News

RS Student Athletes Excels at PolyU Sports Team Annual Prize Presentation Ceremony

The PolyU Sports Team Annual Prize Presentation Ceremony 2024, held on 17 April, was a resounding success. Among the distinguished prize recipients were 49 outstanding students from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. These talented individuals were honoured with scholarships and awards that included prestigious titles such as PolyU Best Athletes of the Year, PolyU Most Valuable Player, Distinguished Athletes Scholarship, Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen, The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, and The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Congratulations to all the student athletes for their remarkable achievements! Name Sports Programme Scholarship / Award Hong Dylan Carswell Athletics (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Wong Hong Kiu Athletics (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Wong Tsz Chun Athletics (M) Master in Physiotherapy PolyU Most Valuable Player Yau Marc Athletics (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Lie Hiu Ching Athletics (W) BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Ng Hoi Ki Athletics (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Yeung Tik Sum Athletics (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Yu Hiu Ying Athletics (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Lau Fong Ying Athletics/Basketball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen; PolyU Most Valuable Player; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Yip Tak Long Athletics/Cross Country (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; PolyU Most Valuable Player Law Hoi Lam Badminton (W) BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Ngai Darren Basketball (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy King's Flair Group Scholarship for Outstanding PolyU Student Athletes Choy Yuen Yat Cross Country (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Chan Wai Yan Alison Cross Country (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Lai Wing Tung Cross Country (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Tam Hiu Ching Cross Country (W) BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Chan Adrian Fencing (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Choi Shun Hei Fencing (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Chung Wan Yin Fencing (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Kwan Yee Man Fencing (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Lai Hiu Tung Fencing (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Wong Wai Shan Handball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Lee Wing Yin Rugby (W) BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award Leung Hei Long Soccer (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Chan Yee Hing Soccer (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Chan Yin Ban Swimming (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Sam Yat Kan Swimming (M) BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Wong Tsz Ho Swimming (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Chow Tsz Hei Swimming (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Hui Ka Ling Swimming (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Lui Ho Yee Chloe Swimming (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Tam Hoi Lam Swimming (W) Master in Physiotherapy PolyU Best Athletes of the Year & Soo Chew Bong Sports Scholarship; The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Tang Wai Ho Taekwondo (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Yau Man To Christopher Taekwondo (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Ismail Amina Taekwondo (W) BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Ko Victoria Man Ching Taekwondo (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy PolyU Most Valuable Player; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Tang Tsz Wing Taekwondo (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Tham Jun Yan Trevor Tennis (M) Master in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Leung Gerald Volleyball (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Tang Bo Yeung Volleyball (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy PolyU Most Valuable Player; The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Ng Ki Wing Volleyball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Suen Yee Tung Volleyball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Wong Wing Suet Volleyball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; King's Flair Group Scholarship for Outstanding PolyU Student Athletes Kwok Ho Long Woodball (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy PolyU Most Valuable Player; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Wong Hoi Chun Woodball (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Yu Cheuk Him Curtis Woodball (M) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen Liu Hau Yan Woodball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy The Most Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; Distinguished Athletes Scholarship Mak Pui Yu Cherry Woodball (W) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Distinguished Athletes Scholarship; Hall Residence Scholarship for Outstanding Sportsmen

Neuroscience Research by Dr Bolton Chau and Dr Jing Jun Wong Awarded Prestigious RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship

In an exciting development for the field of neuroscience and decision-making research, Dr Bolton Chau (Associate Professor) and Dr Jing-Jun Wong (Postdoctoral Fellow) of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences have been selected to receive the distinguished Research Grants Council (RGC) Postdoctoral Fellowship. The RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship has been awarded to support Dr Wong to work with Dr Chau on an innovative research project titled "Exploring a grid-like code for representing decisions in the prefrontal cortex". This project aims to tackle one of the most intriguing questions in neuroscience today: how does the brain integrate qualitatively different attributes to make decisions? The team's research will utilise cutting-edge brain imaging techniques to uncover the processes occurring in the prefrontal cortex, a critical area of the brain involved in decision-making and cognitive control. With the support of the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dr Wong and Dr Chau are set to make significant advancements in our understanding of the neuroscience of decision-making. This prestigious award not only recognises their dedication and pioneering work but also underscores the importance of their research in shedding light on the complexities of the human mind. RS congratulates Dr Wong and Dr Chau on receiving this award and eagerly anticipates the outcomes of this exciting project, confident in the knowledge that their findings will contribute significantly to the broader field of neuroscience and beyond.

