The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has announced its plans to build the world’s first virtual campus in the metaverse. University students can attend classes and communicate with their peers in virtual reality.
Pang Hui, director of HKUST’s Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity (MC2), said the project’s initial phase would install physical infrastructures such as augmented reality classrooms, sensors, cameras, and visualization tools.
After the project’s development is completed, students from the Hong Kong and Guangzhou campuses will be among the first in the world to receive their diplomas and certificates in the form of digital documents protected by the blockchain, or NFT.
University employees will scan entire campuses and upload photos to the cloud, which will help to obtain the materials needed to create virtual campuses.
Once this part is completed, the team will begin creating content such as avatars and NFTs for the virtual world, which can also be viewed or used on physical campuses using augmented reality technology.
Information exchange and administrative procedures will become more convenient. Diplomas will now be issued as NFTs, and events such as Open Days or graduations can simultaneously be held online and in-person.
The opening ceremony of the Guangzhou campus will be a trial. Hui said the Guangzhou campus would open its doors to students on September 1, simultaneously with the opening ceremony in the metaverse. Approximately 250 guests will be invited to the virtual ceremony with their pre-created avatars.
