Sat 7 Dec, 2:30-3:30 pm
(Division of Counselling Psychology)

Synopsis:  In our fast-paced world, the ability to be present is a powerful tool for enhancing well-being and productivity. Mindfulness, the practice of focusing on the present moment, offers numerous benefits including significant stress reduction, improved emotional regulation, and increased overall happiness. This session delves into the transformative impact of mindfulness practices on our daily lives. Participants will be introduced to practical techniques such as mindful breathing, meditation, and body scanning, which can be easily integrated into their routines. These practices not only help in managing anxiety and depression but also enhance concentration, creativity, and resilience. Through direct experiencing of mindfulness activities, attendees will discover how mindfulness can foster a deeper connection with themselves and others, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling experiences. 

Mrs. Winnie Lee

Winnie Lee is a well experienced Counselling Psychologist (HKPS registered) and Educational Psychologist (UK-HCPC registered), and has been working in the field for over 30 years, both locally and overseas. She is now a Mindfulness Teacher, a Counselling Psychologist in private practice, and a part-time lecturer and supervisor in Psychological Counselling and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy at HKU SPACE. Winnie started Mindfulness training as early as 2007 and has continued personal practices and sought further development in Mindfulness teacher training. She now teaches MBCT, MBCT-Life, MBCT-Cancer, MBSR, Mindful Parenting and MiSP regularly to employees in organizations, helping professionals, school communities, cancer patients, people with mental health issues and the general public.

Sat 7 Dec, 3:45-4:45 pm (Division of Educational Psychology)

Synopsis:  Po Leung Kuk (PLK) is pioneering positive education systematically across its schools, benefiting over 20,000 students, parents, and educators. This presentation will highlight PLK’s whole-school approach to fostering mental well-being and resilience from kindergarten through secondary school. Learn how key strategies such as seed teacher training, resource school development, and cross-school collaboration are shaping a new generation of students equipped to face challenges with optimism. Join us to explore the measurable impact of this initiative on school communities and the potential for wider adoption. Be part of the conversation on embedding positivity for a resilient future.  

Mr. Cheung Yat Ming Ryan
MSocSc, PGDE, BSocSc

Supervisor, Educational Psychology Service; Project Director, Positive Education Movement in Secondary Schools, Po Leung Kuk

Ryan is currently the Chairperson of the Division of Educational Psychology, at the Hong Kong Psychological Society. He works as the Supervisor of the School-Based Educational Service in Po Leung Kuk. Also, as Project Manager in the Education University of Hong Kong, Ryan has been dedicated to serving children with diverse needs in multiple settings. In recent years he has devoted himself to the social-emotional and positive psychology curriculum development and implementation. He also serves the community through various commitments. He is currently the Chairperson of the Committee on Gifted Education in Curriculum Development Council (CDC), Education Bureau (EDB), and a member of the Professional Consultative Panel (Education Sector) of the Mandatory Reporting Regime for Child Abuse Cases, Committee on Home-School Co-operation, Assessment Panel of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Committee on Special Needs Candidates, Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority. He was also formerly a member of the Committee on Early Childhood Education (CDC, EDB).

Ms. Kwok Tung Ting Natasha
MSocSc. (Edu Psy), PGDE (Early Childhood Edu), BSc. (Psy)

Project Leader, Positive Education Movement in Primary Schools, Po Leung Kuk

Since 2014, Natasha has worked as a Registered Behaviour Technician on the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board, providing behavioural intervention for children with behavioural and learning challenges. In 2018, Natasha became a Registered Educational Psychologist under the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS). Natasha has specialised in conducting psychological assessments, individual and group intervention for students. She also provides consultation and professional training for parents, teachers and non-teaching staff. In the past 4 years, Natasha has been engaged in Positive Education projects, working to enhance well-being using research-based strategies of Positive Psychology.

