News

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.

HONG KONG FASYNATES – Exercise is Medicine on Campus

HONG KONG FASYNATES – Exercise is Medicine on Campus was jointly organised by four PolyU departments, namely, SFT, Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RiSports), and Student Affairs Office (SAO), in collaboration with Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC), on 25 November 2025 at the PolyU's Global Student Hub. The event was dedicated to promoting campus sports. It allowed PolyU staff and students to celebrate the vibrant connection between fashion and sports on campus. SFT would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Shuttlecock Association of Hong Kong, China, and the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club Limited for arranging exciting performances and interactive activities for the participants.

SFT ranked 5th among global top 50 in textile science and engineering

SFT has achieved a significant milestone in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, advancing from 7th to 5th place among the Top 50 in the "Textile Science & Engineering" category. This remarkable progress highlights SFT’s outstanding growth and unwavering commitment to academic excellence on the international stage. The ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects is a highly regarded evaluation that assesses universities worldwide based on their academic performance and research impact across various disciplines. The impressive rise of SFT in the rankings is a testament to its dedication to advancing research, fostering innovation, and nurturing talent in the fashion and textile industry.    Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of SFT, expressed pride in the School's accomplishment, stating, " This achievement marks a significant and rapid ascent. When I arrived in 2023, we were ranked 25th. We jumped to 7th in 2024 and have now climbed again to our current position at 5th globally." SFT remains at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development in textiles, with a strong focus on sustainable practices, advanced materials, and innovative technologies. The School’s collaborative partnerships with industry and emphasis on real-world applications have further strengthened its reputation as a leader in the field. This achievement not only enhances PolyU’s global standing but also reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a hub for academic excellence and innovation in textile science and engineering. As SFT continues to pursue excellence, the School is dedicated to shaping the future of the textile industry through pioneering research and education. For more information on ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, please visit: https://www.shanghairanking.com/institution/the-hong-kong-polytechnic-university

SFT, BME and RiSports presented "HONG KONG FASYNATES 2025: Fashion x Sports" - a landmark celebration of fashion, sports and urban culture

SFT, PolyU's Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) jointly organised the “HONG KONG FASYNATES 2025: Fashion x Sports”, a large-scale fashion-sports extravaganza at the Central Square of Kai Tak Sports Park from 22 to 23 November. The two-day event transformed the City into a stage where fashion and creativity blend with the spirit of sports, showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic landscape and leadership in two vital industries: fashion and sports. HONG KONG FASYNATES represents a fusion of fashion, synergy with the suffix “-NATES”, emphasising how fashion creates synergy with other industries. Themed “Fashion x Sports”, the event has fostered collaboration among fashion and sportswear industry leaders, key brands and creative talents, building a dynamic ecosystem across different industries while energising the City with vibrant activities. On the opening day (22 November), the “Move to Light” digital illumination show — created by world-renowned lighting designer and winner of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2021, Mr Tino Kwan — wowed the audience. The digital illumination ceremony was officiated by Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China; Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of SFT; Prof. Zhang Ming , Director of RISports; Miss Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries of the Government of the HKSAR; Ms Wang Xin, former Olympic diving gold medalist and Sports Advisor of RISports; Dr Daniel Lee, Associate Director, Elite Training Science & Technology of the Hong Kong Sport Institute; Tyson Yoshi, Founder of Triplet; Mr Joe Wong, Director of Open Dialogue, as well as brand  representatives from PUMA, Li-Ning, Saucony and xVESSEL, and a group of young local designers. As the guests simultaneously activated the digital illumination installation, the glowing lights symbolised Hong Kong’s growing prominence in fashion-tech integration and urban lifestyle design. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Miss Rosanna Law remarked, "Sports is an integral part of daily life for many Hong Kong citizens, and sportswear has become a significant part of fashion culture. Walking down the street, it is easy to spot people dressed in sportswear — some in more traditional styles, some in more stylish designs. These outfits are not only comfortable and practical but also showcasing individual style and taste, making them the perfect example of the fusion of sports and fashion. In recent years, cross-genre collaborations between fashion and sports have increased, bringing in numerous refreshing designs. This kind of crossover aligns with the development initiatives the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has been driving. We are committed to advancing the synergistic development of culture, sports, and tourism, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, a centre for major international sports events, and an international tourism hub. The FASYNATES event exemplifies the possibilities for interdisciplinary and cross-genre collaboration, allowing us to explore the endless opportunities at the intersection of sports and fashion.” Following the digital illumination ceremony, five young local SFT alumni - all finalists in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC)'s FashionALLY graduates, presented a fashion show that merged sports aesthetics with high-end fashion. They are: Yoyo Chan (BA, 2022) for Saucony - road running & hiking X fashion Catherine Hui (BA, 2024) for Li-ning - running X fashion Einar Lai (BA, 2024) for Triplet - fitness & gym X fashion  Murfi Lau (2015 graduate) for xVESSEL - street dance X fashion  Wilson Yip (BA, 2015) for PUMA - car racing X fashion These five collections reflected the synergy of movement and design, while also showcasing the versatility required to thrive at the intersection of casual-wear, streetwear and performance gear. Special thanks to FashionALLY and Open Dialogue for curating a lineup of designers and global brands reinterpreting the future of urban sportswear. The evening concluded with the “Skate to Style” performance by the All Hong Kong Skateboarders Association (AHKSA), where talented skateboarders, performing in designs curated by Prof. Huang Tsai-chun, Assistant Professor of SFT, combined athletic skill and artistry to rousing applause. On Day 2, the “HONG KONG FASYNATES Bazaar” transformed Central Square into a vibrant playground for fashion and sports enthusiasts. It featured 16 lifestyle and fashion brands across 11 booths hosted by various lifestyle and fashion brand and independent local labels, all contributing to a lively and inspiring marketplace atmosphere. Participating brands and labels included: 8FIVE2 CASETiFY G-SHOCK Jeanswest New Era NEUTRAL SOCIETY NO IDENTITY PHANTACi SCENE by ICE FIRE TEAMJOINED xVESSEL Other exciting activities included: PROFASHION Live Interviews - featured brand founders and company directors who discussed how design innovation and sustainability influence latest fashion and lifestyle trends Skateboarding competitions and lessons hosted by AHKSA Interactive Fashion Experience Workshops by MarcoProArtists Hair & Makeup Agency, A80 PARIS and FashionALLY - offered hands-on opportunities to explore urban sports, creative styling and beauty techniques CASETiFY and SFT offered limited-edition giveaways NEW ERA collaborated with students from SFT to showcase 10 uniquely designed caps based on NEW ERA’s iconic 59FIFTY silhouette TEAMJOINED, NO IDENTITY, G-SHOCK, xVESSEL, and SCENE by ICE FIRE  launched their latest collections, injecting creative inspiration and a strong urban vibe into the atmosphere An exclusive heat-press customisation service offered by NEW ERA - allowed the public to experience the fun of personalising their own caps and expressing their individual style The event concluded with dynamic performances by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club and dancers from ROSEMAESE and YouniverS, whose energetic rhythms and youthful vitality brought the event to a perfect close. Through an engaging mix of runway showcases, live performances and interactive experiences, HONG KONG FASYNATES embodied the vitality, creativity and collaborative spirit of local fashion and sports industries. It also offered a new stage for designers, athletes and brands to explore how fashion captures movement and urban identity, reflecting Hong Kong’s spirit of innovation and energy, and redefining Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s creative capital.

