News

World leading result for RAE 2020

ITC is pleased to share that among the results of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020 announced by the Hong Kong’s University Grant Committee (UGC), ITC research performances are appraised as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” by multiple judging panels. The RAE was conducted by the UGC to assess the research performance of all UGC-funded universities for the past 6 years with international benchmarks.   Double full scores: remarkable improvement in ITC design research PolyU’s RAE 2020 submission to the Creative Arts, Performing Arts & Design panel (UoA38) received double full scores for impact case studies and research environment, which is the best performance in this area among the eight UGC-funded institutions. Prof. Kinor Jiang’s research work on metallic coated textiles was one of the 3 impact case studies submitted. His work was given 4 stars in the assessment. Overall, 69% of the research work is rated 3 stars (internationally excellent) and 4 stars (world leading). In addition, research outputs saw a marked improvement from RAE 2014, with an increase of 31% to 55% for 3- and 4-stars outputs. The collective contribution of ITC to the research outputs submission comprised research work on designing for sportswear, ergonomic apparel, fashion, interactive textiles, metal coated fabrics and fashion research for older people. ITC’s contributors to UoA38 are (in alphabetical order by last name): Dr Joe Au, Dr Chu-Po Ho, Prof. Kinor Jiang, Dr Rong Liu, Dr Wing-Sun Liu, Dr Frankie Ng, Dr Kristina Shin, Dr Jeanne Tan, Dr Kit-Lun Yick and Dr Joanne Yip. Prof. Calvin Wong, Coordinator of the UoA 38 Steering Committee. Prof. Calvin Wong, Coordinator of the UoA 38 Steering Committee, led ITC and SD colleagues over a period of 2 years to achieve this unprecedented submission result. The high scores highlight PolyU’s commitment to forward-looking research and the diverse and innovative research work of ITC design colleagues. Prof. Calvin Wong said, “The journey to the RAE 2020 took meticulous planning and execution by the steering committee, consultants and all of the contributing colleagues of ITC and SD. I would like to thank our former Dean, Prof. Wing-tak Wong, steering committee members from SD and ITC: Laurent Gutierrez, Johan Hoorn, Michael Siu and Jeanne Tan, our consultants and all colleagues for their support, advice and contributions.”   World leading ratings for all three ITC technology impact case studies Maintaining a strong growth momentum, the technology and business areas of study at ITC have made remarkable contributions to UoA14 by demonstrating research excellence and great impacts on society and the industry. ITC submitted two impact case studies to UoA14 which were assessed by the mechanical engineering, production engineering, textile technology and aerospace engineering panel, and also contributed one impact case to UoA8 for assessment by the Materials Science and Materials Technology (Dept. Applied Physics) panel. All three impact cases submitted by ITC were rated as world leading (4-stars). The 4-star research impact cases include research work by Prof. Y Li, Prof. Jintu Fan and Prof. John Xin - “New international standards and instruments upgrade the textiles and clothing industry” and Prof. Xiaoming Tao, Prof. Bingang Xu and Dr Tao Hua - “Green technology improves productivity and creates profit for global textile manufacturers” which were judged by the engineering panel. Prof. Helen LW Chan, Prof. Yu Wang, Dr Yang Chai and Prof. Xiaoming Tao were given a 4 star-rating by the physical science panel for “Flexible electronic devices for smart wearable applications”. The assessments for research output, impacts and environment for UoA14, which include ITC technology and business areas, have achieved an overall research rating of 41% for 4-stars and 42% for 3-stars, that is, 83% of the research has been rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Prof. Xiaoming Tao. Prof. Xiaoming Tao, the ITC coordinator for the submission of case studies in technology and business, feels very happy and proud of the achievement of ITC’s colleagues, as it is a testimonial of the long-term vision, persistent devotion and hard work to build a world-class institution in fashion and textile research. She would like to thank ITC colleagues, the PolyU, FAST and ITC management as well as external advisers and industrial partners for their strong support and teamwork, which has resulted in such an outstanding RAE result. ITC’s contributors to the research output of UoA14 (in alphabetical order by last name) are: Prof. Jason Choi, Dr Bin Fei, Prof. Hong Hu, Prof. Jinlian Hu, Dr Tao Hua, Dr Patrick Hui, Prof. Chi-wai Kan, Dr Robert Lau, Dr Li Li, Dr Chris Lo, Dr. Nuruzzaman Noor, Dr Tracy Mok, Prof. Songmin Shang, Prof. Xiaoming Tao, Dr Chester To, Prof. Christina Wong, Prof. Calvin Wong, Prof. John Xin, Prof. Bingang Xu, Dr Rachel Yee, and Prof. Zijian Zheng. These results highlight the excellence and continuous improvement of ITC in world leading research work. We will continue to conduct research that leads to original, significant and rigorous research outputs, as well as having far-reaching and significant impacts on society and the industry.

