News

Prof. Wei Chen and colleagues publish in highly impactful journal

Prof. Wei Chen, Professor of ITC, and his colleagues recently published an article titled “Flexible stimuli-responsive materials for smart personal protective equipment” on flexible actuators in Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports, a journal with a very high impact factor. Flexible actuators are light-mass, flexible, and easy to manufacture. They have been recognised worldwide as key technology for soft robots, biomedical devices and smart wearables. For example, wearable devices that offer a performance similar to that of skeletal muscles, can be worn directly by injured individuals or the disabled for home rehabilitation or care purposes. Additionally, flexible haptic actuators can facilitate feeling of an object in a remote place or allow a virtual world object to feel more real. In “Flexible stimuli-responsive materials for smart personal protective equipment”, Prof. Chen and his colleagues discuss how these flexible materials are deformable, stretchable, light-weight, and desirable for smart personal protective equipment (PPE), and as the primarily functional components in the wearable system which spontaneously responds to surrounding variations. These materials enable traditional PPE that provide passive protection to be smart with the ability to sense, actuate, change in surface and self-heal, thus enhancing protection and reducing unintentional occupation injuries. The article presents a critical review of the structure, properties, fundamental mechanisms and current development of flexible stimuli-responsive materials and their potential/present applications to smart PPE, covering strain, pressure, temperature, and gas sensors, biopotential electrodes, exosystems, switchable wetting surfaces and biosafety masks. Scientific and practical challenges along with critical issues and opportunities are also discussed. In terms of smart fashion design, the application of flexible actuators can increase the dynamics and attractiveness of fashion products while accommodating the body shape. Therefore, flexible actuation technology can have a substantial impact on smart wearables and smart living, and subsequently produce more interesting and useful applications. Studies in the bionic field have been greatly challenged by the desire to attain an actuation level like biological muscles. Therefore, it is important to develop new actuation materials at the nanoscale or molecular level and develop new device structures in the configuration of fibres or fabric, with the aim to instil ground-breaking progress in muscle-like actuators and promote innovative technology in the long term. Materials Science & Engineering R publishes papers that cover a full spectrum of materials science and engineering with a high impact factor of 36.214, ranking it third out of 160 in Physics, Applied Science. Research by Prof. Chen and his students and colleagues on flexible actuators has also been published in other journals, including Progress in Polymer Science in 2020 (IF: 24.505); Advanced Intelligent Systems in 2020; Nature Communications in 2015 and 2018 (IF: 14.919), and Advanced Materials, multiple years from 2010 to 2016 (IF: 30.849). Li-sha Zhang, Jun Li, Fei Wang, Ji-dong Shi, Wei Chen, Xiao-ming Tao. (2021). Flexible stimuli-responsive materials for smart personal protective equipment, Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports (146) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mser.2021.10062.

Dr Manas Kumar Sarkar presented at International e-Conference on Sustainable Growth in Textile

Dr Manas Kumar Sarkar was presented on “Sustainable Bio-mimicked Functional Textiles and Clothing” as a keynote speaker in the International e-Conference on Sustainable Growth in Textile (SGT-2021) organized by UP Textile Technology Institute (formerly GCTI) Kanpur, India, on 21 August 2021. The 3-day conference aims to promote quality research and real impact in an atmosphere of true national cooperation among scientists, researchers, academicians, engineers and industrialists by bringing together the renowned personalities to discuss the latest developments and innovations in the field of textile and academic sustainability at one common platform. Topics covered: Sustainable traditional textile and fashion Eco-friendly fancy yarns, fabrics and composites Eco friendly advancements in knitting, weaving, nonwoven and carpet manufacturing process Eco friendly advancement in conventional and non-conventional spinning Sustainable textile chemical processing Sustainable textile fibres Sustainable development of textile industries and academics Green dyes and chemicals, herbal dyes, bio processing and waste water treatment Recycling and reusing of textile products About the UP Textile Technology Institute Kanpur UP Textile Technology Institute (UPTTI), Kanpur is century old pioneer institute of northern India in the field of textiles. It offers technical education in various disciplines of textiles at the level of B. Tech, M. Tech & Ph.D. It is an autonomous statutory organization, functioning under administrative control of state government of UP. The Institute has implemented academic autonomy from 2016. Formerly [known as GCTI, the institution has a very good liaison with many industrial and research organizations. Recently, Dr Sarkar also contributed as joint first author in a review paper on “An overview of cotton and polyester, and their blended waste textile valorisation to value-added products: A circular economy approach–research trends, opportunities and challenges”, which is published in Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology. Besides, he received an internal funding of $125,000 from PolyU for a strategic plan initiative to enhance the student learning experience through the use of interactive pedagogies.

