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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.

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.