APSS Signed an MoU with the University of the Philippines Diliman

On 9 March 2026, the Department of Applied Social Sciences signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) to strengthen academic collaboration between the two institutions. The signing ceremony was held in UPD. 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. Edgardo Carlo L. VISTAN II, Chancellor of UPD. This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation on joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, service-learning initiatives, and participation in academic visits and educational programmes. It also encourages both institutions to explore collaborative opportunities in conferences, seminars, workshops, and other activities that promote knowledge sharing and global engagement. This MoU demonstrates APSS’s commitment to fostering strong regional networks and enhancing excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. Online coverage: CGDN website: https://www.polyucgdn.com/article/490 UPD website: https://upd.edu.ph/upd-polyu-mou/ UPD Facebook: http://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1363944252428478&id=100064387493475&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=t6oFbyyyhoeXaNGu#

A Heartwarming Reunion: APSS Alumni Homecoming Brings Over 200 Together

On 28 February 2026, the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) hosted a truly memorable "Chinese New Year Basin Dinner Gathering" at the PolyU Alumni Atrium and A Core Podium, where over 200 members of our extended APSS family came together in celebration and friendship. The evening drew 204 beloved participants, including APSS alumni, exchange students, former academic staff, and partners from across our community – each bringing warmth, laughter, and stories that rekindled our shared memories. We were especially honoured to welcome six distinguished alumni from the PolyU Institute of Social Work Training, class of 1976, whose wisdom and recollections deeply touched everyone present. The gathering was more than just a reunion. It was a joyful reminder of the enduring spirit that connects every member of the APSS family. Both APSSGA and APSS extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined and supported the event, turning it into an evening filled with warmth, gratitude, and lasting connections. May the Year of the Horse bring every member of our APSS family happiness, good health, and success.   Useful Information to Alumni: To apply to become a member of the APSS Graduates Association, go to: https://www.fhkpuaa.org.hk/Join-Us To apply for the PolyU Alumni eCard, go to: https://alumportal.polyu.edu.hk/enus

Building a Better Future: APSS and Yan Chai Hospital Join Hands for Foster Family Support

On 7 February 2026, the “寄養。伴理同行” event was held at PolyU to celebrate and support foster families. The event was jointly organised by Yan Chai Hospital Small Group Home & Foster Care Services and the APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA), with the support of the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office (AAO). This meaningful gathering aimed to strengthen support the network of care for foster families through foster care training for parents, engaging childcare services for 20 children aged 1 to 16, and a range of enjoyable activities. The event also included a warm lunch that encouraged connection and sharing among families. The occasion opened with remarks from Mr. Johnny IP, Manager of Youth and Child Care Services of Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department and Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, followed by fun activities led by PolyU students and alumni. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible – the dedicated social workers from Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department, the JC Project Bonfire foster service programme, APSSGA, and the passionate APSS student and alumni volunteers. Their collective efforts created a caring and memorable experience for every family. With 43 foster parents and family members, along with 27 children participating, the event successfully fostered connection, mutual support, and compassion – important values that help build a more loving and inclusive community where every child can thrive.

Courtside Cheers: APSS Cup Sparks Community Spirits

The 32nd APSS Student Association (APSSSA) proudly hosted the APSS Cup 2026, bringing together APSS teachers and students for an exciting sports tournament from 3 February to 21 February 2026. Led by the Chairlady of APSSSA, Miss Crystal HSU (Year 2 BA (Hons) in Social Work Student), the Cup drew participants from both the Taught Postgraduate and Undergraduate programmes, as well as full-time and part-time faculty. To open the event, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, delivered a speech before officially launching the badminton competition. Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer of APSS and Co-Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences, also joined in to show his support.  The event was filled with laughter and teamwork, creating a joyful and harmonious vibe on the court. This Cup gave the APSS community a wonderful chance to experience good sportsmanship, unwind outside the classroom, and strengthen the sense of community among students and faculty alike. 

Long Service Awards 2025

The Department of Applied Social Sciences extends its sincere gratitude and congratulations to the recipients of the Long Service Awards 2025. We thank all for their hard work, commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication to APSS and PolyU over the years. This year, 14 colleagues are being honoured for their remarkable service, ranging from 5 to 35 years. They are: (In alphabetical order of surname) Dr Algae AU Mr Ricky FUNG Dr Karen KWAN Mr Nicholas KWOK Ms Suk Wai LEE Ms Grace LI Dr Javier PANG Ms Esther SHEK Ms Veronica SHEK Ms Sally TANG Ms Celine XU Mr Vincent YEUNG Mr Ho Ming YIP Prof. Julie ZHU Congratulations to all our award recipients!  Their continuous contributions are deeply appreciated and have greatly strengthened the APSS community.

PolyU APSS’s Social Sciences is Ranked No. 52 in the World — Times Higher Education