Queenie Cheng shines at 13th Santoni Pioneer Programme

Queenie Cheng, a fresh graduate of the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles who majored in Knitwear Design and Technology, presented a marvellous collection of bags at the final show of the 13th Santoni Pioneer Programme on 8 July 2021 in Shanghai. Queenie received many insightful feedback and comments from industry members. Organised by Santoni (Shanghai) Knitting Machinery Co., Ltd, the programme featured designs that focus on well-being, sustainable performance as well as fashion technology.  Queenie’s collection, titled "GEOmetry", was inspired by the geometry of a natural marvel - the double-helical structure of DNA. Her collection aims to provide a sustainable option to consumers and inspire new possibilities with circular knitting. The bags are zero-waste and seamless, thanks to the use of seamless circular knitting technology and an origami structure. The fold-lines of the bags are precisely designed and parameters are programmed into Santoni knitting. Then the fabric is knitted onto a fabric tube. Every single inch of the fabric is used – the bag is entirely folded out of the knitted tube of fabric so that an extra piece of fabric does not need to be sewn on for the bottom.Applying the concepts of origami provides a new breakthrough in circular knitting. Queenie’s design thoroughly reflects the seamless characteristics of the Santoni circular knitting machine. About the Santoni Pioneer Programme The Santoni Pioneer Programme is an opportunity for talented designers to work with  advanced Santoni technology to realise their designs. Since 2015, this fully sponsored programme has been offered as a biannual eight week event that features seamless and circular knitting, and thus a platform for highly motivated designers to make connections with industry experts along the supply chain.  To date, there are more than 50 designers who have participated in this programme and they are well respected throughout the textile industry. 

Developing intelligent wearable systems - ITC’s textiles join force with microelectronics

Prof. Xiaoming Tao, Chair Professor of Textile Technology of ITC and Director of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (IWEAR), was invited to give a talk entitled "Microelectronics and Intelligent Wearable Systems” at the Microelectronics Technology Forum – Capturing the Emerging Technologies & Business Opportunities on 5 August 2021. Prof. Tao was also invited to a panel discussion titled "Critical Research Infrastructure" facilitated by Prof. H.S. Philip Wong, Professor of Stanford University and Faculty Co-Director, Stanford SystemX Alliance. Other panellists included, Prof. Hon Ki Tsang, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Prof. Stella Pang, Head of Department and Chair Professor, City University of Hong Kong Ir. Dr. H. L. Yiu, Head of Re-industralisation, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Prof. Tim Cheng, Dean of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Prof. Lance Li, Chair Professor, The University of Hong Kong About the forum Microelectronics is catching the eyes of the whole world as it enriches people’s lives and empowers businesses to run smarter, faster and more efficiently. It is going to create trillions of dollars in business value. To capture the enormous opportunities, a three-day forum was organised by the Semiconductor Nanotechnology Alliance, to gather brilliant minds from top echelon universities, promising tech start-ups, investors, and world-leading corporations to share their views on the latest trends and opportunities in microelectronics.

Staff promotion

ITC is delighted to announce the promotion of Dr Man Cheung to Teaching Fellow. Dr Cheung obtained her PhD from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her teaching specialties include fashion presentation; 3D modelling; CAD/CAM application for clothing. Congratulations.

ITC design graduates shines at fashion show 2021 in campus – Creative responses to the “New Normal”

ITC staged the PolyU Fashion Show 2021 Award Ceremony on August 27 at the PolyU Alumni Atrium. In response to the pandemic, this year's fashion show integrates online video broadcast and mini catwalk show at PolyU campus as a runway stage, to reveal students’ talents in a unique platform. 30 show finalists have overcome multiple challenges during the pandemic, showcased their outstanding creations to the industrialists, fashion designers and fashionistas from all over the world, and competed for ten awards and scholarships. The winner of the Overall Grand Award was Lee Pui Kwan, Cady. Her awarded design was titled “Emotion: The Shift Of The Self”. She was also the winner of Chamberlain Most Promising Idea Award, Scholarship of Creativity, and Lilian Kan Creativity Scholarship (see below table for the list of awardees). Under the special circumstances this year, Cady gained valuable experience throughout her design development process. "It took me some time to adapt to the online design lessons at the beginning. In light of the shifted class delivery mode, the schedule is more flexible and it allows me to have an in-depth exploration about my creation and define goals clearly. “Cady recalled. “Although it is unfortunate that the graduation show cannot be held on a large scale as before, I still look forward to showcasing my works in this new hybrid mode and interacting with more audiences,” said Cady. The judging panel was comprised of well-known fashion designers and seasoned practitioners of the fashion industry. They included: Ms Janet CHEUNG, Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association; Ms Lu Lu CHEUNG, Creative Director, Rolls Group Limited; Mr Anthony KEUNG, President and C.E.O., Fenix Group Holdings Ltd; and Mr Walter MA, Director, Walter Ma & Co. Ltd. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. WONG Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost (DP) of PolyU, Prof. WONG Wai-yeung, Dean of PolyU’s Faculty of Applied Science and Prof. FAN Jin-tu, Chair Professor of Fiber Science & Apparel Engineering and Head of ITC, PolyU. Prof. FAN said, “This year, ITC has shown our prescience in response to the “New Normal” under the epidemic. Instead of organising the fashion show in a conventional way, we utilized PolyU campus as a runway stage for the catwalk models, to showcase our finalists’ designs through a creative journey in the exclusive online video. It breaks through the social, geographical and time constraints of the physical showcases. This is also a telling testament of the resilience of our students, which has inspired them to transform their experience into creative thinking, and to present the local designs from multiple perspectives on this interactive fashion stage." List of awardees Overall Grand Award - Cady LEE Pui Kwan “Emotion: The Shift Of The Self" 1st runner-up - Ken YEUNG Chun Shing "This Brutal World" 2nd runner-up - Kunis CHEN Wai Ming "III" Excellence Award (sponsored by Fenix Group Holdings Limited) - Wa LEUNG Hiu Man "The Fool Dreamer"  Chamberlain Most Promising Idea Award (sponsored by Chamberlain Educational Services Centre) - Cady LEE Pui Kwan "Emotion: The Shift Of The Self" M.ORO INTERNATIONAL LTD. Award (sponsored by M.ORO INTERNATIONAL LTD.) - Coco LAM TingTing "Take Your Cards" Tove & Libra Made Better Award (sponsored by Tove & Libra) - Jane LI Wai Ping "nonameyet" Scholarship of Creativity (sponsored by Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association) - Kunis CHEN Wai Ming "III" ; Cady LEE Pui Kwan "Emotion: The Shift Of The Self"  Lilian Kan Creativity Scholarship (sponsored by KanaLili) - Debbie CHOI Ka Ling "DO NOT DISTURB, exploring the world" ; Cady LEE Pui Kwan "Emotion: The Shift Of The Self" ; Bloomy TSE Ting Ting "404 NOT FOUND" Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award (sponsored by Flinders Merino Group) - Bailey TAI Pui Lei "Hometown"

