News

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

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.

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  

PolyU becomes Hong Kong’s first tertiary institution supported by China National Arts Fund to nurture digital art curation talents

(April 24, 2025) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has become Hong Kong’s first tertiary institution to receive funding from the prestigious China National Arts Fund 2025 under the art talents training category. The funded Digital Art Curation Talents Training Programme will be launched bythe PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology (CAT) under the School of Design, with support from the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of talent in digital art curation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area(GBA) and fostering Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.   The Nation’s strategy of prioritising cultural digitalisation, along with the HKSAR Government’s commitment to integrating art and technology intothe creative industries, underscore the strong demand for professionals who can navigate both cultural heritage and innovation. Led by Prof. Henry Been-Lirn DUH, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement) of the PolyU School of Design,Director of the Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and Director of the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, the Programme is set to launch in the summer of 2025, targeting experienced curators, art management professionals and researchers from Hong Kong and the GBA. Scholars from PolyU, and universities in Macao and mainland China, as well as experts from art institutions, will provide advanced training in digital art management. This will include lectures on theory, case studies, curatorial practice workshops, field trips, presentations, exhibitions and seminars, which will be held in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The topics will cover the applications of generative artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, immersive technology, and digital spatial design in the field of art and curation, highlighting the revitalisation of traditional art and promotion of digital transformation of cultural industry. Prof. Henry Duh said, “We are honoured to receive this National funding, which not only sustains our commitment to nurturing digital art curation talentsbut also acknowledges our team’s contribution to advancing art technology. This Programme will empower the next generation of innovative curators who will inherit and innovate Chinese culture, and integrate creativity and technology to promote cultural exchange between east and west, helping shape the future of the art world. It will also help strengthen art and technology collaboration among GBA cities, which will, in turn, enhance the region’s cultural soft power.” CAT, housed within the PolyU School of Design, serves as a collaborative platform for academia-industry research, advocating interdisciplinary studies in culture, art and technology. By leveraging Hong Kong’s connection with the GBA, CAT aspires to foster partnerships among researchers, designers, artists and other creative practitioners, cultivating a vibrant environment for artistic activities to expand market opportunities. ***END***  

PolyVerse Exhibition Concluded with Innovative AI Film Competition and Cultural Heritage Symposium

(February 27, 2025) Hong Kong - The "PolyVerse - Culture and Art Technology Exhibition" concluded with a prestigious closing ceremony and awards presentation for “The AI-Powered Legacy – 48 Hour AI Film Competition” at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Curated by Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement) of PolyU's School of Design, the exhibition was supported by 10 prestigious art institutions across China. 25 pioneering research projects and installations were showcased using LG's ultra-fine Smart AI monitors. This extraordinary collection of digital art and cultural innovation demonstrated the dynamic intersection of traditional heritage and cutting-edge technology.    (Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU School of Design, delivers opening remark to PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.) (Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean of PolyU School of Design (Global and Industry Engagement), delivers curator’s remark to PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.) (Group photo with sponsors and judges of The AI-Powered Legacy – 48 Hours AI Filmmaking Competition. (From Left) Mr Peng Cheng, CEO of EcoPlants,  Mr Rico Wong, Senior Manager of LG Electronics HK Ltd.,  Dr Charles Cheung, Co-Director of PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and Deputy Director of NVIDIA AI Technology Center , Prof. Henry Duh, Associate Dean of School of Design and Director of PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and Director of PolyU- NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of School of Design,  Alan Lee, Audiovisual Expert, Dr Terry Lam, Dean of the School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Ms Joyce Lam, Senior Supervisor of LG Electronics HK Ltd.)     The closing ceremony was honored by distinguished guests including Prof. Kun-Pyo Lee, Dean of PolyU School of Design, and senior executives from LG, NVIDIA and EcoPlants. The afternoon symposium featured an impressive lineup of seven keynote speakers from China's top art institutions, including Nanjing University, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts and Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (listed in no particular order). These experts addressed crucial topics such as digital heritage preservation, AI in artistic creation, and the future of cultural conservation. (Group photo with all the award winners of The AI-Powered Legacy – 48 Hours AI Filmmaking Competition and participating artists of PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.) (Group photo with moderator and keynote speakers. (From Left) Dr Zhou Zhibin, Assistant Director of PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre,  Prof. Wu Yangbo, Associate Professor of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Prof. Yu Chunna, Professor of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, Prof. Ren Hongwei, Associate Professor of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Dr Terry Lam, Dean of the School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Prof. Yang Bo, Associate Professor of Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts)   "This exhibition represents a significant milestone in bridging traditional cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology," said Prof. Duh. "The scale of participation, with over 80 creators and researchers contributing their insights, demonstrates the enormous potential for technology to revolutionize cultural preservation and artistic expression."   The symposium presentations explored various aspects of digital cultural preservation, virtual reality in art, and sustainable development in cultural heritage protection. The PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre served as a collaborative platform that brought together leading academics and industry experts, showcasing their dedication to advancing the field. (The exhibition view of PolyVerse – Culture and Art Tech Exhibition.)   Explore the virtual exhibition now For media inquiries: rc.cat@polyu.edu.hk

The AI-Powered Legacy: 48 Hours AI Filmmaking Competition - Winners Announcement

The AI-Powered Legacy - 48 Hours AI Filmmaking Competition received remarkable films produced within the challenging 48-hour timeframe. 10 Poly student teams and 15 public teams have demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical proficiency in AI-generated content. We are pleased to announce that our distinguished panel of judges, in collaboration with our valued sponsor LG, has selected the following winners: Student Group Gold Award: Team: Winwin Film title: The Fortress   Silver Award: Team: Chuntianhuahuayoueryuan Film Title: The Blinds   Bronze Award:  Team: Wonder Film Title: New Utopia   Special Mention: Team: Random Noise Film Title: Black in White     Public Group Gold Award: Team: THE PLOUGH FILMS Film Title: One More Glance   Silver Award: Team: C47 Production Hong Kong Film Title: Once Upon A Time   Bronze Award:  Team: Jo Jo Ventures Film Title: Luna   Special Mention: Team: Common Sense Squad Film Title: The Greatest Taxi Dog   LG Best Immersive Award: Team: Creaite Film Title: The Last Spark   We congratulate all participants for their outstanding contributions. The films are available for viewing from 24 Jan - 27 Feb 2025 in the PolyVerse - Culture and Art Tech Exhibition. Award Winners will be contacted regarding award collection. For more information, please contact Miss Wong at rc.cat@polyu.edu.hk.