News

The 16th BIFF 72 Hours AIGC Film Hackathon - Hong Kong Station Preliminary Round has successfully concluded

（Hong Kong, 2 Apr 2026） The 16th BIFF 72 Hours AIGC Film Hackathon - Hong Kong Station Preliminary Round concluded at PolyU on the same day. Co-organised the Hong Kong Station Preliminary Round by School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the competition attracted talented AIGC filmmakers from Hong Kong, who embraced the challenge of producing AI-generated storytelling short films within limited time and resource constraints. It showcased the creative potential of integrating artificial intelligence with the art of filmmaking and bridging the connection for AI and film cultural exchange between Beijing and Hong Kong. Following the BJIFF AIGC Unit standards for preliminary rounds held across different cities, the four-hour event comprised a three-hour creation session during which participants produced an AIGC-driven short film of at least one minute in length, followed by a screening and a panel judging discussion. Three authoritative judges were invited to form a professional jury, namely Prof. Henry Duh (Associate Dean of School of Design), Ms. Step Cheung (Deputy Programme Leader of Digital Media, School of Design and Art Director of the Golden Horse Award-winning film "Beyond the World"), and Dr. Sky Lo (Assistant Professor of School of Design). From a professional perspective, the three judges assessed submissions according to the BIFF AIGC Unit’s evaluation guidelines, recognizing the creative potential demonstrated by the participants. Judges shared strategic advice and industry insights with the participants after the judging session. The improvised roundtable discussion turned the event into an active cultural exchange platform. As Co-organisers of The 16th BIFF 72 Hours AIGC Film Hackathon - Hong Kong Station Preliminary Round, Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology, PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing) dedicated to build a professional exchange platform for local AIGC film creators, effectively promoting the popularization and application of AIGC technology in the film and television field, and further deepening the pragmatic cooperation between Beijing and Hong Kong in the field of cultural and technological integration. It is reported that the outstanding participating teams of this event will obtain opportunity to advance to the Finals in Beijing, which will be held from 20 - 23 Apr 2026, competing with top global creators on the same stage to jointly explore new paths for AIGC film creation.    

Prof. Henry Duh Reflects on Curiosity and AI at Business of Design Week (BoDW) 2025

(Hong Kong) As an invited speaker at the Business of Design Week (BoDW), Prof. Henry Duh, Director of PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology shared his insights during the panel discussion titled “Curiosity, Design, and AI: Shaping the Future of Creative Innovation.” The BoDW theme of the year, "Curiosity Ignites Design Innovation," served as a backdrop for exploring how curiosity fuels the creative process in design. During the discussion, Prof. Duh emphasized the critical role curiosity plays in the lives of designers and society as a whole. He remarked, “Curiosity is one of the driving forces behind human progress and a key ability for designers to solve problems. Without curiosity, we lose our passion for life and the ability to explore. Stimulating curiosity in designers and users alike makes design more engaging, diverse, and aligned with needs.” The panel featured esteemed experts, including Prof. Cabirio Cautela (POLI.design), Mr. Stefano Carta Vasconcellos (Istituto Europeo di Design), and Prof. Giovanni Caruso (Domus Academy). They discussed how AI can enhance human imagination and support innovative solutions in the creative process. Prof. Duh, alongside local leaders such as Mr. Lam Wai Keung (Hong Kong Design Institute) and Ms. Amy Ip (CaaS), contributed fresh perspectives on the implications of AI in shaping the future of design. His reflections highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity in education and practice, ensuring that designers are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving landscape. “Engaging in these conversations at such an influential platform is crucial,” Prof. Duh stated. “It allows us to challenge traditional boundaries and explore new avenues for creativity through the integration of AI.” For more information on the Business of Design Week and access to the full panel discussion, please visit BoDW's website.

"ImmerJM: A 3D Design Tool for Creating User Journey Maps Based on Immersive Virtual Environments" Recognized at IEEE ISMAR 2025

(Daejeon) Centre's Director, Prof. Henry Duh led his research team to present their full paper publication research "ImmerJM: A 3D Design Tool for Creating User Journey Maps based on Immersive Virtual Environments" at the IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR) held in Daejeon, South Korea, from October 8-12, 2025. ISMAR is a premiere conference for Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Virtual Reality (VR), and is considered a CCF B conference, attracting leading researchers from academia and industry. The paper, conducted by PhD student Mingming Wang and research team members Xiaoyu Zhang, Dr. Weiyue Gao, Yihan Mei, Dr. Haiyan Jiang, Yusheng Guo, Prof. Henry Duh, and Dr. Zhibin Zhou, addresses the unexplored potential of integrating Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE) into Journey Map (JM) creation, which traditionally relies on 2D data. This integration represents a significant achievement in the Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology’s endeavor to innovate design solutions that address real-world problems. The research bridges this gap by integrating IVE into the JM creation process, exploring the potential of applying IVE in this context. Findings suggest that ImmerJM advances JM methodologies by leveraging spatial immersion, offering crucial implications for future JM creation and broader UX design practices involving IVE technologies. This recognition highlights the innovative approach of ImmerJM and its potential to significantly impact UX design.