$HK50,000 from URIS funds ITC undergraduate student

Simran Gulati, a Year 3 ITC student, is the successful recipient of HK$ 50,000 from the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS). Under the guidance and supervision of Dr Eunsoo Baek, Assistant Professor in Fashion Retail & Marketing, Simran will be responsible for research work titled “Tactics of online product display: The effect of empty space in a product image on consumers in the online shopping context”. With the popularity of e-commerce and contactless shopping, product images online have become more important than ever. These images communicate product information visually, which facilitates consumers to inspect the product and mentally visualise its usage before they make a purchase decision. The research work focuses on examining how different amounts of empty space in product images affect psychological distance, thereby affecting the product evaluation of consumers. Dr Baek (left) and Simran Gulati. About the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) The URIS is a prestigious programme that aims to strengthen academic curiosity and enquiry-based learning among undergraduate students. The purpose of this programme is to nurture the next generation of researchers and innovators. Under the URIS, undergraduate students are given the opportunity to undertake small-scale research projects under the guidance and supervision of academic staff who are strong in research.

Technology transfer online seminar | Technology innovation and quality development of textile industries in China

Prof. Kinor Jiang, Professor of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), facilitated an online seminar on 5 June 2021, titled "Technology innovation and quality development of textile industries in China under the complex environment". The seminar was presented by Prof. Guangwei Fu, Chairman of the China Textile Engineering Society. Jointly organized by ITC and The Shenzhen Research Institute, the seminar attracted over hundred attendees to join. With the increasing complicity of economic and political environment, technology innovation and quality development become the trend of textile and apparel industry in China. In the seminar, Prof. Fu analyzed the competitive advantages for the rapid development of the textile industry from a technical perspective, and reveals the key attributes of such development. About Prof. Guangwei Fu Prof. Guangwei Fu, PhD, EMBA, is the Chairman of China Textile Engineering Society; Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of China Textile Information Center; Director of CNTAC Testing Center; Chairman and General Manager of the National Textile Fabric Museum; Director of CTES Textile Industry Research Institute; Deputy Director of Standardization Committee of CNTAC. He is also appointed as the Chairman of Federation of Asian Professional Textile Associations; Vice Chairman of Advanced Materials Alliance of CAST Member Societies; Deputy Secretary-General of Intelligent Manufacturing Alliance of CAST Member Societies; Joint Professor of Donghua University, Jiangnan University, Wuhan Textile University, Xi’an Polytechnic University, Qingdao University, Zhongyuan Institute of Technology; Honorary Dean of School of Textile Garment and Design of Changshu Institute of Technology. Prof. Fu has participated in a number of national projects and research projects, presided over the construction of China Textile Industry Public Service Demonstration Platform. He has published more than 50 academic papers, has applied for a number of national patents of invention, and has won second prize of the provincial level of science and technology progress award in three items, and third prize in two items. He was National Textile Advanced Workers in 2006.

