Digital Domain joins HK Government as a strategic enterprise partner

Digital Domain, a globally renowned visual effects production company celebrated for blockbuster films like Titanic and the Avengers series, has signed agreements to become a strategic enterprise partner of the Hong Kong Government.

In November, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) hosted a Partnership Signing Ceremony to welcome a new cohort of strategic enterprises seeking to establish or expand their operations in Hong Kong. Digital Domain emerged as a key participant in this initiative.

A notable recent highlight for the company is its enhanced partnership with ADATA, a global manufacturer of DRAM memory and branded SSD. Following the successful launch of the AI virtual ambassador Mera, developed by Digital Domain in collaboration with ADATA, both companies announced an expanded partnership in August 2024. This collaboration aims to further explore the application of AI virtual humans in gaming and various industries. Digital Domain has also secured exclusive distribution rights for XPG products in the Greater China and the Americas regions. The newly signed distribution agreement marks the first significant achievement of their partnership, leveraging the strengths of both parties to create synergistic benefits.

The company also announced its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to migrate its Autonomous Virtual Human (AVH) technology to the cloud. This partnership aims to enhance the evolution and global reach of Digital Domain’s AVH technology across various sectors, including entertainment, gaming, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial applications, leveraging AWS’s advanced cloud infrastructure and generative AI and machine learning services.

Additionally, Digital Domain launched a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Programme with The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon). The company is also establishing a state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) center at the Hong Kong Science Park.

According to Daniel Seah, Chairman and CEO of Digital Domain, the initiation of the R&D center is driven by several key factors. “First and foremost is the impressive talent pool in Hong Kong, which boasts five universities ranked among the global top 100,” he explains. This educational landscape provides an exceptional opportunity to recruit skilled graduates who can contribute to the company’s research and development efforts. “We have also collaborated with local universities to draw talented graduates to our team,” says Seah.

Another significant factor is the robust support from the Hong Kong government and the connections it provides. Since years ago, the government has been introducing numerous policies and incentives to promote innovation. Seah highlights that one notable initiative is the establishment of ‘Invest Hong Kong’, a department of the HKSAR government dedicated to attracting and retaining foreign direct investment. “Also, by collaborating with Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Digital Domain gains access to a wealth of resources and connections that facilitate our development in the region,” he adds.

Digital Domain distinguishes itself by positioning as a technology house rather than merely a visual effects studio. “We are recognized for our expertise in generative AI and virtual humans, which uniquely positions us in the market,” he notes.

Beyond commercial objectives, Seah envisions their technology addressing social issues, particularly challenges posed by an aging population. “We aim to create virtual AI companions that can engage with seniors, reducing loneliness and enhancing social interaction,” he explains.

Looking ahead to 2025, Seah emphasizes the importance of data transfer for further operations in Hong Kong. “We have vast assets—tens of millions—stored in our libraries, and transferring this data is essential,” he states, expressing hope to complete the transfer as soon as possible. This will enable Digital Domain to initiate training programs for its generative AI processes, marking an exciting new chapter for the company in Hong Kong.