CineSim is the world’s first film production simulation education software developed and successfully commercialised by a university team. Led by Dr Tobby Kan Shiu-tao, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University, the project took two years to complete and received approximately HK$800,000 in funding from the University Grants Committee (UGC). Built on the principle of promoting educational equity, the system enables students and creators to learn film production, lighting and cinematography through a simulated digital environment even without access to equipment, overcoming the limitations of traditional film sets and resources. CineSim has received multiple innovation awards, including a Bronze Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva and a Silver Award at the 5th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions.
The judging panel of the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026 stated that the CineSim project stood out for its innovative approach, successfully integrating theory and practice to provide comprehensive support for film education. The system also allows outputs to be exported for teaching and pre-visualisation purposes. This virtual reality solution effectively reduces reliance on expensive equipment, offering a scalable and relatively cost-effective model for delivering film education. Notably, the system enables instructors to recreate scenes from classic films and television dramas, allowing students to analyse directorial decisions in an interactive manner.
The panel further noted that they were highly impressed by the educational ecosystem established by CineSim. Its innovative application of technology effectively bridges the gap between cost and accessibility in hands-on film education, enabling students to practise repeatedly in realistic production environments, build confidence, and enhance practical capabilities. With the solution made publicly available, its potential impact can extend to a much wider community.
Dr Kan said he was deeply honoured to receive the award, noting that the team had worked from the initial concept of integrating film education, creative practice and technology through to repeated testing and refinement, ultimately developing an interactive and inspiring teaching tool. He added that this digital innovation not only enhances students’ learning experience but also breaks geographical and resource constraints through the internet, allowing learners around the world to benefit.
CineSim integrates Unreal Engine 5 and immersive virtual reality technologies to create highly realistic virtual film sets. Users of the free version can create content across 15 preset 3D scenes, including Hong Kong-themed settings such as traditional cha chaan tengs and public housing estates, while learning core filmmaking skills such as composition, lighting design, camera movement and storyboarding. The system supports day and night scene switching, character movement adjustment and camera control, and allows outputs for teaching and presentation. The full version also includes FBX 3D model import functionality, enabling users to incorporate AI-generated models and further expand creative possibilities.
During development, the team invited around 200 Lingnan students to participate in testing and provide feedback, continuously refining the user experience. CineSim is now freely available to all Lingnan staff and students, and has been extended to secondary schools and the industry through workshops to nurture local creative talent. The software has also entered the international market and is available on the global digital distribution platform Steam, with a VR version scheduled for release in the second quarter of this year.
Dr Kan added that CineSim significantly lowers the barrier to entry and cost of film production, supporting the sustainable development of Hong Kong SAR’s film industry. Even schools with limited resources can offer relevant learning opportunities, while industry practitioners can use the tool for pre-production simulation and shot planning, reducing manpower requirements and production costs. He also highlighted that the system integrates education with creative thinking and can be combined with visual arts to promote interdisciplinary learning and advance innovation and technology education in Hong Kong SAR.
In recent years, Lingnan University has achieved notable success in education technology innovation. Last month, it attained a record result at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, winning a total of 14 awards, more than doubling both participation and awards compared with the previous year. At its debut at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival in August last year, the University also won 14 awards, becoming the institution in Hong Kong SAR with the highest number of awards and gold medals. These achievements reflect Lingnan’s commitment to integrating technology into education and advancing its “Liberal Arts plus Technology” strategy, further strengthening its leadership in innovation within higher education in Asia.
Dr Tobby Kan Shiu-tao, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University (second from right), led the development of the Transforming film education through interactive game – CineSim, which wins the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year award at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026.
The judging panel of the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026 praises CineSim for effectively bridging the cost and accessibility gap in hands-on film education, enabling students to practise in realistic production environments and build confidence and practical skills.
