News

SFT Alumni Dazzle at Guangdong Fashion Week: Spring 2025

Five esteemed 2024 BA and MA design graduates, Mr Theo Chan, Mr Kian Cheng, Ms Lee Wing-see, Mr Zio Liu and Ms Ng Pui-pui, showcased their impressive collections at GBA: Fashion Fusion 2025 during the Guangdong Fashion Week held in Panyu, Guangzhou on 19 April 2025. For the BA graduates, Theo's "空How Are You? " draws inspiration from a family funeral and uses fashion to initiate a dialogue between religion and life. Wing-see's "孽" tells the story of the deity "Ling", who governs spring rain, and the demon "Hu", who consumes evil thoughts, as they fall into a forbidden love, which reflects the intangible qualities and mysterious aura of Chinese mythology. Pui-pui's "EUCLIDIAN" showcases her skilled knitting techniques, playing with geometric patterns to create optical illusions. For the MA graduates, Kian's "The Overwhelming" aims to explore inner turmoil, and seeks reconciliation between artwork and personal emotions. Zio’s "Release" cleverly blends street style while exploring the process of self-liberation through fencing. About GBA: Fashion Fusion 2025 Launched by non-profit organisation, Fashion Farm Foundation (FFF) and sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, GBA: Fashion Fusion 2025 is FFF’s fashion campaign in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area). The event promotes closer collaborations among Hong Kong fashion designers and young talents, design institutions, professional groups, and cultural practitioners from other cities within the Greater Bay Area.

Miro Bra x PolyU SFT Bra & Panties Design Competition 2024

The "Miro Bra x PolyU SFT Bra & Panties Design Competition 2024" was successfully held and culminated in an award presentation ceremony on 26 February 2025. The competition provided a platform for students to showcase their design prowess by creating a collection that features the MIRO patented BiyuTech wireless cup. This innovative technology is known for its wear comfort and support, and challenged the participants to integrate functionality with aesthetic appeal. Nine finalists were selected from dozens of entries for the final round. Congratulations to our Year 3 BA student, Cheng Sin-kei, who captivated the judges with her collection titled "Silent", which earned her the title of Champion. She was inspired by the mysterious and uncharted realms of the deep ocean. This theme captures the beauty of the unknown, allure of silence, and strength found in vulnerability, thus celebrating the complexities of femininity through luxurious and evocative lingerie pieces. Sin-kei's achievement comes with a cash prize of $10,000 and the exciting opportunity to bring her designs to life at MIRO Bra stores, which is a significant step forward in her design career. Applause is also given to our talented MA student, Choy Wing-kiu, Daisy, who won first runner-up with her creative flair and was awarded a cash prize of $8,000. Our Year 4 BA student, Yau Ho-yan, showed her exceptional skills and received second runner−up with a cash prize of $5,000 for her efforts. The winning collections are now showcasing at The Fashion Gallery from 21 April to 5 May 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and the launching of the winning collection in MIRO Bra stores.

