Two Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Creative Media students at City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Ken Kwok Ching-yeung and Tank Leung Wing-chung, attended the “Tokyo Game Show 2007”, one of the most renowned gaming expos in the world. They were among the first selected to attend this huge and exciting event through “I.T. Exchange Programmes 2006/07”.

The programme was sponsored by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), organised by the Cyberport IncuTrain Centre and coordinated by Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong. The objective of the scheme is to nurture the talent within the Hong Kong creative media industry by providing opportunities for international exposure to the digital world.

CityU nurture students with global vision and mission. This Japan exchange programme exposes the students to a foreign culture and enterprises and embodies the key education focus of the University. “Japan is famous for its advanced video game technology. The opportunity to visit the Tokyo Game Show, which is the top game show in the world, and trying the newest games firsthand has broadened my horizons,” said Ken, a Year 3 student.

Tank, a Year 2 student, said, “Through investigating Japanese culture and the development of video games, I was aware of the fact that in multi-media production, the convergence of art and technology is the latest trend. It also inspires me to represent abstract concepts through different media in the applications of installation art.”

The two students were also given a chance to meet Mr Kanazawa, Head of Development Department of Sony Computer Entertainment Asia. Mr Kanazawa pointed out that Japan was a leader in video game design and technology and it was working hard to remain at the forefront of video game technology.

The exchange programme served to increase the students’ understanding of Japanese culture. They noted that the Japanese had great respect for personal space, a trait reflected in their gaming habits, said Tank.

“No passengers talk loudly when travelling in a vehicle. Even if they use the mobile phones, they will just send short messages without producing any noise. This practice extends to video games too, in that they do not create any noise while they are playing video games.”

Professor Liu Zhi-qiang, programme leader of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Creative Media, said, “Ken and Tank were selected not only because they have a deep interest in video game design and installation art, but because they are creative, talented and sophisticated when they deal with people.”

Professor Liu added, in order to provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in both the artistic and scientific aspects of digital media, the school encouraged students to organise the Special Interest Group (SIG) so students could initiate projects of their own. There are now seven SIG groups covering different topics, including “Games / Animation”, “Computer Graphics”, “Interactivity / Installation”, “Motion Generation & Tracking”, “Photography”, “WebRadio” and “Graphics & Design”. Besides the professional instruction from professors, members can obtain funding from the faculty to participate in different ventures and exhibitions.

Both students agreed that they had learned a great deal from the SIG.

“Being chosen for the Japan exchange programme was due in large part to my accumulated experience in the SIG.” said Ken. After joining the interest group, he said he had the opportunity to be a technical guide at the first Creative Media Exhibition of Science Bachelors’ Work held in June. On the other hand, Moni Tree, a multi-media work designed by Tank and his classmates, was exhibited at the recent “Innovation Expo 07”.

Mr David Chung Wai-keung, Senior Manager (I.T. Operations) of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company said he was pleased to be responsible for coordinating the “I.T. Exchange Programmes 2006/07”.

“The Government places great emphasis on the creative industries and Cyberport spares no effort in fostering the next generation who will develop the industry. We hope that more outstanding talent from Hong Kong in the creative industry will emerge through this kind of exchange programme.