News

SFT staff members honoured with Long Service Award

A total of 20 staff members received the Long Service Award 2025 in recognition of their years of services at the University. The awardees have been serving in PolyU for 5 years or more, some even for 35 years: Ms Cherry Chan, Senior Executive Officer Miss Iris Cheung, Assistant Marketing Officer Mr Choi Kwan-on, Technician Prof. Fan Di, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor Dr Fang Bo, Research Assistant Professor Prof. Huang Tsai-chun, Assistant Professor Ms Shirley Hung, Administrative Assistant Dr Ji Ying, Research Assistant Professor Prof. Kinor Jiang, Professor Dr Pau Ki, Research Fellow Prof. Magnum Lam, Assistant Professor Miss Lee Yan-yee, Research Assistant Miss Mizu Leung, Research Assistant Prof. Liu Rong Sally, Associate Professor Prof. Haze Ng, Assistant Professor Ms Suki Siu, Scientific Officer Prof. Jeanne Tan, Professor Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean and Professor Dr Yu Jiali, Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Zhou Jinyun, Lecturer SFT would like to thank these staff members for their dedicated and loyal service to PolyU. The Long Service Award Scheme has been introduced since 1990 to foster a sense of belongings among PolyU staff.

Prof. Tao Xiaoming receives President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025

SFT is delighted to announce that Prof. Tao Xiaoming, Chair Professor, Vincent and Lily Woo Endowed Professorship in Textile Technology, and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, has been honoured with the prestigious President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2025 (Research & Scholarly Activities), the highest institutional accolade recognising outstanding achievements of staff. Her name will be displayed on a plaque on the podium near Li Ka Shing Tower of PolyU. The President's Award symbolises the highest form of institutional recognition, honoring the unwavering dedication and outstanding accomplishments of PolyU staff. Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Prof. Tao. Her dedication to excellence in research and scholarly activities truly embodies the essence of this distinguished award.

Recipients of the School Awards for Outstanding Achievements 2025

SFT is proud to announce that  ten SFT members are the recipients of the School Awards 2025 which testifies their outstanding teaching, research performance and services.  Category of Award Awardee  Teaching  Prof. Haze Ng, Assistant Professor Teaching (Early Career Teacher) Dr Kitty Lam, Lecturer Research & Scholarly Activities Prof. Tao Xiaoming, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology and Chair Professor Research & Scholarly Activities (Early Career Researcher) Prof. Fan Di, Associate Professor Research Student Supervision Prof. Kinor Jiang, Professor Knowledge Transfer: Society Prof. Joanne Yip, Professor Services (Team) Leader | Dr Kawai Lo, Lecturer Members | Dr Nico Liu (Instructor), Dr Carrie Wong (Lecturer), Ms Amana Wu (Instructor) Congratulations to all of the awardees for their remarkable achievements which have greatly contributed to the success of the School. 

PolyU confers University Fellowships on eminent leaders in the fashion and textile industry

