14 September 2026
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) is actively advancing digital teaching innovation to provide students with richer and more diverse learning experiences. The Virtual Reality Centre, under the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), recently organised a five-day Virtual Reality (VR) Week to showcase a range of innovative virtual reality teaching facilities and self-developed applications on campus. Highlights included the new ultra-high definition immersive VR LED CAVE and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) VR Platform.
To mark the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Centre collaborated with the Student Affairs Office to launch a VR Bike Experience featuring a virtual cycling route through Nagoya. This allowed staff and students to immerse themselves in the Asian Games cycling track as if they were there in person. The activity attracted enthusiastic participation, injecting energy into the campus while highlighting the potential of digital technology in learning and engagement.
The University’s new ultra-high definition VR LED CAVE features a full-scale motion-tracking system designed to further enhance immersive virtual reality learning experiences. With 5K LED displays, the system delivers high-resolution, vivid panoramic 3D visuals. It supports collaborative multi-user settings, enabling faculty and students to interact within the same virtual environment simultaneously — including participants at different locations. Users can engage in collaborative simulations such as managing an air cargo terminal and conducting on-site earthquake reporting exercises. They can also virtually explore Haw Par Mansion, a Grade I historic building, through interactive experiences focusing on its heritage, culture and architecture.
The Centre has further recreated the “Ten Courts of Hell” attraction from the former Tiger Balm Garden within the Haw Par Mansion virtual environment. A series of multi-user interactive games enables participants to explore the traditional murals of the Ten Courts of Hell while completing tasks through storytelling elements, thereby enhancing interactivity and engagement.
In parallel, the VR Centre has independently developed a TCM VR Platform that allows students to assume the role of an imperial physician from the Qing dynasty. Through a virtual journey into the Imperial Pharmacy, they experience selecting, portioning and decocting Chinese medicinal herbs. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine knowledge with virtual reality technology, this platform provides an engaging way for students to deepen their understanding of TCM concepts and practices.
Beyond its immersive learning capabilities, the VR LED CAVE also functions as a conventional teaching space. Faculty members can seamlessly switch to a regular teaching mode and display computer content simultaneously according to pedagogical needs, facilitating presentations and multimedia materials. This versatility supports a wide range of teaching and learning requirements. To date, five academic modules have incorporated the VR LED CAVE into teaching and video production, enabling students to apply knowledge in virtual settings and extend learning beyond the constraints of traditional classrooms.
HSUHK held the launch ceremony for the VR LED CAVE and the TCM VR Platform on 10 September (Thursday). Senior management, representatives from CTL and partner organisations attended the event, marking a significant advancement in the application of immersive technology to education, research and campus innovation.
