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RGC funding

SFT secures RGC funding for six research projects in 2026/27

We are thrilled to celebrate with our SFT academic staff who have successfully secured prestigious funding from the General Research Fund (GRF) under the Research Grants Council (RGC) for 2026/27. They are the recipients of a total of $4.56 million in research funding across six projects. Our heartiest congratulations to the following academic staff: Principal Investigator Co-Investigator Project Title Prof. Chen Jianming Prof. Liu Wei, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center Prof. Zhang Yaopeng, Donghua University Innovative expression system and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-mediated spinning for artificial spider silk Prof. Fan Di Prof. Yiu Daphne Wing-Yee, Singapore Management University Entangled at Global Geopolitical Chokepoints: How Third-Country Firms Reconfigure for Strategic Resilience in the Era of Politicized Global Economy Prof. Magnum Lam Prof. Christina Wong, SFT Solutions for Post-Consumer Garment Waste Management: An Investigation of Sorting Mechanism for Reuse Prof. Pu Junhong  Prof. Tao Xiaoming, SFT Hierarchical Textile Dielectric Elastomer Actuators for Low-Voltage, High-Integration, and High-Force Artificial Muscles Dr Alice Yao N/A Design of an Innovative Size-free Co-knit Weaving System for Sustainable Production Prof. Annie Yu Prof. Yick Kit-lun, SFT Dr Ng Sun-pui, PolyU CPCE Prof. Leong Hio Teng, Rehabilitation Sciences Gradient 3D Knitting of Stretchable Cushion for Knee Protection of the Elderly .telerik-reTable-2 { border-collapse: collapse; border: solid 0px; font-family: Tahoma; } .telerik-reTable-2 tr.telerik-reTableHeaderRow-2 { border-width: 1.0pt 1.0pt 3.0pt 1.0pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; width: 119.7pt; border: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid white 3.0pt; background: #4F81BD; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; color: #FFFFFF; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableHeaderFirstCol-2 { border-width: 1.0pt 1.0pt 3.0pt 1.0pt; border: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid white 3.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableHeaderLastCol-2 { border-width: 1.0pt 1.0pt 3.0pt 1.0pt; border: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid white 3.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableHeaderOddCol-2 { border-width: 1.0pt 1.0pt 3.0pt 1.0pt; border: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid white 3.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableHeaderEvenCol-2 { border-width: 1.0pt 1.0pt 3.0pt 1.0pt; border: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid white 3.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 tr.telerik-reTableOddRow-2 { color: #666666; background-color: #F2F3F4; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: top; } .telerik-reTable-2 tr.telerik-reTableEvenRow-2 { color: #666666; background-color: #E7EBF7; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: top; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableFirstCol-2 { margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; width: 119.7pt; border-top: none; border-left: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 3.0pt; background: #4F81BD; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; color: #FFFFFF; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableLastCol-2 { padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableOddCol-2 { padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableEvenCol-2 { padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 tr.telerik-reTableFooterRow-2 { color: #666666; background-color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: top; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableFooterFirstCol-2 { margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; width: 119.7pt; border-top: none; border-left: solid white 1.0pt; border-bottom: none; border-right: solid white 3.0pt; background: #4F81BD; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; color: #FFFFFF; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableFooterLastCol-2 { padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableFooterOddCol-2 { padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } .telerik-reTable-2 td.telerik-reTableFooterEvenCol-2 { padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; } These achievements underscore SFT’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and pioneering research. Kudos to our colleagues for continuously pushing the boundaries of fashion and textile innovation, and bringing meaningful benefits to Hong Kong society and beyond!

