News

RS 45th Anniversary Gala Dinner: A Grand Celebration of Achievements

This year the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) marks its 45th anniversary since its establishment in 1978. On 4 December 2023, nearly 350 esteemed guests, including government officials, PolyU senior management, collaborators, amities from various PolyU departments, as well as RS alumni, staff, and students have gathered at Hotel ICON for the culmination of a year-long series of celebratory events of RS 45th anniversary—the RS 45th Anniversary Gala Dinner. The event was graced by distinguished guests including Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (President, PolyU), Mr Chris Sun (Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Labour and Welfare Bureau), and Prof. Hector Tsang (Chair Professor and Head of RS, Interim Director of MHRC), who delivered speeches commending RS for its dedication and outstanding accomplishments over the past 45 years. The evening commenced with a kick-off ceremony, symbolizing our shining wishes for the practitioners and stakeholders of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to join hands and contribute to the allied health fields. Honorable guests, including Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, Mr Chris Sun, Dr Miranda Lou (Executive Vice President, PolyU), Dr Katherine Ngan (Court Chairman, PolyU), Ms Vega Wong (Commissioner for Rehabilitation Labour and Welfare Bureau), Dr Loretta Yam (Chairman, Departmental Advisory Committee, RS, PolyU), Dr David Mong (Chairmen and Group CEO, Shun Hing Group), Dr Cissy Choi (Assistant Commissioner for Primary Healthcare 1, Primary Healthcare Office, Health Bureau), 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, PolyU) and Prof. Hector Tsang, participated in this symbolic ceremony. It thus came with a birthday cake cutting ceremony and a toast to mark the beginning of the dinner. To give an astonishing start of the dinner, renowned celebrity Miss Gin Lee graced the stage, captivating the audience with her moving voice and appealing songs. The programme continued with impressive musical and dance performances by RS students and alumni, who were also the participants of RS’s Got Talent 2023, and then followed by an alumna sharing session led by our departmental Outstanding Alumni Awardee 2023 Ms Ada Yu (Founder and CEO, OK CARE Limited). These performances and presentation showcased the success of RS in nurturing all-rounded individuals. The dinner reached its climax with an attractive singing performance on stage, featuring the renowned celebrity Mr King Lam, who are also an RS alumnus. Prof. Hector Tsang and the VIPs then joined the team to sing classical songs in the 1980s, bringing resonance of past memory among the alumni. The music was not only entertaining but has also sparked a singing fever among all guests, staff, and students. At the end of the event, Prof. Hector Tsang delivered the closing remarks and expressed his gratitude to the PolyU senior management team and collaborators for their unwavering support to RS. He also conveyed his best wishes to RS, bringing the event to a perfect close.

13th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation (PPCR): Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

The 13th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation (PPCR), organised by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in collaboration with Chiang Mai University, was successfully held from 22 to 24 November 2023 at The Empress Convention Center, Chiangmai. With the theme "Health & Well-being Beyond the Era of New Normal," the conference convened global experts to address current advancements and challenges in rehabilitation sciences. The event commenced with a Pre-conference Workshop on 22 November, followed by two days of engaging sessions featuring 6 keynote speeches by esteemed speakers, they are Prof. Luc de Witte (Professor, Technology for Health Care, The Hague University of Applied Sciences), Prof. Andy Cheng, Ph.D. (Former Associate Head and Professor, RS, PolyU), Prof. Trevor Russell (Uni/Faculty Centre Director, RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland), Dr Natasha Brusco (Rehabilitation Stream Lead, Rehabilitation Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Health Economics Mentor; School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University), Associate Prof. Matthew Gullo (Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University), and Prof. Amy Fu (Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Assoc. Head(RS), ADoRISports and Professor, RS, PolyU) . Their presentations covered diverse topics including technology for healthcare, injury rehabilitation, aging, mental health, and pain management, reflecting the conference's broad relevance. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered the welcome speech, emphasizing the conference's alignment with global post-pandemic challenges. He expressed confidence that the event would catalyze meaningful exchanges of research and innovation ideas among participants, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries. Throughout the conference, researchers and practitioners presented their innovative work through poster and oral presentations, competing for awards that celebrated excellence in rehabilitation sciences. Additionally, a dedicated PolyU concurrent session showcased RS academic staff's latest research findings and highlighted PhD opportunities, emphasizing the department's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions and nurturing future leaders in the field. The 13th PPCR not only showcased cutting-edge research but also underscored the commitment of RS PolyU and its partners to advancing healthcare solutions in a rapidly evolving world. It served as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, driving forward the frontiers of rehabilitation sciences towards a healthier and more inclusive future.

