Keywords: ArtTech Fusion, technology and art, sustainable development, virtual world
As part of the academic knowledge-sharing activities within the ArtTech Fusion series hosted by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the special discussion session titled “The Evolution of the Metaverse: Past, Present, and Future” attracted lecturers, students, and experts from both the technology and art sectors. In this session, speakers provided a comprehensive overview of the Metaverse’s evolution from its early days to the present, while forecasting the opportunities and challenges this virtual realm will present in the future.
Objectives and Significance of the Discussion
The session aimed to provide in-depth insights into the development of the Metaverse—a concept that has captured the attention of the tech industry for years. Although Metaverse has existed for some time, its rapid development in recent years, with involvement from tech giants like Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and others, has made it an integral part of digital future projections.
The event also featured experts in creative technology and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of ArtTech Fusion in building and expanding Metaverse platforms while emphasizing the environmental and social impacts of technology in the long term. The discussion proposed solutions to balance innovation with sustainable development in an increasingly digital world.
The session was moderated by Associate Professor Ping-Hsuan Han, an expert in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Virtual Reality (VR), and multisensory technologies from National Taipei University of Technology. Joining him were distinguished speakers: Professor Hwang Dong Wook from Kwangwoon University (Korea), Mr. Cholwoong Kim, CEO of Petarainsoft Corp., and Mr. Nguyen Tien Huy, CEO of Pencil Group. These experts shared the latest perspectives and research on Metaverse development and how these technologies are reshaping human interaction in digital spaces.
Multisensory Technologies and the Future of the Metaverse
The discussion began with a presentation by Associate Professor Ping-Hsuan Han, who expanded on the concept of the Metaverse and introduced the foundational technologies driving its development. He particularly emphasized the role of multisensory technologies and how they can create an entirely new interactive space for users.
“The Metaverse is not just a digital world. It is a space where human senses are recreated and simulated, unlocking unprecedented experiences. We are no longer just looking at screens; we can interact with the virtual world through multiple senses—touch, hearing, and vision,” shared Professor Han.
He also discussed advanced applications in Extended Reality (XR), which integrates VR, AR, and haptic technologies to create immersive and interactive environments. Examples like AoEs, GroundFlow, WaterForm, and Metapunch X were highlighted as case studies showcasing how users can not only see but also feel and interact with their surroundings.
Professor Han stressed that integrating these technologies will not only enhance entertainment experiences but also introduce new applications in education, training, and industry. For instance, haptic technologies could create physical simulations for training in hazardous situations, such as driving simulations or emergency medical scenarios.
Digital Twin and the Metaverse – Bridging Physical and Virtual Worlds
Professor Hwang Dong Wook offered a unique perspective on the integration of Digital Twin technology and the Metaverse. He explained that Digital Twin systems—digital replicas of real-world objects, processes, or systems—will play a crucial role in constructing and interacting with virtual worlds.
“The Metaverse is not merely a simulated world. It will become a space where we can create replicas of real-world entities to interact with them directly. Digital Twin systems will make the Metaverse more realistic and connected to actual life,” said Professor Hwang.
He pointed out that technologies like autonomous vehicles and smart mobility are accelerating Metaverse development by integrating virtual spaces within transport systems.
This suggests a future where users can engage in entertainment, learning, or work activities right inside their vehicles, seamlessly connected to virtual content and services. Additionally, Digital Twin systems support sustainable development by optimizing resource usage and minimizing waste through virtual simulations and analysis.
History of Metaverse Development in South Korea
Mr. Cholwoong Kim, CEO of Petarainsoft Corp., shared an insightful overview of Metaverse development in South Korea, tracing its roots back to the 1990s.
After the 1997 financial crisis, South Korea’s tech sector experienced rapid growth, particularly in IT and Internet domains. This era witnessed the launch of Cyworld, the first online social network in Korea, allowing users to connect and create virtual spaces. Entering the 2000s, online games like The Lineage™ and The Starcraft™ became iconic, fostering large gaming communities and advancing esports culture. MMORPGs from this period laid the foundational virtual environments that would later evolve into the Metaverse.
In the late 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of 3D social networking platforms like VRChat and Second Life, boosting the development of true virtual spaces for remote communication, learning, and work. These advancements positioned South Korea as a pioneer in Metaverse development, paving the way for a promising digital future.
New Brand Experiences in the Metaverse
Mr. Nguyen Tien Huy, CEO of Pencil Group, introduced innovative brand experiences within the Metaverse, particularly through AI and 3D technologies to create virtual characters capable of connecting and communicating with consumers.
He presented the LIBERA Nha Trang project, where Pencil Group developed Flexie, an AI-driven virtual character representing the project.
“Flexie is not just a virtual character. It symbolizes how we connect with customers in the digital era. With AI, we can create virtual personas that appear in advertisements, events, and even interviews, strengthening engagement with consumers,” Mr. Huy explained.
He also noted that using AI and advanced 3D modeling technologies enabled Pencil Group to produce highly interactive products that deliver tangible value for brands in the virtual world.
A Promising Digital Future
The discussion session “The Evolution of the Metaverse: Past, Present, and Future” concluded with fresh and profound insights into the Metaverse’s development. The speakers not only explored its history and challenges but also projected a future where virtual worlds play an increasingly vital role in education, entertainment, commerce, and communication.
Through expert perspectives, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the Metaverse’s potential and the opportunities and challenges it presents. With the rapid advancement of technologies like AI, VR, and multisensory platforms, the future of the Metaverse promises a more connected and interactive world than ever before.
With these insights, individuals and organizations can better prepare for a promising digital future, where the Metaverse becomes an integral part of daily life while driving sustainable and innovative development in the virtual realm.
| As part of the growing ArtTech field, the annual international ArtTech Fusion (ATF) series is hosted by the ArtTech Hub (ATH), in collaboration with UEH School of Technology and Design (CTD), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), and various domestic and international partners, with different themes each year. In 2024, the ArtTech Fusion series was organized under the theme “New ArtTech for Future Generations,” aiming to ignite and promote creative thinking and innovative actions of future generations, contributing to building a sustainable society. Over three days (October 22–24, 2024), ATF24 featured more than 30 academic and practical activities, including 5 keynote speeches, 10 special sessions, 5 parallel research presentation sessions, 5 workshops, 1 academic book chapter publication, 9 exhibitions, 1 heritage connection trip, and 1 tangible performance. In 2025, the fourth ArtTech Fusion (ATF25) will be held with the theme “Co-Creation for a Wondrous Future,” scheduled for September 24–26, 2025. This will be an opportunity to explore, experience, connect, and create within the wondrous world of art and new technologies towards a sustainable future. For updates on ATF25, please visit: Website: https://ath.ueh.edu.vn/ Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ueh.arttechhub. |
Author: MSc. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền – Faculty of Media Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). This article is part of the UEH Research Contribution For All series. UEH warmly invites readers to follow the next issues of UEH Research Insights.
Content & images: Author, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department