Prof. Henry Duh Attends Digital Heritage Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) Centre’s Director, Prof. Henry Duh was honored to be invited by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to attend the Digital Heritage Forum 2025 at the Culture Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The event served as a multidisciplinary platform where industry experts and academic leaders came together to share their insights and innovations in the field of cultural heritage. Chaired by renowned experts Prof. Eugene Ch'ng (Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University) and Dr. Charles Cheung (NVIDIA), along with other distinguished speakers including Andreas Bauer from Ars Electronica and Daniel Sproll from realities.io, the forum “Beyond the Glass Case: VR/AI Experiences in Cultural Heritage & Museum” focused on how technology can enhance the exploration and experience of cultural heritage through immersive media and innovative interactions. During the forum, Prof. Henry Duh presented ongoing projects funded by the Hong Kong government and the China National Arts Fund, which aim to preserve intangible cultural heritage utilizing AI and AR/VR technologies. "Thanks to Ona Vileikis Tamayo for the kind invitation and exceptional hospitality. The forum was exceptionally organized, providing a fantastic opportunity to engage with leading experts across culture, archaeology, humanities, architecture, engineering, and computer sciences from around the globe," said Prof. Henry Duh, "I was thrilled to connect with diverse communities in digital heritage, and I eagerly anticipate the next forum. I encourage anyone interested in this topic to join us next time." The Digital Heritage Forum 2025 was a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of cultural heritage, showcasing the vital role of technology in preserving and sharing our collective history.  

Dr. JIANG Haiyan’s project has received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China

Dr. JIANG Haiyan, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research Centre for Art and Culture Technology and the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, has received a grant under the Youth Science Fund Project (Category C) granted by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for the year of 2026.   The funded research “Research on real-time construction technology of multi-sensory immersive virtual-reality fusion environment for cognitive intervention” focuses on developing an immersive environment for long-term, personalized, multisensory-coordinated, multi-domain cognitive intervention. The outcomes of this study will enhance the effectiveness of cognitive interventions through virtual reality (VR), supporting healthy aging, and provide a solid foundation for future research and translational studies in cognitive health.  Awarded Project Summary: Virtual reality (VR) technology provides users with highly immersive interactive environments, enabling effective cognitive interventions through multisensory stimulation and thereby slowing cognitive decline in older adults. However, current VR-based cognitive intervention approaches face limitations such as insufficient tactile stimulation, lack of diversity in intervention content, and static intervention scenarios.   To address these challenges, this project will investigate the key scientific issues in the real-time construction of multisensory-coordinated immersive environments for cognitive intervention in VR, aiming to develop a long-term, personalized, multisensory, and multi-domain immersive environment for cognitive training. Specifically, the project will focus on three aspects: 1.  Cognitive intervention methods based on virtual–real integration 2.  AI-driven generation of cognitive intervention strategies 3.  Real-time construction of dynamic immersive environments   The project is expected to enhance VR-based cognitive intervention and provide methodological foundations for future interdisciplinary research in cognitive health.  

Director of the Peking University Institute for Cultural Industries, Prof. Xiang Yong, Invited as Special Lecturer at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

(Hong Kong) Prof. Xiang Yong, Director of the Peking University Institute for Cultural Industries, has been invited to present a keynote lecture titled “Eastern Aesthetics from the Perspective of Computational Art: Intelligence and Creativity” to the PhD students at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In his lecture, Prof. Xiang imparted his insights and expertise to the research students, highlighting the potential of Eastern philosophy to inspire innovative and transformative perspectives in technology development.  

Kick-Off of PolyU’s Digital Art Curation Talents Training Programme Supported by China National Arts Fund 2025

We are pleased to share that the Digital Art Curation Talents Training Programme, supported by the China National Arts Fund 2025, officially kicked off on 14 July with a ceremony at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Organised by the PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology (CAT) and the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre under PolyU School of Design, this initiative marks a historic milestone—PolyU is the first UGC-funded university in Hong Kong to receive funding from the prestigious China National Arts Fund 2025 under the art talents training category. Running from 14 July to 5 September 2025, the programme brings together 20 experienced professionals and scholars from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, aiming to nurture future leaders in digital art curation and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a hub for international cultural exchange. The kick-off ceremony featured distinguished educators and industry leaders from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, including Dean Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Prof. Henry Duh, Dr Kan Tai-keung, and representatives from NVIDIA, West Kowloon, and leading art institutions.

