CAU Virtual Convergence

Wi, Jong Hyun of the Virtual Convergence University received the Minister of Science and ICT Award

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:16:36 +0000

Professor Wi, Jong Hyun (Dean of the Virtual Convergence College and Director of the Immersive Media Business Unit) - Contributing to fostering future talent and strengthening national competitiveness as Dean of the Virtual Convergence University and Director of the Real Media Business Unit -Leading the 'Virtual Convergence University Alliance' and laying a practical foundation for global cooperation and education. Professor Wi, Jong Hyun (Dean of the College of Virtual Convergence and Director of the Immersive Media Business Unit) of our university received the Minister of Science and ICT Award from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-Hoon in December 2025 in recognition of his contributions to the development and promotion of the digital content industry. Professor Wi, Jong Hyun served as Dean of the College of Virtual Convergence and Director of the Immersive Media Business Unit, spearheading technological advancements and academic development in the fields of Immersive Media, including VR and AR. He was also highly recognized for his contributions to fostering an industrial ecosystem and fostering creative, practice-oriented talent. In particular, by leading the establishment of the "Virtual Convergence University Alliance," we have established an organic cooperative system between domestic and international universities and fostered a global educational infrastructure. This has played a key role in educational innovation, enabling our students to grow into key players in the global market in a rapidly changing digital environment. In his acceptance speech, Professor Wi said, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition for my efforts to consider the direction in which the Korean content industry should advance and for global cooperation in this rapidly changing era of digital transformation.” He added, “I will dedicate myself even more to research and education so that our students and companies can grow into leading players in the global market.”

Virtual Convergence College Successfully Concludes ‘Attractive Vietnam’ Global Project with Vietnam’s PTIT

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:22:32 +0000

Korea-Vietnam Students Reinterpret Vietnam's Past and Future Using AI and XR Technologies

18 professors and students from Korea and Vietnam collaborate in Hanoi using AI, XR, and sound technology.
Dean Wi Jeong-hyeon: "This is the starting point for an Asian immersive media education network... We plan to expand to Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond."

The Virtual Convergence College successfully completed "Attractive Vietnam," a joint project conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam, from January 4 to 10 in collaboration with the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT).

This joint project is a global convergence education program designed for Korean and Vietnamese students to work in teams to archive and reinterpret Vietnam’s cultural heritage, modern cities, and daily life using advanced immersive media technologies, including AI, XR (Extended Reality), 360VR, and immersive sound.

A total of 18 students—10 from our university and 8 from PTIT—participated in the project. Prior to their departure, the students completed content planning that combined film theory, sound design, and XR technology through two rounds of online and offline workshops. Once on-site, they formed teams of four to begin actual production. Notably, the Korean students led the technical implementation, such as 360VR filming and immersive sound recording, while the PTIT students managed local location coordination, historical verification, and video documentation, achieving a high level of international collaboration.

Participating students shared their experiences, saying, "The process of capturing the vividness of the site—from the noise of traditional Vietnamese markets to the soundscapes of modern cities—was a form of 'living learning' outside the classroom." They added, "We experienced firsthand how immersive media technology can serve as a tool to lower language and cultural barriers."

Through this project, more than 40 diverse immersive media contents were produced, including 360-degree Web VR content and Oculus app prototypes. These results will undergo two months of post-production and will be released to the public in late February through a premiere and the official website of the Virtual Convergence College.

Wi Jeong-hyeon, Dean of the Virtual Convergence College , who oversaw the project, stated, "This project is a new international cooperation model for immersive media education, where Korean and Vietnamese students technically explored space and sound through collaboration." He further noted, "We plan to not only continue our cooperation with PTIT but also expand this model to 'Global Alliance' partner countries such as Thailand and Kyrgyzstan to build an Asian immersive media education network."

Meanwhile, based on these achievements, the two universities plan to formalize mid-to-long-term educational cooperation measures, such as establishing regular exchange programs and developing joint curricula.

Virtual Convergence University and PTIT Vietnam Complete Global Project "Attractive Vietnam"

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:13:47 +0000

- 18 Korean-Vietnamese professors and students reinterpret Vietnam's past, present, and future using AI, XR, and sound technologies in Vietnam. - Dean Wi, Jong Hyun : "This is the starting point for the establishment of an Asian immersive media education network... expanding to Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries." The Virtual Convergence University successfully completed the joint project ‘Attractive Vietnam’ with the Vietnam University of Posts and Telecommunications Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi, Vietnam, from the 4th to the 10th for a week. This joint project is a global convergence education program designed to archive and reinterpret Vietnam's cultural heritage and modern city and lifestyle using cutting-edge immersive media technologies such as AI, XR (extended reality), 360 VR, and immersive sound, with Korean and Vietnamese students teaming up. Ten students from our university and eight PTIT students participated in the project. Before leaving the country, they completed content planning that combined film theory, sound design, and XR technology through two online and offline workshops, and once there, they formed teams of four and began actual production. In particular, our university students led the technical implementation, such as 360VR filming and immersive sound recording, while PTIT students were in charge of local location coordination, historical research, and video documentation, carrying out international collaboration in a practical sense. The participating students said, "From the noise of a traditional Vietnamese market to the soundscape of a modern city, the process of capturing the vividness of the scene with technology was a living learning experience outside of textbooks," and "We experienced that immersive media technology can be a tool to lower language and cultural barriers." This project produced approximately 40 pieces of immersive media content, including 360-degree web VR content and Oculus app prototypes. The resulting work, after two months of post-production, will be released to the public at a preview and on the Virtual Convergence University official website at the end of February. “This project is a new international collaboration model for immersive media education, where Korean and Vietnamese students collaborate to technically explore space and sound,” said Wi, Jong Hyun, Dean of the Virtual Convergence University who oversaw the project. “We plan to continue our collaboration with PTIT and expand the model to ‘Global Alliance’ partner countries such as Thailand and Kyrgyzstan to build an Asian immersive media education network.” Meanwhile, based on this achievement, the two universities plan to develop mid- to long-term educational cooperation plans, including establishing regular exchange programs and developing joint curricula.

