lecturer in Social Work and Lead of Wellbeing Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London. She has been awarded “The King Charles III Coronation Medal” recognising her active contribution to the official coronation events in Westminster Abbey and processions and other officially recognised ceremonial Coronation events.   Receiving this medal, Carmen remarked, is not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of collective efforts to create more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming public spaces. She said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to APSS and PolyU for nurturing my journey as a disability researcher. Through the knowledge imparted and the invaluable research experiences offered, I have been empowered to champion accessibility with confidence and purpose. Thank you for laying the foundation that continues to guide my work and advocacy.” Speaking about this milestone, Carmen reflected on the significance of this achievement, especially as a disabled, female, and Asian academic. She shared, “This recognition is especially meaningful to me as it reflects the ongoing work I’ve committed to ensuring accessibility and representation of disability in public life and national events.”   Carmen’s recognition serves as a powerful testament to the importance of championing inclusivity in all aspects of public life, a mission that continues to inspire others in the field and beyond.   APSS is very proud of Carmen’s achievements, which exemplify the values of inclusivity, equity, and social impact that the department strives to uphold.

APSS Student Conference 2025: Nurturing Strength in the Face of Adversity

The APSS Student Conference 2025 was successfully held on 23 May 2025. The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head and Professor of APSS, who highlighted the importance of resilience in challenging times. This was followed by a greeting from two core members of the Organising Committee, and they were two PhD students, Ms. Olivia Xin CHEN, and  Mr. Louis Yin Ting TO. Three keynote presentations were delivered in this conference. Dr Timothy SIM, Associate Professor and Head of Master of Counselling Programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, presented on the topic of “Individual Growth in the Face of Adversity from a Systemic Perspective”. Prof. Janet LEUNG, Professor of APSS, shared her insights on “Enhancing Family Resilience During Adversity: Insights from Hong Kong”. Prof. Jolanda JETTEN, Head of School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, delivered her presentation titled “Living in an Unequal World: Consequences for Societies' Social and Political Vitality”. Over 110 participants, including students and colleagues within and outside APSS, attended the conference both in person and via Zoom, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

London Study Tour for Doctor of Social Work Students

From 21 to 30 April 2025, a considerable number of Doctor of Social Work (DSW) students embarked on an enriching study tour in London.  It was led by Prof. Hok Bun KU, Programme Leader of DSW, Director of China and Global Development Network (CGDN) and Professor of APSS, Prof. Camilla LO, Deputy Programme Leader of DSW and Associate Professor of APSS and Dr Sui Kan YIP, Assistant Director (Partnership and Development) of CGDN. This incredible opportunity was made possible through the strong network and support of Goldsmiths, University of London. We are also grateful for the support from the Keswick Foundation and the privilege of meeting with Mrs Clara WEATHERALL, Chairman of the Keswick Foundation’s Board of Governors, Mrs Clare KESWICK and Mrs Martha KESWICK. Also thank goes to Dr Carmen YAU, alumnus of APSS and several faculty member at Goldsmiths, for their support to this study tour. Read more: CGDN website: https://polyucgdn.com/article/289

2025 Macau Study Tour

Between 13 and 15 May 2025, 17 students from the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling (MAGC) programmes embarked on a study trip to Macau. Led by Prof. Jessica LI, Programme Leader of MSW and Associate Professor of APSS, and Prof. Xiaomin LI, Assistant Professor of APSS, the title of the trip is “The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Professional Practice and Community Care Exploration Tour.” During the three-day visit, students visited the University of Macau and Macao Polytechnic University, where they attended the seminars on topics such as social service development in GBA, Big Data analysis of cyber fraud, and their implications for social work practice. Students also visited Vila de Nossa Senhora (路環聖母村) and various non-governmental organisations such as WelAnser Centre, SKH Gambling Counselling and Family Wellness Centre, and UGAMM’s Youth Team.   The trip not only offered valuable insights into innovative approaches to community care for migrant workers, family interventions for individuals with gambling disorders, and outreach services for at-risk youth, but also emphasised the importance of evidence-based practice through the use of big-data analysis. This study tour enhanced students’ understanding of cross-border professional practices and strengthened the ties between Hong Kong’s and Macau’s social service sectors.

Kick-off Ceremony of Mentorship Programme 2025-2027

The APSS Mentorship Programme 2025-2027 aims to build and foster networks and friendships between our graduating students and experienced alumni for professional and career development. The kick-off ceremony of the Mentorship Programme was held on 3 May 2025 in PolyU. A total of 78 alumni and students (45 student mentees and 33 alumni mentors) were matched successfully for this two-year mentorship programme, running from May 2025 to May 2027. Mentors and mentees are expected to meet at least once every half a year. For a more fruitful mentoring experience, each mentor-mentee group is also partnered with another group over the two-year period.

Symposium on Social and Emotional Learning and Positive Youth Development in Chinese Societies

APSS hosted a one-day symposium on 20 March 2025, titled "Fostering Social and Emotional Learning and Promoting Positive Youth Development in Chinese Societies", funded by the Yuen Grant of the University of Chicago. The event gathered scholars, practitioners, and community members to explore innovative research and approaches to Social and Emotional learning (SEL) and Positive Youth Development (PYD). The day began with opening remarks 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. The keynote sessions featured ground breaking research on SEL advancements in rural China, presented by Prof. Curtis MCMILLEN and Ms. Linyun FU from the University of Chicago, alongside insights from Ms. Zhen ZHANG and Ms. Lihuang SHAO of the RICI Foundation on community-based SEL programme development. Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) and Chair Professor of APSS, showcased the PATHS programme, a school-based PYD project in Hong Kong, highlighting its impact on youth development. The presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A session, allowing participants to delve deeper into the findings. In the afternoon session of the symposium, a series of presentations highlighted the impactful research of Prof. Juyeon LEE, Assistant Professor of the University of Hong Kong, Prof. Julie ZHU and Prof. Diya DOU, Assistant Professors of APSS, and Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS. Their work explored vital topics including teacher social-emotional competence, family resilience, parenting practices, and adolescent development – offering valuable insights into the dynamics shaping youth and family well-being. The symposium concluded with Prof. McMillen's remarks emphasising the importance of continued collaboration in advancing social-emotional learning (SEL) and positive youth development (PYD) across diverse populations. The event left participants inspired to translate these insights into meaningful actions that support youth well-being in Chinese societies and beyond.