Fashion leader awarded Honorary Doctorate

He received the accolade as hundreds of graduates from the School of Arts and Creative Industries received their degrees at a ceremony that took place on 5 September on the Docklands campus. The award recognises Mr Cheng’s outstanding contributions to the fashion world, his visionary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Mr Cheng has had an illustrious career spanning several decades, with impactful roles at globally renowned brands such as Adidas, Fila, Nike and Umbro China, where he is currently the General Manager. His leadership has not only transformed sales strategies but also fostered dynamic partnerships, including with the University of East London. In 2023, he spearheaded an interdisciplinary Fashion Industry Project with UEL, focusing on Human Wellbeing and Football Culture. This innovative project propelled UEL students and their sustainable, inclusive design research to the forefront of the global fashion dialogue, earning international acclaim and the prestigious Design Intelligence Award.
The project and its outcomes are now part of the permanent collection at the China Academy of Art, further solidifying UEL and Mr Cheng’s status as pioneers in industry innovation and sustainable design.

Speaking about the honour, Mr Cheng said,

It’s an incredible privilege to receive this recognition from the University of East London. Working with UEL and witnessing the talent and creativity of its students has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. This award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the collaborative efforts that have driven innovation in the fashion industry."

Beatrice Newman, Head of Fashion at UEL, praised Mr Cheng’s impact, stating, 
"Keith Cheng’s visionary leadership and dedication have provided our students with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their talents globally. His commitment to fostering the next generation of creative professionals has made a significant and lasting impact on our university and the broader fashion industry."

Mr Cheng’s ongoing collaboration with UEL continues to grow. In the next academic year, he is leading new initiatives, including an innovative sports-kit design project, REPPS (Research, Equality, Performance, Play, and Sustainability), involving students from various disciplines. This project, set to be unveiled in December, is expected to further solidify UEL’s position as a global leader in industry innovation.

Receiving the Honorary Doctorate of Fashion, Mr Cheng encouraged UEL graduates to go into the world and to make a difference. He said,

Let me make a wish. Imagine it’s 2034 – you’ve already gained experience in your chosen industry, and you still remember my speech today. Return to UEL, share with the teachers and students what we accomplished in 2024, and offer to collaborate with them. Keep this spirit alive to inspire the next generation and the ones that follow. Be the agents of change!"

UEL offers several courses in fashion, from BA (Hons) Fashion Design to MA Fashion.