21.06.2025
Speaking
Building the Metaverse: Real-Time Power and Procedural Magic at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) by Douglas Leong

Spending an unforgettable week at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) was an incredible experience—one filled with creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Partnering with the visionary Arts Tech Lab team from the Faculty of Arts was a true highlight of my regional journey. Over the course of four enriching days, I had the privilege of leading a series of hands-on training sessions and delivering a keynote talk titled “Building the Metaverse: Real-Time Power and Procedural Magic.” The energy throughout the event was electric, driven by the curiosity and creativity of HKU’s talented community of students and educators.

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Building the Metaverse: Real-Time Power and Procedural Magic at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

 


My keynote addressed the evolution of game engines beyond entertainment—into architecture, simulation, and immersive experience design. I introduced a novel pipeline for real-time-ready, high-fidelity content creation, combining the power of procedural tools with the agility of real-time workflows.

 


The exchange of ideas during the talk was inspiring. HKU’s forward-thinking approach and cross-disciplinary curiosity made it a perfect setting for this conversation.

 

 

 


A Community of Excellence

 


HKU’s reputation speaks for itself—ranked #1 in Hong Kong and #17 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. But it was the people—their passion, professionalism, and drive—that truly stood out. I was deeply impressed by how quickly participants embraced complex tools and concepts, applying them creatively and confidently in such a short time.

 


A heartfelt thank you to my training assistant, Cheerie Tan, for her outstanding onsite support. Her dedication was essential in making each session run smoothly and efficiently.

 

 

 


Looking Forward

 


As I look back on the highlights and video moments from this vibrant week, I’m reminded of just how powerful immersive learning experiences can be. The Arts Tech Lab’s commitment to merging technology and creativity sets an exciting precedent for the region.

 


It was an honor to contribute to this thriving academic and creative ecosystem. I look forward to future collaborations—and to witnessing how HKU’s next generation of creative technologists will shape the digital world ahead.

 


Here’s to innovation, imagination, and the incredible journey still to come.