SFT scholars garner global recognition at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Three SFT scholars Profs. Erin Cho, Kinor Jiang and Shou Dahua proudly won three medals, including one Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, two Bronze Medals at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event devoted exclusively to invention. This year, 1,043 entries from 42 countries and regions were attracted. Their award-winning innovations underscore the commitment of the PolyU and SFT community, encompassing scholars, students and alumni, to embracing research breakthroughs. 1.    Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury: SweatMD: Health-monitoring Wearable Sweat Sensor Principal investigator: Prof. Shou Dahua, Associate Professor; Associate Director, PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Associate Director of Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion; Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies SweatMD is a cutting-edge, all-textile wearable sensor that non-invasively tracks biomarkers in sweat, such as glucose and potassium ion levels. It decodes user health conditions at the molecular level with exceptional accuracy, comfort and durability. By continuously detecting multiple biomarkers and displaying real-time data on an intelligent mobile app, SweatMD empowers users to seamlessly self-monitor their health metrics and gain valuable insights into their well-being. The innovative textile-based microfluidic design features a nature-inspired sweat collection system, enabling the rapid and directional transport of fresh sweat for precise analysis – even against gravity. Meanwhile, the advanced electrochemical sensing yarns are wrapped in skin-friendly fibres, further ensuring superior durability and comfort. This breakthrough technology sets new standards in wearable healthcare, while also revolutionising how individuals manage their well-being and fostering global health awareness. SweatMD, by combining accessibility, user-friendliness and comfort, has the potential to transform disease prevention and health management strategies on a global scale. 2.    Bronze Medal: Next-generation Sportswear with Polylactic Acid, Auxetic Knitting Structure and Ergonomic Design Principal investigator: Prof. Erin Cho, Dean and Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion; Advisor, Leopitorca Global Limited (a PolyU startup) This ergonomic sportswear solution uses polylactic acid (PLA), a natural eco-substitute for polyester, for its fabrication, combined with auxetic knitting structure (AKS) textile engineering. This combination delivers improved shaping, support and fit without using Lycra or polyurethane, while also enhancing the sportswear’s antibacterial properties, UV protection, flame retardancy, and temperature and moisture management. Additionally, the ergonomic construction maximises athletic performance by aligning with muscle groups, allowing full-range motion and effective temperature regulation. Being 100% sustainable, using PLA can improve environmental sustainability in textile production waste management and sportswear functionality. Meanwhile, the auxetic knitting structure ensures superior shaping, elasticity and support. The ergonomic design also provides a better-contoured fit, improving protection against injury and offering better body support. This solution not only enhances performance for athletes and physically fit individuals who exercise rigorously, but also improves the exercise experiences of individuals in less-than-perfect physical condition by providing better safety, functionality, support and fit. 3.    Bronze Medal: 3D-printed Superior Light and Breathable Wearable Textiles Principal investigator: Prof. Kinor Jiang, Professor Produced using the Low Force Stereolithography printing system with flexible photosensitive resin based on a 3D model, this innovative 3D-printed material comprises multiple unit structures systematically arranged along the X, Y and Z axes. Each unit structure features a cubic diamond configuration made of truss rods, with dimensions ranging from 2mm to 2.5mm in length, width and height, and truss rod diameters between 0.2mm and 0.3mm. Incorporating a cubic diamond structure as the fundamental unit of the microcrystalline fabric significantly enhances the material’s breathability, lightness, durability and aesthetic appeal. It also accommodates various body shapes and movement conditions, ensuring comfort and adaptability. The material is soft and skin-friendly, offering breathability that surpasses traditional woven fabrics, and exhibiting excellent elasticity. This advancement showcases the significant improvement in the performance and comfort of 3D-printed textiles.

SFT collaborative team publishes in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

An SFT collaborative team that comprises Profs. Ma Kaikai, Kan Chi-wai, Fei Bin, and John Xin has published a research paper titled "Tetrathienylethene-based Porous Framework Composites for Boosting Photocatalytic Antibacterial Activity" in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), which is a prestigious top-tier journal in the field of fundamental science (JCR Q1). The research work, which makes significant contributions to sustainable antibacterial textiles, was published on 8 April 2025 (https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2423052122). The work is built on a successful collaboration with Prof. Chen Zhijie at Zhejiang University and Prof. Fraser Stoddart at the University of Hong Kong. Benefiting from interdisciplinary joint research cooperation, the study leverages on the strong academic foundation of SFT, advanced research infrastructure in fashion and textile technology, and the expertise of our collaborators in chemistry.  In this study, the team has designed a stable metal-organic framework (MOF) material which is incorporated into cellulose fibres to develop a sustainable antibacterial textile material. The MOF is rationally designed and, under visible light (sunlight) exposure, can spontaneously produce reactive species capable of killing pathogens. After the MOF material is integrated into the cellulose fibres, flexible and durable functional antibacterial fibre composites are subsequently produced. With its strong antimicrobial efficacy and excellent biocompatibility, this material has great potential for healthcare applications and air purification.  In recent years, this collaborative team has made significant contributions in the field of smart and sustainable textile materials for pathogen protection (e.g. COVID-19) and toxic chemical defence, and published a series of high-impact papers in top-tier journals, including: Advanced Materials, 2024, 36, 2300951 Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2022, 144, 12192-12201 Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2021, 143, 16777-16785 Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2019, 141, 15626−15633 Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2019, 141, 20016-20021 Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2022, 19, e202202207 Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2021,8, e202115956 With the immense support of PolyU and SFT for interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations between researchers or research teams in Hong Kong and Mainland China that complement the strengths of both parties, our esteemed researchers are able to actively contribute to fundamental science and applied technology, thus strengthening our research community with their impactful innovations.

PolyU Outstanding Student Award & Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024/25

