The AI GameMaker's Journey @Shanghai
Programme Code: ACT260209
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S3 / Grade 9 / Year 10 and above students
– English Requirement: Applicants are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Programme Dates: July 13-17, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
Programme Time: 9:00 pm – 5:00 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 14,000
– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 4,000, which will be automatically deducted from the Programme Fee upon application.
– For Non-Members we will encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure a 5% Early-bird discount before February 15, 2026
The Academy Aspiring Scholarship is now open for applications. Candidates who are successfully accepted will be granted a Membership Scholarship.
*Early Bird Discount is NOT in conjunction with any other scholarship.
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
Making game is a challenging undertaking, it will be the next form of cinema, immersing players into an engaging experience into the gameworld created by the gamemaker. Game is also useful as educational and motivational tools in organizations and institutions. Gameplay is an important learning and motivational paradigm for the creative work life in the future with the implementation of AI. This course introduces students to the mindset of the game maker, and prepare their basic skills set for a game making journey and potential career choice. Students also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on, meaningful workshops in Robotics and Virtual Reality (VR), led by instructors from the Department of Data and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, HKU.
Learning Objectives:
Ability to critically analyse game and playability, team building skills, project organization skills, storytelling skills and finally concept visualization and pitching skills.
Learning Outcome:
Student able to demonstrate skills in game concept visualization, discuss good gameplay with critical analysis, envision gameworld building and meaning, good grip of characterization, and finally overall game concept pitching.
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructors
1. Dr. Kal Ng
Professional Practitioner at the Faculty of Arts, HKU. Kal has experience as a filmmaker and producer, and he is also a researcher on virtual world visualisation and engagement design. He is producing his AI game from his published novel.
2. Professor Jun Liu
3. Professor Shinan Liu
4. Dr Leith Chan
Submit Application: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login
*If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Application Guide / ⽹上申请系统 – 申请指南 or email us at talented@hku.hk
Accommodation (Optional) – will be provided by Dulwich Shanghai College. Boarding fees include accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and evening activities and will be paid directly to EiMX Camps.
Travel Permit Application for Students:
Students traveling to Shanghai are required to obtain a travel permit issued by the Mainland China. As the application process takes time, please submit your application as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For travel permit matters, please refer to Entry-Exit and Stay (Residence) of Foreigners_National Immigration administration.
*Students are responsible for arranging their own travel permit before going to Shanghai. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of travel permit applications.
Travel and Medical Insurance:
All students need to have valid travel and medical insurance as a mandatory condition for participation in our programmes. We strongly recommend that students secure their insurance policies well in advance of their departure to ensure continuous coverage.
*Programme Attendance Policies:
Students are highly encouraged to attend ALL classes on time for the duration of the Programme. Please note that according to the University’s attendance and absenteeism policy, at least 80% of the lectures and required classes for each curriculum must be attended.
*Disclaimer:
– Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.
– Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.