The 2026 International Conference on Immersive Media and Contents Concluded

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:41:24 +0000

-Presenting the future of hyper-realistic content through the convergence of immersive media and AI.- The Immersive Media Innovation Convergence University Project Group (Director Wi, Jong Hyun) and the Virtual Convergence University (Dean Wi, Jong Hyun) held the ‘2026 Immersive Media and Content International Conference’ at the Rise Autograph Collection in Seoul on Tuesday, January 13th, under the theme of “Convergence of Immersive Media and AI: Hyper-realistic Content and Interactive Experience.” This conference was organized by the Ministry of Education, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and the Real Media Innovation Convergence University Project (Convergence and Open Sharing System). This conference, now in its third year, brought together nine speakers from the Vietnamese government, as well as global experts from industry, academia, and government, including those from the UK and Japan. They engaged in in-depth discussions divided into three parts, ranging from national policy to the scalability of hyper-realistic media through the convergence of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and haptics, and the realization of social value. In his welcoming address, Wi, Jong Hyun, Director of the Immersive Media Innovation Convergence University Project, evaluated that “the convergence of Immersive Media and AI is more than just a technological trend; it is fundamentally redefining the way we communicate and work with the world.” He emphasized that “I hope that this conference will become a venue for ‘human-centered innovation,’ where cutting-edge technologies such as hyper-realistic content and intelligent agents combine with market demands to add real value to human life.” ▲ Mr. An Tuan Pham, Director General of Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications, who gave the keynote speech, announced the "Government-Led Digital Transformation (DX)" roadmap as a key driving force for Vietnam's 10% annual economic growth. Mr. Pham stated that to overcome the problems of an aging population and low productivity, the government is focusing on expanding 5G infrastructure and securing digital identities for all citizens. He also shared his vision of completing the three pillars of digital government, economy, and society through 100% digitalization of public services. In particular, he emphasized that “digital transformation must aim to improve economic productivity, and digital data itself must be recognized as new economic value.” Next, Director Wi, Jong Hyun presented on the topic, "Future Strategies for Expanding the Virtual Convergence Industry: Expanding Demand through Middle Tech." Director Wi emphasized the importance of a "middle tech" strategy that is easily accessible to the general public, rather than a high-end, high-tech strategy, and explained that an approach centered on everyday utilities like KakaoTalk is essential for industry expansion. In particular, he presented technological alternatives that address real-world social issues, such as VR tourism content to address overtourism and disaster simulations, and emphasized the direction of sustainable development for the virtual convergence industry. Session 1 featured in-depth presentations on the technological scalability of hyper-realistic media and AI convergence cases. ▲ Dr. Seung-Hwan Lee, Director of the AI Research Lab at the Gyeonggi Research Institute, explained the paradigm shift beyond the metaverse to the "AI multiverse," where AI understands the laws of physics and creates virtual worlds on its own, under the theme of "Entering the AI Multiverse Era: The Evolution of Virtual Convergence." He particularly emphasized the importance of "Large World Models (LWMs)" that go beyond Large Language Models (LLMs) to model the entire world, and presented a practical example of how the combination of NVIDIA's Omniverse and AI engines is revolutionizing the efficiency of robot learning and manufacturing sites. ▲ Professor Ildar Parkadinov of King's College London shared his research findings on a haptic suit for the hearing and visual impaired and a rehabilitation robot for stroke patients through "Interactive Robotics and Haptic Technology Applications in Healthcare." He demonstrated that haptic technology can be a practical therapeutic solution that increases patients' physical independence, emphasizing its potential for expansion in the medical field. ▲ Kakao AI Synergy Vice President Kim Se-woong presented on the topic of “Redefining User Experience through Agentic AI” and predicted the era of “Agentic AI” and “Invisible UI,” which will understand the context and proactively present optimal results without explicit user commands. He introduced the “AI companion” model that will handle everything from travel planning to execution through Kakao’s AI service “Kanana,” and stated that proactive experiences that reduce user decision-making fatigue will be the core value of future AI services. ▲ Professor Kenji Ono of Japan's Digital Hollywood University traced the history of Japanese immersive content, dating back to the Panoramic Theater in the 1890s, and introduced Japan's unique characteristic of "device-free comfortable immersion," where viewers naturally blend into a space without a VR device. Furthermore, through cutting-edge examples utilizing projection mapping and interactive art, he explained the future direction of immersive media, which prioritizes audience accessibility and emotional immersion over technical specifications, and the importance of inclusive content. Session 2 discussed various specific ways in which cutting-edge technologies contribute to real-world industrial practices and public value. ▲ NC AI GTM Game AI Lead Na Gyu-bong emphasized, focusing on "real-world application cases of game AI," that AI is not a means to replace humans in the game production process, but rather functions as a "second brain" that maximizes creativity. He particularly proposed a collaborative model for indie game development that leverages generative AI tools to streamline resources and expand creative boundaries, predicting that this technological convergence will simultaneously enhance industry productivity and artistic perfection. ▲ Professor Alan Marcus of the University of Aberdeen in the UK presented a documentary production methodology that conveys climate change beyond simple visual information through realistic media, giving the audience an "embodied experience" as if they were actually present at the scene. He achieved extreme immersion by capturing climate crisis scenes in the Arctic Ocean and LA using long takes, on-site sound, and a first-person perspective, and through this, he encouraged the audience to interpret the situation on their own and actively recognize the problem, emphasizing that the climate crisis is a global challenge. ▲ Finally, Professor Riri Fitri Sari of the National University of Indonesia presented a personalized viewing experience based on multi-agent AI, using the case of the Indonesian Computer History Museum's metaverse implementation. Professor Sari emphasized the essential importance of implementing secure governance based on international standards during technology adoption, concluding with the point that technology design should always be grounded in empathy and responsibility for humanity. Director Wi, Jong Hyun said, “This conference was a meaningful opportunity to confirm the specific path of innovation created by combining AI and realistic media with all aspects of society, including healthcare, the environment, and cultural heritage,” and added, “As I emphasized in my welcoming address, the goal of cutting-edge technology should ultimately be to add real value to human life.” He continued, “Going forward, Chung-Ang University will further strengthen its domestic and international industry-academia-government cooperation network and proactively seek practical development directions for a virtual convergence society.” He added, “We will dedicate ourselves to fostering convergence talents with global competitiveness and do our best to build a virtuous ecosystem where technological innovation is converted into social value.”

Our University Students to Exhibit at ‘Dubai Big 5 Global’ Exhibition

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:43:15 +0000

Korean University Garners Attention at World's Largest Construction Expo for Digital Architecture and Immersive Media Convergence Innovation

Award-winning works from the ‘2025 Metaverse X Gaudi Nature-Inspired Architecture Hackathon,’ hosted by the Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, were officially exhibited at the world’s largest construction industry exhibition, 'Dubai Big5 Global 2025.'

The exhibition ran from November 24 to 27 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The works were introduced via a screen display at the Z6 Digital Pavilion (C41) through co-organizer SERA Inc. Our university provided full support, from planning to exhibition operation, to ensure that the students' creativity and technology-based experimental attempts could be shared with international construction industry stakeholders.

The Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence leads education in digital space and content realization based on Metaverse, XR, and AI. This exhibition at Dubai Big5 is evaluated as an achievement that confirms the global competitiveness of the digital content education and industry-academic cooperation model established by Chung-Ang University (CAU). Big5 Global is a core exhibition for the global architecture and construction industry, running for over 40 years since 1979. The introduction of CAU students’ works on this stage signifies that the convergence content education innovation based in a Korean university has received meaningful recognition in the global market.

