On 28th September 2024, the project team proudly hosted the opening event of the PolyU APSS Funtech Competition 2024, funded by the Innovation Technology Fund. This initiative aims to enhance digital literacy among local secondary school students and foster a vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) culture in Hong Kong.
The inaugural academic conference, titled “Harnessing the Power of RFID and VR Technologies: Driving Societal Impact and Innovation,” was specifically designed for secondary school students and teachers. It provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of information technology.
The event featured a keynote presentation by Prof. Doug Vogel, a highly esteemed scholar in Information Systems and a recognized authority on technology-driven societal impact. Prof. Vogel’s engaging talk highlighted the transformative potential of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and VR (Virtual Reality) technologies to revolutionize various industries and enhance quality of life. His extensive experience—marked by over 22,000 citations and a global presence in more than 100 countries—captivated the audience with real-world applications and forward-thinking insights.
Attendees also enjoyed a lively panel discussion featuring Prof. Gary Wong and Dr. Kai Pan Mark, moderated by Dr. Rodney Chu. This session delved deeper into the societal implications of these technologies, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas that underscored the critical role of innovation in shaping a better future.
In addition to the academic discussions, participants had the opportunity to visit PolyU’s state-of-the-art immersive environments, including the CAVE and HiVE facilities. These guided tours provided a firsthand look at PolyU’s advanced IT infrastructure, offering an inspiring glimpse into the future of immersive technologies.
To further enhance their experience and increase their interest in innovation technologies, participants also took part in a hands-on VR training workshop after the guided tour. This workshop gave students and teachers the chance to engage directly with VR technology, allowing them to explore its potential in various fields such as education, healthcare, and entertainment. The immersive nature of the workshop sparked curiosity and provided practical insights into how VR can be applied in real-world scenarios. It was an interactive experience that deepened their understanding of virtual environments and showcased the potential for innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
For many, this event was a fruitful introduction to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the fields of information technology and immersive environments. The combination of academic expertise, practical demonstrations, VR training, and networking opportunities made the day a resounding success, paving the way for a new generation of innovators in Hong Kong.