The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) is ranked 52nd globally for Social Sciences in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. We are proud to share that our subject ranking has reached new heights this year, rising from 68th in 2025 to 52nd in 2026, reflecting our continued growth and strong international standing in teaching and research across diverse social science disciplines. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and collective effort of our APSS colleagues, research and administrative staff, students and alumni.   For more information on THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026, please visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/by-subject. Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/4a3sgfg The Standard - https://polyu.me/3NsXXpI HK01 - https://polyu.me/4sRqvcG Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4pPfCFw Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3YPmbwS Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4bajLjE Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4jYVvn6; https://polyu.me/4qARFTA RTHK - https://polyu.me/4a6aTdN SCMP - https://polyu.me/49BkVUk (subscription required) Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/49GSTH3 Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/49O2kTS Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4jNox8U (subscription required) am730 - https://polyu.me/3NG29SW; https://polyu.me/49yzuYB  Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/49S6FW9 Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3NVOjvN Master Insight - https://polyu.me/4r8L5Ug Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4qx3UjR 香港新聞社 - https://polyu.me/4bKW41v; https://polyu.me/4bKX2e9  HK Wisdom - https://polyu.me/3Zmm5wG Unique Media - https://polyu.me/4qAEVfM Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3YQOmvd; https://polyu.me/3YMMN1t China Review News - https://polyu.me/4qIANtW Sina HK - https://polyu.me/45oOxBI Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3LKE9NS; https://polyu.me/3LUQcbD Chinese Press - https://polyu.me/3NANIQ8 亞省新聞網 - https://polyu.me/49TY6tL RTHK - https://polyu.me/4a6aTdN SCMP - https://polyu.me/49BkVUk (subscription required) Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/49GSTH3 Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/49O2kTS Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4jNox8U am730 - https://polyu.me/3NG29SW; https://polyu.me/49yzuYB Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/49S6FW9 Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3NVOjvN Master Insight - https://polyu.me/4r8L5Ug Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/3LKE9NS Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4qx3UjR 新港新聞社 - https://polyu.me/4bKW41v; https://polyu.me/4bKX2e9 HK Wisdom - https://polyu.me/3Zmm5wG Unique Media - https://polyu.me/4qAEVfM Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3YQOmvd; https://polyu.me/3YMMN1t China Review News - https://polyu.me/4qIANtW Sina HK - https://polyu.me/45oOxBI

APSS and Harbin Institute of Technology’s Department of Sociology Deepen Partnership through MoU Ceremony and Scholarly Engagements

On 16 January 2026, a delegation from APSS visited the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). A signing ceremony was held at HIT to mark a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) first agreed in August 2023. The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Bo WANG, Professor & Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at HIT. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), Associate Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, and Prof. Xue LI, Professor and Head of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences at HIT. The ceremony marked a significant step in strengthening the partnership between APSS and Department of Sociology at HIT and set the stage for deeper collaboration. Following the signing ceremony, an academic session was held featuring presentations by Prof. Shusheng WANG, Professor, Department of Sociology at HIT, Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head and Associate Professor of APSS, Prof. Tin Yuet TING, Associate Professor of APSS, and Prof. Yanyan WANG, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at HIT. The session was chaired by Prof. Jingzhu LI, Associate Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at HIT, with participation from HIT faculty members and research students. In the afternoon, a roundtable discussion among faculty from both universities was convened, hosted by Prof. Li SHAO, Professor, Department of Sociology at HIT. Prof. Jiayin SUN and Dr Jiahui LIU, both from the Department of Sociology at HIT also joined the discussion to explore future collaborations, including research partnership, strategic planning, student and faculty exchanges, joint programme development, and new directions in related fields. This visit marks a new milestone in cross-border collaboration in sociology, social policy and administration, social work, and related interdisciplinary areas.

Warm Welcome to Thammasat University at APSS

On 14 January 2026, Dr Mahesh CHOUGULE, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University (TU), Thailand, led a group of undergraduate students from the Social Policy Programme to visit APSS. Dr Raymond TAM, Associate Head of APSS and Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (SPSE), and Ms Beckie LI, Assistant Programme Leader of SPSE and Student Exchange and International Affairs Coordinator, welcomed the TU delegation for an engaging exchange. TU students presented their research and shared insights with APSS peers, sparkling meaningful discussions on social issues and policies across Asia. The visit strengthened academic collaboration and fostered new friendships between the two universities. 

APSS Signs MoU with School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at East China Normal University

On 14 January 2026, APSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at East China Normal University (ECNU). The ceremony was held at ECNU’s Putuo Campus in Shanghai, China, and opened with remarks from Ms. Yuan FANG, Party Secretary of the School, who introduced its overall development, current strategies, and new directions. Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, presented the overall development and recent advances of FHSS and APSS. The MoU was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), Associate Director of Research Centre for Environmental, Social and Governance Advancement (RCESGA), and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, and Prof. Xiaolin ZHOU, Dean of the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at ECNU, marking a new milestone in cross-border collaboration in psychology and related interdisciplinary fields. In the discussion session, representatives from both institutions – including Prof. Ning HAO, Prof. Xianchun LI, and Prof. Chao YAN, Associate Deans at ECNU; Ms Yan LI, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at ECNU; Mr Subin WANG, Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs and Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at ECNU; and Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head of APSS – explored potential collaborations in scientific research, academic programmes, student exchanges, and other related areas. After the MoU signing ceremony and discussion session, the PolyU delegation visited the MEG Research Center (華東師範大學腦磁圖成像中心) and the Children’s Brain Imaging Center (華東師範大學兒童腦成像中心) on the ECNU campus to gain deeper insights into ECNU’s research infrastructure and ongoing projects in cognitive neuroscience. This collaborative framework will enable the two universities to promote interdisciplinary innovation and enhance societal well-being through the application of cutting-edge technologies. Online coverage: ECNU WeChat: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/utYZChG-4JhDmIfvP7gNyw    

2026 EASP Annual Conference: Call for Papers

We are pleased to announce that Abstract Submission for the 2026 East Asia Social Policy (EASP) Annual Conference (17-18 July 2026) is now open. This year, the conference will be hosted by The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and co-organised by The Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE), PolyU APSS. The deadline for abstract submission is on 23 February 2026, and the registration will commence in March 2026. More information can be found on the conference website. 2026 EASP Conference website: https://gs.hsu.edu.hk/en/easp-2026/