This exhibition is drawing attention from the educational and industrial sectors as the Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, in cooperation with the Gaudi World Foundation and domestic/international industry partners, has established a new cyclical structure where digital content education at a Korean university leads directly to real-world global industry application, exhibitions, education, and research.

Professor Baek Joon-ki, Dean of the Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, stated, "This exhibition is a case study confirming the direction and competitiveness of Chung-Ang University's virtual convergence content education on the international industrial stage. We will continue to provide support so that students' research and technology can expand into tangible industrial value through industry-academic cooperation and international platform linkage."

Chung-Ang University plans to further strengthen its global competitiveness in the digital architecture and immersive media convergence field through various education and research programs moving forward.

6 Global Universities Form 'Virtual Convergence Alliance' at National Assembly to Pioneer K-Education Export

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:44:00 +0000

The ‘Global Virtual Convergence Colleges Alliance’ (GVCCA), spearheaded by our university, has officially been launched. The inauguration ceremony was held on November 25, 2025, in Conference Room 3 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Key officials from our university, including Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Park Kwang-yong, Executive Vice President for Research Sung Maeng-je, Executive Vice President for Administration Lee Chan-kyu, Dean of the Virtual Convergence College Wi Jong-hyun, and Standing Director of the Chung-Ang University Foundation Koh Suk-bum, attended the event. Distinguished attendees included National Assembly members Jeon Yong-gi, Kim Jun-hyuk, Cho In-cheol, and Kang Kyung-suk; Director Koo Bon-eok of the Talent Development Support Division at the Ministry of Education; and international university representatives such as Vice President Nguyen Trung Kien (Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Vietnam), Dean Worawit Janchai (Chiang Mai University, Thailand), Dean Tutun Juhana (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Center Director Attila Pálfalusi (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Hungary), and President Esengeldi Zhumadilov (Salymbekov University, Kyrgyzstan). This alliance is a global cooperative network established to build an IT-based convergence education ecosystem with major universities worldwide, utilizing technologies like AI and XR. It is expected to be a turning point for the expansion of future-oriented higher education models. In his welcoming speech, Vice President Park Kwang-yong greeted the attendees, stating, "As a university leading IT-based convergence education, Chung-Ang University will build a future-oriented higher education model together with its global partners." Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, in his congratulatory message, emphasized the importance of globally expanding IT-based convergence education amidst the rapidly changing educational environment. He noted, "It is time for us to expand knowledge across the world through online platforms and diversify the framework of learning. We expect this effort to provide an open arena for learning and challenging the future generation within the new convergence education flow that integrates industry, technology, art, and humanities." He further promised that "the government will provide all necessary policy support for university innovation and strengthening global cooperation to foster the talent that serves as the foundation for growth." National Assembly members Jeon Yong-gi, Kim Jun-hyuk (Democratic Party of Korea), and Kang Kyung-suk (Rebuilding Korea Party) also delivered congratulatory remarks, highlighting the importance of university education innovation and international cooperation fitting for the digital transition era. The legislators encouraged the global education model driven by the Virtual Convergence College, stating it sets a new direction for Korean higher education. The conference featured keynote speeches by Dean Wi Jong-hyun of the Virtual Convergence College, Director Koo Bon-eok of the Ministry of Education’s Talent Development Support Division, and Vice President Nguyen Trung Kien of PTIT.

Dean Wi Jong-hyun presented concrete strategies for the global cooperation model, including joint education promotion models between our university and major overseas universities, and IT-based university education cooperation strategies.
Director Koo Bon-eok announced the government's policies for the globalization of 'K-Education,' stressing the importance of international higher education cooperation. He commented, "This Global Virtual Convergence Colleges Alliance is an innovative global cooperation model attempted by a Korean university and will be an important starting point for the globalization of K-Education. The Ministry of Education will stand with you."
Vice President Kien of PTIT shared cases of IT education innovation and future cooperation plans between Chung-Ang University and PTIT, under the theme ‘PTIT's Game and Multimedia Education and the Global Virtual Convergence College.’

In the subsequent presentation session, representatives from participating international universities—Chiang Mai University (CMU, Thailand), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB, Indonesia), Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME, Hungary), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM, Malaysia), and Salymbekov University (SU, Kyrgyzstan)—presented their plans for cooperation with Korean universities. Discussions focused on promoting joint education programs like Microdegrees and strategies for immersive media and AI-based convergence education, exploring various measures to expand international cooperation and build a global education ecosystem. Based on this alliance, the Virtual Convergence College plans to fully expand various educational cooperation projects, including operating global joint curricula and co-developing immersive media and AI-based convergence education programs. Furthermore, it intends to proactively participate in creating a global education ecosystem by expanding international exchange and joint research among students and faculty. Dean Wi Jong-hyun emphasized, "In an era where AI and IT can overcome the spatial limitations of university education, this alliance is the starting point for creating a new higher education model with universities around the world." He stressed, "In anticipation of the AI era, we will further expand global cooperation to provide educational programs that build differentiated competencies for future generations." Through this inauguration ceremony and conference, Chung-Ang University has strengthened its network with global universities and established a significant foundation for expanding the IT-based Korean-style convergence education model worldwide.

Our University Successfully Concludes '2025 Global Startup Competition' with 14 Universities from 7 Nations

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:00:59 +0000

The Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center and the College of Virtual Convergence successfully hosted the ‘2025 Global Startup Competition’ in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday, November 19th. This year’s competition saw 44 teams and 165 university and graduate students from 14 universities across 7 countries, including South Korea, present a wide range of startup ideas integrating immersive media and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Global Startup Competition is designed to discover immersive media and AI-based startup items from university students interested in the ICT fields (e.g., gaming, AR/VR, virtual convergence, immersive media, AI, apps) in Korea and overseas, contributing to the expansion of the global startup ecosystem. The participating teams directly executed market research, planning, and prototype development, showcasing a level of planning and technical expertise comparable to actual early-stage startups. A distinguishing feature of this year’s event was the use of the Com2Verse platform’s Convention Center space, which connected participants worldwide. This allowed them to view the exhibition and awards ceremony live in a virtual space and engage in real-time networking and exchange between teams. This hybrid operating method established a platform for international cooperation that transcended physical distance. [Photo Caption] Exhibition of competition results and live broadcast of the awards ceremony using the Com2Verse Convention Center platform. The competition utilized a hybrid format, combining online exhibition and presentations via the virtual convergence platform with offline programs conducted at the Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel. A dedicated video of the awards ceremony, along with promotional videos for Chung-Ang University's Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center and the College of Virtual Convergence, was produced and broadcast live during the final session. Experts in the immersive media, AI, XR, and content fields from domestic and international universities, companies, and research institutions participated in the judging. The competition results were evaluated based on four criteria: △Problem Recognition, △Solution, △Growth Strategy, and △Presentation. All teams engaged in fierce competition, demonstrating meticulous preparation and high-quality presentations. The awards were divided into five categories: Grand, Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Special, with a total of 14 teams receiving honors.