RS Student Receives the “For Our Future Scholarship”

RS is delighted to share that Mr Kelvin Hui Tsz Kwai, a Year 3 BSc (Hons) student in Physiotherapy, has been awarded the 'For Our Future Scholarship' for the year 2023/24 by The Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation. Kelvin will receive a scholarship of HK$50,000 and an exchange opportunity to the Greater Bay Area with a focus on innovation and technology, culture and art, economy, and people's livelihood within the GBA. RS congratulates Kelvin on receiving this award.

RS Student Athlete Receives Major Recognitions from USFHK and PolyU

We are delighted to share that Miss TAM Hoi Lam Karen, a Year 2 student in our Master of Physiotherapy program, has been named Hall of Fame, Sportswoman of the Year, and Individual Champion in 2023-24 by the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (USFHK). She was also honoured as PolyU's Best Athlete of the Year. Karen is an award-winning swimmer, holding Hong Kong's record and securing medals in the Asian Games while proudly representing Hong Kong. Join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Karen for these well-deserved recognitions.  

Introducing "Occupational Therapy: A Life Restorer"

To commemorate its 45th anniversary, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University proudly presents "Occupational Therapy - A Life Restorer." This special book weaves together 20 clinical cases and expert perspectives to offer a profound insight into the world of occupational therapy. Through this collection, the department not only educates readers on the nuances of the profession but also conveys a heartfelt message of care to the public.

Prof. Marco Pang Appointed as Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) proudly announces the distinguished appointment of Prof. Marco Pang as the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences under PolyU’s Endowed Professorship Scheme. This prestigious title is bestowed to honour Prof. Pang for his remarkable academic and research contributions in stroke rehabilitation and neuroscience. Prof. Marco Pang has an illustrious career, currently serving as the Head of RS and the Director of the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN) at PolyU. A prominent alumnus of the University of Alberta, Canada, he has become a beacon in the field of rehabilitation, earning international acclaim including being ranked amongst the world's top 1% most-cited scientists in his field, according to a study by a group of scholars in Stanford University. In 2023, Prof. Pang was recognised with the prestigious World Physiotherapy International Service Award for Research, becoming the first physiotherapist from Hong Kong to be honoured with this accolade. As an esteemed figure in both local and global physiotherapy circles, Prof. Pang has been invited to deliver over 150 lectures and workshops globally and held significant positions, including President of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association and Executive Board Member of World Physiotherapy. He is currently as the elected Chair of the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific (AWP) Region. This appointment, sponsored by the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund (SHECF), reflects the Fund's unwavering commitment to education, medical services, and scientific research, which has led to over HK$1.7 billion in donations to uplift various sectors of society. SHECF continues to support the community by funding educational and research excellence through endowments and chair professorships. Upon accepting the appointment, Prof. Pang remarked, "I am deeply honoured by the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund appointment, I aim to create a new chapter for rehabilitation sciences in Hong Kong, the Mainland and around the world, fostering academic and research advancements, for the betterment of mankind." RS extends our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Marco Pang on this significant milestone and looks forward to the inspiring work he will lead as the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences. His rich experience and visionary leadership are poised to drive forward the boundaries of research and education, greatly impacting the field of rehabilitation and beyond.

RS Student Honoured with Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Awards

RS is delighted to share the wonderful news that Miss Kwok-Chi Wong (Marsh), a Year 4 BSc (Hon) student in Physiotherapy, has been honoured with three prestigious awards of PolyU - the Outstanding Student Award of Department, Presidential Student Leadership Award of Faculty, and Presidential Student Leadership Award of Department. Marsh has consistently showcased her academic prowess and dedication in serving and leading within our community. Through her pivotal roles as a coordinator at the iCare Physiotherapy Pain Centre and as a leader within PolyU's STAR Programme, she has embodied the true spirit of leadership and service. The Outstanding Student Award Scheme, administered by PolyU, annually recognises students who demonstrate exceptional performance both academically and in non-academic pursuits. Likewise, the Presidential Student Leadership Awards are presented to student leaders who exhibit and deploy exemplary leadership qualities and abilities, contributing significantly to society and the global community. Please join us in extending our congratulations to Marsh on receiving these awards. We are excited to see where her skills and passion for leadership will take her in the future and look forward to her continued success.

