Committee on Services for Youth at Risk (Re-appointment)

Prof. CHUI has also been re-appointed as a member of the Committee on Services for Youth at Risk (CSYR) for a further three-year term, from 13 June 2026 to 12 June 2029.

Online coverage:
Social Welfare Department: https://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/pubsvc/young/young_info/youngwg/committeeo/

Prof. Sylvia CHEN Elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of FHSS & Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, has been elected as a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) under Class V: Social Sciences, Law, and Economics.

https://polyu.hk/qSvXQ

Prof. Xue BAI Appointed as Associate Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS and Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, is going to be appointed as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences for a two-year term from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028.

Three APSS Staff Members Serve on PolyU Grievance Committee

Prof. Judy SIU (Associate Professor of APSS), Dr Rodney CHU and Dr Kong YAM (both Senior Lecturers of APSS) are members of PolyU Grievance Committee for a two-year term from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028. 

Prof. Eric CHUI Appointed to PolyU’s Sub-Committee on Belt and Road Development

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, has been appointed as a member of the Sub-Committee on Belt and Road Development at PolyU. His two-year term will run from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028.

Dr Rodney CHU Elected to the PolyU Council

PI: Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS and Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies
Proposal title: “Smart Silver” Enriched ICT Training Programme for the Elderly (2026-2028)
Co-PI (all from APSS): Dr Youjuan ZHANG, Dr Xinxin CAI, Dr Junfang WANG
Co-I (all from APSS):  Dr Manying KANG, Ms Xiaoshan HUANG
Funding amount: HK$3,999,800
Funding scheme: Digital Policy Office
Project period: 1 March 2026 – 29 February 2028 
Project brief: The project offers technology courses tailored for older adults in Hong Kong, aiming to enhance digital literacy, confidence, and social connection. It integrates Positive Education, Active Ageing, and Theory of Learning to promote both capability and well-being, reduce psychological barriers, and empower seniors to use technology independently.

PI: Dr Raymond TAM, Associate Head and Senior Lecturer of APSS
Proposal title: Evaluation Study on Enhancing Family and Community Resilience in Tai Po
Co-PI (all from APSS): Prof. Eric CHUI, Dr Alpha LAM, Dr Felix NG
Funding amount: HK$920,000
Funding scheme: Impact Assessment on Enhancing Family and Community Resilience in Tai Po
Project period: 15 April 2026 – 30 September 2027
Project brief: The project is a 1.5-year, practice-oriented qualitative evaluation of Yan Chai Hospital’s Rest Station and Wellness Hub in Tai Po, which supports families affected by the Tai Po fire. The study combines professional clinical input with qualitative inquiry to examine how integrated services foster resilience and recovery. It includes co-designed semi-structured interview guides, two waves of interviews with affected families, focus groups with frontline and managerial staff, participant observation at service sites, and visual documentation of recovery journeys. Comprehensive qualitative analysis will be conducted to identify effective practices and evolving needs.

PI: Dr Yao FU, Research Assistant Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Mapping the Landscape of Predatory Lending and Financial Scams Targeting Migrant Domestic Workers in Hong Kong and Singapore
Co-PI: Prof. Lucy JORDAN (James Cook University)
Funding amount: HK$46,000
Funding scheme: Uplifters (Collaborative)
Project period: 30 April 2026 – 30 December 2026
Project brief:  The project, in collaboration with Uplifters, an non-governmental organisation that provides online education and community support to migrant domestic workers (MDWs), examines predatory lending and financial scams targeting MDWs in Hong Kong and Singapore. Indebtedness and financial exploitation have become growing public concerns in Hong Kong. In 2025, at least two reported cases involved MDWs who died by suicide under debt‑related pressure. This project will engage closely with key community stakeholders to generate evidence that can inform future preventive education initiatives aimed at protecting MDWs from such risks.