Grand Award (1st Place): Claimed by Chung-Ang University's team 'VR LINGO' for presenting a game-based immersive VR English learning platform—an innovative educational solution prototype that encourages active learner participation.
Golden Award (2nd Place): Went to Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) team 'Cargovision,' which showcased a smart logistics system prototype utilizing AI and IoT technology to manage the real-time location and status of logistics vehicles and optimize transport efficiency.

In addition to the top winners, the Silver, Bronze, and Special Award-winning teams demonstrated high potential for youth entrepreneurship by showcasing diverse immersive media and AI-based startup ideas targeting the global market. Wi Jong-hyun, Dean of the College of Virtual Convergence and Director of the Immersive Media Innovation Convergence University Project Group, stated, "In this year's competition, we felt that the students were meticulously prepared, covering everything from the insight to discover problems and the technology to solve them, to growth strategies and presentation skills. Their efforts poured into the preparation period shone brightly on the global stage." The Immersive Media Innovation Convergence University Project Group plans to continuously expand the Global Startup Competition and further strengthen its role as a global youth startup hub in the immersive media and AI fields by linking subsequent mentoring, overseas exchange programs, and industry-academic joint projects for the winning teams.

Virtual Convergence College Successfully Concludes '2025 Global Alliance Media Art Exhibition' Co-Hosted with PTIT

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:56:57 +0000

[Photo Caption] Faculty and students from Chung-Ang University (CAU) / PTIT participating in the Media Art Exhibition. The ‘1st 2025 Global Alliance Media Art Exhibition,’ co-hosted and organized by the Virtual Convergence College (VCC) and the Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center, was successfully held on November 18, 2025, at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Vietnam. Students from five countries, including South Korea and Vietnam, participated in the exhibition, showcasing a variety of digital-based creations and establishing a platform for global collaboration. The exhibition was themed 'The Language of the Future,' aiming to explore the contemporary trend of digital technology expanding into a new artistic language. The theme emphasizes that expression methods based on AI, XR, interactive media, data visualization, and the metaverse are becoming essential means of communication and creation for future generations, moving beyond traditional language. Accordingly, the exhibition featured diverse works fusing technology and art, including AI-generated images, XR immersive content, digitally reconstructed local narratives, and interactive pieces visualizing data related to emotions, cities, and memory. [Photo Caption] Scene from the exhibition. The exhibition was finalized as an international creative platform where different cultural backgrounds and technological approaches intersected in one space, with university students from five countries—South Korea, Vietnam, the United States, Japan, and China—submitting a total of over 60 works. Professor Kim Kyu-hyun of the Graduate School of Advanced Imaging, who oversaw the exhibition, affirmed, "Through this exhibition, students are growing into creative talents who will lead the future digital society, moving beyond mere acquisition of technology." Dean Wi Jung-hyun of the Virtual Convergence College (VCC) emphasized, "Digital art is opening a new era where creativity and technology meet beyond borders and language. The theme 'The Language of the Future' accurately reflects the coming change where technology becomes a language and creation itself becomes communication." He also stated the plan for "continued international exchange in the future." Based on this year's success, the '1st 2025 Global Alliance Media Art Exhibition' plans to expand its scope of participation to more countries and universities in the future and is expected to grow into a core platform driving the development of the global digital art ecosystem.

Global Virtual Convergence Economy Conference 2025: Fostering Immersive Media and AI Innovation

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:54:34 +0000

[Photo Caption] Official group photo of VIP guests at the 2025 Global Conference on Virtual Convergence Economy. The ‘2025 Global Conference on Virtual Convergence Economy’ was successfully concluded on the 19th at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. The event was co-hosted and organized by the Immersive Media Innovation Convergence University Project Group, the College of Virtual Convergence, and the Content Future Convergence Forum (CFCT). The conference was established to introduce global trends in advanced technologies, including immersive media, and explore new industrial cooperation methods focusing on the virtual convergence economy, metaverse, and ICT sectors. A particular emphasis was placed on strengthening international cooperation and networking for the development of the global virtual convergence economy ecosystem. [Photo Caption] Keynote speech scene at the conference, Chairman Wi Jong-hyun of the Virtual Convergence Economy Forum. The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks and an opening speech by Wi Jung-hyun, Chairman of the Virtual Convergence Economy Forum. In the subsequent keynote session, Lee Eun-kyu, Scientific Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam, presented on 'AI Policy Direction of Korea'. Ha Thi Hong Van, Deputy Director of the Institute for Vietnamese and World Economics (IVWE) at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), lectured on 'The Development of Digital Economy in Vietnam: Achievements, Challenges and Solutions'. Chairman Wi Jung-hyun also presented on the 'Korea-Vietnam Cooperation Strategy through Combining Virtual Convergence and AI Industry'. In the afternoon session, Professor Go Hye-young of Seoul Women’s University presented on ‘Prosocial Game Project Education for Social Innovation’. Le Tuan Thanh, Acting Secretary General of the NSSC, spoke on the ‘Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam’. Following this, Professor Kang Shin-jin of Hongik University introduced 'Changes in the Collaboration Process between Game Developers and AI', and Professor Kim Kyu-hyun of Chung-Ang University presented ‘AI and Animation’. The conference concluded with presentations by Kim Yong-tae, Branch Manager of Le Tuan Edu, on ‘Effectiveness of Edtech: High-tech Manufacturing Education,’ and Professor Won Eun-suk of Mokwon University on ‘Stablecoins and Digital Content Services.’ [Photo Caption] Presentation scene at the 2025 Global Conference on Virtual Convergence Economy, Le Tuan Thanh, Acting Secretary General of the NSSC. Our university assessed that the conference significantly strengthened networking and cooperation between domestic and international companies and research institutions. It contributed to the development of the international virtual convergence economy ecosystem by facilitating the creation of new business models and industries. [Photo Caption] Presentation scene at the 2025 Global Conference on Virtual Convergence Economy. Chairman Wi Jong-hyun of the Virtual Convergence Economy Forum stated, "This conference served as a crucial turning point in establishing a cooperation system for the virtual convergence industry between South Korea and Vietnam." He added, "We expect to jointly develop innovative technologies and services by organically combining the technological and industrial strengths of both countries, thereby further enhancing global market competitiveness." He concluded by saying, "It was a valuable opportunity for convergence-type talents who integrate virtual convergence technology into various industrial fields to build global networks and acquire the latest technology trends, and we hope for continuous cooperation and exchange between the two countries in the future."

