(1) 3D Virtual Laboratories with AI Tutoring

Mr Jungjin PARK [LinkedIn]

PhD Candidate

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

 

AI-Enabled AR Laboratories for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This presentation discusses the universal struggles of teaching hands-on laboratories faced by teachers and instructors across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutes, and how combining 3D virtual laboratories with AI tutoring can help students master laboratory procedures and concepts and provide instructors with detailed and actionable insights. The presentation will focus on a case study in an undergraduate aerospace engineering laboratory at HKUST, looking at specific examples of AI interactions and evaluations. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on broader applications to other STEM fields and across different levels.

 

About the Featured Speaker

Jungjin PARK is a PhD candidate at HKUST in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, where he led a teaching innovation project to digitise aerospace engineering laboratories into immersive and interactive e-learning resources by combining AR and AI. The project received the Silver Award at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025 for its innovation and impact. With this success, Jungjin co-founded VisionARi to help primary and secondary schools leverage the framework of AI-enhanced digital laboratories in K-12 STEM education.

 

(2) VR Simulations with AI Avatars

Dr Paulina WONG [Researcher Profile]

Head & Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar)

Division of Science

Lingnan University

 

Learning into Living: AI Avatars and VR Simulations for SDG/ESG Sustainability Education

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Generative AI (GenAI) can transform sustainability education by translating abstract SDG/ESG concepts into lived, scenario-based learning with personalised guidance. Yet many metaverse learning platforms underutilise these capabilities and offer limited support for adaptive learning pathways. The joint project "Beyond Reality ", led by Lingnan University, addresses this gap by integrating VR simulations with AI avatars that coach learners through authentic sustainability dilemmas, strengthening enquiry, collaboration, and problem-solving. Our study of students' intention to use the platform shows that perceived ease of use, enjoyment, usefulness, and immersion explain 77.1% of engagement intention, with differences by gender and gaming experience. Looking ahead, we will also explore how soundscape design may shape engagement and the overall learning experience.

 

About the Featured Speaker

Professor Paulina PY WONG is currently an Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) and Head of the Division of Science at Lingnan University. She is also Programme Director of the MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Analytics (MScSEA) and a member of the University Council. Her expertise spans urban climatology, environmental health exposure, GeoAI analytics, mobile geospatial technologies, sustainability education, and ESG. She is a Fulbright and Lee Hysan scholar and a certified GIS Professional. Professor WONG is a Council member and Vice-chairman of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Committee of Smart City Consortium (SCC), President of HKGISA, Honorary Secretary of HKABAEIMA, and Advisor (Research) of ICSD, advancing GIS, OpenBIM, ESG, and smart city development. She also serves as the Vice-chairlady of the Young Member Section of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE), and sits on editorial boards as a review editor for several international journals.