Donor
Dr Harry Lee, SBS, JP
Dr Harry Lee, Chairman of TAL Apparel Limited, holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Imperial College London and a Doctor of Electrical Sciences degree from Brown University.
Dr Lee joined TAL Group (formerly Textile Alliance Limited) in 1973. TAL employs over 20,000 workers in factories across Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland. With nearly 40 years of experience in the textiles and clothing industry, he is actively involved in a number of trade organizations and public services. He is Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Garment Manufacturers Association and the Textile Council of Hong Kong Limited, a board member of the Global Apparel, Footwear and Textile Initiative, as well as Chairman of Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel.
Dr Lee was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1997. In 2001, he was awarded a Silver Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government. Dr Lee has also made notable contributions to PolyU by serving as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing from 1995 to 2005, and Member of its Council from 2005 to 2008.
Appointee
Professor John Xin
Professor John Xin joined the School of Fashion and Textiles in 1996, and was promoted to Chair Professor and assumed Headship of the School, both in October 2012. He is a Fellow and Chartered Colourist of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, UK.
Professor Xin has a proven track record in academic and research leadership in the Institute, and is a renowned scholar in functional textile materials, nanotechnology, and colour measurement technology. He has published many book chapters, SCI journal papers, conference proceedings, and patents, and has been invited as keynote speakers and session chairs in numerous international conferences. His work in the development of new and novel surface functional treatments based on nanotechnology, biomemetics, protective, personal health, skin-care controlled release nanosystems, and self-cleaning fabric has been valued highly in both academic quality and industrial applications, and has set new standards for high value-added treatments and products in the textile industry. Many of his achievements are widely covered by the global media and top scientific journals, and have brought him many international awards. These works are all closely related to the Endowed Professorship in Fashion and Textiles.
Being honoured with the Endowed Professorship in Fashion and Textiles, Professor Xin is looking forward to the future challenges of extending the boundaries of material science and bringing new technologies and applications to the fashion and textile industry. His ultimate goal is to use new materials and technologies to provide consumers with better quality, smart and functional, more comfortable, safe, and affordable textiles and clothing products.
