Alumni Forum Looks at Opportunities for Cultural Innovation in a Digital Economy

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) organised the alumni forum "New Opportunities in Cultural Innovation and the Digital Economy" in Chengdu on 7 March 2026, bringing together experts from academia, industry and the public sector to explore new momentum for regional development.

The event focused on the intersecting development of cultural innovation, new media, artificial intelligence and the green industry, with particular emphasis on cultural tourism and the digital economy in West China. Distinguished speakers from Hong Kong, Sichuan and other regions shared insights on how cross-disciplinary collaboration can drive high-quality development, strengthen cultural exchange and open up new opportunities in the digital era.

The forum was part of a celebratory reunion dinner for West China regional alumni. Souvenirs were presented to speakers and sponsoring guests, followed by group photos to mark the special occasion.

Professor Alfred Tat-Kei HO, Dean of CLASS, explained that the College brings together humanities, social sciences and creative disciplines to address complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and teaching. CLASS places particular emphasis on integrating six types of innovation to advance humanity and our common future.

The forum began with two keynote speeches. Professor Zhou JIANG of the Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences spoke on Sichuan’s Cultural Tourism Economic Development and New Innovations, followed by Mr Jason GAN, Head of Investment Promotion / Business and Talent Attraction at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu, who discussed Opportunities for Collaboration between West China and the Hong Kong SAR. A Q&A session moderated by Professor Ho then explored possible cooperation between CLASS departments and partners in Southwest China.

Three discussions followed. The first, When Teahouse Meets Cha Chaan Teng: Emotion and History in Public Spaces, was facilitated by Ms ZHANG Yuyin of Aba Teachers College, with Dr CAI Jionghao, Associate Research Fellow in the College of History and Culture, Sichuan University, and Professor MA Ka-fai, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chinese and History (CAH) of CityUHK as speakers.

They explored the past, present and future of Sichuan teahouse culture and Hong Kong cha chaan teng culture, as well as new opportunities for Sichuan–Hong Kong collaboration.

The second panel, The Story of Bamboo: Diverse Development Potential and Sustainable Opportunities, was facilitated by Ms XU Meng, Chairman of Hong Kong Talent Centre and Founding Member and Advisor of The Policy Lab for Hong Kong Talent Development at CityUHK. Speakers Ms QU Zihan, Curator of the China Rising Star Art Museum, Dr FU Jinhe, Chairman of the Standardisation Working Group of Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic of the China Association of Circular Economy, and Mr ZHOU Jun, Vice-Chairman of Huanlong Industrial Group Co, Ltd, discussed the importance of bamboo in Chinese history and culture, and its new applications in fashion, furniture, interior design, sustainable living and cultural innovation.

The final panel, The Synergy of Cultural Heritage, E-Commerce Development and Local Brand Building, was moderated by Professor Dorian HO, renowned Hong Kong designer and Adjunct Professor in CityUHK’s Department of Media and Communication. Speakers, Mr XIAO Wangcheng, Vice-President of Shenzhen Rayvision Technology Co, Ltd, and Mr YUAN Fang, Co-founder of OST Media, examined how regions can leverage cultural heritage to develop cultural industries and local brands, and also explored e-commerce opportunities between Sichuan, Hong Kong and the world, with a focus on film and television, video games, e-sports and tourism.

The forum was followed in the evening by the West China Regional Alumni Reunion Dinner in Chengdu, organised by the CityUHK Alumni Relations Office (ARO). The celebration brought together alumni, University representatives and faculty members from across West China to strengthen ties and community connections.

CLASS and the Sichuan Regional Science Society supported the event by featuring two performances displaying iconic Sichuan culture—tea art and opera face-changing—adding a rich cultural dimension to the evening.

CLASS extends heartfelt gratitude to all guest speakers and participants, whose presence contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks go to Dr HU Zihan, Vice-President of the China–Europe Institute of Fashion, for sponsoring some of the gifts at the dinner.