31st School of Fashion and Textiles Congregation

The 31st Congregation was successfully concluded on 12 November, presided over by School Dean Prof. Erin Cho. At the Congregation, held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, Master of Philosophy, Master of Arts and Bachelor degrees were awarded to 358 graduates, where 33 PhD graduates were awarded at the Main Session of the University on 1 November. Prof. Cho extended her warmest congratulations to all graduates and wished them every success in their future careers or studies. The School conferred academic awards on a total of 391 students this year, including 33 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 2 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 161 taught master’s degree graduates, and 195 bachelor’s degree graduates. House programme is available here.

New appointments

SFT is pleased to welcome to Prof. Joselito Razal who took up the positions of Professor, and Prof. Andy Hou and Dr Miyuki Cheng who took up the positions of Professor of Practice. Prof. Razal joins us from Deakin University in Australia, where he was a full professor at the Institute for Frontier Materials and the director of the ARC Research Hub for Functional and Sustainable Fibres. An internationally recognised leader in his field, Prof. Razal has an exceptional scholarly record, including Science, Nature, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and other high-impact outlets. His work focuses on functional and sustainable fibres and materials, particularly for flexible energy storage and harvesting systems. This includes developing multi-functional fibres that can store and convert energy, as well as sense movement and pressure for use in wearable devices, smart textiles, and portable electronics. Prof. Andre Hou is a seasoned expert in the luxury industry, excelling in brand management, operations, and strategic growth. At Louis Vuitton, he achieved a nine-fold sales increase over nine years, while reducing operating costs and losses. At Chanel Hong Kong and Macau, he led 13 boutiques to drive a three-fold sales growth, managed store expansions and closures, and handled significant recruitment for the fashion sector. Since 2019, as part of Boucheron APAC, Kering Group, Prof. Hou has driven a remarkable ten-fold sales increase through strategic leadership and team restructuring. His strengths in strategic insight, operational excellence, and leadership have led to a consistent track record of profitability. His extensive luxury industry network enables him to foster valuable partnerships. Dr Miyuki Cheng integrates academic excellence in global fashion management and doctoral research in fashion supply chain strategies at SFT with extensive professional experience as a merchandising manager in different leading global buying offices. Her expertise encompasses international sourcing, trend analysis, product development, textiles, and costing. Having worked with VF Asia, Ralph Lauren, and Ann Taylor, she managed sourcing operations across key Asia Pacific markets, including China, Bangladesh, Cambodia,  Vietnam and Myanmar. Drawing on her industry background, Dr Cheng’s current research and teaching focus on buying, global sourcing and reshoring strategies, which advance evidence-based approaches to optimise fashion supply chains and managerial practices. SFT is excited to see the impact of their works and are confident that they will make substantial contributions across research, education, and collaboration at PolyU, SFT and beyond.

Nameson Group’s generous donation enhances knitwear design specialism

Our BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion is dedicated to training talented designers for the fashion industry. In particular, the knitwear design specialism offers hands-on training with industry-grade knitting machines, ensuring our students are well-prepared to meet the expectations of the industry. To further strengthen our research and teaching facilities, we are grateful to Mr Benny Wong, Chairman and Executive Director of Nameson Group, for his generous donation of two advanced knitting machines to the School in 2025. This valuable contribution provides our students with access to a wider variety of equipment, encouraging them to continuously explore innovative ideas and push the boundaries of creativity in knitwear design. Mr Wong shares SFT’s vision of nurturing the next generation of talented designers for the industry. His support not only enhances our specialism but also helps us create more opportunities for students to develop the skills and experience needed for a successful career in knitwear. We sincerely thank Mr Wong and Nameson Group for their commitment to education and innovation in fashion and textiles.