PI: Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology
Proposal title: Impact Assessment of WeTech Classroom x Strive and Rise Programme (WeTech科技教室x共創明Teen計劃成效評估研究計劃書)
Co-I (all from APSS): Dr Raymond TAM, Dr Felix NG, Mr Jason CHAN
Funding amount: HK$100,000
Funding scheme: Tencent Charity Foundation (Donation)
Project period: 01 May 2026 – 30 April 2027
Project brief: Supported by the Tencent Charity Foundation, the WeTech AI Training Course provides both foundational and advanced digital skills training, including the use of Tencent Cloud and WeChat Mini Programmes. The programme aims to enhance students’ AI literacy, confidence in using technology, and interest in pursuing technology-related education and careers. The evaluation adopts a mixed-methods design, combining a quasi-experimental quantitative approach with three participant groups. Focusing on the “Youth Empowerment” initiative, the study systematically examines how training in Tencent Cloud and WeChat Mini Programmes strengthens the digital capabilities of underprivileged youth. It employs validated measures of AI literacy, technology use, and career aspirations, complemented by in-depth qualitative interviews with participants from the intensive course.

PI: Prof. Ben KU, Professor at APSS
Proposal title: Educational Action Research for Building Capacity of Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Students from Chinese Mainland: a Collaborative Approach
Funding amount: HK$10,708,900
Funding scheme: Keswick Foundation Limited (Donation)
Project period: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2031
Project brief: In line with the state policy and planning, the number of undergraduate and postgraduate social work programmes in universities and colleges in the Chinese mainland has expanded rapidly in recent years. In 2022, to enhance the quality of social work education and professional practice in response to rapid social transformation, the Ministry of Education approved the development of professional doctoral programmes. With support from the Keswick Foundation, this action research project aims to strengthen the capacity of DSW students in the Chinese mainland through a range of targeted strategies. It strives to cultivate a robust and sustainable DSW talent pool composed of high-calibre individuals with strong vision, commitment, and leadership potential, contributing to the next-generation leaders in social work education and social welfare sector.

PI: Prof. Huijing LU, Associate Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Development and Evaluation of a Digital Game Intervention Targeting Children Vulnerable to ADHD
Co-PI: Prof. Alma AU (PolyU), Prof. Shawn LIANG (EduHK)
Funding amount: HK$499,280
Funding scheme: Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF)
Funding round: HMRF 2024 - Call for Investigator-initiated Projects
Project period: 1 November 2026 – 31 October 2029
Project brief: Some children exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, such as inattention or impulsivity, but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria. To support this group, the project will develop a digital game designed to improve attention, memory, and planning skills. Rooted in established ADHD theories, the game includes minigames. The study will recruit 108 children aged 6 to 12 who are vulnerable to ADHD symptoms to participate in a 16-week programme. During the first eight weeks, half of the participants will engage with the game while the other half complete an alternative task; the groups will then switch. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, midpoint, and completion. The project aims to provide an accessible, self-guided intervention that reduces ADHD-like symptoms and reduces reliance on professional services. If successful, it will offer an engaging, low-cost support option for children who require assistance but lack a formal diagnosis.

APSS Secures 17 Awards under the Research Grants Council (RGC) General Research Fund and Early Career Scheme in the 2026/27 Exercise

Congratulations to APSS 17 awardees* in securing research funding under the RGC General Research Fund (GRF) and Early Career Scheme (ECS) in the 2026/27 Exercise.

*In alphabetical order by surname:
Prof. Xue BAI, Dr Jet Uy BUENCONSEJO, Prof. Edward CHAN, Prof. Hoi Wing CHAN, Prof. Juan CHEN, Prof. Qiqi CHEN, Prof. Shing CHENG, Prof. Christian GREIFFENHAGEN, Prof. Daisy HUANG, Prof. Karita KAN, Prof. Ben KU, Prof. Herman LO, Prof. Camilla LO, Prof. Jacky NG, Prof. Judy SIU, Prof. Qiaobing WU, Prof. Yin WU.

Chapter link: https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-981-95-3440-1_39-1#citeas

Dr TAM has also co-authored a journal article, “The effect of financial literacy on the breadth and depth of gambling involvement: does it vary by problem gambling severity?” in The Journal of Men’s Studies.

PolyU Collaborates with Yan Chai Hospital to Support Wang Fuk Court Residents

A PolyU team collaborated with Yan Chai Hospital to establish the Yan Chai Wellness Hub and organise workshops as community gathering points for residents of Wang Fuk Court. The initiative aims to help neighbours reconnect while offering support services to alleviate stress brought by post-disaster recovery. Dr Alpha LAM, Lecturer of APSS, noted in an i-Cable interview conducted during one of the workshops that residents need spaces to connect with others, and that the team offers professional support to those in need.