SFT is delighted to announce that two of our BA students have been recognised as recipients of the Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award 2024/25. This year, a total of 29 students are recognised as outstanding students at the departmental and faculty/school levels. The presentation ceremony cum luncheon was held on 3 April 2025 at Hotel ICON. Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, officiated the ceremony and presented the awards to the students. John Marcus Banday Mase, a Year 4 student in the BA (Hons) in Fashion and majoring in Fashion Design, was awarded the “Outstanding Student Award” for his exceptional academic performance. Marcus said, “As a designer of dreams, I don’t design clothes. I design dreams. I aim to amplify voices and inspire wearers to embrace their individuality”. Anastasiya Rudakova, an international student in Year 3 of her BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles and majoring in Fashion Design, was honoured with the prestigious “Presidential Student Leadership Award” in recognition of her outstanding efforts and invaluable contributions to the community. Ana shared some wisdom: “A successful leader listens actively, communicates effectively and inspires others to excel and contribute to the achievement of shared goals and continuous growth in their communities, just as I strive to do at PolyU.” The PolyU Outstanding Student Award was established to recognise full-time final-year students who have excelled in both academic and non-academic pursuits during their studies. The Presidential Student Leadership Award is a new initiative introduced in the 2022/23 academic year to recognise our student leaders and encourage them to fully develop their potential. These awards serve as a testament to their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and exceptional leadership qualities. We are immensely proud of all our award recipients and excited for the bright futures that lie ahead for them. 

SFT x PUMA Case Competition in Sustainability

SFT recently partnered with PUMA, a globally renowned leader in SportLifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories, to launch the “PolyU SFT x PUMA Case Competition in Sustainability”. This initiative addresses the pressing challenges within the fashion industry with PUMA, a pioneer in sustainable sportswear brands, used as a case study to explore consumer behaviours toward sustainable fashion. Students in the MA in Sustainable Fashion and Innovation (MASFI) programme were invited to participate in the competition, with cash prizes sponsored by the ESG Research and Sustainable Fashion Hub of SFT. After two rounds of progress report assessments, four of the eight participating teams advanced to the finals. These teams engaged in extensive research, collecting and analysing primary data through surveys and interviews, and incorporating secondary data from industry reports and the academic literature. Based on their findings, the finalists developed strategic recommendations that align with the sustainability objectives of PUMA, which they presented on 31 March 2025. The panel of judges for the final presentation included: Mr Bernd Sauer, Senior Director, Accessories & Technical Development Apparel, PUMA Prof. Chan Hauling, Assistant Professor, SFT Prof. Magnum Lam, Assistant Professor, SFT   The research findings of the competing teams revealed a significant trend among consumers: while they show strong support for sustainability initiatives, many prioritise price and are not willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products. This poses a critical challenge for brands, thus highlighting the need to craft a distinctive identity for their sustainable offerings. By delivering clear and comprehensive information about the benefits and impact of their sustainable products, brands can build trust and awareness, thus ultimately motivating consumers to make more environmentally conscious choices. In response to these findings, the champion team proposed a compelling idea: systematically integrating circularity services with transparent storytelling to help PUMA transform eco-conscious shoppers into loyal brand advocates. They highlighted how this strategy could simultaneously reduce environmental impacts and drive profitability. Mr Sauer strongly agreed with the team’s proposal, and emphasised on how it would align with PUMA’s sustainability vision. He remarked, "PUMA has been very active in sustainability, with ambitious targets set for 2030. Our focus includes climate, human rights, and circularity". Sharing some of his own daily green practices, he inspired attendees to take action and support sustainability efforts. The winning teams were: Champion: Li Qiaowen and Zhong Xiaolin 1st Runner-up: Hu Jiamin and Lin Haimin 2nd Runner-up: Wang Mengyao, Wang Yixuan, Xia Yuxin and Yang Jingwei Dr Chan, the deputy programme leader of MASFI, said, “This competition offered students an exceptional opportunity to delve into sustainability research, focusing on data analysis to drive PUMA's future growth. The aim was to spark student innovation, enhance their practical problem-solving abilities, and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. These fostered connections play a pivotal role in advancing the professional development and lifelong learning of the students”.  

Symposium of Sustainable Fashion and Materials: Pioneering Solutions for a Greener Future

