News

Prof. Shirley Ngai Receives The President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

Prof. Shirley Ngai Receives The President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025   We are delighted to announce that Professor Shirley Ngai, Associate Head & Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been honoured with The President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025 of PolyU in recognition of her exceptional contributions to rehabilitation education.   Professor Ngai has demonstrated exemplary leadership through her innovative teaching practices, impactful seminars and conferences, and her strong commitment to student‑staff collaboration. Her efforts in initiatives such as the Development Programme for Advancing Clinical Education (the PACE Programme), international academic partnerships, and global education development have significantly advanced the department’s reputation locally and internationally.   This award celebrates not only Professor Ngai’s achievements but also the collaborative spirit and shared pursuit of excellence within our department. We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Ngai and thank her for her dedication, passion, and lasting contributions to the profession.

Occupational Therapy in East Asia: Concepts, Principles and Practice

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. Jensen, University 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. Taylor, University 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 Pang, The 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.      

PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences rolls out “Better Ageing in Community Campaign” with community groups, leveraging AI to assess fall risk in nearly 900 elderly in first phase

(24 January 2026) Falls are a serious issue among Hong Kong’s elderly. Approximately one in five community-dwelling elderly aged 65 or above has experienced a fall, placing a great strain on medical and healthcare systems. To proactively address health challenges brought by an ageing population, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has, since January last year, partnered with multiple community groups to launch the “Better Ageing in Community Campaign”, using the Department’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology to conduct fall risk screening for the elderly. During the first phase, nearly 900 elderly residents on Hong Kong Island were assessed, with 26% identified as high-risk individuals. To date, over 100 attendants have received 12-week fall prevention training from the University. The PolyU team plans to expand the project to Kowloon district and establish a large-scale elderly health database, benefitting more people with the aid of an enhanced AI model.   A sharing session was held today, attended by Mr Chris SUN, Secretary for Labour and Welfare; The Hon. Tommy CHEUNG, Executive Council Member; The Hon. SHIU Ka-fai, Legislative Council Member, from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China; Dr Roy CHUNG, Honorary Chairman of the PolyU Court; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; and Prof. Amy FU, Associate Head of the Department, from PolyU. The session also included various district officers, district councillors, partner organisation representatives, students and elderly participants, to review the first-phase achievements and look ahead to future developments.   Mr Chris Sun stated, “Daily outings are often a challenge for elderly persons whose physical functions are gradually declining. The ‘Better Ageing in Community Campaign’ demonstrates admirable thoughtfulness by addressing the issue of fall prevention among elderly persons, thereby reducing the risks they face in daily life. The Government also places great emphasis on making good use of gerontechnology to enhance the quality of life for elderly persons. It is planning to launch a pilot scheme to install smart detection devices in 300 high-risk caregiver households, enabling caregivers and/or care recipients to receive timely and appropriate assistance in case of home accidents through the use of technology.”   Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “Artificial intelligence offers a crucial direction for global research development. PolyU is committed to applying AI technology in healthcare, rehabilitation therapy and primary healthcare in communities, while promoting interdisciplinary research and translating research outcomes into practical applications that benefit society. This project is not only a community healthcare initiative but also an exemplar of the University’s research outcomes being put into practice. In the future, PolyU will continue to strengthen its research in AI, big data and smart healthcare, working with all sectors of society to promote more innovative projects, enhance citizens’ quality of life and promote healthy ageing.”   Since January last year, the faculty of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has led physiotherapy and occupational therapy students to conduct fall risk screening for 891 eligible elderly residents on Hong Kong Island, including the “walking speed test” and the “sit-to-stand test”. The team successfully identified 235 elderly individuals with higher fall risk, representing approximately 26% of participants and arranged for them to attend 12-week fall prevention exercise training classes provided by the Department. The elderly participants responded enthusiastically, and generally agreed that appropriate exercise helps strengthen muscles and better enables them to cope with the demands of daily life.   The project team previously conducted telephone interviews with elderly participants of the fall risk screening and found that approximately 20% had fallen in the past year, with half of them requiring medical attention. Analysis also revealed that the “walking speed test” and the “sit-to-stand test” can effectively predict fall risk in elderly men, while fall risk in elderly women is not only related to the walking speed test results but also their weight-to-height ratio.   Prof. Marco Pang and Prof. Amy Fu, who led the project, stated that the research team plans to expand the project to Kowloon and establish a large-scale elderly health database, while further optimising AI model training and developing more personalised and effective fall prevention solutions. At the same time, the team will strengthen collaboration with community organisations, the social welfare sector and the healthcare sector to extend AI screening to more communities, with the aim of reducing pressure on the healthcare system in the long term and enhancing elderly health and support for community elderly care. The PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences leverages AI technology to conduct fall risk screening for the elderly. The elderly who have participated in the fall prevention training by PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences responded enthusiastically, and generally agreed that appropriate exercise helps strengthen muscles and better enables them to cope with the demands of daily life.  

