Broadening Horizons: 4-Day Immersive Discovery of Tokyo's Innovative Technology & Dynamic Culture

31 May 2024
Students are thrilled to visit the esteemed University of Tokyo, where they engage in an insightful seminar and valuable cultural exchanges with local students.
The 'Hello! Robots' exhibition at Miraikan inspires students to contemplate the coexistence of humans and robots. Students interact with Keparan, one of the partner robots in Miraikan.
Dr. Kevin Wang (right) and students explore the vibrant culture in Ginza.
In the seminar 'Building Real World Metaverse using 360o Videos for Exploration in a City', Professor Kiyoharu Aizawa, the chair of IEEE Tokyo Section, shares how 360-degree image and video processing technologies could be harnessed to build a "Movie Map" for walkers to virtually navigate and explore a city.
Dr. Kevin Wang (left) and Dr. Fion Lee (right) present souvenirs to Professor Kiyoharu Aizawa, the chair of IEEE Tokyo Section, and Ms Makiko Kato, the representative of IEEE Tokyo Section, in gratitude for the insightful seminar.
A visit to the renowned University of Tokyo, exploring the picturesque campus.
Photo credit: Tam Kar Nam (Computer Science, Year 3)
At the Panasonic Centre Tokyo, students engage with interactive installations showcasing Panasonic’s sustainable innovations in consumer electronics.
Dr. Fion Lee (left) and students explore the vibrant culture in Ginza.


With the aim of enhancing students' global vision, the Department of Computer Science organised a 4-day study tour to Tokyo, Japan from 14 to 17 May 2024. Led by Dr. Fion Lee and Dr. Kevin Wang, a group of 26 undergraduate and postgraduate computer science students embarked on an eye-opening journey that encompassed academic exchange, tech discovery, and cultural immersion.

The study tour included a visit to the University of Tokyo, where students attended a seminar titled "Building Real World Metaverse using 360o Videos for Exploration in a City". The seminar was hosted by Professor Kiyoharu Aizawa, the chair of IEEE Tokyo Section from the Department of Information and Communication Engineering of the University of Tokyo. Professor Aizawa shared insights on how 360-degree image and video processing technologies could be utilised to build a "Movie Map" for walkers to virtually navigate and explore a city, offering valuable insights into the field of virtual reality. Beyond the insightful academic exchange, students also engaged in interviews with local students, fostering thought-provoking dialogues.

The study tour also incorporated visits to tech-related sites. At the Panasonic Centre Tokyo, students witnessed how cutting-edge technologies are integrated into consumer electronics and observed how algorithms are being designed effectively to reduce computational power and energy consumption. They also explored interactive digital art at teamLab Tokyo and immersed themselves in high-tech museums, such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and the NTT History Centre of Technologies, which showcase Japan's pioneering advancements in telecommunications and science, broadening students' horizons.

Beyond academic and tech-focused activities, students also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tokyo's vibrant cultural landscape. This included exploring iconic landmarks such as the breathtaking Tokyo Skytree and the bustling Ginza district. Reflecting on this journey, Fung Hok Chun (Computer Science, Year 3) stated, "In many ways, this study tour has been a transformative milestone in my computer science education. It has challenged my assumptions, broadened my horizons, and ignited a renewed passion for the field."

The Tokyo Study Tour 2024 was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of students, the warm hospitality of hosts, and IEEE Tokyo Section for arranging the enlightening seminar. Moving forward, the Department is committed to empowering students through enriching international study tours and equipping them with cutting-edge skills in innovative technology.



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