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Hong Kong is emerging as a prominent hub for Extended Reality (XR) technologies, drawing international attention due to its unique advantages in the realm of Innovation and Technology (I&T). XR, encompassing Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), is experiencing substantial global growth. Mainland China projects that its XR industry will exceed HK$48.7 billion by 2026, with global XR spending expected to reach HK$50.9 billion in the same year.
To seize these opportunities, Hong Kong’s Productivity Council Smart Manufacturing (HKPC Smart Manufacturing) is actively collaborating with leading XR companies and industry experts. Their aim is to explore the diverse applications of XR in various sectors, including manufacturing, gaming, medical, retail, and construction. HKPC recognises XR as a pivotal enabler in Hong Kong’s journey to transform into an international hub for innovation and technology. This transformation will foster new industries and business models.
XR technologies hold immense potential in both consumer and industrial markets. They offer applications for optimising production processes, remote equipment operation, personnel training, cost reduction, efficiency enhancement, business model innovation, and intelligent production. HKPC is fully committed to advancing XR applications and strengthening industry collaboration.
They seek to build strong connections with Mainland China and other international partners. This collaborative effort aims to position Hong Kong as a global leader in the XR industry, transforming it into a vibrant international hub for innovation and technology.
HKPC’s efforts in advancing XR’s industrial application have led to the rapid growth of the XR industry in both Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. By leveraging XR and other cutting-edge technologies, they have supported businesses in optimizing product processes and have paved the way for the development of intelligent factories.
Projects like “Celesphere” and collaborations with Tsinghua University have received international acclaim, further cementing Hong Kong’s position as an emerging player in the XR industry. In the upcoming months, HKPC Smart Manufacturing plans to host a series of seminars focusing on XR technology’s applications, demand, and the new opportunities it presents across various sectors.
Across the world, XR is proving to be a vital technology. OpenGov Asia reported earlier that Singapore has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing the world’s first Multi-Sensory XR Training System in collaboration with NUS CUTE Centre, HTX (the Home Team Science and Technology Agency), and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). This innovative system aims to revolutionise the training for civil defence officers in road traffic accident management and hazardous material (hazmat) mitigation procedures.
Current training methods for road traffic accidents and hazmat management at SCDF involve a combination of theoretical learning and practical sessions. However, practical training using scrap cars has its limitations as each car can only accommodate up to four emergency responders at a time, leading to resource inefficiency. Moreover, the use of actual chemicals for hazmat scenarios poses safety and environmental challenges.
OpenGov Asia has also reported that, in the Philippines, The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has emphasised the significance of using new technology to improve the capabilities of the Filipino workforce, which can drive long-term economic growth and social advancement in the country.
The NEDA Undersecretary declared that a nationwide promotion of extended reality (XR) as a new medium for skill development and learning is currently ongoing.
According to the undersecretary, extended reality technologies can revolutionise the way they enhance their workforce’s abilities. Individuals can acquire complicated skills in a simulated environment using XR technologies, which provide a safe environment for developing and practising new skills.