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Inaugurates MPT and MOT Programmes for Academic Year 2025/26

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) celebrated the inauguration of the Master in Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes for the 2025/26 academic year on 8 January 2026. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Mrs Winnie Kang, JP, Commissioner for Rehabilitation from the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, underscoring the significance of these programmes in shaping the future of rehabilitation services.   Prof. Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation, and Head of PolyU RS, delivered an inspiring address. He highlighted the evolution of the master’s programmes and the growing recognition of physiotherapists and occupational therapists as first‑contact healthcare professionals.   A further highlight of the event was the sharing of success stories by Dr James Lee, an MOT graduate, and Mr Matthew Chan, an MPT graduate, who encouraged the new cohort of students to aspire to excellence. The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 2025 to Prof. William Wu. Prof. Wu’s distinguished career and contributions to medical science make him an outstanding and deserving recipient of this accolade.   A key moment of the event was the Student Pledge Ceremony, led by Prof. Pang. New students took an oath pledging to uphold the core values and ethical standards of their professions. This symbolic moment marked the beginning of their journey into the impactful fields of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, reaffirming their commitment to serving the community with compassion and integrity.   Under the Social Welfare Department’s Training Sponsorship Scheme, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has been offering the two‑year full‑time entry‑level MPT and MOT programmes in alternate years since 2012, and on an annual basis since 2021. Both programmes have played a crucial role in training future rehabilitation professionals, contributing significantly to alleviating manpower shortages in these essential healthcare sectors.

RS Alumnus Mr Eddie Wong Named Outstanding PolyU Alumni 2025

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is delighted to announce that Mr Eddie WONG Kwok-hing, CSDSM, Commissioner of Correctional Services for the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, has been conferred the prestigious "Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2025". Mr Wong is a distinguished alumnus of our department, having received his Professional Diploma in Occupational Therapy in 1989.   Mr Eddie Wong Kwok-hing has served in the Correctional Services Department (CSD) for over 36 years. He joined the CSD as Officer in 1989 and was promoted to Senior Superintendent of Correctional Services in 2014, and to Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services in 2017, before being appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services in 2018. He assumed the post of Commissioner of Correctional Services in 2022. Mr Wong has been committed to utilising innovative technologies to promote the high-quality development of penal management, including the systems under the “Smart Prison” project, which were awarded a Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva for three consecutive years. Mr Wong has also introduced diversified rehabilitation programmes, such as “Project JET” launched in 2022 that provides “onestop” training and career development opportunities for persons in custody (PICs), and the Ethics College established in 2023 that offers a Diploma of Applied Education programme for PICs. Maintaining a close connection with the University, Mr Wong has facilitated collaboration between the CSD and PolyU to promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry and charity services. He also actively participates in PolyU’s events, sharing his extensive experience with the PolyU community.   Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Mr Wong on this well-deserved recognition. His dedication to transforming lives and fostering a safer, more compassionate society serves as an inspiration to us all.

PolyU’s 2nd International Conference on Teaching and Learning Innovations in Rehabilitation Sciences Draws Over 1,000 Experts to Explore AI-/ Technology-driven Pedagogy and Future Education

(12 December 2025) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted the 2nd International Conference on Teaching and Learning Innovations in Rehabilitation Sciences on 11 and 12 December 2025. Organised by PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the event brought together over 1,000 students, educators, researchers, academics and practitioners from Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and North America to share the latest advancements and innovative practices in the field.   The conference served as a dynamic platform for exploring the future of rehabilitation sciences education. Highlights included sessions on global perspectives in healthcare education, the integration of artificial intelligence in rehabilitation, and cutting-edge technologies that are shaping patient care and professional training. The event aimed to foster collaboration and inspire new approaches to teaching and learning in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Undergraduate and post-graduate students also presented their creative research projects at the conference.   In his opening remarks, Prof. Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, emphasised the importance of educational innovation. He stated, “Rehabilitation sciences are advancing rapidly, driven by technological breakthroughs and evolving patient needs. As educators and practitioners, we have a responsibility to ensure that our teaching methods and curricula keep pace with these changes. Innovation in education is not simply an option; it is essential for preparing the next generation of professionals who will lead this transformation.”   Prof. David Shum, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at PolyU, highlighted the university’s commitment to leading-edge education. “Our mission goes beyond imparting knowledge; we strive to create transformative learning experiences that prepare graduates to meet complex challenges in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. By integrating technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and embracing global perspectives, we ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and adaptability needed for tomorrow’s world.” The conference successfully showcased this vision, reinforcing PolyU’s position as a global leader in rehabilitation sciences.   Distinguished international keynote speakers shared their expertise on critical topics. Prof. Nerina Scarinci of The University of Queensland discussed patient- and family-centred communication. Prof. May Lim from the Singapore Institute of Technology addressed the role of AI in rethinking learning and assessment. Prof. Euson Yeung of the University of Toronto challenged educators to evolve assessment practices in the age of generative AI, while PolyU’s own Prof. Shirley Ngai presented on transforming physiotherapy education with AI-enhanced simulation.   The conference concluded with a resounding commitment to advancing rehabilitation sciences through innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education. This event not only highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches but also reaffirmed the critical role PolyU in shaping the future of rehabilitation and improving lives worldwide.

