News

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.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Ms Ada Yu has been selected to receive the Outstanding Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Ms Ada Yu is currently the Founder and CEO of OK CARE Limited, and Owner and Chief Physiotherapist of Atech Health Specialists.  As a physiotherapist by training, Ms Ada Yu has addressed healthcare service demands in the elderly population by establishing a company with a team of over 2,000 qualified healthcare professionals in the rehabilitation and nursing fields to provide onsite services for users. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences would like to express its heartfelt congratulations to Ms Yu for her achievements.   

Congratulations to Prof. Marco Pang on being honoured with the World Physiotherapy International Service Award in Research

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences congratulates Prof. Marco Pang (Director of University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience & Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences) on being honoured with the World Physiotherapy International Service Award in Research! This prestigious recognition was presented to him at the recent World Physiotherapy Congress held in Dubai, and he is the first physiotherapist from Hong Kong in history to receive this award! The World Physiotherapy International Service Award in Research is a highly regarded honour that is awarded only once every four years. Among the recipients of this year's Award Ceremony, Professor Pang stands out as one of the four exceptional physiotherapists from across the globe. He was personally presented with the award by Professor Emma Stokes, the President of World Physiotherapy, who commended him for his outstanding research contributions and unwavering dedication to advancing the field. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences extends heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Pang and eagerly anticipates the innovative work that will bring even more impactful benefits to the community and the world.

RS 45th Anniversary Research Seminar Was Successfully Held

The RS 45th Anniversary Research Seminar was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 27 May 2023. As one of the celebratory events of the RS 45th anniversary, this seminar was organised by Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) in collaboration with Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI). The main objective of the seminar was to explore the latest advancements and state-of-the-art research in the field of rehabilitation sciences. During the seminar, members from RS, RCMI, and MHRC shared their valuable knowledge and insights under the theme of the event "Current trends in rehabilitation sciences research: Interdisciplinary collaboration, outcome, and impact.". Three distinguished keynote speakers had been invited to deliver lectures, they are Prof. Masud Husain (Professor of Neurology & Cognitive Neuroscience, Wellcome Trust Principal Fellow, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford), Prof. Alisoun J. Milne (Professor Emeritus of Social Gerontology and Social Work, University of Kent) and Prof. Rupert Lanzenberger (Professor in Clinical Neurosciences Section Head: NEUROIMAGING LABS (NIL) Division of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna). The seminar was also graced by esteemed guests including Dr Cissy Choi (Assistant Commissioner for Primary Healthcare 1, Primary Healthcare Office Health Bureau), Prof. Christopher Chao (Vice President – Research and Innovation, PolyU) and Prof. Qingyan Chen (Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, PolyU) . At the round up session, Prof. Hector Tsang (Interim Director of MHRC; Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Psychosocial Health, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Head of RS, PolyU) expressed his high satisfaction with the seminar, and highlighted its important role as a platform for productive exchanges of cutting-edge research and innovative technologies. Looking ahead, RS will continue to commit to leveraging its research expertise and further enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration. The goal is to make impacts on individuals' lives and enhance healthcare practices.

Congratulations to Prof. Amy Fu won Silver Medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Led by Prof. Amy Fu (Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Associate Head (RS) & Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences) and Prof. CHEN Changwen (Chair Professor of Visual Computing, Department of Computing), System for Evaluation and Triage for Healthy Knee has garnered Silver Medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences expressed heartful congratulation to the team and looking forward to the innovation drives more impactful benefits in the community and the world.  

