Hong Kong Shue Yan University proudly announced the launch of the second edition of “Psychology in Asia: An Introduction”, a highly acclaimed textbook that promises to reshape the landscape of psychology education by incorporating the rich cultural diversity of Asia.
The launch event, held at the University’s campus at Braemar Hill on May 24, 2024, highlighted the collective efforts of educators and scholars dedicated to advancing culturally relevant psychology education. In her opening remark, HKSYU Senior Vice President Professor Catherine Sun Tien-lun, the editor, said the book was first published with the goal to explore psychology through a multicultural lens, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour within diverse contexts.
Prof. Sun underscored the necessity to move beyond Western perspectives in the study of psychology within the unique context of Asia. She illustrated this by discussing traditional Chinese practices, such as the use of Chinese herbal medicine, for its holistic view of mind, body, and spirit one of the many examples that offers valuable insights into the interactions between psychology and traditional cultures.
Dr. Jason Chow Tak-sang, the co-editor of the Book, further elaborated on the Book’s distinctive approach, describing the new edition as more than a psychology textbook, but a comprehensive presentation of Asia’s rich and diverse cultures and their profound impact on the field of psychology. He noted that in higher education,“cultural diversity”often becomes a buzzword without substantial integration into the curriculum. This Book aims to fill that gap by embedding cultural diversity as a core element of psychology study.
Reflecting on the editing process, Dr. Chow shared how it deepened his appreciation for contextualizing psychological concepts within Asia’s varied cultural contexts.“It became clearer that understanding people in Asian populations requires more than just translating Western theories — it demands an integration of local philosophies, practices, and empirical research that reflect the lived experiences of people across the continent,”he said.
The second edition of “Psychology in Asia: An Introduction” focuses on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns of people in the Asian region. It covers essential topics such as cognition, consciousness, personality, and psychotherapy, enriched with contemporary research and emerging theories. These sections offer a deep dive into the rich philosophical traditions and distinct psychological principles that have shaped thought in Asia, providing students with a nuanced understanding of psychology that transcends Western paradigms, and preparing future psychologists for the complexities of cross-cultural interactions.
As we celebrate the launch of this work, the co-editors acknowledged the collective effort and dedication of all contributors, whose insights and commitment made this Book a reality. They emphasized that the Book marks a significant milestone in psychology education, representing a paradigm shift that embraces and celebrates the diversity of thought and experience across the world.
Background: The Book Launch took place on 24 May 2024 in Shue Yan campus.
Source: Summer 2024 Issue