Media coverage:

i-Cable - https://polyu.me/4cUtCKI (1:11 - 1:38)

Prof. Yang ZHAN Featured on Channel News Asia

Prof. Yang ZHAN, Associate Professor of APSS, shared her insights on the growing trend of young people in China pursuing flexible employment in an interview with Channel News Asia.

Media coverage:
CNA: https://polyu.me/42xHYLb

(Photo captured from Universiti Sains Malaysia website)

PolyU APSS Co-organises International Conference on Leadership in the Service Economy

The International Conference on Leadership in the Service Economy, jointly organised by Malaysia’s National Higher Education Research Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and APSS, was held on 5 May 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. Bringing together around 200 participants from higher education, government, and industry, the conference served as a focused intellectual platform aligned with ongoing research on service leadership.

Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of CUS and Chair Professor of APSS, shared insights on service leadership and its role in shaping future-ready institutions and societies. Prof. Xiaoqin ZHU, Assistant Dean of CUS and Assistant Professor of APSS, and Prof. Diya DOU, Assistant Professor of APSS, presented at a case study session on leadership in education, examining how leadership is being recalibrated in response to structural shifts in the global economy and the evolving role of higher education. 

Online coverage:

Universiti Sains Malaysia - https://polyu.me/4cWAiZ8; https://polyu.me/4uyvvTE; https://polyu.me/4tYzKrG; https://polyu.me/4wgrIMk

PolyU Co-Hosts International Conference on Sustainable Development of Central Asia

A large-scale international scientific and practical conference “Social Work in action: interdisciplinary and global strategies for convergence and promotion of sustainable development in Central Asia” was held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University on 4 - 5 May 2026. Organised by PolyU - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, China and Global Development Network of PolyU’s APSS, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and International Association of Schools of Social Work, the event brought together leading scientists, experts and practitioners from 27 countries, becoming the largest dialogue platform in the region in the field of social protection and humanitarian development.

Following the successful first three years of collaboration, APSS and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) signed a Supplementary Agreement on 4 May 2026 during the opening ceremony of this Conference. This agreement extends the 2023 partnership with IASSW, originally signed on 3 May 2023, to support the online learning platform for Global Standards for Social Work Education.

This Supplementary Agreement was signed by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Prof. Antoinette LOMBARD, President of IASSW. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Angelina YUEN-TSANG (Honorary Professor of APSS) and Prof. Annamaria CAMPANINI, both former IASSW Presidents, as well as Prof. Varoshini NADESAN, Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg.

(Photo captured from Ming Pao Daily)

Prof. Daniel SHEK on Happiness Index

A survey conducted by Wofoo Social Enterprises found that, although parents of primary school students reported an overall happiness index of 7.82 out of 10, more than 70% of respondents worried they were unable to do enough for their children, while over half viewed raising children as a financial burden. Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of CUS and Chair Professor of APSS, suggested that the Government could follow the example of countries like South Korea and Germany by establishing a dedicated department for family policy to coordinate resource allocation and “ensure the needs of every family member are met”.

Media coverage:

Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4udzsx2

Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4u7KQdX (subscription required)

am730 - https://polyu.me/436YLoD

Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4dc2K9w; https://polyu.me/4dc1DXp

Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4ufO4w6

Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS, shared her professional views on the declining trend in elder abuse cases in an interview with Headline Daily.

Media coverage:
Headline Daily: https://polyu.me/4dw7hnp

(Photo captured from Wen Wei Po)

APSS Scheme Programme Among PolyU’s Top 5 Most Popular Programmes

The latest round of updates to JUPAS programme choices closed on 27 May 2026. APSS’s BA (Hons) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences is one of the top five most popular programmes at PolyU.

(Photo captured from Bastille Post Global)

Prof. Xue BAI Interviewed by HKMCA

HKMCA announced on 29 May 2026 that it will promote the concept of a sustainable retirement lifestyle in the second half of this year. This concept is based on the multi-dimensional retirement planning framework for active ageing developed by PolyU’s Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies (RCGFS). Prof. Xue BAI, Professor at APSS and Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, stated that while a solid financial foundation serves as the bedrock of retirement, a holistic lifestyle plan encompassing multiple dimensions is the key to achieving sustainable retirement over what may span several decades.