2026年7月17日

Research & Innovation

20260715 EditorinChief

Prof. Xu Bingang appointed Editor-in-Chief of npj Self-Powered Electronics

Adding to his impressive portfolio of involvement with top-tier journals, Prof. Xu Bingang has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of npj Self-Powered Electronics, a prestigious new Nature Portfolio journal published by Springer Nature. The journal focuses on the development and application of electronic systems, including smart wearable devices and systems, that operate independently of external power sources, thereby highlighting innovations in energy harvesting, conversion, storage, and self-powered sensing that enable the autonomous operation of devices across a variety of different environments. In addition to his role as Editor-in-Chief of npj Self-Powered Electronics, Prof. Xu currently serves as Associate Editor for two Springer Nature journals: Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy and Fibers and Polymers, and sits on the editorial board of a number of other high-impact SCI journals, including Advanced Fiber Materials (Springer Nature) and Sustainable Materials and Technologies (Elsevier). Prof. Xu’s research focuses on advanced functional textiles including smart and electronic textiles. He is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to high-performance energy harvesting and storage textiles, wearable sensing systems, and self-powered wearable devices. Leading a dynamic research team at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field, Prof. Xu has published more than 160 peer-reviewed articles in leading SCI journals with impact factors over 10.0, including Nature Communications, Matter, and Advanced Materials. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Prof. Xu has been elected Fellow of The Textile Institute.

2026年7月15日

Research & Innovation

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SFT partners with lululemon to promote circular fashion and nurture design talent

SFT has teamed up with lululemon to launch the first structure academic-industry partnership. Launched alongside the relaunched of lululemon’s "Like New" programme in Hong Kong, the collaboration connects circular activewear education with real-world industry practice through three initiatives running until November 2026. RE:FORM – a circular design competition where students are reimagining end-of-life lululemon garments with guidance from industry mentors. Like New Campus Voices - a student-led initiative that promotes circularity and responsible consumption across the university community. Move Like New - experiential wellness activities on campus that connect mindful living with circular fashion. Prof. Chloe Ki said the collaboration connects circular fashion education with industry practice and offers meaningful learning opportunities for students. “The collaboration is more than an educational experience — it represents a meaningful academic–industry model that strengthens knowledge exchange and demonstrates how partnerships can foster a more circular ecosystem.” The partnership reflects SFT’s commitment to advancing sustainability, innovation and academic–industry collaboration in fashion education, while helping to prepare the next generation of sustainable fashion leaders. Related media coverage on Marketing-Interactive and Hong Kong Economic Times

2026年7月8日

Partnership & Community

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Fujian Study Tour: understanding more about fashion, textile and cultural developments in Chinese mainland

Supported by the Fujian Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government and Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Fujian, 21 SFT staff and students participated in a seven-day study tour to Fujian from 28 June to 4 July. The study tour covered three cities in Fujian Province: Fuzhou, Quanzhou, and Xiamen, and structured to accommodate three main themes: industrial exploration, cultural heritage, and academic dialogue. Led by Prof. Kan Chi-wai, Associate Dean of SFT, the participants experienced and enjoyed the dynamic interaction of fashion, innovation, industry and culture of the Min (Ten Kingdoms閩) state. During the programme, students also visited leading enterprises of various industries such as Highsun Holding Group (恒申控股集團); E&D Group (福建財茂集團) which manages one of the China’s top 10 children wear brands, TOPBI (淘帝童裝); ANTA Sports (安踏體育用品), Septwolves (七匹狼); Rookie Clothing (永興東潤服飾); Xinhee (欣賀); and Douyin (抖音). The participants gained in-depth insights into local industrial development trends after taking part in guided tours and exchanges that explore the fashion and textile sectors in Fujian. The visits also broadened their horizons and career perspectives in the Chinese mainland.    The tour also included dedicated academic exchange sessions in which academics and students from the Xiamen Academy of Arts and Design of Fuzhou University and Xiamen University shared their experiences and engaged in conversations with the Hong Kong students. Recommended reading: 【港青来闽研学‧共襄闽港交流】驻福建联络处合办香港理工大学时装及纺织学院福建省研学团 Recommended watching:   

2026年7月8日

Teaching & Learning

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PolyU Fashion Show 2026 wraps up in dazzling display of exquisite craftsmanship and innovative technology, as emerging designers narrate distinctive aesthetics