Dr Mei-zhen Huang Recognised as Elite Reviewer for 2023

Dr Mei-zhen Huang, Assistant Professor of RS, has been awarded the Elite Reviewer status by the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a leading journal in rehabilitation. This award has placed her in the distinguished top 4% of 810 reviewers for her exceptional contributions in 2023. Her skillful critical analysis and dedication to enhancing clinical practices and scientific discussions have set her apart, earning her this notable recognition among her peers. With her keen focus on improving physical function for individuals with neurological conditions through innovative research, Dr Huang has played a pivotal role in the development of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for stroke and Parkinson's Disease patients. Furthermore, she brings her comprehensive clinical research experience in addressing motor impairments and mobility challenges into rehabilitation sciences and practice. This honour not only highlights Dr Huang’s commitment to advancing rehabilitation sciences worldwide but also her role in fostering scholarly excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Huang on receiving this award.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 2024 – Call for Nominations!

We are excited to announce that the nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences 2024 are now open! This prestigious award not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of our graduates in their respective fields but also acknowledges their active support of our alma mater. Support and Contribution to PolyU is one of the key selection criteria at all levels. The award recognises excellence in four distinct areas: Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement, Scholarly Achievement and Community Service Achievement. Moreover, alumni who are aged at/under 40 would be eligible for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. The Selection Committee will consist of members from the Department's management team, alumni, and external stakeholders. Award Category Description Professional Achievement This category recognises alumni who have attained distinguished achievements, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and made a strong impact on their profession/ industry/ society.  Entrepreneurial Achievement This category recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as founded or advanced business or technology ventures with impact.   Scholarly Achievement This category recognises alumni scholars who have made notable scholarly or research contributions in their disciplines, with proven track record and excellent reputation in the field.  Community Service Achievement This category recognises alumni who have made impactful contributions to the communities, or demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, volunteerism and/or philanthropy for promoting the wellbeing of the communities. Please download the nomination form HERE for your perusal. Recipients of Department Awards may be nominated for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU at the Faculty Level and University Level. We eagerly anticipate your nominations in recognition of our distinguished alumni by 22 April 2024 (Monday) at 5:00 pm! For any inquiries, please email rs.crm@polyu.edu.hk.  

PolyU hosts seminar on sports physiotherapy Hong Kong’s first professional certificate in sports physiotherapy launched to meet industry demand

In response to the increasing demand for sports physiotherapy professionals, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED) of PolyU, and The Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association (HKPA), hosted a seminar titled “The Opportunity, Rewards, and Challenges as a Sports Physiotherapist”. A groundbreaking Professional Certificate Course in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy was also announced during the event. Esteemed guests attended the seminar including Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Mr WONG Tak Sum, Sam, Commissioner for Sports, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Sports and Recreation Branch, HKSAR Government; Mr WONG Po Kee, Honorary Deputy Secretary General of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, key faculty members of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SPEED, and executive committee members of HKPA. Mr Wong Tak Sum, Sam, a retired athlete, shared his insights into the evolution of mass and elite sports in Hong Kong, emphasising the pivotal role played by sports physiotherapists. In addition, prominent athletes, such as basketball player Mr LEE Ki, and footballer Mr YAPP Hung Fai, shared their experiences with sports physiotherapy, along with seasoned sports physiotherapist Ms Bonnie LAU. SPEED and HKPA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly introduce a first-of-its-kind 6-month part-time Professional Certificate in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy at HKQF Level 6 in the coming July, which is tailored for registered physiotherapists in Hong Kong who are seeking to specialise in sports physiotherapy. The comprehensive curriculum is designed by specialists from PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, covering essential elements of sports physiotherapy, from “Immediate Care for Emergency, Traumatic, and Medical Conditions”, “Principles of Sports Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation”, to “Exercise training principles”. The programme boasts a team of distinguished tutors, including academics from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and experienced sports physiotherapists from HKPA. Students will be able to gain hands-on experience with on-field physiotherapy services under their guidance. Eligible graduates could apply for credit exemptions when articulating with PolyU’s Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy programme. “We are grateful for the support government showed in developing the field of professional sports physiotherapy,” said Prof. Amy FU, Associate Director of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management of PolyU, and also the programme coordinator for MSc in Sports Physiotherapy. She added, “With Hong Kong’s athletes gearing up for international and national competitions like the Paris 2024 Olympic Games , the 15th National Games and the FISU World University Games Summer in 2025, and the Asian Games in 2026, the need for qualified sports physiotherapists has never been greater. The launch of this professional certificate course comes at a significant time.” Enrolment for the Professional Certificate in Advanced Practice in Sports Physiotherapy will open in May 2024. For more details, please visit the website here.