国家艺术基金《数字艺术展览管理人才培训》录取学员名单公示

录取学员名单公示   依照国家艺术基金《数字艺术展览管理人才培训》项目招生计划与要求，本着择优录取、培养人才的原则，经国家艺术基金审核确定, 本项目最终录取以下 20名学员。 现予以公示：   1 張凡 2 黄剑平 3 周玲玲 4 王馨梓 5 周庭京 6 王子琪 7 孙家玥 8 苏洋 9 罗力华 10 李书天 11 姚佳良 12 许楠 13 潘佳琪 14 宋卓怡 15 郭佳 16 朱淑桢 17 張旭敏 18 修昕昕 19 黎小敏 20 栾宁    

Grand Opening Ceremony of New Research Centre - The PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing)

The PolyU Creative Technology Centre (Beijing), led by Professor Henry Duh, the Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology, was officially inaugurated on 30 Apr 20255. The new centre marks a major step forward in HK-Beijing collaboration across various aspects of creative technology with a focus on AI, the metaverse, professional support, industry-academic partnerships, talent exchange, bringing together top I&T talent to conduct in-depth studies on frontier technology development trends and policymaking in I&T etc. On the same occasion, two MOUs were signed between the School of Design (SD) and the Industrial Culture Development Centre of MIIT (ICDC), as well as the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). These collaborations will drive innovation by integrating advanced technologies with design and culture, empower SMEs, fostering talent exchange across regions, and strengthening collaborations in research, education, and cultural initiatives. This milestone will advance innovation, talent development, and technology commercialisation between Beijing and Hong Kong, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration and growth!   由理大文化與藝術科技研究中心主任杜本麟教授領導的香港理工大學創意科技研發中心於4月30日正式揭牌。該中心於北京朝陽元宇宙產業基地落地，標誌朝陽區和香港兩地在科技創新領域合作邁向新高度。未來，雙方將在政策、人才、技術、產品、生態上展開全方位、深層次的科創合作，並通過人才交流、企業合作、科技成果轉化等創新舉措為朝陽區數字經濟注入國際元素，以及為香港理工大學科技成果轉化擴展廣闊空間，共同推動兩地科技創新產業蓬勃發展。 香港理工大學創意科技研發中心是朝陽區與理大合作共建的國際化產學研科技創新平台，以人工智能(AI)與元宇宙產業為核心方向，將系統推進學科體系構建與人才培養機制優化，設立合作機制支持兩地學生交流，並引進高端科技人才參與指導工作，為高端科技人才與青年人才提供創新創業的沃土。此外，中心將作為京港兩地及國際合作交流的平台，通過孵化、賽事等活動，加強產業上中下游協同交流，推進核心技術攻關、場景應用落地和商業化閉環，加速科技成果向產業產品轉化，促進國際合作項目的落地與推廣。 與此同時，香港理工設計學院與信息化工業文化發展中心和中央美術學院，今天分別舉行人才簽約儀式，將在工業文化和藝術兩大領域積極推進人才培養和青年人才創新創業工作。 北京市經濟和信息化局二級巡視員張宇航，中關村朝陽園管委會（朝陽區科信局）主任婁毅翔，工業和信息部工業文化發展中心副主任李寧，國務院發展研究中心港澳研究所秘書長楊鑫以及理大校董會主席林大輝、副校長趙汝恒，中央美術學院院長林茂等，出席揭牌與簽約儀式。   Learn more: China News Service - https://polyu.me/4iDKncI Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3ERQpbW ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3Sdflhb BJ News - https://polyu.me/4d5ltBN China.com - https://polyu.me/438x6V9 Sina HK - https://polyu.me/44hNfsr NetEase - https://polyu.me/4cRkKUy Eastday - https://polyu.me/4cSxo5L Sina - https://polyu.me/3SdOGkk Sohu - https://polyu.me/4362QKy qq - https://polyu.me/4d7bcoH

Media Interview: PolyU develops AI platform to preserve and promote Cantonese Porcelain art

As the number of people learning the art of Cantonese porcelain diminishes, our Centre Director, Prof. Henry Duh, has led our research team to develop a creative painting platform named “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain.” It seamlessly blends the essence of traditional Cantonese porcelain art with cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI), forging new pathways for preserving and promoting this precious intangible cultural heritage. “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain” leverages generative AI to precisely control creative details, significantly reducing the time and effort traditionally required for creating Cantonese porcelain. In a recent media interview, Prof. Duh shared that the platform provides real-time evaluation and targeted guidance through a large AI model. This interactive and personalised feedback enhances users’ skills, makes the art form more accessible, and encourages creative expression, all while supporting the preservation of this intangible cultural heritage. Generative AI has not only revolutionised traditional art teaching methodologies but has also dramatically improved the efficiency of cultural transmission, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for artistic creation. Prof. Duh highlighted that collaborations with museums and cultural preservation organisations will further refine and validate the platform’s innovative approach, extending its benefits to a wider range of intangible cultural heritage.   Interview Replay (In Chinese Only): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUPmUP8dtG0