PolyU Signs MoU with Society Work Department of CPC Jinan Municipal Committee and The Keswick Foundation to Explore Innovative Comprehensive Service Model for New Employment Groups

In response to National policy requirements to strengthen services and management of new employment groups comprising food delivery couriers, express couriers and ride-hailing drivers, PolyU has signed an MoU with the Society Work Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee and The Keswick Foundation on 27 May 2026. This collaboration will launch its first pilot scheme in Jinan, where the China and Global Development Network of APSS will be a key partner, providing professional supervision and consultancy in social work, participating in service model design, talent cultivation and evaluation research, and offering academic leadership and professional support.

Press release:

English - https://polyu.me/4vmceFk; Chinese - https://polyu.me/49CnRzx

Media coverage:

Mirage - https://polyu.me/4uK2jJI

Joint IFEC-PolyU Study Reveals Positive Behavioural Changes Among Hong Kong Virtual Asset Investors

A follow-up study commissioned by the Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC) found that Hong Kong virtual asset investors have shown significant declines in herd-following tendencies, post-gain risk exposure, and reliance on past experience. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, presented the findings to global counterparts for the first time at the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Committee on Retail Investors Virtual Workshop on Investor Resilience on 10 June 2026.

Media coverage:

Now TV - https://polyu.me/4eSjSRl

Metro Radio - https://polyu.me/4xFMVQG

Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4oABsO6

Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4uG19xW

Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4a5B3x9

Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4xvSbpT

Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4uRXWvC

Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4oySE6k

HK01 - https://polyu.me/4vYvQQf

etnet - https://polyu.me/4eeIO6i

aastocks - https://polyu.me/3S5Zogb

Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/4oySGuY

Stockfisher - https://polyu.me/4eMnGV8

Sing Tao Canada - https://polyu.me/4fS1pGA
Business Times - https://polyu.me/4gyzKuo

(Photo captured from RTHK)

Dr Kai Chung LO on Fathers’ Roles of Caring for Children

Dr Kai Chung LO, Lecturer of APSS, was interviewed on RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong Connection”, where he discussed how parents should communicate with children entering adolescence, the pressures fathers faced in caring for their children, and the support services available to fathers in society.

Media coverage:

(Photo captured from TVB)

Prof. Jacky NG on Evaluating Pilot Programme on Community Living Room

Prof. Jacky NG, Assistant Professor of APSS, was featured on TVB’s programme “Scoop”, where he explained the APSS team’s evaluation of the Government’s Pilot Programme on Community Living Room.

Media coverage:

(Photo captured from HOY TV)

Dr Raymond TAM on School-based After School Care Service Scheme

Dr Raymond TAM, Associate Head and Senior Lecturer of APSS, was featured on HOY TV’s “City Focus”, where he explained the APSS team’s evaluation of the School-based After School Care Service Scheme.

Online coverage:

HOY TV - https://polyu.me/4ahjBpu (11:52 - 14:57)

(Photo captured from RTHK webpage)

Prof. Eric CHUI on Study About Investor Behaviour

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, was featured on RTHK’s radio programme “財經新思維”, where he elaborated on his follow-up study on investor behaviour in the virtual asset markets.

The full report, 2025 Behavioural Science Study on Investor Behaviour in the Virtual Asset Markets, is available here.

Media coverage:

RTHK - https://polyu.me/4eNRTlz (00:13 - 15:33)

APSS welcomed 18 secondary school students under 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 Research Assistant Professors of APSS.

Two APSS representatives, Dr Catrina LIU and Dr Jet Uy BUENCONSEJO, both Research Assistant Professors, attended a harbour cruise organised by the Hong Kong Research Fellow Alliance (HKRFA) on 28 March 2026.

Dr Jet Uy BUENCONSEJO, Research Assistant Professor of APSS, delivered two high-profile keynote addresses at international seminars in India and the Philippines, showcasing his expertise in Positive Youth Development (PYD) and research methodology.

International Seminar on Positive Youth Development (India)
On 27 March 2026, Dr BUENCONSEJO delivered an online keynote titled “Promoting Positive Youth Development Across Diverse Developmental Contexts” at an international seminar hosted by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in Tamil Nadu, India. Joining a panel of esteemed scholars from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Thailand, he shared his research programme on the measurement and contextualisation of PYD. Organised under India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the seminar brought together researchers and policymakers to discuss youth empowerment, leadership, and mental health in the digital era.

