Prof. Joanne YIP Yiu-wan
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU
Textile Technology graduate
In the eyes of many, fashion is synonymous with style and appearance. But to Prof. Joanne Yip Yiu-wan, a Textile Technology graduate of PolyU, every stitch and seam holds the power to heal. Bridging the precision of clinical medicine with the warmth of textiles, she blends empathy and innovation to redefine what clothing can truly mean.
Prof. Yip’s research journey began with a story close to home. Years ago, she learned that a friend’s daughter had been diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Unwilling to wear a traditional brace that was bulky, restrictive and visually unappealing, the girl missed the critical treatment window and ultimately required surgery. The experience struck a chord with Prof. Yip, who has long been passionate about fashion. “Medical products prioritise function,” she reflected, “but why can’t they also embrace aesthetics? Why can’t patients set aside the label of ‘patient’ and still feel beautiful and fashionable?” To her, truly human-centred design must care for both body and spirit.
Recognising that the desire to look and feel good is universal, Prof. Yip led her team in harnessing AI to create a series of tailor-made functional clothing for treating AIS. Lightweight, breathable and embedded with real-time posture-monitoring sensors, the collection guides muscle training and strengthens postural control, helping adolescents reduce the risk of scoliosis progression in comfort and with confidence. With this innovation, Prof. Yip not only received awards at the Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival in the United States, but also successfully commercialised it through the establishment of Active Biotechnology (Hong Kong) Company Limited. “Research brings me immense fulfilment,” she shared. “The project not only supports many patients, but most importantly, it helps teenagers regain their confidence.”
Prof. Yip’s vision of “healing” extends beyond physical wellbeing to the inner self. For years, she has championed community engagement through arts education. As co-founder of the Ah‑Ha Museum, she has developed a range of programmes encouraging the community to undertake journeys of self‑exploration using creative media, and to connect with art as a channel for personal growth and community connection. This February, she was among 11 laureates of the outstanding young Chinese entrepreneurs and leaders honoured with the “Citizenship and Philanthropy” medal by the Ligue Universelle du Bien Public at a ceremony in Paris, commending her charitable endeavours that benefit the wider community.
Reflecting on her work in innovation, Prof. Yip describes her alma mater, PolyU, as the cradle of her dreams. “PolyU encourages us to bring our research beyond the University and turn ideas into real-world impact. From my undergraduate studies to completing my PhD with a scholarship, the University has given me tremendous support. Here, I gained not only textile expertise and research knowledge, but also a broader vision for innovation.” Through every thread and garment she creates, Prof. Yip brings the University motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, to life. She inspires younger students to believe that when technology gains a human touch and design is driven by compassion, expertise becomes more than a profession – it becomes a force that answers the needs of our time and lights the way forward.
Research brings me immense fulfilment. The project not only supports many patients, but most importantly, it helps teenagers regain their confidence.
Publishing Date: June 2026
