Professor Joanne Yip awarded “Citizenship and Philanthropy” medal for arts-based mental-health advocacy

Professor Joanne Yip, Associate Dean of the School of Fashion and Textiles and Professor at PolyU, 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 (Universal League for the Public Good) at a ceremony in Paris in February 2026. The award recognises distinguished leaders and citizens whose charitable endeavours benefit the wider community. Professor Yip received the medal in recognition of her longstanding commitment to community engagement through artistic education.

A leading scholar in textile innovation, Professor Yip is a co‑founder of the Ah‑Ha Museum, an art space that combines art education with wellbeing practices. Under her leadership, the museum 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.

At the award ceremony in Paris, Professor Yip remarked that the honour reflected “the collective commitment of every member of the organisation who, through their passion, contribute to the growth and vision of the Ah Ha Museum.” She reaffirmed the museum’s mission to make art accessible to all, fostering a culture of empathy, creativity, and positive social change.

Looking ahead, Professor Yip plans to broaden the museum’s outreach by introducing customised workshops on the PolyU campus to enhance student and staff wellbeing. Artworks created by past participants will also be curated and exhibited at PolyU, celebrating individual journeys while showcasing the transformative power of the Ah-Ha Museum’s work.

The Universal League for the Public Good — one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of awarding medals of honour and an NGO affiliated with the United Nations founded in 1464 — commended Professor Yip for both her academic achievements and the social impact of her arts based initiatives. Her recognition exemplifies PolyU’s strong culture of contributing to societal betterment, upheld by the University’s members who apply their expertise and compassion to generate positive change both locally and globally.