City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is dedicated to advancing the development of a digital campus. With a forward-thinking vision, the University actively cultivates an international learning environment rich in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, while maintaining close connections with the community. The launch on 21 May of the “Tunnel of Future Innovations”, which links CityUHK with Festival Walk, featured Hong Kong’s first-ever tunnel fashion show with an array of interactive digital experiences. This “Tunnel of Future Innovations” initiative cultivates local roots with a global reach, showcasing Hong Kong’s creative flair and cultural vibrancy as an international tourism hub.

This innovative project will also provide a platform for faculty and students of CityUHK’s School of Creative Media to showcase their creative achievements, enriching the campus’s visual and intellectual atmosphere, inspiring interdisciplinary innovation, and strengthening the University’s close ties with the Sham Shui Po community. CityUHK will leverage the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” as a starting point for educational tours, as part of its commitment to serve society and uphold its development vision of “Innovating into the future”.

The 4K touch screen wall at the entrance of the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” provides interactive campus navigation. Above it is a distinctive glass ceiling ingeniously incorporating the CityUHK logo. Extending towards the CityUHK campus entrance, a 50-meter-long corridor of the LED screens on both sides delivers an immersive and interactive digital experience. This dynamic space can also be flexibly transformed into a multifunctional exhibition area.

Addressing the Launch Ceremony, Mr Michael Ngai, Chairman of the Council, said, “The launch of the ‘Tunnel of Future Innovations’ fully demonstrates our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, inspiring diverse creativity, and deepening our understanding of an increasingly interconnected world. The University highly values strengthening connections, interaction, and collaboration with the local community, and establishing meaningful partnerships. Today’s launching ceremony perfectly showcases the tunnel’s diversity and versatility.”

Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, said at the launch ceremony, “The launch of the ‘Tunnel of Future Innovations’ is a significant milestone in the University’s campus development and demonstrates CityUHK’s strong commitment to actively engaging with the community while driving innovation. The ‘Tunnel of Future Innovations’ is more than just a passage connecting the University campus and the community; it is a dynamic digital platform that allows CityUHK faculty, students and visitors to learn about the latest developments, and academic and research strengths of CityUHK as the ‘Most International University’.”

The opening ceremony focused on the vibrant and historically rich community of Sham Shui Po. Through a captivating video enhanced with Artificial Intelligence technology, it showcased the district’s unique character, including the button- and fabric-filled Yu Chau Street and Nam Cheong Street, vividly highlighting the distinctive features of Hong Kong’s traditional industries.

One of the highlights of the event was a fashion show led by renowned fashion designer, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Media and Communication, Professor Dorian Ho Kwok-ching. Together with a group of emerging fashion designers and models, they presented a unique show themed “China Chic”, blending Chinese culture with contemporary fashion. The performance, titled “Thread of Creativity”, showcased the creativity and rising influence of local design talent.

Mr Justin Wong Tak-ho, Chairman of the Community Relations Committee of the Council of CityUHK, said, “We sincerely thank the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) for its support for this project. Sham Shui Po is a model of harmonious coexistence between traditional and modern Hong Kong, with its rich historical heritage and vibrant creative scene. It will be vividly presented in the tunnel, further strengthening the close connection between the University community and the unique, ever-changing characteristics of Hong Kong. This initiative ties in with the ‘tourism is everywhere’ concept in Hong Kong suggested by the HKSAR Government, injecting new vitality into Hong Kong’s innovation and sustainable tourism development.”

The launch of the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” will also provide a new platform for CityUHK to promote educational tours. The University has planned to welcome a study tour of Japanese high school students in October, in collaboration with the HKTB. Combining campus tours with immersive experiences will help provide students from around the world with a more comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong’s important position as an international hub for post-secondary education and CityUHK’s unique advantages. Starting in the tunnel corridor, they can visit CityUHK’s advanced State Key Laboratories, the Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, CityUHK Farm, and other facilities, personally experiencing CityUHK’s outstanding achievements across various academic fields and its rich campus culture.

Distinguished guests attending the event included CityUHK Council Members; Miss Agnes Chan Lok-tung, Assistant District Officer (Sham Shui Po); Mr Steve Cheung Chi-wai, Deputy District Commander (Sham Shui Po District); Mr Patrick Yeung Wai-tim, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Miss Ellyn Ngai Lok-lam, CityUHK alumna and 2024 Miss Hong Kong winner, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong Fashion Council, the Clothing Industry Training Authority, the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, the Textile Council of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Wollen & Synthetic Knitting Manufacturers’ Association, and the HKTB. All will gather to support and enjoy this vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community spirit.

The launch of the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” is a significant step for CityUHK in connecting the campus and community with global perspectives. The University will continue to leverage this vibrant platform to promote knowledge exchange, inspire innovative thinking, and work hand in hand with the community to create a better future.