SFT held its annual signature event, the PolyU Fashion Show 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 3 July. The Show featured 21 talented graduating students, who unveiled a series of inventive fashion collections on the runway while competing for five awards and scholarships supported by the School’s industry partners. As PolyU’s hallmark annual fashion gala, the Show serves as a platform for emerging designers to demonstrate the skills and professional knowledge they have acquired and to express their unique fashion aesthetics through creative designs. This year’s event gathered nearly 1,200 industry experts, designers and fashion enthusiasts, while nearly 13,000 viewers from around the world joined via livestream, underscoring the vibrancy of the local fashion scene. This year’s Fashion Show featured 21 fashion collections comprising 78 outfits, spanning casual wear, evening wear, intimate apparel and activewear. All works were meticulously designed by graduating students from the School’s flagship programme, the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles. Through the language of fashion, the collections navigated a wide range of themes such as social ideologies, identity and multiculturalism. In their creative process, students incorporated multiple experimental techniques, including 3D printing, vacuum-formed resin moulding, fermentation and crystallisation processes, as well as organic materials such as bioplastics and kombucha scoby. The works fully demonstrated the innovative spirit and the courage to break new ground of this new generation of designers. Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of PolyU SFT, said, “PolyU has long ranked among the world’s leading institutions in fashion and design-related academic disciplines. Over the years, it has nurtured generations of outstanding fashion design talents who have led industry trends with innovative thinking, cutting-edge technology and refined craftsmanship. As an important platform for emerging designers to showcase their innovative ideas and distinctive fashion styles, the PolyU Fashion Show has earned recognition from the local and international fashion communities. This year’s Show fully reflects our students’ passion for fashion design, their resilience and their commitment to professionalism and excellence. Every collection embodies its creator’s distinctive style and aesthetic vision. While honouring the legacy of craftsmanship, they have also boldly embraced innovation and pushed beyond traditional boundaries. I am confident that these emerging designers will continue to shine on both the local and international stage, contributing to the development of the fashion industry.” Five awards and scholarships were presented at the Show to recognise participating graduates for their outstanding performance and to encourage them to continue pursuing excellence in the fashion industry. Among them, the Consinee Grand Award, sponsored by Consinee Group Co. Limited, provided the evening’s highlight. The Award was judged by five distinguished alumni active in different areas of the fashion industry, namely Ms Anne Chow, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Consinee Group Co. Limited; Ms Constance Lee, Founder of CONSTYLE and Fashion Stylist; Ms Florence Tsui, Brand Manager of ONS Clothing – New York; Mr Kit Wan, Founder and Creative Director of Kit Wan Studios; and Mr Wilson Yip, Founder of Wilsonkaki. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award was judged by Ms Karen Ng, Secretary of the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association (HKIAIA). Members of the judging panels for the other awards and scholarships included Ms Janet Cheung, Project Director of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA); Prof. Alice Chu, Hon. Education Advisor of SFAA Foundation Limited; and Ms Dilys Yiu, Design Director of Anteprima Ltd, Fenix Group Holdings Ltd. The Consinee Grand Award was ultimately presented to Cheng Sze-ki, Bella from the specialism of fashion design, for her collection themed “BETWIXT AND BETWEEN”. Drawing inspiration from Zygmunt Bauman’s Liquid Modernity and Arnold van Gennep’s Rites of Passage, this collection reimagines liminality not as a fleeting transitional phase, but as a lasting and authentic state of identity. It focuses on the tension between the inner true self and the socially constructed image. A monochromatic palette of black, white, and grey forms the foundation of the series, layered with iridescent, chameleon-like liquid finishes that evoke constant transformation. Deconstructed suiting silhouettes, inverted jacket structures and layered sheer fabrics visualise an amorphous, fluid sense of identity, while traditional bespoke wool tailoring blends with innovative materials such as transparent SLA 3D-printed resin and laser-engraved organza, creating a striking interplay between structure and fluidity, permanence and change. The HKIAIA Overall Grand Award was won by Cheng Sin-kei, Fion from the specialism of intimate apparel and activewear, for her collection themed “Unraveled soul”. This collection is driven by the designer’s fascination with the unseen dimensions of the human psyche. Elusive, intangible and impossible to define, the soul becomes a metaphor for fluidity, freedom and constant transformation. Translating this ethereal essence into form, the collection explores a state of purity untouched by external forces. Soft tonal palettes, weightless translucent fabrics, and fluid, irregular silhouettes come together to evoke a dreamlike sensuality—inviting a deeper encounter with individuality, authenticity, and the beauty of the unguarded self. Awardee list is as follows: Consinee Grand Award "BETWIXT AND BETWEEN" designed by Cheng Sze-ki, Bella (Fashion design specialism) HKIAIA Overall Grand Award "Unraveled soul" designed by Cheng Sin-kei, Fion (Intimate apparel and activewear specialism) Fenix Young Talent Award "The Anatomy of Collapse" designed by Yau Hiu-man, Hazel (Knitwear design and technology specialism) SFAA x Prosperity - Go Green Award "Where the Light Begins" designed by Ng Yau-nga, Ann (Fashion design specialism) HKFDA Scholarship of Creativity 2026 "The Boat With Severed Rope" designed by Chan Lam, Lynn (Fashion design specialism) Please read the electronic brochure for more about 21 collections.    