Our University Launches 'Global Virtual Convergence University Alliance'

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:49:05 +0000

Spreading South Korea's IT Convergence Education Globally from the National Assembly Our university is set to host the inauguration ceremony for the 'Global Virtual Convergence College Alliance' on November 25th at Conference Room 1 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. This alliance is viewed as a pivotal attempt by Korean universities—facing structural changes due to the spread of AI-based learning and global interest in K-Education—to seek a new educational model. It is particularly noteworthy as the first international cooperative framework primarily led by Korean universities. The plan is to fully accelerate the global expansion of K-Education by introducing a structure for jointly operating convergence education (including immersive media and AI) with overseas universities, leveraging South Korea’s competitive edge in content and IT sectors. At the inauguration ceremony, key areas of cooperation will be discussed, including: ▲Sharing IT-based immersive media educational content, ▲Developing joint inter-university curricula, such as microdegrees, and ▲Integrating AI educational platforms. The event is co-hosted by the offices of National Assembly members Jeon Yong-gi, Kim Jun-hyuk, and Cho In-cheol (Democratic Party of Korea), and Kang Kyung-suk (Rebuilding Korea Party), with the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea participating as sponsors. Six major universities from six countries will participate initially in the alliance: Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Vietnam, Chiang Mai University (CMU) in Thailand, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in Hungary, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Malaysia, and Salymbekov University (SU) in Kyrgyzstan. Each participating university plans to review methods for joint education utilizing South Korea's IT convergence educational content and linking educational platforms. Based on this, the alliance will continue its global expansion by increasing the number of participating institutions. Wi Jong-hyun, Dean of the College of Virtual Convergence, stated, "South Korea holds a strong competitive edge in the IT and content fields, and convergence education based on this is the area of highest interest among global universities. We will strive to systematically spread the immersive media and AI-based K-Education model so that South Korea can lead the innovation of future higher education."

[Reference] Introduction to the Virtual Convergence College

The Virtual Convergence College is a new educational platform at Chung-Ang University, established in 2023 to provide convergence education based on future technologies such as immersive media, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Content Engineering. Centered on a hybrid educational model that combines online and offline learning, it is building a next-generation higher education system, including immersive production studios, an AI-based learning system, and international joint curricula like microdegrees. The Virtual Convergence College is the first in South Korea to establish a global educational cooperation structure jointly operated with overseas universities, aiming to set a new standard for K-Education.

[Event Outline]

Detail	Description
Event Name	Global Virtual Convergence College Alliance Inauguration Conference
Theme	Future University Innovation and the Global Expansion of K-Education
Date & Time	Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 14:00 – 16:00
Location	Conference Room 1, National Assembly Members’ Office Building
Host/Organizer	CAU College of Virtual Convergence, Immersive Media Innovation Convergence Project Group, and the Offices of National Assembly members Jeon Yong-gi, Kim Jun-hyuk, Cho In-cheol, and Kang Kyung-suk
Sponsors	Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea, Convergence and Open Sharing System (COSS)

CAU and ITB Successfully Hold Joint Hackathon 2025

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:45:23 +0000

Korean and Indonesian Youth Challenge Local Problem-Solving Innovation with Passion and Collaboration

The '2025 CAU-ITB Joint Hackathon,' co-hosted by the Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center and the Virtual Convergence College of Chung-Ang University (CAU) and the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia, was successfully held from November 9 to 12 at the ITB campus in Bandung, Indonesia. Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), established in 1920, is Indonesia’s top-tier engineering university, renowned for its multidisciplinary fusion education spanning engineering, design, and business, and its innovative research environment. As a creative innovation hub in the Southeast Asian region, ITB actively promotes numerous global joint projects and industry-academic collaborations. This event was designed to reflect the global trend of spreading platform-based startup ecosystems and the growth of the local media and digital industries. Its goals were to discover innovative ideas in the immersive media and general media industries, foster international talent exchange, and nurture future leaders. The hackathon was structured to allow participants to intensively experience the entire process—from 'problem definition' and 'market/business feasibility review' to 'prototype development' and 'final presentation'—within a short period. A mentorship team composed of three professors from CAU and three from ITB provided close guidance. A total of five teams were formed, each consisting of two students from CAU and two from ITB, fostering innovative collaboration by integrating diverse majors and cultural backgrounds.

In this hackathon, Team 1 was selected for the Best Project (Grand Prize) by deeply analyzing the unique labor market structure and complex linguistic environment of the Bandung region in Indonesia. They developed a customized matching platform that actively utilizes AI technology to recommend jobs tailored to a job seeker's competency, career, and preference. Notably, their achievement stemmed from standardizing recruitment data mixed with Bahasa Indonesia and English and designing a logic that effectively addresses the non-standard employment structure. Team 2 combined the expanding K-Culture fandom and fashion industry trends in Indonesia to develop a personalized fashion curating app featuring AI-based taste analysis and style recommendation functions. They built a data-driven recommendation system that reflects users' cultural backgrounds and consumption patterns in real time. Team 3 targeted the growing sharing economy, the used-goods market, and the high demand for safety in the local area, presenting a mobile barter brokerage service solution integrated with AI identity verification and risk detection algorithms. Team 4 focused on the prominent food waste problem and the need for community resource sharing in Bandung and Indonesian urban areas. They envisioned a waste management platform capable of automatic identification and classification using an AI scanning camera, contributing to local food sharing and waste reduction. Finally, Team 5 created a smart parking service prototype based on an analysis of real-world issues like traffic congestion and parking difficulties in downtown Bandung. They utilized CCTV video data and AI object recognition technology to search for parking spaces in real-time and enable easy mobile reservations. Ultimately, all teams analyzed local Indonesian market data and social demands, actively introducing AI and digital technology to solve localized problems, thus presenting the potential for innovation in the media and digital startup ecosystem. Throughout the event, participating students demonstrated on-the-ground problem-solving competency by performing market analysis, validating usability, and incorporating mentoring feedback. Wi Jong-hyun, Dean of the College of Virtual Convergence and Director of the Immersive Media Innovation Convergence University Project Group at Chung-Ang University, stated, "This hackathon demonstrated significant educational value by presenting optimized solutions based on local data analysis and AI technology. Specifically, the winning team proved the practicality and scalability of their job matching model by reflecting the Indonesian market structure, linguistic differences, and low-specification terminal environments. Chung-Ang University will continue its efforts to nurture talent that can succeed in the global market." Building on this hackathon, CAU and ITB plan to further expand joint research and practical talent exchange in the fields of AI and media convergence. They will continue their collaborative relationship as an innovation hub for startups and technology in the Southeast Asian region.

