HKRITA Innovation & Technology Symposium 2023 - Innovating Zero

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) held the HKRITA Innovation & Technology Symposium 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 January 2023. Under the theme of "Innovating Zero", the symposium underlined the importance of technologies and innovative applications in paving the way for a sustainable net-zero future, while preparing for the challenges in the new normal.

Ms Teresa Yang, Chairman of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel opened the Symposium by pointing out that “like the rest of the world, Hong Kong has published carbon neutral goals”. She further argued that “the key question is how to become a carbon neutral industry in a carbon neutral world and achieve ‘zero’,” and concluded that “this is the urgent question that affects all of our businesses for the future”.

This was followed by Ms Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, in her opening address. She mentioned that “the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) supports over 200 projects involving environmental technologies with funding close to HK$500M”, and further indicated that “our five Research and Development (R&D) Centres, including HKRITA, have also successfully completed many award-winning green technology projects with the support of the ITF over the years”. She concluded that “the Government is determined to build Hong Kong into an international I&T hub together with the efforts from all our companions” and that she “looked forward to witnessing more exciting collaborative projects from the HKRITA and its partners”.

Ms Teresa Yang thanks the government for its support on R&D

Ms Lillian Cheong gives an opening address

Heavyweights from the government, industry and the research sector shared insights on the way of innovation is driving the sustainability and re-industrialisation of the textile and fashion sector. The Hon Duncan Chiu, Legislative Councillor (Technology and Innovation Constituency) talked about the trend of combining digital and physical platforms to generate new business opportunities. Another policy maker The Hon Sunny Tan, Legislative Councillor (Textiles and Garment Constituency), also the Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, gave an account of how innovation applications in industry supports net zero. Mr Andrew Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Crystal International Group Limited, then introduced their carbon emission reduction strategy from a textile enterprise point of view. Prof Tao Xiaoming, DoRI-IWEAR and Chair Professor of Textile Technology, School of Fashion and Textiles in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Dr Kanji Kajiwara, Research Fellow of the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology in the Shinshu University, updated participants on the latest development of technology advancement on sustainability.

The new normal developed over the last three years have enlightened us about the importance of digital platforms for knowledge transfer. A number of speakers attended the symposium via pre-recorded presentations. Professor Marshall Fisher, UPS Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, presented about the value of data and innovation in fashion forecasting. Prof Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist of the Institute for the Environment in The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology suggested the role of industry can play in COP27. Prof Christopher Tang, Distinguished Professor in Decisions, Operations, and Technology Management, and Edward W. Carter Chair in Business Administration, UCLA Anderson School of Management talked about sustainability practices from the angle of global supply chains. Ms Anne-Laure Descours, Chief Sourcing Officer of PUMA Group, Ms Ronna Chao, Chairperson of Novetex Textiles Limited and Mr Will Lam, CEO & Managing Director of High Fashion International Limited shared their experience on the road of sustainability from the views of brands and manufacturers.

The Open Lab, a key collaboration between HKRITA and long-term partner H&M Foundation in 2023, develops solutions for the textiles, apparel and fashion industries to address climate change. Mrs Christiane Dolva, Strategy Lead Planet Positive of H&M Foundation, urged the industry to join partnerships with The Open Lab in order to combat climate change.

A panel discussion sparked conversations among representatives from different industries including textiles, finance institutions, investment funds, hospitality and arts foundations with topics ranging from net zero measures and practices to tips and risks to avoid in the textile industry.

A group photo of keynote speakers: (from left) Mr Edwin Keh, The Hon Sunny Tan, Ms Lillian Cheong, Ms Teresa Yang, The Hon Duncan Chiu and Mr Andrew Lo

Mrs Christiane Dolva calls for partnership to combat climate change

Panel discussion on net zero

 

A highlight of the Symposium was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HKRITA and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) for their future collaboration on innovations, reinforcing the recognition of their concerted efforts to develop next-generation high-performance sportswear and devices tailored for different sports. Ms Teresa Yang, and Dr Trisha Leahy, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, signed the MoU, on behalf of the two organisations. Dr Leahy stated that “this collaboration has enabled Hong Kong athletes to better adapt to the sports and competition environment. While the HKSAR Government is facilitating the professionalisation and development of sports into an industry, HKRITA’s continued support is critical for athletic success in upcoming international sport competitions.”

Ms Teresa Yang (3rd left) and Dr Trisha Leahy (3rd right) sign the MoU, witnessed by Mr Andy Li (1st left) and Mr Lawrence Leung (2nd left), Board members of HKRITA and Dr Raymond So, Director, Elite Training Science & Technology of HKSI (1st right) and Mr Tony Choi, Deputy Chief Executive of HKSI (2nd right)

Exhibition concurrently held showcases of sportswear adopted by local elite athletes, aprons capturing carbon dioxide from the air and the concept of The Open Lab

The Innovation & Technology Symposium is HKRITA’s first in-person event in three years. It served a key platform for stakeholders in the supply chains to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Over 250 persons took part in it and exchanged views.