29th Congregation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

The 29th Congregation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) was held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on the University campus on 9 Nov 2023. Congratulations to all the graduates and wish all of you could create a great impact in the rehabilitation sector!

5 RS Scholars ranked World’s Top 2% Scientists

We are delighted to share the good news that 5 RS scholars (listed below) have been ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists. The scholars were named in the latest release of the Stanford University-led compilation of citation indicators covering over 100,000 top scientists. They were grouped into 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields using indicators including information on citations, individuals’ scientific research output, co-authorship and a composite indicator for career-long citation impact up to the end of 2022. Name of Scholar Subject Field Prof. David Shum (Chair Professor) Rehabilitation Prof. Marco Pang (Chair Professor) Rehabilitation Prof. Hector Tsang (Chair Professor) Psychiatry Prof. Shamay Ng (Professor) Rehabilitation Prof. Benjamin Yee (Professor) Neurology & Neurosurgery

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Inauguration Ceremony 2023/24

The Inauguration Ceremony for the academic year 2023/2024 of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) was held in the morning of 31 August 2023. The event marked the start of a new academic journey for the incoming cohort of students. Attended by a gathering of over 200 esteemed guests, including government official, scholarship donors, clinical educators, RS academic staff and students, various stakeholders have witnessed the significant occasion. Dr Lawrence Li (Deputy Council Chairman, PolyU) warmly welcomed the newly admitted physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) undergraduate students in his opening address. He shared that for the past 15 years or so, the BSc (Hons) in PT programme had consistently ranked the first among all first-degree programmes at PolyU based on admission scores, while the BSc (Hons) in OT programme had maintained a prominent position within the top three. Dr Li also acknowledged that this year would mark Prof. Hector Tsang's (Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Head of RS, Interim Director of MHRC) final term as the Head of the department and expressed gratitude for his dedicated six-year service and contributions as the Department Head. We were so honoured to have Dr Pang Fei-chau (Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Health Bureau) as our officiating guest and delivered a speech. Dr Pang emphasised the increasing importance of rehabilitation services and highlighted the burning issue of insufficient skilled professionals in the field. He commended the new batch of PT and OT students for their dedication to serve the Hong Kong community. He also wished the freshmen a fruitful and enjoyable university life at RS. Prof. Hector Tsang has then delivered his welcome speech, highlighting the impressive accomplishments of both RS academic staff and students, and showcasing their excellence across various aspects. He mentioned the department's remarkable research performance and the international recognition it has gained, and he also elaborated on the department's continued success and ongoing endeavors. Followed by a series of prize presentations to the top students, Prof. Hector Tsang concluded the event with warm congratulations to the recently promoted staff members and expressed his gratitude to all the guests who attended the ceremony.

RS Futsal Cup 2023 Concludes with Spectacular Finale

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) celebrated its 45th Anniversary with RS Futsal Cup 2023 on 19 August 2023! The event commenced with a ceremonial first pitch, led by Ir Prof. Albert Chan (Dean of Students, Student Affairs Office, PolyU) and Prof. Andy Cheng (Associate Head and Professor, RS, PolyU). The competition featured seven teams that competed in a single-elimination format, including the OT and PT student teams, as well as the OT and PT alumni teams, along with a team of enthusiastic staff members. This event aimed to create a closer bond between students and staff, not solely focused on academics, but fostering a deeper mutual understanding. As the tournament unfolded, the competition intensified, with two standout teams emerging as contenders for the championship. Finally, the PT student team named “Go Straight Ahead (中路直隊)” won the champion, their dedication and teamwork had paid off! And the first runner-up goes to PT alumni team named “PTFC”, while the second runner-up goes to another PT student team named “MPT BB”. During the closing speech by Prof. Cheng, he highlighted that the event not only celebrated sporting excellence but also showcased RS's holistic approach. It was evident that all players thoroughly enjoyed the spirited competition! We are incredibly proud of the diverse talents of our students, alumni, and teachers, and look forward to hosting more enjoyable events in the future!