Change the reality — ‘2025 Global Start‑up Design Thinking Hackathon Day’

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:58:32 +0000

Four days of innovation made by 11 teams from 13 universities in 7 countries with design thinking The scene where each team is presenting the project in the middle and receiving questions and feedback from various participants The "2025 Global Start-up Design Thinking Hackathon Day" (hereinafter referred to as Hackathon Day), co-hosted and organized by our University's Realistic Media Innovation and Convergence College Project Group and Virtual Convergence College, was held at Shilla Stay Mapo, Mapo-gu, Seoul from Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th. This event was a place to experience the entire process of design thinking compressed under the theme of Game, App, Animation, and Film, and participating students devoted their passion to prototyping based on user empathy and market suitability beyond various cultural backgrounds. Each team discusses ideas and proceeds with the hackathon project Eleven teams and 13 universities from seven countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Hungary and Indonesia, participated in the event, and tried to realize ideas on various topics such as AI chatbots, walking assistance apps, food waste reduction apps, mental health counseling platforms, noise guidance services, emotion-based music recommendations, experimental films, exercise record apps, educational games, tourism gamification, and practical micro project platforms. Twentyoz and Heizino conducted a two-day hackathon mentoring and supported the participating team's idea planning to prototype production and development step by step. The scene where the mentor is developing the project idea by discussing directly with the students by team In particular, the "Fraud Guard" project, developed by Team 1 "Win Won 1," won the Grand Prize for the idea of preventing fraud in everyday life with an AI chatbot based on WhatsApp. This service, which instantly analyzes and guides risk factors such as screenshots, phone numbers, accounts, and links of users, presented the possibility of a safe digital financial environment. As a major team example, Team 2 '404 BRAINS NOT FOUND / WHATEVER' introduced a walking assistance app that combines real-time object recognition and voice feedback for the visually impaired, while Team 11 'The Greatest' proposed a practical micro-project platform called 'Skill Bridge' that connects learners and companies. Team 3 'Bugbusters' sought sustainable consumption with the food recognition and nutrition analysis app 'Greenbite' using YOLO technology, and Team 6 'Team TEF' announced a 'MOODi' service that receives emotion data and recommends customized music. Team 10 'The Missing Piece' developed a tourism support app that helps tourists access various cultures in a gameized manner. The representative participants of each team in the hackathon are receiving certificates of completion Participating students performed the entire process of design thinking problem definition-idea specification-prototype production and test on a team basis, and each process reflected mentoring and feedback to refine the validity of the idea and user value suggestions. On the last day, various opinions and experiences were shared through networking to present the results and discuss the possibility of future cooperation Participating students from various countries around the world who went through this process said, "The four days of defining and quickly creating prototypes with team members from different majors and cultures were very impressive," adding, "In particular, Chung-Ang University's systematic mentoring and real-time feedback helped to shape the idea into a real service." On the first day of the hackathon, the student receives practical feedback from the head of the project Wi Jung-hyun after conducting an interim presentation Professor Wi, Jong-hyun, dean of the Virtual Convergence University and director of the Real Media Innovation Convergence University Project, said, "It was an experience that students from various cultures and majors collaborated and created meaningful results through design thinking," and added, "There are many innovative attempts to integrate games, contents, and digital services, so we look forward to further exchanges." In addition, he said, "Jung-Ang University will work on domestic and international cooperation and continuous network expansion, centering on the Real Media Innovation Convergence University Project Group and the Virtual Convergence University." Group Photo After Hackathon Ends "2025 Global Start-up Design Thinking Hackathon Day" has been a valuable opportunity for participants to experience international collaboration and practical capacity building, and is expected to serve as a stepping stone for continuous expansion of the global start-up ecosystem.

2025 GICC English Brochure

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:05:25 +0000

2025 GICC English Brochure_small

CAU and PTIT Announce Educational Cooperation to Foster Next-Generation Digital Talent at a Korea-Vietnam Business Forum Attend

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:17:54 +0000

'Virtual Convergence College' Jointly Established with PTIT to Begin Fostering K-Content Professionals from September Photo caption. Left end, Dang Hoai Bac, President of PTIT; right, Wi Jung-hyun, Dean of Virtual Convergence College. Our university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) to expand comprehensive educational cooperation at the 'Korea-Vietnam Business Forum' held at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on the 12th. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. A total of 52 memorandums of understanding were signed with the attendance of over 500 government officials, institutions, and businesspeople from both countries. Among them, 28 industry cooperation MOUs were signed in various fields, including digital, advanced industries, and energy. With this MOU, our university will officially launch the 'PTIT Virtual Convergence College,' jointly established with PTIT, this September. It will welcome its first freshmen in game and multimedia majors and provide an innovative convergence curriculum locally in Vietnam. PTIT, the partner university, is a top-tier national university in Vietnam and a leading educational institution in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The collaboration is drawing more attention as PTIT is recognized as a key institution for fostering core talent to support the Vietnamese government's digital transformation policy. Our university has been proactively building a foundation for educational cooperation for five years, anticipating Vietnam's rapid economic growth and the expansion of economic cooperation with Korea. The 'PTIT Virtual Convergence College,' which will officially launch this September through the agreement, will focus on game and multimedia education—key areas of Vietnam's fast-growing content industry—and is being evaluated as a strategic choice that combines the competitiveness of K-content with Vietnam's growth potential. Photo caption. PTIT President Dang Hoai Bac (left) and Dean Wi Jung-hyun. Wi, Jong-hyun, Dean of Virtual Convergence College (VCC), said, "It is very meaningful that the foundation for educational cooperation in Vietnam, which we have built through five years of preparation, is bearing fruit at an official event attended by leaders of both countries. We will do our best to foster the creative talent needed for Korea-Vietnam cooperation through PTIT Virtual Convergence College." Meanwhile, our university anticipates that the 'PTIT Virtual Convergence College' will become a key institution supplying the specialized workforce required for the digital and advanced industry cooperation that is at the heart of this bilateral partnership. Based on this achievement, we plan to expand this global model of Korea-style convergence education not only to Vietnam but to all of Southeast Asia.

Chung-Ang University and Chiang Mai University Successfully Host the “2025 CAU-CMU Joint Hackathon”

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:16:02 +0000

Chung-Ang University and Chiang Mai University Successfully Host the “2025 CAU-CMU Joint Hackathon” – Korean and Thai youth unite with creativity and passion to tackle future innovation challenges – The Center for eXtended Reality and the Virtual Convergence College at Chung-Ang University (President: Park Sang-kyu) successfully organized the 2025 CAU-CMU Joint Hackathon in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from August 4 to 7, 2025. Under the theme "Creating Innovation for Sustainability aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," participants designed innovative business ideas for real startups and developed working prototypes during this four-day intensive program. Students from Chung-Ang University and Chiang Mai University formed mixed teams across nationalities and majors, focusing on sustainable innovation through close collaboration. On the first day, CAU students arrived at the CAMT (College of Arts, Media and Technology) campus at CMU, registered, attended an orientation, participated in ice-breaking sessions, and introduced themselves both individually and as teams, quickly building team cohesion. Each mixed-nationality team then immersed themselves in focused discussions and development for three days and nights, gaining invaluable, practical experience and boosting their problem-solving skills. This year's hackathon featured five creative and practical projects, including Thinflate, a mobile app addressing Thailand’s motorcycle helmet adoption issue; Shelfie, a reading-focused social networking platform; Tiny Earth Keepers, an AR-based environmental education game for children; a digital therapeutic app for early depression prevention; and Art Station, a digital curation platform for art school graduation exhibitions. All teams showed significant improvement over last year in terms of idea maturity and commercialization potential, creating polished prototypes that reflected mentoring from professors at both universities. Professor Wi Jong-hyun, Dean of the Virtual Convergence College, remarked: "Over the past three years of running various hackathons, I've seen many ideas, but this year's teams truly stood out in terms of completeness and quality. Seeing students blend different perspectives and specializations through cross-border collaboration was inspiring. I believe this experience will be an important catalyst for their growth as global leaders. Chung-Ang University will continue to expand international exchange programs so students can lead and pursue their dreams worldwide." On the final day, participants engaged in a cultural exploration program, experiencing traditional Thai culture, deepening friendships, and strengthening the spirit of global cooperation. Chung-Ang University intends to continue building partnerships with excellent overseas universities like CMU, supporting students' creativity, practical competencies, and global networks through diverse international exchange programs.