On 25 March 2025, the ESG Research and Sustainable Fashion Hub of SFT hosted the Symposium of Sustainable Fashion and Materials. The event brought together over 100 attendees from the academia and industry to address environmental challenges, and showcased recent research and technologies that aim to reduce ecological footprints while promoting circularity and safety. The Symposium began with Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean of SFT, who gave a warm welcoming speech that emphasised the importance of collaboration, inspiration, and innovation in forging new paths toward sustainability. Dr Yao Lei from The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) followed with a presentation on "Creative Solutions for Microplastics”. She introduced the new ISO 4484-2:2023 framework for quantifying microfibre release and her team’s bio-enzymatic method to digest microplastics in wastewater. While time-intensive, this approach highlights the need for hybrid strategies, including stricter regulations, material innovation, and consumer education. Mr Yang Zhenggao, Vice Chairman of Polyrocks Chemical Co. Ltd., delivered a presentation on "Key Technology & Applications of Advanced Flame-retardant Materials". He described innovative, non-toxic flame-retardant materials designed for plastics and emphasised their application for creating durable, fire-resistant textiles. This approach not only enhances safety but also contributes to waste reduction by promoting sustainability. Prof. Yang Jinglei from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) presented "Microencapsulation of Fire Extinguisher Chemicals and Applications", during which he provided an introduction on microencapsulated fire-extinguishing chemicals that use ozone-safe perfluoro compounds. This innovative approach allows for heat-responsive safety applications in flexible fabrics, such as athleisure wear. Prof. Hu Yuan from the State Key Laboratory of Fire Science of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) delivered a presentation titled "Design Principles & Techniques of Polymer Fire Safety". He elaborated on key principles in polymer design that balance fire resistance and recyclability. Prof. Yuan emphasised the importance of developing materials that ensure user safety and can be decomposed in a responsible manner, thus highlighting sustainability as a critical factor. Finally, Prof. Fei Bin, coordinator of the ESG Research and Sustainable Fashion Hub, presented on “Functional and Safety Composite Fibers with Green Advantages”. He discussed upcycled composite fibres, such as recycled polyester for cooling fabrics, elastomers for X-ray shielding textiles, and silk scraps repurposed for luminescent wearable technology, all of which demonstrate that waste can drive innovation. The Symposium underscored sustainability as a multidisciplinary effort. Prof. Fei moderated a panel that reinforced the need for traceable supply chains and youth engagement, and announced scholarships for sustainable fashion research. Discussions aligned with the four pillars of the event: advancing research, bridging industry-academia gaps, shaping environmental, social and governance policies, and nurturing eco-entrepreneurs. The speakers agreed that there is an inseparable link between durability and circularity. Flame-retardant innovations extend the lifespan of garments, while upcycling transforms waste into high-value products. Challenges, such as scaling bio-enzymatic solutions for microplastics, underscored the importance of collaboration among scientists, brands, and regulators. By merging cutting-edge science, ethical practices, and consumer awareness, the Symposium charted their vision for a fashion industry that prioritises safety, longevity, and environmental stewardship. Sustainability is not a limitation but a driving force for progress and transformation.

MOU Signed with Trinity Chain Holding Limited

SFT is pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Trinity Chain Holding Limited, facilitated by Mr Joe Wong, Director. This partnership will foster research collaboration that focuses on entrepreneurship education and professionalism in the fashion sector. The MOU establishes a framework for engaging in meaningful discussions around several key objectives, including enhancing our research work on effective career support systems and entrepreneurship education within the fashion industry. The MOU will also promote professionalism through coordinated interviews, seminars, and workshops, thus enabling SFT to analyse best practices for training students to secure employment. To kick off this exciting collaboration, Mr Joe Wong invited renowned fashion designer Mihara Yasuhiro, Founder of Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, and Calvin Chan, Founder of Peace and After, to host a seminar for our students. This event will provide invaluable insights and enrich the learning experiences of our students. We look forward to the positive impact that this partnership will have on our students and the broader fashion community.

SFT and Code-Create co-organise AiDA X SFT Fashion AI Award 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative to inspire innovation in fashion design through artificial intelligence, the School partnered with Code-Create to host AiDA X SFT Fashion AI Award 2024. The competition offered SFT students invaluable hands-on experience with AiDA, and contributed to equipping them for their future in the ever-evolving fashion industry and positioning them as trailblazers in AI-enhanced design. The students showcased their creativity by skilfully integrating AiDA into their design processes, which resulted in stunning creations that transcend traditional clothing displays. These works not only reflect their fashion artistry but also symbolise the dynamic fusion of technology and style, thus heralding in a new era for the industry. The prestigious Grand Award was presented to an exchange student, Nina Waszak, who won $20,000 and an internship opportunity with acclaimed fashion designer, Mr Jae Hyuk Lim at BESFXXK. This internship promises to provide Nina with critical industry experience and the chance to contribute to a new collection set which will debut at both New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. The BA student Kock Man-yan and PhD student Yuzhi Lai were honoured with the Runners-Up Award, each receiving a cash prize of $5,000.

SFT staff members honoured with Long Service Award

A total of 15 staff members received the Long Service Award 2024 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 30 years: Dr Cheung Hing-fu, Project Associate Dr Man Cheung, Lecturer Dr Twinkie Cheung, Research Assistant Professor Prof. Fan Jintu, Chair Professor   Mr Ryan Houlton, Lecturer Ms Anne Hon, Senior Marketing Manager Prof. Huang Qiyao, Assistant Professor Dr Samuel Lee, Senior Scientific Officer Prof. Tao Xiaoming, Chair Professor  Dr Alan Tang, Postdoctoral Fellow Mr Sunny Wan, Technical Assistant Dr Carrie Wong, Lecturer Mr Eric Wong, Technical Officer Prof. Rachel Yee, Associate Professor Dr Lisha Zhang, Research Assistant Professor 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.