On 20 March 2025, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and the Department of Public and International Affairs (PIA) hosted a ground-breaking digital learning conference titled: "New Frontier of Digital Learning: An Academic-Industry-Community Exchange". Supported by the UGC Fund for Innovative Technology in Education, the event brought together experts from academia, industry, and the community to explore innovative approaches to digital education. 

Emphasising Collaboration

The conference opened with opening remarks from Professor Ray CHEUNG, Associate Provost (Digital Learning), who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The first panel showcased advancements in digital learning, featuring CityUHK’s metaverse initiative presented by Professor Lik Hang TSUI from the Department of Chinese and History (CAH) and Professor Lucy YU from the Department of English (EN). Professor Niels SCHILLER, Head of Department of Linguistics and Translation (LT), discussed enhance Cantonese language learning through digital tools, while Professor Xiaohui WANG from the Department of Media and Communication (COM) demonstrated an interactive chatbot designed to assist students with administrative inquiries. The panel concluded with insights from Professor Yijia JING (Fudan University) and Mr. Mohammed QATRAWI (United Arab Emirates University) on integrating AI into educational experiences.

The Role of AI in Education

The second panel focused on the role of AI in education. Mr. Jack BURKE from the School of Law (SLW) explored AI's potential in legal education, while Professor Guanxiong HUANG (COM) raised critical concerns about misinformation and advocated for enhanced media literacy as a means to address these challenges. Professor Yanto CHANDRA (PIA) introduced a human-centred ethical approach to AI, sparking discussions on ethical considerations among students. The panel included Dr. Wesley CURTIS, Head of Chan Feng Men-ling Chan Shuk-lin Language Centre (LC), and Ms. Hazal WONG (LC), who discussed students' experiences co-writing with AI and the limitations they encounter.

Professor Amal GHAZAL (Doha Institute for Graduate Studies) highlighted the widespread use of AI among students and urged educators to engage with this interest to improve learning outcomes. Professor Shujun JIANG (United Arab Emirates University) emphasised the need for a holistic approach that integrates technology, content knowledge, and pedagogy in digital learning. Meanwhile, Dr. Odilile AYODELE (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa) called for increased collaboration between Hong Kong and South Africa.

Innovations in the Metaverse

The third panel highlighted innovative applications of the metaverse in education. Professor Howard LEUNG from the Department of Computer Science (CS) presented CityUHK’s progress in creating a digital twin of the university, utilising gamification to enhance learning experiences. Professor Ruozhu LI (PIA) introduced immersive reality concepts in her Data Analytics course, and Professor Alfred Tat-Kei HO, Dean of CLASS, discussed the metaverse’s potential to connect historical and contemporary contexts. Professor Jin Yeu TSOU from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE) outlined a roadmap for incorporating extended reality (XR) into architecture education, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability.

During the panel discussion, Professor Julia BARBAR (Doha Institute for Graduate Studies) shared insights from her programmes, stressing the need for balance between team-based learning and meta-learning in executive education. She also underscored the importance of social responsibility in developing digital learning initiatives. Dr. Davis CHAN (Wah Yan College, Hong Kong) encouraged attendees to reflect on the motivation for using the metaverse in classroom and its unique educational experiences. He recognised that the metaverse offers a valuable connection to the past, present, and future, and concluded that the effectiveness of digital learning hinges on our ability to engage students meaningfully in the learning process.

Industry Perspectives

The conference concluded with an engaging Industry Roundtable featuring insights from our overseas scholars and industry leaders. Mr. Jeevan GEORGE (United Arab Emirates University) emphasised the significance of technology adoption in education, while Mr. Paul CHAN (Hong Kong Association for VR AR) showcased innovative projects, including metaverse fashion shows and VR tours that push the boundaries of immersive experiences.

Dr. CA TSE (Fullness Social Enterprises Society) introduced a comprehensive framework for social entrepreneurship education, and Mr. Manfred YUEN (Hong Kong Designers Association) explored the intersection of AI and design. Mr. Tony CHOY (Pong Yuen Holdings Limited) presented an exciting project focused on Hong Kong’s history, utilizing immersive learning techniques to engage students with the city's rich heritage.

In his closing remarks, Professor Alfred Tat-Kei HO underscored the added value of digital learning, noting its ability to enhance learning experiences and the cost effectiveness of teaching. Professor Amal GHAZAL praised CityUHK’s proactive use of technologies, and Professor Shujun JIANG reiterated the necessity of connecting academia, industry, and the community to advance digital learning. This conference represents a significant step forward in exploring digital learning, fostering collaboration and innovation across various sectors.

Following the conference, a booth exhibition titled "How Digital Technology Will Change Future Learning and Businesses," organised by the College’s student chapters showcased innovative applications of digital printing, art technology, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.  The exhibition featured presentations from the Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong (GAAHK), the Hong Kong Association for VR AR (HKAVRAR), WeWrites Limited, and GreenTomato Limited showcasing innovative applications of digital printing, art technology, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence in marketing, education, and other fields. The event attracted numerous CityUHK students and faculty members, providing a fitting conclusion to a day of exploration and collaboration marking a significant step forward in the exploration of digital learning, fostering innovation and collaboration across various sectors.