Pic 1. Group photo following the successful completion of the hackathon

Pic 2. Intensive teamwork — students focusing on discussions and development day and night

Pic 3. Mentoring sessions with faculty from Chung-Ang University and CMU

Pic 4. Final presentation day — teams presenting their projects on day three

Pic 5. Cultural exploration program — group photo during the Thai cultural experience on the last day

Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence Successfully Concludes '2025 Metaverse X Gaudi Hackathon'; Grand Prize Goes to the 'Ga

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:09:17 +0000

Uncovering Future Architecture Content with the Theme of Digital Architecture and Nature Convergence... Works Combining Creativity and Feasibility Stand Out he '2025 Metaverse X Gaudi Nature-Inspired Architecture Hackathon,' hosted by the Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, was successfully held for two days from July 3rd to 4th at Chung-Ang University's Seoul campus. The event was hosted by Chung-Ang University's Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, co-hosted by the Graduate School of Advanced Imaging, Virtual Convergence College, and the immersive media center, co-organized by the Gaudi World Foundation and SERA Inc., and sponsored by the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP). This hackathon, which was attended by domestic and international digital architecture and media art experts as well as young creators, was organized as an international creative competition to plan and produce media facade content on the theme of 'Developing Future Architecture Content Inspired by Nature.' Over two days and one night, participants carried out the entire process from idea planning to simulation production, and a total of 9 teams showcased creative results based on their own interpretations and technologies. Grand Prize, ‘Gaudí’s Echo’… Reinterpreting the City with an 'Empathy Wall' Reflecting Emotions and Climate The Grand Prize went to the team ‘Gaudí’s Echo’ (Kim Hyeong-gyu, Lee Gyo-seok, Yu Jeong-jae, and Kim Hyeon-woo). Based on the question, “Why is the city so cold and anonymous?” they planned an interactive media facade called 'Empathy Wall' that reflects climate change and human emotions in real time. Along with the artistic philosophy of 'emotionally reviving urban spaces,' they centered their work on the message, "Art follows emotion," and were highly praised for reinterpreting Gaudi's philosophy of nature with modern digital art. Excellence Award, ‘RUNAWAY’… Conveying a Message of Returning to Nature with a Post-Urban Narrative The Excellence Award went to team 'RUNAWAY' (Kim Gwon-taek, Kim Seo-hyun, Yu Ji-min, and Lee Ju-yeok). They proposed a media facade that visualizes the 'escape from the city to nature' using digital billboards and recycled acrylic. Criticizing the city's excessive visual stimulation and monotonous order, their work, which expressed the city as a 'transformable organism' based on deconstructionist philosophy and fractal geometry, was well-received as an idea that possesses both feasibility and artistic merit. Special Mention, ‘Nova’… Emotional Content Visualizing Nature, Senses, and Memories The Special Mention went to team 'Nova' (Kim Seong-eun, Wang Il-dong, and Lee Seong-gyeong). They presented content that materialized the diversity of nature and the uniqueness of human beings in a visual puzzle format, based on natural senses and memories from childhood. Notably, inspired by the patterns on a plane tree's bark, they expressed the value of individuality and coexistence among living things. They used AI video generation technology to show a high level of completeness in a short amount of time. The fact that they used everyday nature as a subject, such as street trees in Seoul, to evoke an emotional connection with the audience was a highlight. The judging was handled by a panel of domestic and international experts, including Carlos Canals Roura of the Gaudí World Foundation, Joshua Draper, a professor at Cornell University's CASE in New York, Kim Do-yeon, CEO of SERA Inc., Jo Sang, Professor Emeritus at Seoul Institute of the Arts, and the faculty of Chung-Ang University's Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence. The judging criteria included interpretation of the theme, utilization of technology, visual completeness, and applicability to urban spaces, with a focus on how effectively each team's content connected Gaudi's philosophy with the future urban environment. Kim Do-yeon, CEO of SERA Inc., said, "This event provided an opportunity for students to translate Gaudi's philosophy into a modern digital language and grow into media professionals." He added, "The ability to visualize the interaction between climate, people, and nature, and the technical implementation of architectural geometry, were particularly impressive." The two works that won the Grand Prize and Excellence Award are scheduled to receive global media facade exhibition opportunities through collaboration with the BIG5 exhibition in Dubai or the NAKED exhibition in Japan in 2026. Professor Baek Jun-ki, Dean of the Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, said, "This hackathon went beyond a simple contest; it became an educational platform to foster future digital architecture talent through interdisciplinary convergence and hands-on project experience." He added, "We will continue to discover and actively support creative talents through various international collaboration programs in the future."

VCC Undergraduate Team Achieves a Remarkable Accomplishment with a Second-Place Finish at the '2025 Gaudi Media Art Hackathon'

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:07:39 +0000

Participating as the only undergraduate team in a graduate student-focused hackathon... Proving creativity and technical skills. The Virtual Convergence College undergraduate team 'Runaway' achieved a remarkable accomplishment, winning second place at the '2025 Gaudi Media Art Hackathon,' hosted by our university's Graduate School of Metaverse Convergence, co-hosted by the Graduate School of Advanced Imaging, Virtual Convergence College, and immersive media, co-organized by the Gaudi World Foundation and SERA Inc., and sponsored by the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP). Team 'Runaway,' composed of students Kim Gwon-taek, Kim Seo-hyun, Yu Ji-min, and Lee Ju-yeok from Virtual Convergence College's Game Interactive Convergence major, was the only undergraduate team to participate in this competition, which was mostly comprised of graduate students, and was recognized for its excellent creative execution and technical skills. The hackathon was held under the theme of "Designing a space that will make us breathe again in a fast-changing world where we have no time to rest." The participating teams started from 'meaning' rather than efficiency to imagine the architecture of the next 100 years and experiment with media space. Team 'Runaway' explored the problem of modern cities excessively stimulating the senses and disconnecting from nature, proposing a sensory experience that transitions into nature by deconstructing the artificial structures of the city. Their installation, made from recycled acrylic, transformed a digital billboard into a deconstructive lens to reveal the hidden organic order of nature, and was highly praised for its sustainability and creativity. They created their prototype using generative AI such as Midjourney and Veo, as well as Unreal Engine, and received a prize of 1 million won and an opportunity for an overseas exhibition with this award. Wi Jung-hyun, Dean of Virtual Convergence College, said, "It is very meaningful that our undergraduate students achieved excellent results in a competition focused on graduate students. We will continue to actively support our students so they can challenge themselves and grow in various fields."