PolyU conferred the title of University Fellow on four outstanding individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to the University and the community in their respective fields. Presided over by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, the Conferment Ceremony was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus on 21 January 2026. The recipients, Ms Shirley Chan Suk-ling, Prof. Richard Leung Tim-chiu, Mr Jason Wu Shang-hong and Mr Yeung Fan, were warmly greeted by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, and members of the University’s senior management team. In his welcoming speech, Prof. Teng said, “Our University Fellows have contributed to PolyU’s development in many meaningful ways and we are truly grateful for their steadfast support as we pursue academic and research excellence for the benefit of society. I look forward to even closer collaboration between PolyU and our Fellows. Together, we can make greater contributions to the advancement of PolyU, to the sustainable development of Hong Kong, and to the continued progress of our Nation.” Among the four fellowship recipients, two are eminent leaders in the fashion and textile industry and have strong ties with SFT. They are (in alphabetical order of last name): Ms Shirley Chan Suk-ling, BBS, JP Ms Chan, Vice Chairman of YGM Trading Limited and Director of Yangtzekiang Garment Limited. A trailblazer in the fashion and garment industr-y for decades, she has driven female-led innovations and advanced industry development. Devoted to public service, youth well-being and education, Ms Chan serves as PolyU Court Member, Chairlady of the School Advisory Committee, and Member of the International Advisory Committee of the Research Centre of Textile for Future Fashion, generously sharing her expertise and making significant philanthropic contributions to advance the University’s development and nurture the next generation of talents. Mr Yeung Fan, BBS (Full-name: Yeung Chun-fan) Mr Yeung is the Vice Chairman and General Manager of Glorious Sun Group, and Chairman of Jeanswest International (Hong Kong) Limited, a legendary entrepreneur dedicated to philanthropy. He significantly supports PolyU’s development by fostering academia-industry collaboration for fashion and textile sustainability. He also supports AI-related research at SFT to enhance industry competitiveness and sponsors the PolyU International Future Challenge, inspiring global youth creativity. Mr Yeung is active in public affairs and has received numerous honours for his extraordinary philanthropic contributions. SFT is deeply grateful for the steadfast support and counsel of Ms Chan and Mr Yeung. Their contributions have strengthened our endeavours, while deepening SFT's engagement with the industry. Since its introduction in 2000, PolyU has conferred University Fellowship on a total of 135 distinguished persons.

Prof. Tao Xiaoming and Dr Pu Junhong develop new human-safe magnetorheological fibres, leading innovations in smart wearable textiles

A research team led by Prof. Tao Xiaoming, Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textiles Technology and Chair Professor of Textile Technology, together with Dr Pu Junhong, Research Assistant Professor, has achieved a revolutionary breakthrough in smart materials, successfully developing soft magnetorheological textiles that can flexibly deform and modulate their mechanical properties under a human-safe magnetic field. Driven by electricity and programmable control, these new materials combine lightweight, flexible and breathable textile characteristics, making them widely applicable in smart wearables, soft robotics, virtual reality and metaverse haptic experiences. Traditional magnetorheological materials have long faced two major drawbacks: heavy magnetic powders and the potential health risks posed by high-strength magnetic fields to the human body. Prof. Tao, who led the research, elaborated, “The core objective of our research team is to overcome the application limits of traditional magnetorheological technology, extending it to fibre form, and enabling precise intelligent modulation while remaining compatible with textile properties such as softness and breathability.” The team fabricated soft magnetic polymer composite fibres – just 57 micrometers in diameter – by uniformly dispersing magnetic powders in a plastic material (a low-density polyethylene matrix). These fibres not only achieve precise control under low-strength magnetic fields but also solve the problem of heavy magnetic powders. Furthermore, they can be spun into yarns and multi-layer fabrics to realise large-area, controllable deformation. This groundbreaking research was awarded HK$62.37 million under the Research Grants Council’s 2024/25 Theme-based Research Scheme, and has been published in the international journal Nature, in the paper titled “Vector-Stimuli-Responsive Magnetorheological Fibrous Materials”. Unlike traditional smart materials that respond to scalar stimuli such as voltage, current or temperature, these in-house-developed magnetorheological textiles offer unique directionally controllable responses, enabling the development of the following three innovative fabric materials. Flexible Smart Gripper: With electric current controlling the fabric stiffness, the gripper can flexibly grasp soft, fragile or irregularly shaped items – such as worms, tofu, blueberries, mung bean cake, potato chips and fusilli – just like human fingers, significantly reducing the risk of damage or deformation during operation. Remote Emulation Haptic Finger Glove: The all-fabric materials can accurately replicate the surface textures and tactile hardness of different objects. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, they are suitable for diverse applications ranging from remote surgical training, stroke rehabilitation training and virtual fitting, addressing the common drawbacks of bulkiness and heaviness in similar haptic gloves available on the market. Active Ventilation and Thermal-Regulation Fabrics: Addressing the moisture and thermal management challenges in textile clothing, these fabrics can intelligently adjust air permeability by driving fibre structure deformation through electronically controlled magnetic fields, thereby significantly enhancing wearer thermal and moisture comfort. The Active Ventilation and Thermal-Regulation Fabrics can intelligently adjust air permeability by driving fibre structure deformation through electronically controlled magnetic fields.    Prof. Tao explained the materials’ potential, “The key breakthrough of this research lies in converting traditional rigid magnetic devices into flexible alternatives. This success can be extended to the development of hard magnetic fibre materials, laying a foundation for the next generation of soft robotics, electromagnetic devices and wearable technologies.” Regarding the prospects for industrialisation, Dr Pu added, “From raw material selection to processing technology, we have taken industrialisation needs into consideration. We adopt commodity-grade, mass production-ready raw materials and mature processing techniques, paving the way for rapid translation in fields such as food production, medical rehabilitation and metaverse interaction.”    Selected media coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times Hong Kong Commercial Daily Headline for HK  