Update: PolyU Fashion Show 2021 and PolyU Intimate Fashion Show 2021

In view of the instability of the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the stringent social distancing measures, we regret that PolyU Fashion Show 2021 and PolyU Intimate Fashion Show 2021 which were originally scheduled in July will be cancelled. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all global citizens and its local resurgence has affected everyone in Hong Kong. Yet despite the unprecedented challenges of the current circumstances, the graduating class of 2021 have all completed their final collections this year. As we understand the gravity of the situation for all graduating students, we have taken steps to ensure the best means of showcasing the collections. Student works will be displayed in a new way, under the new norm. A video shoot will be arranged for the finalists of the two shows to showcase their collections.  Please stay tuned for the videos and creative designs of the finalists. To preview finalists' collections of the two shows, please visit ITC Instagram and Facebook Fan Page for more.

"Let‘s Go Green" Woven Bag Design Competition crowns Chu Pak-yin Champion

BA student Chu Pak-yin, who is majoring in technology, was crowned Champion in a canvas bag design competition, “Let’s Go Green”, which was organised by the Environmental Protection Department. Pak-yin believes sustainable development ties together the concerns of the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social, political, and economic challenges faced by humanity. The bag is printed with images of renewable energy and many products related to recycling, such as solar lamp posts, wind power generators, recycling bins, and recycling stations, thus showing the concept of sustainable living and a green lifestyle. Through beautiful designs, the ‘Let‘s Go Green’ woven bag design competition aims to encourage the public to use reusable eco-friendly shopping bags and reduce the use of disposable plastic bags. The hope is that youths will integrate creative design into their daily life and act as ambassadors of environmental protection to all levels of society.

Dr Jeanne Tan receives HK$1.49 million from Quality Education Fund

Dr Jeanne Tan, Associate Professor of ITC, can now support design-led science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education research for secondary schools across Hong Kong with HK$1.49 M from the Quality Education Fund (QEF). This project is also supported by design collaborators from the Royal College of Art (London); industry sponsor, The Mills Fabrica; and design community partners from the Hong Kong Design Centre. Fabrica is offering HK$398,000 in in-kind sponsorship. The funding enables Dr Tan and her team to conduct pedagogical research through a series of workshops and activities that utilise creative practices as a learning and teaching means. The project intends to engage forty-two (42) secondary school teachers and over five hundred (500) students in the subjects of design-led STEM (D-STEM) education, AI and intelligent textiles. Through this cross-sector project, Dr Tan aims to develop D-STEM curricula based on AI integrated textiles and creative practices to enhance pedagogy. Dr Tan explains: “I would like to thank the Quality Education Fund, the Royal College of Art, The Mills Fabrica and the Hong Kong Design Centre for supporting my project. Their support will enable research into methods that enhance learning and teaching experiences in STEM secondary curricula through design. Through this project, we aim to enhance pedagogy and help teachers in Hong Kong to teach and assess D-STEM, and enhance the knowledge and skills of students so that they can solve real world problems creatively via interdisciplinary practices.”   About the Quality Education Fund The Quality Education Fund (QEF) finances projects to promote quality education in Hong Kong. The establishment of the QEF is one of the major recommendations of the Education Commission Report No.7 (ECR7). The QEF provides an effective channel to fund worthwhile projects in the school education sector. The QEF mainly caters to worthwhile non-profit educational initiatives.

FAST Research Insight 2021

Curious about the ins and outs of the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles (FAST) at PolyU? In recent months, FAST has launched a series of videos under FAST Research Insight 2021, which showcase the achievements of faculty members, and focus on their different research projects and contributions to society. ITC is pleased that three of our own faculty members are featured in this series of videos. They share their research highlights and contributions. Their research works span a broad range of topics, which range from fibre textiles, green supply chain management to fashion design in the community. Prof. Zheng Zijian and his research team are featured in one of the videos. They have developed a new type of highly permeable and super elastic liquid-metal fibre mat which can be used for wearable electronic devices and can withstand long-term wear. This novel stretchable conductor is expected to find remarkable applications in health monitoring devices, soft robotics and on-skin electronics. The research work has been recently published in Nature Materials, a leading academic journal. Green supply chain management plays a crucial role in sustainable development. Prof. Christina Wong’s research work is also featured in one of the videos. Her work considers processes in supply chains and coordination amongst supply chain partners to reduce costs and adverse environmental impacts. The third video shows that while the aging population has reduced the labour force, retired people can in fact also contribute to the community in various social activities, and make their life more meaningful. Dr Jin Lam has implemented a scheme called “Empafashion Design”: Community Network Weaver in PolyU, targeting the young-old. The project aims to cultivate self-initiative skills, and encourage them to help the elderly when they are in need. The scheme uses fashion design as a medium to bridge students and the elderly, as an essential element in promoting inter-generational integration.

