SIGGRAPH Asia 2025, a flagship international conference on computer graphics and interactive technologies, took place in Hong Kong recently. As a key associated event, the 2nd Cross-Campus Exhibition "Symbiotic Signals: Entangled Perceptions and Algorithms", jointly organized by the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) at the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Computational Media and Arts Thrust (CMA) at the Information Hub, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), was unveiled in tandem with the conference. The Exhibition focuses on cross-disciplinary application of Artificial Intelligence in art, science, and creative fields. A core achievement prominently featured, titled "AI + XR Large-Space Project", was developed through a collaboration led by HKUST AMC together with Zhejiang Satellite TV's Digital Human Studio and China Mobile (Zhejiang) Research & Innovation Institute. Its deep integration of cutting-edge technology and creative expression garnered extensive attention from global attendees.
AI Visual Poster: Creative Symbiosis of Tradition and Technology
The exhibition's AI visual promotional poster was principally designed by Shiqin HOU, a Master's student from AMC. Centered on the core visual concept of "Dimensional Breach," the design follows the perspective of the virtual host Gu Xiaoyu to achieve a visual bridge between reality and digital space. A vivid presentation of the dynamic, immersive atmosphere of the XR Large-Space environment with skillfully-blended aesthetics of traditional cultural symbols and modern technological vibes, the work precisely echoed the exhibition's core theme of "Symbiotic Signals".
AMC Assistant Professor Anyi RAO provided an academic perspective, noting that the work, through its highly dynamic visual language, achieves an organic unity of technical logic and artistic expression, offering a lively case study for cross-disciplinary digital art practice. Creator of the work Shiqin Hou stated that the design process involved deep contemplation on the symbolic meaning of Zhejiang Satellite TV's virtual host Gu Xiaoyu, incorporating narrative elements into visual effects in an attempt to fuse the "traditional" with the "modern".
AI+XR Large-Space Project: Dimensional Leap in Immersive Interaction
As part of an experiential introduction to the Exhibition, the "AI + XR Large-Space Project” showcase is located in the G/F Panel Zone titled "Signal Atlas: Prologues to Algorithmic Worlds", jointly presented by an AMC student team, Zhejiang Satellite TV's Digital Human Studio, and China Mobile (Zhejiang) Innovation Research Institute. The project heralds as its core breakthrough "deconstructing IP through technology and reconstructing experience through scenes". Using VR equipment to create an immersive blended-reality space of the program "Keep Running", visitors are transformed from passive watchers into active participants, engaging in collaborative puzzle-solving and task challenges within the XR Large Space, and experiencing for themselves the innovative potential of digital technology in enhancing entertainment. Global attendees who experienced the project firsthand expressed high anticipation, frequently noting its groundbreaking nature in both technological application and experiential design.
Empowering Cross-Domain Collaboration: Academic Platform Facilitating Cultural Technology's Global Reach
AMC Acting Head and Professor Hongbo FU highlighted the Exhibition's distinctive trait, stating its aim as "establishing a cross-regional, interdisciplinary platform for innovative exchange". The "AI+XR Large-Space Project" exemplifies the Division's efforts towards a profound integration of academic research with industry practice.
HKUST Postdoctoral Fellow Ziwei WU, along with AMC students Yifan LIU, Ziwei CHI and Zhengnan GUO, shared insights into the Exhibition's preparatory process and creative thinking, demonstrating the students' innovative capabilities and collaborative spirit in cross-disciplinary practice.
HKUST(GZ) Computational Media and Arts Thrust Professor Ingeborg REICHLE, reflecting on industry development trends, strongly endorsed the project's core potential and broad prospects. She noted that it not only achieved a cross-border fusion of technology and entertainment but also provides a novel pathway for the international dissemination of original Chinese cultural IPs. During the exhibition, the project team concurrently collected valuable feedback from global researchers and users, which will provide crucial support for subsequent technological iterations and experiential optimization.
Through the essential platform which is the 2nd Cross-Campus Exhibition, jointly hosted with HKUST(GZ) Computational Media and Arts Thrust, AMC has fostered in-depth collaboration between Zhejiang and Hong Kong in the fields of digital art and technology, not only showcasing the Division's academic prowess in interdisciplinary research and practice but also establishing a vital bridge for the cross-border integration and international communication of culture and technology. Moving forward, the Division will continue to focus on frontier explorations in Artificial Intelligence and artistic creativity, bringing more high-quality cross-domain collaborative efforts to the global stage.