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Occupational Therapy in East Asia: Concepts, Principles and Practice

27 Jan 2026

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Occupational Therapy in East Asia: Concepts, Principles and Practice, edited by Hector Wing Hong Tsang, with Stella Wai Chee Cheng and David Wai Kwong Man


Occupational Therapy in East Asia:

Concepts, Principles and Practice

Edited by Hector Wing Hong Tsang, with Stella Wai Chee Cheng and David Wai Kwong Man

 

 

We are delighted to announce the release of the Department’s first textbook on occupational therapy (OT): Occupational Therapy in East Asia: Concepts, Principles and Practice. Being also the first OT textbook specific to the Asia Pacific region, it combines the strenuous efforts of the writing team over the past four years, comprising mainly RS OT professionals and a dozen experts in OT or rehabilitation from other parts of Asia.

 

Book Description

This is the first major textbook on occupational therapy (OT) aimed at students and practitioners based in Asia.

Written by a team of authors mainly based in Hong Kong, the book is divided into four sections. Section I presents the history of OT in the region as well as those key theories which underpin it. Section II introduces the essentials of OT practice. From assessment through to evaluation and intervention, these chapters cover five key therapeutic areas in which occupational therapists work: providing support for sensory and motor functions, providing support for cognitive and perceptual issues, providing support for psychosocial issues, providing support for returning to home and the community (including the use of assistive technology), and providing support for returning to the workplace. Section III then details a range of case studies to show occupational therapists in action, while Section IV looks at how the field is developing, including the increasing use of AI and other technologies. Throughout the book, cultural factors specific to the region are highlighted.

An ideal resource for any student in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Singapore, or Taiwan, China, this outstanding text is also a key reference work for practitioners in the region.

 

Editors’ Information

Hector Wing Hong Tsang, trained as an occupational therapist, amassed over ten years of clinical experience in psychiatric and geriatric rehabilitation before moving to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1997. He was Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of the University from 2017 to January 2024 and is currently Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences. He has focused on integrative medicine and psychiatric rehabilitation for people with severe mental illness for over 30 years.

 

Stella Wai Chee Cheng has been a Professor of Practice in Occupational Therapy at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University since 2018. She was the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association from 2018 to 2024 and has been the Hong Kong Delegate to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists since 2016.

 

David Wai Kwong Man currently serves as the Vice President (Academic) at Tung Wah College, Hong Kong, bringing over 40 years of experience in occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences. He formerly worked at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His specialization lies in cognitive rehabilitation, and he conducts research in basic neurosciences related to prospective memory, including leading clinical trials for individuals with cognitive decline. An internationally recognized scholar, David has held various leadership roles and made significant contributions to curriculum development, thereby enhancing academia.

 

Critics' Reviews

Authored by many of the world’s occupational therapy experts, the Occupational Therapy in East Asia textbook offers a comprehensive summary of foundational occupational therapy practice based on the latest empirical knowledge, combined with clear descriptions of state-of-the-art guidelines for how occupational therapy can be effectively provided in Asia. This is the ideal occupational therapy textbook.

Mark P. JensenUniversity of Washington, United States

 

Tsang, Cheng, and Man’s book, Occupational Therapy in East Asia: Concepts, Principles and Practice breaks new ground as a comprehensive go-to text for students studying occupational therapy. The topics and case studies are relevant, culturally grounded, and informed by cutting-edge East-meets-West scientific research. This text belongs on the shelf (or e-reader) of every student planning a career in occupational therapy, regardless of national origin.

Renée R. TaylorUniversity of Illinois Chicago, United States

 

As the first occupational therapy textbook published in Hong Kong, the book’s East-meets-West cultural background and approach to rehabilitation make it highly recommended for use in occupational therapy education in Chinese Mainland.

Lijuan Ao,Kunming Medical University, China

 

Occupational Therapy in East Asia is an essential resource for students, uniquely addressing the intersection of cultural nuances and clinical practice. Its insightful case studies and East-meets-West rehabilitation approaches make it an invaluable guide for aspiring rehabilitation professionals across Asia and beyond.

Marco PangThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

 

Ordering Details

Please visit Routledge website (www.routledge.com/9781032721200) to learn more about the book and place an order.

 

 

 


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