2023-11-24
In a pivotal segment of the 2023 WTA • Xianghu Dialogue titled “Empowerment of Science and Technology: Tourism Promotes Industrial Integration”, Mr. SHU Zhan, the Vice President of Tencent Research Institute and Head of Tencent SSV Digital Culture Lab, shared his insights on the “A Connected World of Culture and Tourism”.
Here are excerpts from his speech:
The Metaverse represents a realm of possibilities born from the intersection of cultural tourism and technological advancement. At Tencent, we prefer to interpret the Metaverse through the lens of “Immersive Convergence” or the “Complete Reality of Internet (CRI)”. It’s not just about the explosion of new-generation technologies but also about the interaction between virtual and real worlds, transcending the idea of an entirely online, parallel universe. This convergence is a blend of digital and real experiences, offering value to the physical economy while ensuring practical applications in real-world scenarios.
Our approach in the Metaverse is multi-faceted. Firstly, we focus on full-cycle interaction, a technology still far from maturity. Secondly, we emphasize ubiquitous intelligence, which has seen rapid development in recent years. Thirdly, we are working on trustworthy protocols, and lastly, on harnessing infinite computing power. Currently, Tencent is applying Metaverse concepts in fields like film production, cultural heritage preservation, cultural exhibitions, and cultural tourism.
A prime example is our collaboration with the National Museum of China in developing a virtual digital persona – Wenwen Ai. In conceptualizing this figure, we considered several critical questions: Can this digital persona be replicated? Does it provide practical, scenario-based services for museum visitors? What problems does it solve, and does it align with the ethos of the National Museum of China? Significant efforts were invested in the design and AI-driven aspects of Wenwen Ai. Wenwen Ai is designed to alleviate the cumbersome aspects of museum visits, such as difficult reservations, by enhancing visitor interaction and bringing them closer to cultural relics.
Another area of our focus is the iterative exploration in “Digital Twin + Gaming Technology”. For instance, our Digital Great Wall project marks our first foray into using digital gaming technology to recreate large-scale cultural heritage sites. Users can access and experience the Digital Great Wall through a mini-program. This digital asset has been utilized in various exhibitions, opening up endless possibilities. This project not only digitally reconstructs the Great Wall but also educates users about it through immersive experiences. Similarly, our Digital Central Axis project supports Beijing’s Central Axis bid for World Cultural Heritage status, offering new experiences through gaming technology.
To embrace a promising Metaverse future, we must focus not only on the development of Metaverse technology and its applications but also on Metaverse governance. This includes establishing rules and addressing ethical concerns about whether technology serves for good or ill. Its maturity requires a shift from human governance to digital humanities, facing more complex challenges. These challenges affect not only professionals in culture, tourism, and technology but also influence the perspectives and attitudes of governments worldwide towards the future.