About Matt Wong

Why do I pursue a research career in social work and social administration?

The short answer to this question is – since I believe in evidence-based policy.

Growing up in Hong Kong, our generation witnessed swift shifts in political, cultural, and societal landscapes that shaped daily life for families and communities. That front-row experience, combined with evidence-based, logical training at HKU’s law school, sharpened my resolve to study how data and research studies inform and shape better policies, so as to alleviate social issues with equitable allocation of social resources. I approach social policy with the discipline of legal analysis and the tools of social sciences, translating complex institutions into actionable, people-centered insights. My research concentrates on housing studies, living space and family quality of life, neighborhood effects, poverty alleviation, and public management, often leveraging geospatial data through GIS to illuminate how place matters. Methodologically, I use geospatial measurement and mixed-method designs, and conduct data analysis and modeling with R, ArcGIS, NVivo, and SPSS to connect rigorous evidence with practical solutions.

Equally important to me is teaching: inspired by teachers, mentors, and peers during my undergraduate years, I enjoy building learning communities that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and the confidence to turn research into policy solutions and service. Ultimately, I am driven by the belief that sound social policy—grounded in data and attentive to lived experience—can tangibly improve everyday life across Hong Kong and beyond.