Latest News and Achievements of APSS (Sep 2025 issue)
Prof. Edward Ko Ling CHAN Nominated to Serve on Senate
Prof. Edward Ko Ling CHAN, RGC Senior Research Fellow & Chair Professor of Child and Family Welfare, was nominated to serve on the Senate of PolyU for the term of office from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027.
Prof. Elsie YAN Appointed as a Member of The University Staffing Committee
Prof. Elsie YAN, Professor of APSS, has been appointed to be a member of the University Staffing Committee (USC) for the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027. USC plays an important role in maintaining the University-wide standard for appointment, promotion and retention under the Framework for New Appointment, Promotion and Further Appointment of PolyU Academic Staff.
Dr Stella WONG Appointed to Mediation Support Group
Dr Stella WONG, Clinical Associate of APSS, has been appointed to PolyU’s Mediation Support Group. In this role, Dr WONG will facilitate discussions between the two parties involved in a recent complaint, aiming to resolve the issue through mediation before it escalates to a formal review by the relevant Committee.
Project / Grant Awards
PI: Prof. Mathew WONG, Associate Professor of APSS
Proposal title: Research Study on Consumer Demand for Exotic Reptiles and Birds in Hong Kong
Co-I: Prof. Lin NIE, Assistant Professor of APSS
Funding amount: HK$203,000 (US$26,000)
Funding scheme: World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (Collaborative)
Project period: July 2025 - March 2026
Project brief: As part of the GUARD Wildlife Project — Global United Action to Reduce and Dismantle Wildlife Crime funded by the European Union and led by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, WWF Hong Kong has launched an initiative to reduce consumer demand for exotic pets in Hong Kong with several local partners. The team from the Centre of Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE), led by Prof. Wong and Prof. NIE, will contribute to the project by conducting research on understanding consumer demand for exotic pets locally. Details of the collaboration can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wwf-hong-kong_wwf-wildlifeconservation-guard-activity-7363102402712887296-OpZW
PI: Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies and Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences
Proposal title: Impact of Service-Learning through Corporate-Community-University Partnership: Project WeCan in Hong Kong
Co-PI: Prof. Xiang LI, Assistant Professor, Prof. Xiaoqin ZHU, Assistant Professor, Prof. Diya DOU, Assistant Professor, Dr Lindan TAN, Research Assistant Professor of APSS
Co-I: Dr Yammy CHAK, Lecturer of APSS
Funding amount: HK$750,000
Funding scheme: Project WeCan Foundation Limited (Donation)
Project period: 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029
Project brief: In the past decade, Prof. Shek and his colleagues collaborated with Project WeCan of Wharf (Holdings) Limited to develop and implement Service-Learning (SL) projects in Project WeCan schools serving students with greater academic and psychosocial needs. Extensive evaluation research work showed that SL service provided by PolyU students benefitted PolyU students, Project WeCan students and schools and the university teachers. In this new project, they will continue our collaboration with Project WeCan schools and conduct research to understand the impacts of the SL projects on different stakeholders, including service providers, service recipients and school staff as well as their related views on the SL projects.
Honoured with the Second-class Award under the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education of China
A PolyU team led by Prof. Yin WU, Associate Professor of APSS, has conducted interdisciplinary research to uncover the neurocognitive correlates of testosterone in the brain function of young men, and their impact on social behaviour. It has been found that exogenous testosterone administration reduces generosity, particularly when interacting with more distant others. Besides, a single dose of testosterone can positively influence state self-esteem, particularly in positive social environments.
PolyU Press release:
English - https://polyu.me/4mqVOH6;
Chinese - https://polyu.me/45vlEUN
Online coverage:
Medical Xpress - https://polyu.me/4oqBRlQ
Mirage News - https://polyu.me/45yTIPU
Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/41lW7ec
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4525DFL (subscription required)
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4mbRrjm
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/45e1TzH
hkong.hk - https://polyu.me/46ArJjQ
TVB - https://polyu.me/4m2LXYa (00:49 - 01:22)
CRHK - https://polyu.me/4lcj8Y7 (2025-08-05 part 3) (16:44 - 19:09) (subscription required)
Hong Kong Economic Journal - http://polyu.me/3HWRWPs (subscription required)
Prof. Mathew WONG Awarded 2025 Politics Prize for Best Publication
We are pleased to announce that Prof. Mathew WONG, Associate Professor of APSS, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Politics Prize for Best Publication by the journal Politics (JCR Q1). This prize recognises outstanding contributions to the field of political studies.