Ms Kadri Keung honoured with SFT Outstanding Alumni Award 2025

We are delighted to announce that Ms Kadri Keung (BA, 2014), Co-Founder of Rhys Workshop Limited and Founder of Boundless, has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2025 of SFT for Entrepreneurial Achievement. This award publicly recognises outstanding PolyU graduates for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater.   As Co-founder and Design Director of Rhys Workshop Limited, Ms Keung applies her expertise to fashion design, branding, and commercialisation strategies to drive the company’s mission as a social enterprise. Her insights into branding and marketing play a key role in reshaping the stigma around inclusive wear, helping to foster dignity and well-being for the elderly, the disabled and their caregivers. Her work has had a meaningful impact both within the fashion industry and across communities. Ms Keung has also been instrumental in impact business by leveraging her network and building strong connections with corporates, NGOs, and community stakeholders. Through impactful collaborations, she has helped to expand both the business and inclusivity in the community, thus contributing meaningfully from an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) perspective. Ms Keung’s innovative work has earned her high international acclaim: Rhys Workshop captured the DFA Design for Asia Grand Award in 2019 and 2024 (for its Boundless collection) respectively, recognising its innovative work and leadership in the adaptive wear space. In 2022, Ms Keung was named one of the BBC 100 Women, a prestigious global recognition celebrating her leadership and dedication in advancing inclusive wear. These honours underscore her influence and credibility as an industry thought leader in inclusive fashion and social innovation. Congratulations to Ms Keung for her remarkable contributions and achievements!

Prof. Shou Dahua appointed in international and national societies

Prof. Shou Dahua, Associate Professor at SFT; Associate Director of the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Associate Director of the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion; and Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies, has been recently appointed as Governing Council Member of The Fiber Society (USA) and Associate Director of the Intelligent Fiber and Wearable Technology Committee of the China Textile Engineering Society (CTES). These appointments highlight the growing international recognition and impact of SFT scholars. The Fiber Society (USA) was founded in 1941, incorporated as a not-for-profit professional and scientific association, dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge pertaining to fibres, fibre-based products, and fibrous materials. The Society is composed of international members, including chemists, physicists, and engineers with interest in fibre science, engineering, and technology. The Society’s general management and supervision are delegated to a Governing Council (GC), which is elected by and from the membership. Prof. Shou will be one of the six GC members, who serve for a term from 2026 to 2028. The CTES is a national academic and professional organisation in China dedicated to textile science and engineering. The CTES brings together experts, scholars, and engineers from areas such as textile materials, machinery, dyeing and finishing, apparel, and intelligent textiles, and promotes academic exchanges, technological innovations, and industry–academia collaborations. Prof. Shou has started to serve as Associate Director of the Intelligent Fiber and Wearable Technology Committee in November 2025.

Qu Zhan wins Silver Prize at MUSE Design Awards

Qu Zhan, a PhD student under the supervision of Chair Professor John Xin, has been awarded Silver Prize in the Conceptual Design category of the American MUSE Design Awards, an internationally acclaimed competition that honours creativity, originality, and excellence in design worldwide.  The award-winning project "Acupoint Choreography Technology (ACT) Wearable Garment" explores the integration of traditional Chinese meridian (TCM) theory with Yin Yoga through programmable multi-sensory choreography, with the aim to unlock deeper therapeutic and expressive potential. The project has led to the development of Synergistic Movement Architecture, which combines targeted acupoint stimulation, meridian-aligned Yin Yoga, and technology-driven choreography. By connecting limb energy conduction design with a neuroaesthetic feedback layer, the system intuitively guides dancers into meridian-led flow states during improvisation, thereby enhancing movement intentionality, interoceptive clarity, and kinaesthetic awareness. This approach opens new pathways for applications in health, wellness, and rehabilitation. This recognition not only affirms the innovative vision of the ACT project but also underscores its role in advancing smart wearable technology through a meaningful dialogue between traditional wisdom and contemporary design.