Ms. Wong Yin Ting Felice
M.Ed. & Child Psy., B.S.Sc. (Psy), PGDE

Project Leader, Positive Education Movement in Kindergartens, Po Leung Kuk

Felice has provided school-based psychological services to primary and secondary school students with special educational needs. Types of services provided include psychological assessment, individual counselling, group intervention, and consultation for parents and teachers. Additionally, she is committed to promoting positive education in kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools. She was the project leader of Quality Education Fund Positive Education Kindergarten Project in Po Leung Kuk. By providing professional training for parents, teachers and non-teaching staff as well as consultation for curriculum and school policies, she is devoted to helping students and different stakeholders to enhance their well-being. She also works to promote positive education in the industry and community.

Sun 8 Dec, 3:45-4:45 pm
(Division of Clinical Psychology)

Synopsis:  Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an improvement of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is mindfulness and values based. It is not just as an effective psychotherapy but also as a way of mental health and good life. It suggests that avoidance of emotional pain is the cause of psychological distress; the more we try to get rid of our painful emotions, the harder and longer we suffer. Also, our suffering is caused by our rigid thinking; we are easily trapped in ruminating thoughts which affects our mood and behavior. ACT calls this “psychological inflexibility” - the inability to cope effectively with our inner feelings and the reality. ACT promotes “psychological flexibility” as the most important mental health standard. It is something that anyone can learn. It consists of six psychological skills including unhooking negative thoughts, acceptance of difficult emotions, contact with the present moment, being observer of own experiences, finding core values, and commitment to improve our lives. Psychological flexibility can help us live with more wisdom and resilience. It can help us lead a rich and meaningful life based on personal values despite all the hardships. In short, we can live a life full of meaning and purpose though not free of suffering.

Dr. Anthony Tong
Ed.D.

Anthony is an esteemed clinical psychologist, an adjunct professor, and a popular self-help books writer. He is a Fellow of the Hong Kong Psychological Society. He is the Founder of the United Centre of Emotional Health and Positive Living promoting positive psychology. He is also the Chairman of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, Hong Kong Chapter, promoting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He has extensive experiences in clinical practice, teaching and professional training, especially in acceptance and commitment therapy and positive psychology.

Sun 8 Dec, 5:00-6:00 pm
(Division of Industrial-Organizational Psychology)

Synopsis:  In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, employee well-being, mindfulness, and resilience have gained increasing attention. This symposium aims to explore and integrate evidence-based practices that enhance employee well-being and performance. We will delve into cutting-edge research and cases that demonstrate the positive impacts of these approaches on employee satisfaction, mental health, and organizational outcomes. This event will bring together industry leaders, academic experts, and practitioners to discuss innovative strategies that foster a supportive and productive workplace culture.  Join us as we navigate the complexities of creating workplaces where mindfulness and resilience are at the core of business practices, ensuring employees flourish in challenging environments.

Prof. Bonnie Hayden Cheng

Bonnie is an Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong, is a leading voice in understanding workplace dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management from the University of Toronto, with extensive research on employee well-being, including when and how workplace anxiety can enhance performance, recovering from daily job demands, and maintaining proactivity. Her publications have been featured in prestigious journals, such as Academy of Management Journal and the Journal of Applied Psychology.

Ms. Hilary Chan (RIOP)

Hilary is Head of Engagement & Inclusion at DFI Retail Group, a Registered Industrial-Organizational Psychologist with a commercial background, committed to promoting "Thriving Employees, Resilient Teams, Sustainable Business." Drawing on her experience in positive psychology and workplace efficiency, she designs creative, data-driven well-being programs tailored to enhance employee well-being and performance.

Mr. Gary Chin

Gary is a lead consultant in a leading HR consulting firm. He has over 16 years of consulting experience. His expertise encompasses total rewards strategy design, job architecture, and employee engagement. Gary has collaborated with multinational companies and government-related organizations to develop tailored compensation strategies that enhance employee satisfaction.