The AI Avatar Lab: Building Next-Gen’s Narratives

Where brilliance takes flight

The AI Avatar Lab: Building Next-Gen’s Narratives

HomeHKU ProgrammeArt & HumanityThe AI Avatar Lab: Building Next-Gen’s Narratives

The AI Avatar Lab: Building Next-Gen’s Narratives

Apply Now!

Programme Code: ACT260509
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.3-5 / Grade 9-11 / Year 10-12 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: August 9-13, 2026 (Sunday-Thursday)
Programme Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 10,000 (Accommodation Inclusive)

– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 2,000, 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 March 1, 2026
Application Deadline: 
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face

Programme Overview:

This programme offers students an early opportunity to engage with university-level research in AI,  while building an academic portfolio that supports future study in arts, media, and interdisciplinary fields. Designed as a first point of entry into the latest research initiatives in digital humanities and creative technology, the programme guides students to document their creative thinking, experimentation, and reflection in a structured portfolio format. This portfolio captures how ideas evolve—from conceptual framing and prompt design to iterative refinement—bridging creative practice with research-oriented inquiry.
 
At the heart of the programme is AI avatar creation as a new form of storytelling and self-expression. In the AI Avatar Creation Workshop, students will design and produce an interactive digital avatar from scratch, shaping voice, facial expression, movement, and visual identity through hands-on artistic experimentation. Framed within the broader theme of Future Media in the Age of AI, the programme explores how creativity and AI can work together in contemporary storytelling—redefining authorship, performance, and narrative presence. By combining expressive making with critical reflection, students are encouraged to see AI not just as a tool, but as a creative collaborator within emerging media practices.
 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this programme, students will be able to:
– Create film-style videos and interactive digital avatars independently using cutting-edge AI tools.
– Evaluate how different media modalities contribute to digital storytelling.
– Compile a portfolio that documents and justifies the process of using AI in media creation.
– Identify common risks of using AI irresponsibly in digital storytelling.

 

Programme Rundown (Tentative):

Programme Instructors

  1. Angus Lee, Assistant Lecturer
  2. Zack Lu, Assistant Lecturer
  3. Aiden Yan, Senior Software Engineer

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 & Extracurricular Activities Options – to be released 

Visa Application for Non-local Students (required for face-to-face programmes only):
Students without the right of abode in Hong Kong are required by law to obtain a student visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). As the visa application process takes 10–12 weeks, please submit your online application (HKU Student Visa) as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For visa-related enquiries, please contact HKU VISA team at Contact Us | HKU Student Visa.

*Students are responsible for arranging their own visa before coming to Hong Kong. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of student visa 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.