Keywords: ArtTech Fusion, Art and Technology, Sustainable Development
As part of the academic knowledge-sharing series under the ArtTech Fusion event by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the panel discussion titled “AI and Innovation” was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Christopher Han, an expert in human-centered innovation. Featured speakers included Dr. Goh Chu Hiang, Dr. Dinh Binh Khanh, Mr. Matthew Alan Ward, and Mr. Nguyen Minh Quan. The discussion revolved around the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on art, design, and creative industries, while exploring solutions to emerging challenges in this technological era.
Innovation with AI in Art and Design
Dr. Christopher Han, Director of Innovation Strategy at UEH, opened the session by sharing insights on AI’s role in fostering innovation within the arts.
According to Dr. Han, AI is not merely a supporting tool but a significant factor in paving new directions for art and design. However, as AI continues to advance, critical questions arise, particularly whether the value of art and design diminishes when AI increasingly takes part in content creation.
Devaluing Art or Creating New Opportunities?
A key discussion point was whether AI would undermine the value of artistic and design works. Dr. Goh Chu Hiang, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Graphic Arts, Penang Art College, remarked that AI’s rise could lead to mass-produced art lacking personal and unique creative expression. This could result in a divide between mass-market art and unique, artist-driven creations.
Nevertheless, Dr. Goh emphasized that human-centered art and design will always retain their value. AI should be viewed as a creative enabler rather than a creator. It offers powerful tools for artists and designers to expand their creative horizons, but the essence of creativity still requires human direction and participation.
Solutions to AI Challenges in Art
While AI brings new opportunities, Dr. Goh also proposed solutions to address its challenges. One key approach is educating students and designers to leverage AI as a creative tool rather than a competitor. This helps enhance human creativity and generate more innovative artistic products.
Additionally, Dr. Goh stressed the importance of educating about responsible data usage and transparency. Providing knowledge on data ethics ensures artists and designers utilize AI correctly, avoiding negative technological abuses.
Preserving Local Cultural Values in the AI Era
A major challenge posed by AI is the potential erosion of local cultural values in art and design. Dr. Goh noted that with the rise of global software applications, AI could lead to cultural homogenization, overshadowing traditional heritage. However, he suggested integrating local cultural elements into AI curricula and encouraging community-driven AI projects to preserve and promote these values.
One interesting example shared by Dr. Goh was using indigenous symbols as part of emoji systems in mobile messaging, employing AI technologies like natural language processing (NLP). This bridges tradition with modern technology while safeguarding local culture in the digital realm.
AI’s Impact on Business and Practical Applications
Mr. Nguyen Minh Quan, Product Marketing Director at Samsung Vietnam, also discussed AI’s impact in business. He highlighted AI’s growing role in technological product development, especially in smartphones. Features integrated into Samsung’s Galaxy AI ecosystem have attracted consumer attention and driven significant revenue growth.
Mr. Quan shared that 58% of Samsung’s premium phone users cited AI as a key purchasing factor, with AI integration contributing to a 15% revenue increase in the first half of 2024.
AI Applications in Performing Arts
Another engaging topic was AI’s application in performing arts. Mr. Matthew Alan Ward, an expert in cultural anthropology and performing arts, shared his experience using AI to enhance creative processes in performances. AI not only improves lighting and sound effects but can also interact directly with performers and audiences.
AI enables unique performances by synchronizing movement with lighting design, music, and acting. An example is the “Orange Grove Dance” performance at Voxel in Baltimore, USA, where AI coordinated lighting and motion in choreography, showcasing AI’s potential to elevate creative expression in performing arts.
Conclusion: AI and Innovation in Art and Business
The special panel “AI and Innovation” at ArtTech Fusion 2024 provided profound insights into AI’s impact on art, design, and business.
Speakers emphasized that AI is not just a tool but an integral part of the creative process. However, for AI to truly add value, it must be approached as an enabler of human creativity rather than a replacement. Moreover, preserving and promoting local cultural values is essential in the digital age.
| 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: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh – School of Media Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)
This article is part of UEH’s “Research Contribution For All” series, sharing research and applied knowledge with the message “Research for the Community.” We cordially invite readers to follow the next issue of UEH Research Insights.
News, images: Author, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department