2026年7月6日

Shows & Exhibitions

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SFT × Cotton Incorporated × Open Dialogue: Activewear Design Initiative – Certificate Presentation Ceremony

Embedded in the class of "Introduction to Fashion Business" (SFT203FY), the Activewear Design Initiative, launched under PROFASHION Design Incubation Programme, is a student design project focused on developing activewear collections with cotton fabrics as the core material. The initiative was supported by Cotton Incorporated and Open Dialogue, whose collaboration SFT greatly appreciates. Dr Bonny Kwan, Director of Supply Chain Marketing Asia at Cotton Incorporated, together with her colleagues, contributed to the initiative by delivering lecture on the latest cotton materials for activewear, with particular emphasis on sustainability. Cotton Incorporated also provided sponsorship for the realisation and production of the selected designs. Mr Joe Wong, Director of Open Dialogue, further supported the initiative by sharing his professional insights and experience in activewear branding and retailing, enriching students’ industry understanding. Through the initiative, students developed activewear design proposals applying cotton in functional and contemporary contexts, resulting in 64 submissions, of which four were selected for realisation and exhibition. Officiated by Dr Bonny Kwan, the Certificate Presentation Ceremony marked a significant milestone for the participating students, recognising their creativity, commitment, and professional growth. SFT sincerely appreciates the steadfast support of its industry partners and looks forward to continued collaboration in fostering industry-connected learning opportunities.

2026年6月4日

Teaching & Learning

0602 IT scholarship2000X1050px1

Belle Lau and Ashlee Lee awarded Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2026

The School is proud to announce that two BA students, Belle Lau (Fashion Innovation and Technology specialism) and Ashlee Lee (Contour Fashion and Activewear specialism), have been awarded the Innovation and Technology (I&T) Scholarship 2026 in the “Multi-disciplinary Technology and Others” and “Sustainability and Green Technology” categories, respectively. Jointly organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), HSBC, and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the award presentation ceremony was successfully held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2 June 2026. After a rigorous selection process, the Awardee Selection Committee determined that Belle, Ashlee, and 23 other outstanding local undergraduates not only demonstrate academic excellence and a strong passion for I&T, but also innovative thinking and a sense of social responsibility. Their academic backgrounds span a spectrum of disciplines, including medicine, science, engineering, global business and finance, fashion, information and artificial intelligence, as well as technology and management, thus reflecting the diverse and integrated I&T capabilities of local youth. About the Innovation and Technology Scholarship Jointly established in 2011, the I&T Scholarship aims to inject new impetus into local I&T development by nurturing undergraduates with a passion for technological innovation. Over the years, the Scholarship has cultivated over 375 young individuals and exposed them to global perspectives through a series of elite-nurturing initiatives, thereby enhancing their experiences and skills while they explore I&T possibilities across various disciplines.

2026年6月2日

Teaching & Learning

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Cherry Cheng receives 1st Runner-up in Female Trendy category at IFDC 2026

SFT is thrilled to announce that our outstanding student, Cheng Hei-lam (Cherry), received the 1st Runner-up Award in the Female Trendy category at the 2026 International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC). Her design, “Morning Dews”, stood out at the competition which was organised by the Confederation of International Footwear Association (CIFA). The award presentation ceremony took place on 20 May 2026 in Guangzhou, China. Cherry’s design was inspired by her mother’s favourite flowers found in every corner of their house. She applied a French beading technique to create the flowers, which mimics the reflection of water on the petals. Using clay and wire, Cherry provided structure to the piece, while decorative ribbons referenced the plant ties wrapped around flower pots. The design extended the bottom to create a border, which represented the delicate nature of the petals. About the International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC) The IFDC highlights the significance of shoe design in the evolving footwear industry. The event encourages originality and advances design vision while fostering product research and development to enhance competitiveness. The competition also nurtures designers in shoe manufacturing and design by recognising outstanding performances with prestigious awards.