ITC Orientation Day 2021

Prof. Jintu Fan, Head and Chair Professor of ITC, welcomed nearly 380 freshmen of BA, BSc and MA programmes at the ITC Orientation Day on 25 September 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme was conducted in hybrid mode – both physical and online. During the programme orientation, freshmen could explore a wide range of opportunities that they may get involved on campus. This was also a valuable occasion for them to meet their programme leaders and academic advisors, and get to know the services offered by ITC and the University.

ITC stages MA in Fashion & Textile Design Fashion Show 2021

ITC held its dynamic MA Graduation Fashion Show "Vessels" on 5 August at The Mills. Over 200 guests, including renowned figures in the design and fashion industry, family, friends and supporters were in the audience. 24 outstanding talents from the programme of Master of Arts (MA) in Fashion and Textile Design under ITC presented their design projects in the Show. The design collections showcased the unusual ingenuity in today’s fashion of the graduating students and disclosed their vision and foresight for the future fashion trend. Their masterpieces not only enhanced the vibrancy of the event that the audience waited with anticipation, but also served as a testament to the distinctive quality of PolyU’s MA Programme in Fashion and Textile Design in nurturing talents for the fashion industry in Hong Kong and beyond. Under the new leadership of Ryan Scott Houlton, programme leader of MA in Fashion & Textile Design, the Programme is rapidly gaining in reputation as a flagship for innovative design training in the region. Talented and ambitious young creatives are guaranteed a year of challenging practice and coaching to produce extraordinary results. This year students have embarked on some amazing industry collaborations with renowned brands, designing footwear for Spanish shoe brand, Camper. And eyewear for international eyewear company, Bbase. With exciting projects in place for the years ahead. For Fashion Show review, please visit ITC YouTube Channel or click here.

Quinn Cheng recipient of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship

Congratulations go to Quinn Cheng Chau-hung, a Year 2 BA student who is majoring in Design, who has received the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Scholarship funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (the Trust). Quinn will receive a scholarship of up to HK$110,200. The scholarship will cover her tuition fees, part of the academic expenses and living costs for a maximum of four years. The Trust aims to identify and nurture outstanding talents to become compassionate leaders who will create positive change and inspire the wider society to strive for excellence. Since 1998, some HK$500 million have been committed to the HKJC Scholarships, supporting more than 750 young talents to pursue their studies. There are four selection criteria: Intellect: academic achievements, analytical aptitude and appetite; genuine interest in their subject of study; imagination, curiosity, and global vision. Leadership: Outstanding leadership and team work inside or outside school activities, personal accomplishments or community commitments, potential, and capabilities in challenging status quo; embrace diversity and a spirit of collaboration. Character: Strength of character – truth, courage, devotion to duty, empathy, social awareness, commitment to fairness and justice, compassion. Commitment to service: Commitment to betterment of others, care for social and community issues of public rather than personal benefit; connect with Hong Kong and has a view about its community needs may be addressed. Quinn will participate in events hosted by the Trust including JC Scholars Welcome Day, JC Scholars Induction Programme, The Scholarship Presentation Ceremony, and JC Scholars Retreat.

PolyU Knitwear Design 2021

The e-brochure of PolyU Knitwear Design 2021 is available now! This book showcases the final collections of knitwear design students from Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. All these collections, reflecting the uniqueness and passion of design, are the combined efforts of a group of yarn suppliers, knitwear producers, the teaching team and students. Throughout the years, we keep facing different kinds of challenges, like continuous waves. However, with strong determination we survive in the end. Having overcome all difficulties, our knitwear graduates will be more sophisticated and become a ‘new wave’ in the industry. Click here to download the e-brochure!