For more details, please visit the links below:
https://x.com/JournalPolitics/status/1968235680007618727
https://journals.sagepub.com/page/pol/collections/awards/politics-prizes
Congratulations to Mathew!
Achievement in AIREA International Competition on AI in Education 2025
Prof. Richard LI’s, Assistant Professor of APSS, innovative project, titled “Enhancing Social and Emotional Learning of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder through a Gamified Interactive Virtual Community of Generative Agents (ESAIAS),” won the Championship (Open Category – Stream 3) for the AIREA International Competition on Artificial Intelligence in Education 2025. This recognition underscores Prof. LI’s commitment to advancing educational practices through technology.
Congratulations to Prof. LI and his team for this outstanding accomplishment!
For more information about the competition, visit AIREA - AI in Education.
(Photo captured from the HKFEW website)
Dr Rodney CHU Won Territory-Wide Competition Award
We are thrilled to announce that Dr Rodney CHU, Senior Lecturer of APSS, was selected as one of the ten winners of a territory-wide competition (香港教育工作者聯會 - 第四屆十大最「美」教師選舉). He is the only awardee in the tertiary education sector.
Dr CHU expressed his gratitude to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) for the nomination. Congratulations to Dr CHU on this award!
2025 Departmental Best Teaching Award
The Departmental Best Teaching Award acknowledges and celebrates our staff members’ commitment and dedication to enabling student teaching and learning.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/kTQVK
Prof. Yin WU Secures K.C. Wong Belt and Road Visiting Fellowship
We are pleased to announce that Prof. Yin WU, Associate Professor of APSS, has successfully secured the K.C. Wong Belt and Road Visiting Fellowship Scheme 2025/26.
Media Reports
(Photo captured from Sohu)
Visiting Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
A delegation led by Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies and Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences, visited the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in early July and met with the officials to discuss further strengthening cooperation between Ningxia and Hong Kong. The meeting focused on supporting the development of Ningxia’s specialty product brands, enhancing cultural and tourism cooperation, and deepening youth exchanges between the two places.
Online coverage:
Sohu - https://polyu.me/40fcsRB
(Photo captured from Jinan News)
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of Jinan Service Learning Programme
Recently, the opening ceremony of the "2025 Jinan Hope Journey Service Learning Programme" summer camp was held in Jinan, China. The event aims to promote the learning and growth of young people. Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies and Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences, said: “The Service Learning Programme is a unique initiative by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in collaboration with Shandong University. It aims to engage PolyU students in practical experiences in Jinan, enhancing academic exchanges with mainland universities. We also aim to provide services to nurture primary school students in leadership skills and positive youth development. Students are encouraged to seize this opportunity, explore actively, communicate, and build knowledge and friendships”.
Online coverage:
Jinan News: https://www.aijinan.com.cn/sharepage/content.html?id=1480468&catid=25
HKCD: https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content_app/2025-08/10/content_8708295.html
Securing Public Policy Research Funding Scheme Theme-Based Funding
The projects led by Prof. Sylvia CHEN, Associate Dean of FHSS and Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology, and Prof. Lu YU, Associate Head & Associate Professor of APSS, have been granted funding for the theme-based exercise specially launched for education-related policies under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025-26.
Online coverage:
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4lrpJhy
(Photo captured from the RTHK)
Research Reveals Correlation Between Testosterone Levels and Behavioural Traits
Prof. Yin WU, Associate Professor of APSS, was featured on RTHK’s radio programme “Backchat” to elaborate on his research about the correlation between testosterone and brain function in young men. It has been found that exogenous testosterone administration reduces generosity, particularly when interacting with more distant others.
Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/41H4YHt (18:02 - 24:51)
(Photo captured from NowTV)
Developing Bazaar Economy
Dr Chi Yuen LEUNG, Lecturer of APSS, was featured on Now TV’s programme “News Magazine” to share his insights into the challenges of developing the bazaar economy in Hong Kong.
Online coverage:
Now TV - https://polyu.me/47A7pzl (part 1); https://polyu.me/3JlzpN9 (part 2)
(Photo captured from HKEJ)
Insights into Mindfulness
Prof. Herman LO, Associate Professor of APSS, shared his insights into mindfulness in an interview with Hong Kong Economic Journal.
Online coverage:
Hong Kong Economic Journal - http://polyu.me/4fNGQJh (subscription required)
(Photo captured from Toutiao)
Mental Health Education Training in Fujian
Prof. Daniel T. L. SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme), Dean of College of Undergraduate Studies and Chair Professor of Applied Social Sciences, provided a training programme about mental health education to teachers from Gutian County, Fujian, from 18 to 19 August 2025.
Online coverage:
Toutiao - https://polyu.me/4oIr5Yh
E-Cigarettes Use Among Hong Kong Young People
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 (PReCIT), shared his insights into the issue of e-cigarettes use among youth in an interview with Bastille Post.
Online coverage:
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4natzNt
PReCIT Submits 2025 Policy Address Recommendations
PolyU’s PReCIT has submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address. The recommendations are structured according to two key themes: driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.
Press release:
English - https://polyu.me/3VsdwP1; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4lSuyR5
Online coverage:
CRHK - https://polyu.me/4nbUcS2
Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3K1fL9r
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3HEh3GX; https://polyu.me/46ddC23
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/45LcpQE
Line Today - https://polyu.me/462Vzvi
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/41CGfUZ
HK01 - https://polyu.me/3I4NJcE
Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/489DjmH
Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3HOpIqn
Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4nkJKYv
hkong.hk - https://polyu.me/4m4IY0w
China Review News - https://polyu.me/41HnXlA
(Photo captured from CRHK News)
Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering and Director of PReCIT, and Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of the PReCIT, were interviewed by CRHK’s radio programme “Beautiful Sunday”. They elaborated on PReCIT’s recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address submitted earlier in early September 2025.
CRHK Beautiful Sunday - https://polyu.me/4mNNwcV (subscription required)
CRHK News - https://polyu.me/3V7rrtN
Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3I5iQVB
Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4gdnygE (subscription required)
Yahoo HK - http://polyu.me/3VGP900
Line Today - https://polyu.me/4pciFIE
Prof. Eric CHUI was also interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “HK2000” to elaborate on PReCIT’s recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address submitted earlier in September 2025.
Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/46p1j3R (50:44 - 1:05:31)
Prof. CHUI was interviewed by RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United” to share his views on the initiatives about social services announced in the Policy Address.
Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/46IDPa1 (07:07 - 09:03)
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 Mainland China.
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."
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Prof. Juan CHEN Keynotes at Inter-school MUN Conference on Urbanisation and Well-being
Prof. Juan CHEN, Associate Head of APSS and Associate Director of MHRC, was invited to deliver the keynote speech titled "Urbanisation, Governance, and Well-being" for the Inter-school Model United Nations Conference Hong Kong, which took place at PolyU from 12 to 13 July 2025. The theme this year was “Envision To Elevate", and more than 500 high-flying secondary school students in Hong Kong participated in the event.
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Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, was invited as one of the panelists 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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/KKqZY
APSS Co-Hosts Students at PolyU Summer Institute 2025
APSS is thrilled to co-host the PolyU Summer Institute 2025, organised by the PolyU Global Engagement Office. This initiative allowed us to welcome a group of enthusiastic secondary school students who were eager to explore the fields of healthcare and social sciences, providing them with insights into cutting-edge practices in local integrated youth services.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/NhmfM
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Rolling out the Welcome Mat for 2025 New Student-Athletes
On 25 August 2025, APSS hosted a reception to welcome our student-athletes. During the reception, APSS outlined the resources and services available to student-athletes, ensuring they have the necessary guidance to thrive in both their academic and competitive athletic endeavours.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/rhFIy
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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.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/ayANI
Embarking on a New Chapter as Taught Postgraduate Students at APSS of PolyU
On 25 August 2025, APSS held an Orientation Programme for the new cohort of taught postgraduate students, with a total of over 320 freshmen this year.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/OMpDq
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!