Hong Kong Physiotherapy Concern’s Pilate Exercise Workshop

With the aim of letting students understand more about the Pilates exercises and its principles and enhancing student’s understanding of the different therapeutic techniques of physiotherapy, the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Concern Group organized a Pilates workshop on 1 April at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Mr Edwin Ng, Physiotherapist I, Rehabilitation Clinic of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was invited to introduce the principles and key points of Pilates exercise to physiotherapy students from different institutions. The participants had role play of physiotherapist and patient to practice the skills of clinical physiotherapy diagnosis. At the end of the workshop, participants could try out various basic Pilates exercises under the guidance of the instructor to experience the benefits. Pilates is a body control-based exercise designed to strengthen the core muscles and improve body posture. In addition to being a fitness exercise, Pilates is also widely used in physical therapy. This exercise strengthens the core muscles, including the muscles of the lower back, hips, and abdomen. These muscles are important components in supporting the spine and body posture. Through Pilates exercises, these muscles can be strengthened, thereby reducing the burden on the spine and joints and reducing pain and discomfort. All in all, the workshop was beneficial in enhancing the participants' understanding of Pilates exercises and learning a lot of physiotherapy skills.  

RS year-4 OT Student Won Hong Kong PHAB Association 50th Anniversary 3"Free"D Living Design Competition

Congratulations to Tang Hoi Kiu Dorothy and her team members, Tam Cheuk Yan, Lam Wing Hay, Choy Marco and Hui Hei Tung, all year-4 students of BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy programme, for winning the 3"Free"D Living Design Competition championship held by Hong Kong PHAB Association on its 50th anniversary! The competition requires participants to use 3D printing technology to design creative assistive tools for elderly people and individuals with disabilities, helping them overcome daily challenges and improve their quality of life. The winning product developed by the students is a universal clip that enables wheelchair users for fixating and bringing their daily necessities. As part of the competition's requirements, the students had to design a product based on the needs of a client, who is a 21-year-old woman with cerebral palsy. Even though she usually commuted on an electrical wheelchair, she would sometimes walk while assisted with two walking sticks. Therefore, she hoped that the students can design a device which could help stabilise her walking sticks at the side of her electrical wheelchair. Students designed 2 clips in total and each clip consists of three parts: a 3D printed clip, a 3D printed board, and an adhesive 3M broom gripper. The students used 3D printing technology to produce the clip, springs were added to the design and the surface was covered with non-slip coating, to make the clip stronger and more durable. Then, they merged the 3D printed clip and board with long screws and fixed the adhesive 3M broom gripper at the other side of the board. The students also taken client’s interests into consideration that they printed the clip in red as it is client’s favourite colour. They even stuck photos of her favourite popstar on the surface of the clip for personalization and make it more engaging. Users need to compress the sides of the clip for opening, so the clip could be secured onto the bars of the wheelchair. When the user releases her grip, the clip will be fastened and stabilised. The stick can then be pressed into the adhesive 3M broom gripper, securing the sticker to the other side of the board and safely attaching it to the electric wheelchair. When the stick is needed, it can simply be pulled out. We would like to congratulate once again the five winning students, which they demonstrated their knowledge, creativity, and thoughtfulness by considering the needs and preferences of the user. We hope that this experience will encourage other students to care for those in need, foster mutual understanding, and promote inclusivity between people with and without disabilities.

A Remarkable Occasion: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 10th Elite Alumni Seminar