2026年5月29日

Teaching & Learning

0518 AMSIGE _1

Cross-regional exchange of knowledge and expertise: The 1st International Conference on Advanced Materials, Surfaces and Interfaces for Green Engineering

Advancing Ecological Transformation through Materials Science As the global demand for sustainable development intensifies, the field of advanced materials, surfaces, and interfaces has emerged at the forefront of ecological conservation. To address the related challenges, the 1st International Conference on Advanced Materials, Surfaces and Interfaces for Green Engineering (AMSIGE-1) was held at PolyU from 8 to 10 May 2026. Collaborative Leadership and International Exchange The conference was jointly organised by SFT, Southeast University, and the Jiangsu–Hong Kong–Macao University Cooperation Alliance (JHMUA), and supported by the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), and ESG Research and Sustainable Fashion Hub. Chaired by Prof. Fei Bin of SFT and co-chaired by Prof. Jian Chen of Southeast University, AMSIGE-1 catered to an international open community that bridges cutting-edge materials science with robust green engineering practices. The conference convened more than 90 participants, including distinguished scholars, industry experts, and research students, and featured 17 keynote speakers, 24 invited presentations, and 27 high-calibre poster presentations. Core Themes: Translating Research into Sustainable Solutions The academic discourse was structured around three core themes that focused on translating materials science research into sustainable solutions: Theme I: Biology, Medical, and Healthcare Green Engineering  Highlights included breakthroughs in synergistic antibacterial materials, adhesion and growth materials, and advanced functional surfaces for non-toxic healthcare.   Theme II: Textile, Construction, and Transportation Green Engineering  Presentations focused on superhydrophobic materials, thermal and humidity management, and flame-retardant technologies to enhance the sustainability of buildings, transport systems, and apparel. Theme III: Sustainable Energy and Other Types of Green Engineering Experts exchanged insights on high-efficiency photoelectric conversion, heterogeneous catalysis, and thermal management materials to optimise renewable energy storage and other green engineering applications. Recognising Future Leaders in Green Engineering To celebrate the creativity and potential of emerging researchers, a number of recognition awards were presented at the event. These included the Best Poster Awards, Excellent Poster Awards, and Best Student Presenter Awards. Additionally, the Young Scientist Awards and Young Scholar Awards were conferred to recognise outstanding contributions. These honours underscored the conference’s commitment to empowering the next generation and reinforcing the role of young talents in advancing sustainable innovation.       Awardees of Young Scientist Award   Awardees of Young Scientist Award         Awardees of Best Poster Award  Awardees of Best Poster Award  Awardees of Best Poster Award  Some Final Thoughts By bridging the gap between fundamental materials science and green engineering, AMSIGE-1 has paved the way for a more sustainable technological landscape. The conference fostered a unique environment where knowledge co-creation took place among established experts and emerging scholars alike. As the event concluded, a clear consensus emerged that achieving sustainability requires both innovative material interfaces and collaborative global networks. Ultimately, AMSIGE-1 has established a benchmark for how regional synergy can catalyse international innovation, thus ensuring that advanced materials sciences remain aligned with the principles of a green, resilient future.     

2026年5月18日

Research & Innovation

20260429Prof FAN Jintu appointed EditorinChief of Textiles Journal 2000 x 1050 pxEN

Prof. Fan Jintu appointed Editor-in-Chief of Textiles

Prof. Jintu Fan, Director of the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF) and Chair Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Engineering at SFT , has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of the international academic journal Textiles, effective 1 May 2026.  Currently ranked second among 31 journals in the “Materials Science, Textiles” category, Textiles is firmly positioned in the top quartile (Q1) and has an Impact Factor of 4.9. Its editorial board comprises 39 distinguished textile scholars from around the world.

2026年5月15日

Announcements

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