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, delivered a keynote titled “Bridging Research, Practice, and Policy in Social Work: Interdisciplinary and Technology-Driven Pathways from Evidence to Impact,” at the 15th European Conference for Social Work Research (ECSWR 2026) on 17 April 2026. Hosted by Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of Dundee, the conference is widely recognised as the largest annual gathering of the social work research community in Europe.

Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, was invited as a guest speaker at the S.K.H. St. Christopher’s Home movie screening event on 21 April 2026.

During the post-screening discussion session, he offered recommendations for reviewing traditional children's home service models. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of the Small Group Home model, including modernising service delivery and strengthening staff capacity to support children in need.

A workshop on “Artificial Intelligence and Positive Youth Development” was successfully conducted on 25 April 2026, as part of the AI & Digital Human Life Story Writing Competition 2025/26. The event brought together primary and secondary school students to explore the intersection of emerging technologies and holistic youth development.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr Jet Uy BUENCONSEJO, Research Assistant Professor of APSS. During the seminar, he introduced an AI companion currently being developed by his research team. This tool is designed to nurture key PYD attributes (competence, confidence, connection, character, and compassion) among Hong Kong students, highlighting the potential of AI to support personal growth and well-being. The story writing competition is co-organised by A22 Education for All Foundation, jointed force by PolyU, The Education University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Association for Computer Education. 

Prof. Sylvia CHEN Presents a Keynote at Tsinghua University’s Psychology Centennial Conference and Symposium

On 18 April 2026, Tsinghua University in Beijing hosted a centennial commemoration and symposium marking 100 years of development in psychology within its Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science. The event was attended by the President of Tsinghua University, Prof. Luming LI, and the Vice Chair of the University Council, Prof. Bin YANG, along with university leaders, academicians, and distinguished scholars, who delivered congratulatory remarks.  Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of APSS, was invited to the celebration.

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

On 18 April 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.

Read more: https://polyu.hk/kHhsp

Prof. Ben KU Delivers a Keynote Speech at SWIC 2026

Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS, delivered a keynote speech titled “Social Work of Reconciliation and Envisioning a Better World in the Age of Disaster” at the International Conference “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global‑Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia” (SWIC 2026). The conference was held on 4–5 May 2026 at Al‑Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) in Almaty.

SWIC 2026 was co‑organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, the China and Global Development Network of the APSS, the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science at KazNU, and the International Association of Schools of Social Work. It brought together about 200 delegates from 27 countries and regions across Central Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.

Empowering the Next Generation: Career Fair for Social Work Graduating Students

The Hong Kong Social Workers Association (HKSWA), in collaboration with Connecting Hearts and the Social Welfare Department of the HKSAR Government, successfully held a Career Fair on 9 May 2026 at the Sha Tin Town Hall Exhibition Gallery.

A series of thematic sessions provided both academic and practice-based insights. Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, co-facilitated a session on organisational development and talent cultivation in the social welfare sector. Another session, co-moderated by Dr Kong YAM, Senior Lecturer at APSS and Programme Leader of BA (Hons) in Social Work, focused on elderly and community care services.

JC Project Bonfire Celebrates Key Milestone with Graduation of Cluster 2 Trajectory Development Managers and House Parents

On 30 April 2026, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, in collaboration with APSS, hosted the JC Project Bonfire Cluster 2 Trajectory Development Managers (TDMs) & House Parents (HPs) Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the professional achievements of 15 TDMs and 67 HPs, marking a significant milestone in JC Project Bonfire’s mission to enhance the quality of care and promote positive trajectories for children and youth (C&Y) in Residential Child Care Services (RCCS).

Through structured, evidence-based professional training organised by APSS and JC Project Bonfire continues to strengthen the support ecosystem for C&Y in RCCS. Graduates have acquired specialised knowledge and practical skills to provide sustained guidance and support, empowering C&Y to thrive and realise their full potential.

Departmental Staff Retreat 2026: Uniting for Progress and Enhancing Collegiality

APSS held its Staff Retreat cum 2nd Staff Meeting 2025/26 on 18 May 2026, bringing together 120 academic and administrative staff. The day began with an ice-breaking Bingo game, followed by a staff meeting covering departmental updates. A team-building training session centred on self-awareness, self-care and community building further enriched the Retreat.

