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An advanced Research & Development (R&D) Center at Hong Kong Science Park will be established by a leading visual effects firm. This company, leveraging cutting-edge virtual human technology, aims to revolutionise the entertainment industry in collaboration with Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), setting new benchmarks for innovation and industry standards.
The newly established R&D Center will act as a nexus for collaboration, attracting top-tier talent globally and fostering partnerships with academic institutions, industry experts, and technology innovators. The focus will be on advancing digital entertainment, life and culture, and the broader innovation and technology sectors. The centre’s objectives include the development of Virtual Human (VH) technology, Visual Effects (VFX), and AI-Powered Video Production (AVP).
In the realm of Virtual Human technology, the centre aims to create advanced AI-driven virtual humans capable of natural and complex interactions. This technology promises to enhance user experiences in service-oriented environments, potentially transforming hospitality services with AI-powered virtual human interactions. In Visual Effects, the centre will employ AI technology to produce dynamic, cost-effective, and high-quality visual effects for films, TV series, and commercials. The AI-Powered Video Production sector will focus on developing innovative tools that streamline the content creation workflow in media production by leveraging AI to produce 3D asset-based video content.
The distinguished guests gathered for the launch ceremony, including the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; the Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology); the CEO of HKSTP; and the CEO of VFX firm. To demonstrate the advancements in AI technology, a real-time interactive dialogue was also held.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry highlighted the transformative impact of AI on the film and entertainment industry, citing the firm’s pioneering use of AI to enhance storytelling and immersion. He emphasised the Hong Kong Government’s commitment to supporting the AI industry and other strategically important I&T sectors, ensuring the city is well-prepared for the opportunities and challenges presented by the AI revolution.
With over three decades of development experience, the VFX firm has contributed to the production of numerous films, TV series, commercials, game visuals, and immersive experiences. The integration of deep learning and virtual reality technologies has enabled the creation of digital characters with emotional expressiveness and interactive capabilities.
The company’s efforts aim to bolster Hong Kong’s status as the “Oriental Hollywood” by driving the development of locally-produced films and extending AI Virtual Human technology beyond cinema. This technology is expected to have applications across banking, education, elderly care, and tourism industries, transcending language, geography, and time barriers.
Aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan, which positions Hong Kong as a hub for international innovation and cultural exchange, the firm’s establishment in the city is poised to attract talent from the Greater Bay Area and beyond. The firm noted Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and its conducive environment for fostering a creative ecosystem that blends Eastern and Western influences, driving advancements in entertainment, culture, and technology.
HKSTP, housing over 14,000 research professionals and 1,800 tech ventures, plays a crucial role in nurturing I&T talent through initiatives like the “Technology Leaders of Tomorrow” program and the “I&T Career Expo.” These efforts support tech ventures by providing world-class research infrastructure, professional guidance, and investment networks. With HKSTP’s support, the tech company plans to invest approximately HK$204 million by 2029, recruiting over 40 professional talents to expand its R&D team. This investment will drive the development of AI virtual humans, visual effects, and AI-powered video production technologies, aiming to file five patent applications in Hong Kong.
By advancing technological innovation and intellectual property protection, the aim is to commercialise its AI virtual human, visual effects, and AI-powered video production technologies in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to establish Hong Kong as an international hub for AI and AI virtual human technology R&D, creating internationally renowned entertainment experiences and attracting overseas visitors, thereby bolstering Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