RS Summer School 2023

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Summer School 2023 program was successfully completed from 11 to 17 July 2023. With generous support from the University, the program lasted for 5 days and entertained more than 70 participants from different countries. During the program, the participants enjoyed seminars on research frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, clinic and laboratory visit as well as visits to Occupational Therapy/ Physiotherapy and other allied health services in hospital and community settings. Participants were also invited to join the RS’s Got Talent Show for the 45th anniversary celebration of RS. The participants shortlisted were with a major in Occupational and Physiotherapy and related health disciplines from prestigious universities. They were selected based on academic excellence, cultural diversity, and interest in pursuing research. The program commenced with an opening ceremony and welcome lunch for the participants and PolyU staff. Ice-breaking activities were first carried out to build rapport and followed by a campus tour, which was administered on a small group basis to provide an in-depth experience of the environments. A sharing session was then delivered by Prof. Roy Cheung and his students from Western Sydney University. On the second day, participants had a visit to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Jockey Club Rehabilitation Complex. They learned about rehabilitation services from experienced occupational/physio-therapists through talks, site tours, and exchange sessions. In the afternoon, participants were introduced to PhD programs. Dr Freddy Lam, a graduate representative and current academic staff, shared his experience with participants. This was followed by seminars with Q&A sessions in three research areas including ‘Complementary and Integrative Health in the East-West Context’, ‘Healthy Ageing’, and ‘Translational Neuroscience and Rehabilitation: Sensori-motor Systems’. The third day started with sharing by two awardees of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.  Participants were then exposed to more research areas with seminars on “Translational Neuroscience and Rehabilitation: Cognitive-affective Systems” and “Musculoskeletal and Sport Rehabilitation”. This was followed by an afternoon of clinical visits to Tuen Mun Hospital and Kwai Chung Hospital, which allowed participants to reflect more deeply on the healthcare climate in Hong Kong. On the fourth day, participants had a visit to RS’s research labs (e.g., Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory) and PT and OT clinics on campus. The visit allowed participants to engage directly with various laboratory attachments and learn more about the practice aspects of rehabilitation sciences. During the afternoon, some of the participants prepared for the evening’s Got Talent Show and formed four performing teams. They presented attractive performances, including K-pop song dancing, musical instrument playing, singing, and Sri Lankan dancing, further facilitating their communication with RS staff and students. Group consultation with Research Area Coordinators and Closing Ceremony have been cancelled due to the hoist of Typhoon Signal No.8 on the last day of program.  However, participants were encouraged to keep in touch with Faculty members to explore the opportunity for Research Studies in the RS, PolyU. 

Agreement Signing Ceremony between RS of PolyU and HELM of University of Nottingham

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) of PolyU and Health E-learning and Media Team (HELM) of School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham had held a significant agreement signing ceremony on 19 July 2023, symbolising a closer and more concrete collaborative relationship between the 2 institutions. This agreement offers RS's teaching staff a golden opportunity for development, enabling them to engage in HELM's digital learning projects and share their valuable expertise with the Team. During the signing ceremony, Prof. Kwok-yin Wong (Vice President (Education), PolyU) expressed he was confident that the agreement would bring mutual benefits through knowledge exchange and best practices in digital learning. Prof. Hector Tsang (Chair Professor and Head of RS, PolyU) also shared his opinion, emphasizing the potential growth of RS staff as they collaborate with Nottingham's pioneering digital learning initiatives. This agreement signing ceremony has signified a moment of great promise, and promoted collaborative learning and cultural exchange between the two institutions. We eagerly anticipate exploring further models and opportunities for collaboration with the University of Nottingham in various areas.