On 12 April 2023, the RS 10th Elite Alumni Seminar was held and deemed to be a great success. We had the honor of inviting two distinguished alumni, Prof. David Man and Prof. Margaret Mak, to share their personal success stories with guests, teachers, alumni, and students of RS. Their insightful talks have made for a delightful and unforgettable evening for all attendees. It was our great honor to have Prof. Ben Young (Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), PolyU) deliver the opening speech at the seminar. Prof. Young highlighted that the purpose of the event was to celebrate the 45th anniversary milestone of the RS Department and to provide a platform for alumni to share their experiences and knowledge. He also expressed his vision that by inspiring and supporting fellow students and alumni in their learning and work, a positive contribution to the society could be made collectively. The event was graced by esteemed guests including Prof. Philip Chan (Senior Advisor to the Deputy President and Provost, PolyU) and 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). In addition, Prof. Hector Tsang (Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Psychosocial Health, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Head of RS, PolyU) has delivered a lively introduction of Prof. David Man and Prof. Margaret Mak. Throughout his career, Prof. David Man has been fulfiling his leading roles in tertiary institutions and exhibiting his professional experience in academic administration and research management. He currently serves as the Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Professor in Occupational Therapy at RS Department, and has held various administrative positions at both departmental and faculty levels. Prof. Man has won numerous competitive grants from different funding bodies and is an internationally renowned scholar in rehabilitation, ranking among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists, as compiled by Stanford University. Earlier this year, he has been appointed as the Vice President (Academic) of Tung Wah College. Prof. Margaret Mak was appointed as the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Fellow in Rehabilitation Sciences in 2017 and has been subsequently converted to Endowed Professor since 2021, and she is the first academic staff in RS Department to be converted. Prof. Mak currently serves as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and as Professor in Physiotherapy at RS Department. Her research focuses on neurological rehabilitation, with a special emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. Prof. Mak is not only an outstanding teacher and researcher, but also holds important positions in Physiotherapists Board of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. After the fascinating sharing by Prof. Man and Prof. Mak, as the seminar drew to a close, Prof. Hector Tsang extended a vote of thanks to the two elite alumni, guests, and attendees. With joyful farewells, every participants left the event with an eager anticipation for the next Elite Alumni Seminar and the opportunity to reunite once again.

Symposium on Safe and Effective Access to Multidisciplinary Services, co-organized by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU, and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine

The HKSAR Policy Address 2021 and 2022 proposed the amendment of the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (Cap 359) to allow patients gaining direct access to allied healthcare services without doctors’ referrals, which has ignited a heated debate in the community. While the proposed change may shorten patients’ waiting times and prevent treatment delays by allowing people to have professional healthcare services in Hong Kong, some stakeholders have raised their concern about patient safety following the changes. To gain a better understanding of the benefits and impacts of such changes, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine co-organized a symposium on April 1, 2023 to invite different stakeholders, including a legislative council member, physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and academicians, to discuss the safety and effectiveness of direct access to multidisciplinary services. The symposium comprised two sessions. In the first session, Prof. Gilberto Leung (President, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine) acknowledged the presence of inconsistent opinions from different stakeholders about the proposed amendment. He hoped that through the symposium, participants could gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and impacts of direct access to healthcare services on different stakeholders. Meanwhile, Prof. Hector Tsang (Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Psychosocial Health, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Head, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU) facilitated guest speakers and audiences to discuss various pragmatic and academic issues associated with treatment effectiveness and patient safety, and to explore the benefits of direct access to healthcare services. Dr Hon David Lam (Legislative Council Member (Medical and Health Services), HKSAR) gave a brief introduction regarding the amendment of the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance, and highlighted the benefits of direct access service to the public. He also shared his experiences and insights on this topic. Dr Sheung-wai Law (President, The Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons) briefly introduced how they had been working with physiotherapists to provide safe and effective care by triaging patients with low back pain to different secondary and tertiary cares in the Hospital Authority over the last decade. He also shared the pros and cons of implementing the direct access to healthcare service in the future. The second session of the symposium involved four speakers from different healthcare disciplines, including Mr Ricardo Lai (Director, Rica Rehabilitation and Consultancy Service Limited), Prof. Regina Sit (Associate Professor of Practice in Family Medicine, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Dr Timmy Chan (Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong), and Mr. Kenneth Au-Yeung (Founder, Healing Hands Physiotherapy Centre). They discussed the feasibility and limitations of direct access to healthcare service from different professional perspectives, including safety measures while treating patients, treatment effectiveness, and optimization of treatment plans. Prof. Tsang delivered the closing speech and expressed that the symposium had made a significant contribution to the continuous evolution and development of the local healthcare industry. The guest speakers and audiences candidly shared their views and raised questions from their perspectives, which allowed participants to gain a multifaceted understanding of the amendment. The symposium highlighted the benefit of having a multidisciplinary platform to discuss the implementation of the direct access to healthcare service so as to enhance the safety and effectiveness of healthcare services in Hong Kong. The success of this symposium is an important milestone for the development of the local healthcare industry and academia. The insights gained from this event have laid the foundation for the discussion of future medical development or reform.