QS Reimagine Education Award 2025

The team of Prof. Marco Pang, Prof. Shirley Ngai, Prof. Sam Chan, Mr Stanley Wu, Mr Ricco Yip and Mr Dereck Fu has earned the Nurturing Employability (Silver Award) at the QS Reimagine Education Awards & Conference 2025. This prestigious recognition, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Education,’ highlights their innovative contributions to enhancing student learning outcomes and employability. Their award-winning initiative, the Standardised Programme for Advancing Clinical Education (SPACE), is designed for senior-year students. SPACE immerses learners in authentic clinical simulations with standardised patients for pre-clinical training which bridges the gap between university training and real-world practice in clinical placement. By refining practical skills and fostering critical thinking, this programme equips students to excel in their professional journeys. This remarkable achievement not only underscores the team’s commitment to educational excellence but also elevates the global reputation of PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.

RS PhD Student Ms Chelsia Cheung Wins Best Paediatric Spine Paper Award at the 45th Annual Congress of the Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association

We are delighted to share the good news that Ms Chelsia Cheung, a PhD student of Prof. Arnold Wong, has won the Best Paediatric Spine Paper Award at the 45th Annual Congress of the Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association. Her paper is titled “Acceptance and commitment therapy versus education for improving psychological well-being in parents and children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: An Interim Analysis of A randomized controlled trial.”   Her research focuses on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which affects up to 4% of teenagers and can progress rapidly during puberty. While traditional treatments concentrate on physical aspects, AIS also impacts the psychological well-being of adolescents and their parents. Ms Cheung’s study integrates psychology and orthopaedics to support families using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a novel cognitive behavioural approach that emphasises the acceptance of pain and suffering. This randomised controlled trial compares ACT with AIS education in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents and/or their children with AIS. Preliminary results show greater, though non-significant, improvements in these outcomes and in psychological flexibility for the ACT group.   Please join us in congratulating Ms Cheung on this achievement.

PolyU’s 14th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation Concludes with Over 350 Global Experts Advancing Rehabilitation Sciences

The 14th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation (PPCR 2025), hosted by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) at InnoCentre, successfully concluded and brought together over 350 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students from more than 16 countries and regions across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. The event, held from 8 to 9 November, served as a major international platform for advancing the future of rehabilitation.   Under the theme "Innovations in Rehabilitation Sciences: Research, Education and Knowledge Transfer," the conference featured a dynamic programme of 5 keynote speeches, over 50 oral presentations, over 140 poster presentations and 5 pre- and post-conference workshops. Participants explored critical sub-themes including Primary Healthcare, Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Wellness, Physical Rehabilitation, Intelligent Rehabilitation, and Education and Rehabilitation, fostering collaboration and sharing cutting-edge research.   The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health of the HKSAR Government of the People’s Republic of China, who emphasised how closely this year’s conference theme aligns with the strategic imperatives laid out in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. Dr Lam remarked, “The focus on research, education, and knowledge transfer in rehabilitation is not just an academic pursuit, but is vital to driving the next chapter of Hong Kong’s public healthcare services. Our government is committed to building Hong Kong into an International Innovation and Technology Centre, placing life and health technologies, artificial intelligence, and data science at the core of our development. This commitment is not abstract; it translates to better health, function, and quality of life for every citizen in need of rehabilitation.”   Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, welcomed the global delegates and stressed on the university’s role in driving innovation. "The conference theme resonates deeply with our university's core mission to translate pioneering research into meaningful educational programmes and societal impact. We are proud to facilitate this exchange of knowledge that drives our field forward."   This year’s keynote speeches covered a wide spectrum of innovative and timely topics in the field by distinguished speakers - Dr Ickpyo Hong from Yonsei University (South Korea), Prof. HU Xiangen from PolyU (Hong Kong), Prof. Linda LI from the University of British Columbia (Canada), Prof. Maritta Anneli VÄLIMÄKI from University of Helsinki (Finland) and Prof. YUAN Ti-fei from Shanghai Jiaotong University (Chinese Mainland), with topics ranging from digital health and data-driven rehabilitation outcomes, application of artificial intelligence and virtual rehabilitation, to technology-enhanced intervention for mental health rehabilitation, and the role of neuroengineering and brain-computer interfaces in advancing rehabilitation.   The conference not only highlighted academic and clinical advancements but also strengthened the global network of rehabilitation professionals. The high level of international participation underscored the conference's reputation as a premier event in the Asia-Pacific region.

PolyU RS Signs Clinical Placement Agreement with Nanjing Medical University

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce the signing of a Clinical Placement Agreement with Nanjing Medical University, marking a significant step forward in academic and clinical collaboration. This agreement establishes a formal partnership aimed at enhancing clinical training opportunities for students, promoting joint development in rehabilitation sciences. Through this collaboration, students from PolyU will gain valuable hands-on experience in clinical settings at Nanjing Medical University, enriching their professional competencies and global exposure. Both institutions expressed strong commitment to advancing rehabilitation education and practice through shared expertise, resources, and innovative approaches. The partnership reflects a mutual dedication to nurturing future healthcare professionals and strengthening cross-border academic ties.