The rise of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology is reshaping industries, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the revitalization of Chinese culture. AIGC, powered by AI, is giving new life to traditional cultural elements, pushing boundaries in art, entertainment, and creative industries. By tapping into Hong Kong’s supercomputing infrastructure and international connectivity, leading tech companies and universities are driving this revolution, offering innovative pathways for Chinese culture to reach global audiences.
In the latest episode of HOY TV’s “AI for Humans”, industry leaders shared their insights on how AIGC is influencing the intersection of technology, art, and culture. The programme featured Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, who explored the growing integration of culture, sports, and tourism in Hong Kong’s economic development. It also highlighted groundbreaking digital content creation innovations from China Year, an AI animation leader based at Cyberport, and discussed how startups like Appreciator.io are leveraging AI to breathe new life into forgotten cultural assets.
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stressed that the fusion of culture, sports, and tourism is central to Hong Kong’s development strategy. She noted that cultural tourism has been a major contributor to the city’s economy, citing festivals like the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Chinese Culture Festival as key examples. These events not only celebrate the city’s cultural heritage but also attract visitors from around the world.
Law emphasized the need to foster innovation within the sector, noting that the integration of advanced technologies can significantly enhance Hong Kong’s rich cultural identity. She stressed the importance of thinking creatively and blending new elements with traditional cultural assets to stimulate growth. The Secretary is confident that this approach will not only drive the city’s creative industries but also strengthen its international reputation.
At the forefront of this AI-powered cultural renaissance is China Year, a pioneering AIGC company based at Hong Kong’s Cyberport. As a recognized high-tech enterprise, China Year is leveraging the city’s robust computing infrastructure to enhance digital content creation. The company boasts more than 300 software copyrights and 30 national invention patents, with its innovative AI tools driving breakthroughs in digital animation and virtual human production.
“By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to enhance the global reach of Chinese culture while contributing to Hong Kong’s dynamic creative industries,” said Guo Yong, Founder and Chairman of China Year (Beijing) Technology. The company’s flagship product, the “Pepper AI” is a suite of 12 AI tools that span 13 stages of production—from text-to-image and text-to-video to 3D creation. These tools significantly reduce production times and costs, enabling creators in industries like gaming, film, and advertising to bring their ideas to life with unprecedented efficiency.
China Year’s commitment to innovation is also evident in its upcoming participation in the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) 2025, where the company will showcase its collaborative “Mr. PANDA!” brand image, blending Web3 and digital entertainment technologies.
Meanwhile, art-tech startup Appreciator.io is using AI to explore new avenues for “cultural monetisation.” This local company focuses on reimagining forgotten cultural assets and unlocking their intellectual property (IP) value for modern audiences. “Cultural assets are underutilised—99% of them haven’t realised their IP potential. We’re committed to unlocking that potential through innovative use of AI,” said Adam, Chief Curator at Appreciator.io.
The company’s recent collaboration with Cyberport saw the success of last year’s “Van Gogh Digi Village”, which used AI to streamline the creative process, cutting down on curation and execution time while enhancing the artistic experience. This year, Emily, the company’s founder, revealed that Appreciator.io will once again partner with Cyberport to present "Celestial Blues: Porcelain’s Renaissance from East to West" exhibition at DELF 2025. This immersive exhibition will showcase the fusion of Eastern and Western ceramic traditions in the digital age.
Professor Alexander Wai, President of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), highlighted the growing importance of cultural and creative industries in the global economy during his appearance on the AI for Humans programme. He introduced the university’s CHRYSALIS creative arts centre, located in Shek Kip Mei, which serves as an incubation platform that merges art and technology. The centre provides students with access to cutting-edge music equipment, 3D imaging technology, and entrepreneurial support, enabling young artists to innovate and grow.
“The future of arts education lies in balancing tradition with technology,” said Professor Wai. “We’re equipping students with the tools to not only master traditional arts but also innovate using new technologies like AI.” He emphasized that arts education must evolve to meet the demands of the digital age, encouraging students to embrace new tools that will enhance their competitiveness and help break the stereotype of the “starving artist.”
In addition, Professor Wai noted that HKBU has made AI courses compulsory for all students, regardless of their field of study. This initiative ensures that graduates are well-versed in AI tools, preparing them to excel in a rapidly changing workforce.
He believes that the synergy between art and technology will inject new vitality into Hong Kong’s cultural industries and support the telling of China’s story with a modern twist.
As Hong Kong positions itself as a hub for innovation, its creative industries are increasingly intertwined with AIGC technology, offering vast potential to transform both the city’s economy and its cultural influence on the global stage. This trend is further supported by events like the DELF 2025, taking place from September 12 to14 at Cyberport. The event will feature over 30 AI and digital interactive showcases, workshops, and keynote sessions, spotlighting AI’s role in revolutionizing industries such as culture, arts, tourism, sports, and smart living.
The DELF 2025, an annual event hosted by Cyberport, will bring together global thought leaders, innovators, and industry professionals to explore cutting-edge trends and technologies. With a focus on AI, the forum will delve into its applications across a variety of sectors, further highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a growing leader in the integration of technology and culture.
The “AI for Humans” episodes featuring these insights air on Saturdays at 8:30pm on HOY TV Channel 78. Rebroadcasts are scheduled for Sundays at 6:30pm on HOY TV Channel 77 and Tuesdays at 10:00pm on Channel 78. For those unable to catch the broadcast, episodes are also available for online viewing on HOY TV’s official platform.
