Q1: Please introduce yourself.
A: I joined THEi in 2016 and am currently one of the lecturers of the FD programme. After graduating from my Ph.D. study in 2005, I worked as an Operations Manager at ACE Style Intimate Apparel Limited and managed over 5,000 staff for intimate apparel and mould pad production in China. To obtain comprehensive industrial experience and prepare for teaching, I took on a new role in fashion retailing. In 2011, I was employed as a General Manager in a fashion retail company to manage the retail and distribution operations in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong regions and was invited to be an Independent Non-executive Director (INED) of a listed company named Grand Concord International Holdings Limited, which was a Chinese underwear manufacturing company. My main responsibility in this listed company was to monitor the interests and returns of every stakeholder as well as the financial situation of the company.
Q2: What is your recent applied research project? Please introduce it briefly.
A: I have completed 4 THEi seed grant projects in the past two years, including a project to improve apparel size fitting by applying artificial neural network modelling for AI analysis. It was a collaborative project with MTI and ICT which made use of the resources in different programmes in THEi. The other projects included the study of laser engraving technology application to textile design, athleisure product design in terms of aesthetic attributes using 3D body scanning technology, and comfortability study of knitted Tai Chi footwear for improving its wearing comfort and support to elderly Tai Chi players using motion study.
Currently, I am the Co-Principal Investigator of a research project studying sustainable fashion development in the Greater Bay Area, which is supported by Inter-institutional Development Scheme (IIDS), an external competitive research grant, of the Research Grants Council (RGC). Besides, I actively conduct academic research in Chinese Cheongsam, an intangible heritage, passing on the craftsmanship to the next generation and young designers by organising exhibitions, seminars, and workshops fully supported by government funds.
Q3: You won VTC Teaching Excellence Award 2019/20. What does this recognition mean to you?
A: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Selection Panel of the VTC Teaching Excellence Award, nominators, and students who gave support and encouragement with their touching letters. This award is a recognition for my teaching philosophy and it ascertains my teaching methods, directions and beliefs. Teaching is not only a profession, but a meaningful task and mission in my life. I believe that opportunity and affirmation are the most important elements to build students’ self-confidence and success. We might not be able to change the destiny of our world but we can influence and inspire students to change their destinies and create a better world for themselves. This award reminds and encourages me to devote and spend my life and time to achieve this important mission.
Q4: What are the roles of a teacher in the 21st century?
A: In the 21st century, a teacher becomes a facilitator and a life coach who provides continuous guidance and inspiration to support students’ academic and personal behavioral development.
Empathy and trust are very important in building teacher-student relations. The recent application of technology as in e-teaching or artificial intelligence in education will not hinder relationship and trust building between teachers and students. Great teachers will adapt to the use of advanced technology to guide and help their students. According to George Couros’ statement, “Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of a great teacher can be transformational”.
Q5: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
A: In my leisure time, I like to practise Chinese Kung Fu with my elder Kung Fu master. A part of the basic philosophy of Kung Fu can be applied to interpersonal communication as the concept of “Yin” and “Yang” is similar to the conduct of life. Apart from being active, I enjoy sitting in a cinema and immersing myself in the virtual world of movies.