Donor
Dr Harry Lee, SBS, JP
Dr. Harry Lee, the 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. Today, TAL employs over 20,000 workers across its factories in Southeast Asia. With more than 50 years of experience in the textiles and clothing industry, Dr. Lee has played an active role in numerous trade organizations and public service initiatives. He serves as the Honorary Chairman of both the Hong Kong Textile Council of Hong Kong Limited and the Hong Kong Garment Manufacturers Association. He is also the Advisor and Chairman Emeritus of the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA). In addition, he serves as Chairman of Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited and GRST Ltd, a green technology company specializing in sustainable battery solutions.
In recognition of his contributions to industry and society, Dr. Lee was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1997 and awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2001. In 2019, he was conferred an Honorary Fellowship by the Textile Institute in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Dr. Lee has also made significant contributions to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). He served as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing from 1995 to 2005, and subsequently as a Member of the University 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.
