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Digital Domain Holdings, the Hong Kong-listed firm behind the Oscar-winning visual effects studio involved in Marvel Studios' blockbuster films, plans to set up a research and development (R&D) centre at Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin.
The company plans to invest HK$204 million (US$26 million) in this facility by the end of 2029 to expand its professional team, according to Daniel Seah, acting chairman and chief executive at Digital Domain, during Wednesday's launch ceremony at the park run by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp.
The new R&D centre in Hong Kong will focus on so-called virtual humans powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and their application in service-oriented environments, according to Digital Domain. It will also pursue the development of AI video production technology.
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"We have the best motion-capture library, the best digital-asset library and, since 2008, the best human face data library," Seah said.
Digital Domain Holdings' acting chairman and chief executive Daniel Seah. Photo: David Wong. alt=Digital Domain Holdings' acting chairman and chief executive Daniel Seah. Photo: David Wong.>
Seah pointed out that the essence of machine learning, training and other disciplines under AI technology is based on data, and Digital Domain plans to leverage its database and copyright advantages. The company also aims to file a total of five Hong Kong patents to promote technological innovation.
"These digital assets are the petroleum of the new era, and we have 30 years [worth of such data] in storage," he said. "All these digital assets will be used to conduct machine learning and digital training in the Hong Kong Science Park."
Digital Domain's initiative in the city marks its latest effort to extend the company's operations beyond its widely recognised visual effects used in major Hollywood films.
The Charles Kao Kuen Auditorium stands at the centre of the sprawling Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. Photo: SCMP alt=The Charles Kao Kuen Auditorium stands at the centre of the sprawling Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. Photo: SCMP>
After declaring bankruptcy in 2012, the company was acquired by Sun Innovation Holdings, a Hong Kong-based firm that ran a scrap metal trading business as well as owned commercial properties and car parks in the city.