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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 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.
An award presentation ceremony, organised in collaboration with PReCIT, was held on 30 August 2025 to recognise the outstanding student teams. The event was graced by the presence of Dr Yuk Lin CHOI, JP, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, who officiated the award presentation ceremony and engaged in an exchange session with the award-winning students.
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
Read more: https://polyu.hk/UspOG
Watch the competition workshop video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xqibtNfnnE
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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 APSS 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 (CGDN) of APSS, and the Peking University – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University China Social Work Research Centre.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/ZBIMn
Academic Exchange between APSS and China Civil Affairs University
The China and Global Development Network helped coordinate an academic exchange between the School of Social Work at China Civil Affairs University and APSS on 23 September 2025.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/mcYkC
On 2 October 2025, APSS and the School of Sociology and Anthropology at Xiamen University celebrated a significant milestone after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to foster collaborative research, academic exchanges, and joint programmes, with Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU, gracing the event. The ceremony marked the beginning of a promising partnership, with faculty members discussing future initiatives such as a joint Doctor of Social Work programme, research clusters, and service-learning opportunities for students.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/pdchg
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APSS Co-hosted “The Law, The Duty, The Action” Forum with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home
In collaboration with S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home, APSS and the Professional Practice and Assessment Centre (PPAC) jointly co-organised "The Law, The Duty, The Action" Forum on 30 September 2025 at PolyU.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/WSQKR
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Making PolyU Info Day 2025 a Resounding Success
APSS extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to dedicated staff, alumni and student volunteers whose contributions made PolyU Info Day held on 27 September 2025 a success.
To provide prospective applicants with more information, APSS organised several activities, including a programme consultation, a guided tour showcasing our learning and teaching facilities, and two 45-minute information seminars, which outlined key features of our undergraduate programmes.
Read more: https://polyu.hk/MnKtu
Students and Alumni Corner
APSSGA Joined a Futsal Match in the PolyU Alumni Sports and Wellness Day 2025
The APSS Graduates Association proudly participated in a futsal match as part of the PolyU Alumni Sports and Wellness Day 2025, organised by the PolyU Alumni Affairs Office on 26 July 2025. Our alumni not only enjoyed the games but also valued our friendship and showed good sportsmanship. It is a joy to see our alumni return and have fun, and this event is indeed an excellent opportunity to boost alumni engagement.
Find more photos: https://polyu.hk/tnNnW
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Winning the National Golden Award at Innovation Competition
Mr Nick Jingqiang ZENG, a Doctor of Social Work student at APSS, participated in the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 (中國國際大學生創新大賽2024), achieving remarkable success. This competition aims to promote the spirit of science and actively engage in technological innovation.
Nick’s leading project, "Lovely Tech Empowers Older Adults " (大愛養老), won the prestigious national Golden Award after navigating five rounds of competition at the city, provincial, and national levels.
The competition, sponsored by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (中華人民共和國教育部), is recognised as the world's largest and best roadshow platform. Nick expressed his gratitude for the invaluable support from his APSS sproject advisors, Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS, and Prof. Xue BAI, Professor of APSS and Director of the Research Centre for Gerontology and Faminly Studies, who were awarded the National Outstanding Entrepreneurship Mentor Award by the Ministry of Education.
This achievement highlights the innovative spirit and dedication of students at APSS. Congratulations to Nick on this outstanding accomplishment!
Awardee’s list: http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A08/s7056/202504/t20250418_1187857.html
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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.
APSS Graduates Association Held the Annual General Meeting and Alumni Talk
The APSS Graduates Association (APSSGA) held its Annual General Meeting on 16 August 2025. This year, the APSSGA invited Dr Alan LO, alumnus of APSS, to deliver a talk titled "Exploring Mindfulness Meditation and Its Mechanisms."