VCC Dean Wi Jung-hyun Wins Korea Future Management Grand Prize in the 'Innovative Future Education' Category

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:06:28 +0000

It was announced that Wi Jung-hyun, Dean of Virtual Convergence College, was selected as the winner in the 'Innovative Future Education' category at the '2025 Korea Future Management Grand Prize,' organized by Herald Media Group, and received the award at the ceremony on the 13th. This award is seen as recognition for Dean Wi Jung-hyun's innovative educational policies and achievements in establishing a future-oriented educational system at Virtual Convergence College. During his tenure as Dean of Virtual Convergence College, Dean Wi has led the development of innovative educational models using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse. In particular, he has presented a new paradigm for future education in the virtual convergence field through reorganizing the convergent curriculum to fit the era of digital transformation, fostering practical talent by strengthening industry-academia cooperation, expanding international education programs, and vitalizing education on startups and entrepreneurship. The Korea Future Management Grand Prize is a prestigious award that selects and honors organizations and individuals who have achieved innovative results in their respective fields, and this achievement is external recognition of a leading role in the field of education. Dean Wi Jung-hyun said, "This award is the result of the combined efforts of all members of Virtual Convergence College. We will continue to pursue educational innovation using virtual convergence technology and do our best to foster talent with global competitiveness to lead future industries." Virtual Convergence College announced that it plans to use this award as an opportunity to further develop its educational system for fostering talent with creative and convergent thinking skills that leverage the unique characteristics of the virtual convergence field.

Our University Hosts Korea's First Global Joint Hackathon with Hungary

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:05:13 +0000

Photo caption. Fifth from the right is Dean Wi Jung-hyun, with Matheidesz Réka, CEO of MOME, Hong Gyu-deok, Korean Ambassador to Hungary, and Yoo Hye-ryeong, Director of the Korean Cultural Center, to his left. Virtual Convergence College hosted the 'Immersive Beats; 360 MUSIC VIDEO Joint Hackathon' event at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in Hungary from the 4th to the 9th. This event was the first global hackathon ever held between Korean and Hungarian universities. Through a six-day intensive production process, the teams completed music-based immersive 360-degree music videos created with generative AI. Notably, the results were demonstrated in a hemispherical 360-degree space that maximizes immersion, and an official screening was held at the 'House of Music Hungary' museum, a famous landmark in Budapest, Hungary, attracting much attention. The screening was attended by key figures from MOME University and the general public, including Korean Ambassador to Hungary Hong Gyu-deok and Director of the Korean Cultural Center Yoo Hye-ryeong, who showed an enthusiastic response. Photo caption. Attila Viktor Pálfalusi, Dean of MOME Media Design, is explaining the viewing of a 360-degree music video at the Fulldome in Budapest, Hungary. The 20 students from both countries who participated in the hackathon produced music using generative AI and, based on it, completed 360-degree video content. They showcased the harmony of original soundtracks and highly immersive visual effects created with generative AI technology, as well as 360-degree directing techniques optimized for the hemispherical screen. Despite the short six-day schedule, they created content that stood out for its technical quality and artistic expression, leaving a deep impression on the attendees and audience. The completed music videos will be made available on the Virtual Convergence College website. Ambassador Hong Gyu-deok said, "This event is the first concrete result of educational cooperation between Korean and Hungarian universities that I have experienced in Hungary." He added, "I hope this kind of creative inter-university exchange will continue, and I thank the officials from both universities for producing such amazing results in a short period of time." Wi Jung-hyun, Dean of the Virtual Convergence College, said, "This hackathon is the first Korea-Hungary joint hackathon to be held in Europe, and it proved that college students can actively use generative AI to create high-quality content." He continued, "We will continue to provide content and app creation education using various AI tools, and we plan to expand our educational programs with several European universities, with Hungary as a base." Meanwhile, Virtual Convergence College had previously successfully carried out the 'Attractive Laos' XR tourism content production project with Laos, and this hackathon in Hungary has provided a stepping stone to expand its global XR content cooperation model to Europe. Photo caption. The 360-degree music video being screened at the Fulldome in Budapest, Hungary.

VCC, Immersive Media COSS Center, and Vietnam PTIT Host a Global Joint Hackathon

중앙대학교 가상융합대학 — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:03:21 +0000

Our university, in collaboration with the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi, Vietnam, held the '2025 CAU-PTIT Joint Hackathon' event from the 12th to the 14th. Jointly hosted and organized by the Virtual Convergence College, the Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center, and the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, this hackathon event was a practical program on the theme of 'Game and App Development,' where students directly planned business models for potential startups and even produced prototypes. The participating students formed multinational teams to turn their creative ideas and passion into reality. In the kickoff meeting held on the morning of Monday, the 12th, at the NIPA Hanoi IT Support Center, students took their first step into the challenge by sharing their dreams and aspirations. In particular, working professionals from XGame Studio, a local Vietnamese game company, participated as mentors and actively guided the students' growth with practical mentoring and professional feedback. In this hackathon, innovative ideas and technical skills poured in from various fields, including a voice-based language exchange app using a real-time game system, a fitness game using a pedometer, a multi-content linkage model for plane tickets for tourists, a waste-sorting game for environmental education, and a chemistry education story game using elemental characters. Among them, the team that proposed a new tourism business model by linking multiple contents to the back of a plane ticket was recognized for its creativity and feasibility and won first place. On the final day, each team presented the achievements they made in a short period of time, giving generous applause to each other's efforts and potential. Through this experience, the students further enhanced their global entrepreneurial capabilities and collaboration skills. Following that, on Thursday the 15th, a cultural exploration program in the Bac Ninh province was held, and the Korean and Vietnamese students had a meaningful time experiencing the local culture together, building friendships, and cheering for each other's dreams. Wi Jung-hyun, head of the Immersive Media Convergence and Open Sharing System Center, encouraged the students by saying, "This hackathon was a valuable stage where the creativity and passion of the students became a reality. I was deeply moved to see the young talents from both Korea and Vietnam cooperate across borders and build a new future together." He added, "The experience and network you've built here will be a great asset in your future challenges. I hope you'll continue this passion without fear of failure."