Dr Dahua Shou receives multiple awards for Air-Conditioned Facemask project

ITC scholars are known for the novelty and significance of their research work, and receive multiple awards for their ingenuity. Dr Dahua Shou, Assistant Professor, and Prof. Jintu Fan, Head and Chair Professor of ITC, received both the Gold Award and Special Award at the 35th World Genius Convention and Education Expo 2021 in Tokyo for their research project ‘Air-Conditioned Facemask (AC Mask)’. The same project also received the Gold Medal and Grand Award (Excellence in Innovation Award) at the 13th European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation (EUROINVENT) 2021. AC Mask, a temperature-controllable facemask, protects the wearer from unpleasant heat and high humidity while wearing the facepiece. The automatic and efficient cooling effects are based on the Peltier effect, which reduces the temperature of the facepiece by 12°C and humidity by 50% at a low voltage of 3 volts. The ergonomically designed 3D printed mask frame and the wind-guided tunnel facilitate efficient ventilation and smoothness of breathing. The AC-Mask is cost-effective and compatible with existing disposable facemasks that are worn during COVID-19. It is like a personal wearable air conditioner.

Dr Lilly Li receives Gold Award for Far Infrared Functional Fibre innovation

ITC is pleased to announce that Dr Lilly Li, Associate Professor, is the recipient of the Gold Award at the 4th China (Shanghai) International Exhibition of Invention and Innovation 2021 for her research project titled ‘Innovation of Highly Efficient Far Infrared Functional Textiles’. Fabric Swatches made of the FIR Fibers. The highly efficient far infrared (FIR) functional fibre is innovative in that that approach involves the structural modification of fibre cross-sections to increase the absorptivity and emissivity of FIR radiation. The structural modification of the fibre cross-sections can be done in all types of synthetic materials. The method is eco-friendly and chemical-free, without the addition of any chemicals, additives, or coatings. As such, the function is more durable. Since the production approach is the physical alteration of the fibre morphology, the need for additional materials (such as chemicals or additives) is eliminated. Theoretically, the surface area of a triangular cross section is relatively smaller than that of commonly used circular ones. Thus, the production cost will be lower compared to conventional methods. Textile products made with such fibres can be subjected to numerous washes and are light in weight with a balance between moisture-thermal management and wear comfort.  The highly efficient FIR functional fibre can be explored for new applications in the functional and healthcare textile markets. Product Design and Development.

Dr Chloe Ki publishes top cited article in Psychology & Marketing

ITC is pleased to announce that Wiley has recognized a paper written by Dr Chloe Ki and published in Psychology and Marketing  as a top cited article during 2019 and 2020. Dr Ki received a certificate of achievement from Wiley for “The mechanism by which social media influencers persuade consumers: The role of consumers’ desire to mimic”. This paper was also recognized as one of the top downloaded papers between 2018 and 2019. In this study, Dr Ki investigated the influencer marketing phenomenon, which has become an integral part of the digital marketing strategies of fashion retailers. She investigated the mechanism through which social media influencers exert influence over consumers. One of the noteworthy implications of her work is documenting that social media influencers not only serve as opinion leaders, but also as taste leaders who win over social media audiences by showcasing their personal taste. Both the taste and opinion leadership influence the desire of consumers to follow the influencers, which in turn, has a  decisive role in purchase decisions. We know that the findings in Dr Ki’s work will help fashion retailers and marketers to maximize the significant benefits that influencer marketing can offer.