RS's Got Talent 2023 - Shines Bright in Celebrating RS's 45th Anniversary

To celebrate its 45th anniversary, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) hosted the spectacular event ‘RS's Got Talent 2023’. Not only celebrity guests were invited to perform and judge, students, alumni and teachers from RS had also showcased various musical performances. The lineup was remarkable, and the presence and performances of the stakeholders had captivated the audiences. RS's Got Talent 2023 featured a diverse range of outstanding performances by undergraduate and postgraduate students, alumni, and teachers. The event brought together 11 teams for competition, each showcasing their unique talents, including acoustic singing, dance routines, and live band performances. Among the winners, Miss Lam Sze Wing and Mr Sam Yat Kan, Year 2 OT students, received the Bronze Award for their acoustic singing performance of "Lovely", while Miss Chor Wing Sum and Miss Yi Yin Ni, also Year 2 OT students, won the Silver Award for their acoustic singing performance of "Breathing with You (留一天與你喘息)". Mr Kwan Yan Ting, a Year 2 PT student, impressed the audiences with his dazzling dance performance of a mix of K-pop songs, and had received both the Gold Award and the Peer's Choice Award, being the “Double Winner” of this event! In addition to the competition, renowned celebrities Mr Alfred Hui and Miss Gin Lee graced the stage, attracting and exciting the audiences with their moving voices as they delivered powerful and heartfelt songs. A distinguished panel of celebrity judges, including Miss Cally Kwong, Mr Clayton Cheung, and our accomplished alumnus Mr King Lam, evaluated all the performances and provided their expert insights. Mr King Lam did not only serve as a judge but also showcase his remarkable musical talent with a singing performance, strengthening the bond between the department and its successful alumni. The event was further elevated by the presence of esteemed judges of honour, including Dr Miranda Lou (Executive Vice President, PolyU), Prof. David Shum (Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology, and Dean of FHSS, PolyU), and Prof. Hector Tsang (Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Psychosocial Health, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Head, RS, Interim Director of MHRC, PolyU). Their presence added significant value to the event. The event has successfully provided a platform for individuals to showcase their multifaceted abilities, celebrate their passion for music and arts, and foster a vibrant and inclusive community within the department. In addition to the competition teams, 4 performing teams from the RS Summer School Programme delighted the audiences with their incredible skills. The teams presented attractive performances, including K-pop song dancing, musical instrument playing, singing, and Sri Lankan dancing, further enriching the overall experience of the audiences. RS's Got Talent 2023 was a significant success, not only commemorating the department's rich history, but also emphasizing its commitment to nurturing students' diverse abilities and creative talents. We are incredibly proud of our students', alumni’s and teachers’ diverse talents and look forward to hosting more enjoyable events in the future!

RS 45th Anniversary Global Exchange Programme to Taiwan: Exploring Rehabilitation Sciences in a Transformative Educational Journey

Students from the RS embarked on a transformative journey to Taiwan from 28 May to 3 June 2023, marking the department’s return to international exchanges post-COVID-19. Supported by the department, this educational initiative provided invaluable insights into occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) practices in Taiwan. The programme commenced with visits to prestigious institutions, OT students delved into innovative research on motion analysis and healthcare technologies at National Taiwan University (NTU) and University of Taipei, while PT students engaged in neurological physiotherapy sessions and hands-on simulations at NTU and Chang Gung University. These experiences not only broadened their academic horizons but also fostered lasting friendships with Taiwanese peers. Participants also immersed themselves in diverse clinical settings, observing OT and PT practices firsthand in hospitals and clinics across Taiwan. They were particularly inspired by the dedication and expertise of local therapists, enhancing their understanding of global rehabilitation practices. Beyond professional development, cultural exploration featured prominently, with visits to Taipei's vibrant night markets and cultural landmarks. These experiences complemented their academic insights, creating a well-rounded exchange experience. Reflecting on their journey, participants expressed gratitude for the department’s support and eagerly anticipate future opportunities for international exchanges, aiming to further enrich their education and contribute to the field of rehabilitation sciences globally.