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The Magnolia Award is conferred to foreign citizens who have contributed to Shanghai’s cooperation with other countries as well as to its economic and social development.

Helena Hyvönen made brilliant contribution to promote the internationalization of education for SCF Donghua University and other fashion design colleges in Shanghai. In addition, she organized and participated many high-level international academic conferences and seminars (Cumulus2010, Radical Design Week etc.) and promoted school-enterprise cooperation effectively. Further, Helena made outstanding contribution to Shanghai international construction of creative design education and international exchanges between Finland and other countries.

As the leader of international fashion education, Helena has been appointed as the Rector of University of Art and Design Helsinki, the Dean of School of Arts, Design and Architecture at Aalto University, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at SCF Donghua University. Due to her great attainments on textile design and art education, she was presented First Class Knight of the White Rose of Finland by the president of Republic of Finland.

Helena was committed to the global development of textile design and sustainable design work. She believed that design work should serve the society and integrated this idea in the cultivation of international fashion talent. Through participation in making government policy and industry rules, Helena maintained her great influence in all important sectors of fashion field. She made efforts to promote the development of sustainable design and Eco - Fashion culture and regarded them as her duty.

The Shanghai Magnolia Award was established in 1989. The award, named after Shanghai’s city flower, is one of the high honours presented by the Shanghai Municipal Government to foreign nationals in recognition for their outstanding contribution to the city's economic performance, international relations, business environment, management standards and community development.