Yang Jing wins first place in Fiber Society Graduate Student Paper Competition 2025

We are delighted to announce that PhD student Yang Jing has earned first place in The Fiber Society Graduate Student Paper Competition (GSPC) 2025. The award was presented at The Fiber Society 2025 Fall Conference, held from 22 to 24 October 2025 at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, USA. Established in 1985, the GSPC recognises outstanding graduate-level research in the science, technology, and application of fibres. Yang’s paper, “Wearable Fluidic Fabric with Excellent Heat Transfer Performance for Sports Recovery”, was selected for an oral presentation and ultimately received the competition’s top honour. This achievement reflects the important work conducted under Prof. Tao Xiaoming’s Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme (SSRFS), with key support from the Industrial Centre (IC) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Congratulations to Jing on this outstanding accomplishment.

Prof. Tao Xiaoming’s team publishes paper in Nature - Vector-Stimuli-Responsive Magnetorheological Fibrous Materials

A team of SFT researchers, led by Prof. Tao Xiaoming, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology, and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems; Dr Pu Junhong, Research Assistant Professor; Dr Li Haiqiong, Research Assistant; Dr Liu Jin, PhD graduate and Ms Li Ke, PhD student, has reported soft fibres and fibre assemblies that can quickly and reversibly change their form and mechanical characteristics in response to a safe and low magnetic field. These programmable textiles have potential applications in soft robotics, electromagnetic devices and wearable technologies. Magnetorheological (MR) materials like fluids or polymer composites can change shape or mechanical properties quickly when exposed to a magnetic field. Typically, magnetic particles suspended in a fluid or polymer medium form fibre-like structures under a magnetic field, which change their properties. However, issues such as sedimentation and aggregation in fluid-based MR materials lead to instability and inconsistent performance. While MR polymer composites solve some stability problems, they often inhibit responsiveness due to the restrictive polymer matrix and ineffective magnetic micro-particles. To address these issues, the research team designed fibrous MR materials. They created soft-magnetic polymer composite fibres that are 57 microns in diameter, and can be manipulated with low-strength, human-safe magnetic fields. This was achieved by uniformly distributing carbonyl-iron particles within a low-density polyethylene matrix, which allows for magnetic alignment and prevents sedimentation. Using these MR fibres, the team constructed various fibrous architectures, including yarns and multi-layer fabrics, without relying on magnetically inactive bonding matrices. This innovative system enables a scalable approach from fibres to large-area fabrics with directional deformation control. Unlike traditional responsive materials that react to scalar stimuli, these MR textiles respond to 'vectorial' magnetic fields. This breakthrough extends MR technology into fibrous forms by combining tuneable stiffness with versatile deformation while incorporating lightweight, flexible, and breathable textile properties—capabilities not present in traditional MR systems. The strategies employed can also apply to hard-magnetic fibrous materials, thus transforming standard rigid magnetic devices into soft, flexible alternatives. Such advancements could pave the way for a new generation of soft robotics, electro-mechanical devices, and wearable systems. The team's low-magnetic-field control technology will be crucial for human-centred applications, with plans for both remote magnetic manipulation and the integration of textile-based electromagnets within fabrics. The progress of the smart MR fibrous assemblies is the result of over 30 years of research led by Prof. Tao. This extensive study has explored a wide array of applications, from sensors to actuators and systems. The programmable MR fibre assemblies were developed through collaborative efforts from various disciplines aimed at creating future wearable devices that mimic human sensory capabilities, as a part of the Theme-based Research Scheme funded by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. The full article can be accessed here.