Lingnan’s CineSim wins Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year
Dr Tobby Kan Shiu-tao (second right), Senior Lecturer of the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University, led the development of the Transforming film education through interactive game – CineSim, which wins the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year.
Transforming film education through interactive game – CineSim, developed by the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University, received the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year award at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026 on 22 April. Widely regarded as the Oscars of higher education, the Awards are highly competitive, and Lingnan University stood out from more than 500 entries. This achievement clearly demonstrates the University’s lead in educational innovation and the application of digital technologies, which have earned full recognition from the international higher education community.
CineSim is the world’s first film production simulation education software to be 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 educational equity, the system permits students and creators to learn about film production, lighting, and cinematography even without access to equipment through a simulated digital environment, 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.