APSS Bids Farewell to Retiring Colleagues

While Dr Allen DORCAS (Senior Lecturer, served for nearly 19 years in APSS), Dr Siu-wai LIT (Principal Clinical Associate, served for over 26 years in PolyU), and Mr Denny YEUNG (Instructor, served for nearly 9 years in APSS) are greatly missed by the APSS community, we celebrated their many years of service on 21 May 2026 and wished them a fulfilling new chapter.

Prof. Eric CHUI Delivers a Plenary Presentation at the International Conference on Child Protection at Nanjing University

On 13 June 2026, Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS, Co-Director of PReCIT, ADoRCESGA and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, delivered a plenary presentation titled: “Building a System for the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Hong Kong” at the International Conference on Practice Innovation and Standards for Social Work Services in Child Protection in Nanjing.

This conference was hosted by the China Social Work Academy, organised by the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Nanjing University and supported by the UNICEF China Office.

APSS Signs MoU with Department of Psychology at Sun Yat-sen University

On 25 June 2026, APSS signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Psychology at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration in psychology education between the two institutions. The MoU focuses on several key areas of cooperation, including student and staff exchanges, joint training programmes, collaborative research initiatives, and co-organised academic activities and events.

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 from 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.

From 11 May to 15 May 2026, APSS organised a five-day study tour to Shanghai to broaden students’ global perspectives, promote cultural exchange, and foster knowledge sharing with university communities and mental health organisations. A total of 36 students from the Master of Applied Psychology, Master of Applied Psychology (Diverse Learning Needs), and Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology programmes took part. This tour, planned and led by Dr Herrick WONG (Lecturer and Programme Leader of Master of Applied Psychology), Dr Huijing LU (Associate Professor and Programme Leader of Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology), Dr Yin WU (Associate Professor), Dr Melinna MEI (Research Assistant Professor), Dr Karen KWAN (Research Assistant Professor), and Dr Cehao YU (Research Assistant Professor), offered an enriching learning experience that integrated academic inquiry with cultural exploration.

From 17 May to 23 May 2026, APSS organised an enriching study tour to Taiwan. A total of 30 students from the Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Arts in Mental Health, and Master of Arts in Social Work participated in the tour, which was led by Prof. Herman LO (Associate Professor), Prof. Angel LAI (Assistant Professor), and Dr Stella WONG (Clinical Associate).

Students remained actively engaged throughout the exchange. For example, students delivered a presentation introducing child protection services in Hong Kong to local faculty members and students, followed by in-depth discussions on child abuse issues in both regions. This study tour broadened students’ professional perspectives, strengthened cross-regional academic exchange, and created opportunities for future collaboration in counselling, mental health and social work.

From 17 May to 25 May 2026, 26 APSS undergraduate students from the BA (Hons) in Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship and the BA (Hons) in Social Work participated in an educational study tour to Warsaw, Poland. This tour was led by Dr Javier PANG (Lecturer) and Dr Anna ISKRA (Research Assistant Professor). This trip offered students a unique opportunity to explore civil society, social innovation, refugee integration, urban community development, and the complex political landscape of Central Europe. As part of the academic programme, the group visited the University of Warsaw, one of Europe's most prestigious and historical universities, and APSS’s partner in the innovative Dual Degree Programme. This engagement deepened students’ understanding of current Polish and European affairs, including migration and its humanitarian consequences, migration policy, the rule of law, and the role of civil society in democratic societies.

The APSS Mentorship Programme 2026–2028 has officially commenced, continuing its mission to strengthen connections between graduating students and experienced alumni while supporting participants’ professional and personal development.

The kick-off ceremony was successfully held on 30 May 2026, bringing together mentors and mentees for their first introductions and exchanges. The event marked the beginning of a two-year mentorship journey. This year, a total of 85 participants, including 31 alumni mentors and 54 student mentees, were successfully matched.

APSS’s Graduates Association (APSSGA) participated in the PolyU Homecoming 2026 Friendly Futsal Match held on 12 April 2026, organised by the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office. Demonstrating outstanding teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, the APSSGA team performed impressively throughout the match and secured the 1st runner-up position.