V Sparkle

Community Connect with VPET— Unleash Joy and Creativity in Elderly — August 2024

Showcase the Beauty of Aging with VPET

From 2 to 4 August, Community Engagement Unit (CEU) collaborated with various disciplines from Vocational Training Council (VTC) to showcase multiple innovative age-friendly projects developed by students at the “Golden Age Expo and Summit” held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. There were also interactive workshops and personal care demonstrations for the elderly held by the students. The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie HO, visited VTC’s booth during the exhibition to see the students' community care projects. VTC Chairman Mr Tony TAI, VTC Deputy Executive Directors Mr Edmond YU and Dr Eric LIU as well as VTC Student Development Discipline Academic Director Ms Jenny KO were also present to support the students.

Students of Diploma of Vocational Education (Beauty Care) and Diploma of Vocational Education (Hairdressing) of Youth College conducted hair and beauty care demonstrations. “Everyone loves to look pretty. We not only style the elderly but also hope to use the knowledge we’ve learned to help them live more confidently,” said student MA Ho-fai from the Hairdressing programme. He and other students brought various hair products to share their knowledge about hair care, attracting many attendees to watch and ask questions.

May, an elderly model who participated in the beauty care demonstrations, appreciated the students’ performance, “They are very attentive and professional. Their makeup techniques are excellent, and they shared many practical and professional skincare tips with us!”

Student TANG Hoi-ting, from the Beauty Care programme, expressed that the experience was refreshing, “I never thought that the makeup and beauty knowledge I learned could bring joy and confidence to the elderly. Some elderly participants even proactively shared their skincare tips with us, which I found very interesting.”

In addition, students and graduates of the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) created exquisite fashion accessories and home items, some of which were made from recycled fabrics, allowing the elderly to live stylishly and comfortably. A denim jacket made from recycled fabric was displayed on-site, attracting much appreciation from elderly attendees.

Under the guidance of HKDI teacher and students, participants also took part in workshops to experience Kyo-yuzen, a traditional Japanese dyeing technique, creating tie-dye products that are both traditional and fashionable, helping the elderly sharpen their hand-eye coordination. The exhibition items and workshops were coordinated by the HKDI Centre of Design Services and Solutions (CDSS).

In addition, Mr Dickson LAW, Acting Senior Lecturer of Youth College International (YCI) and students studying Vocational Baccalaureate programme led participants in creating unique photo frames using dried flowers and recycled materials combined with knowledge of 3D printing and engineering.

[Photo above] Students of Diploma of Vocational Education (Hairdressing) demonstrate new hairstyles for elderly models. During the exhibition, Lecturer Mr Leo WONG, Assistant Lecturer Mr Dominic CHIU, and Instructor Mr Leo YIP guide the students.

[Middle photo] Students of Diploma of Vocational Education (Beauty Care), under the guidance of Senior Instructor Ms Rachel HO and Instructor Ms Shirley YAN, demonstrate simple makeup for elderly models.

[Photo below] HKDI students and graduates host a Kyo-yuzen traditional Japanese dyeing workshop, teaching elderly to create stylish tie-dye products, with guidance of HKDI Lecturer Ms Peggie LUK.

[Bottom photo] Elderly participants show the photo frames they made during the workshop hosted by Youth College International teachers and students.

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Safe and Fun: Age-Friendly Games

To align with this year's theme “Joy and Creativity in Elderly”, CEU showcased the “Bun Scrambling” Virtual Reality (VR) game, developed by students and teachers of the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), and bachelor’s degree programme co-offered by the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) and the University of the West of England, Bristol. This game, themed around Cheung Chau’s traditional bun scrambling activity, allows elderly participants to experience traditional cultural activities in Hong Kong without leaving their homes. Since the game is primarily controlled by hand-tracking technology, players do not need to move their feet significantly, where they can simply swing their arms in place to collect the buns and score points, making it a safe and enjoyable activity for players.

Lecturer Mr Eddie CHAN and student Kwong Chi-shing, who were responsible for the development of the game, emphasised that, "Safety comes first. To avoid tripping hazards for the elderly, the VR headsets used in the game are wireless."

Graduates of Higher Diploma in Software Engineering developed an AI application on existing AI Robo Dog device using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics programming, and data analysis. This enables the robotic dog to assist the elderly in daily life and interact with them, enhancing their quality of life as a companion.

In fact, the games and demonstrations were very popular at the exhibition, attracting participants of all ages.

[Photo above] Participants try out the VR Bun Scrambling game.

[Photo below] Students demonstrate the operation of the robotic dog to the public near the VTC booth.

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Navigating with VPET: Virtual Tour

Another highlight was a 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) game experience of Hong Kong, created by students of Diploma of Vocational Education (Automotive Technology), (Electrical Engineering), (Fashion), and (Jewellery Design and Technology). They previously participated in the “Opportunities for the Elderly Project" arranged by the Salvation Army, where they went out with elderly individuals to film VR videos, which were then made into a VR game. This allows elderly individuals with mobility issues to enjoy local attractions such as Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market, Sung Wong Toi Garden, and the Kowloon Walled City Park without the constraints of time and space.

In addition to filming techniques, students enhanced the videos through editing and visual effects. Mr Andy HUI, Lecturer of Youth College (Design and Information Technology Section) said, "After the pandemic, many people have restarted their travel plans, but elderly individuals with mobility difficulties may not be able to go out as they wish, so we and the students used technology to bring some joy to their lives."

VTC students not only addressed the emotional needs of the elderly but also their health. Under the guidance of Mr Ejoe TSO, Lecturer of HKIIT, students of the Higher Diploma in Software Engineering developed an all-in-one smart health monitoring system called “SAFERIN”. This system integrates Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud technology. Its main functions include “Smart Safety”, “Smart Healthcare” and “Smart Care”, effectively assisting the operation of care homes and comprehensively addressing the daily needs of the elderly. Representatives from elderly care homes expressed great interest in the system, hoping it could effectively assist in operations and ensure the health of the elderly.

[Photo above] Teachers and student of Youth College guide participants to explore different places in Hong Kong using VR headsets.

[Photo below] Students introduce the concept and functions of the "SAFERIN" system to participants.

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Technology Meets Humanity: Easy Reading and Preserving Memories

In addition to physical changes and mobility issues, many elderly individuals face vision deterioration. The “GenEye: AI Screen Reader” exhibited at the booth utilises Generative AI to automatically analyse image data on webpages, converting it into audio language or text descriptions. This allows visually impaired users or those experiencing vision loss due to aging to easily understand image content.

This project was developed by students of Higher Diploma in Cloud and Data Centre Administration, and it was selected by Google Developer Student Clubs as one of the top global 100 finalists in the “Solution Challenge 2024”, as well as one of the Top 3 in the “City I&T Grand Challenge” organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, winning the Innovation Award.

Student Ms XUE Zilei actively engaged with elderly attendees at the booth, collecting their feedbacks. She said, “We hope to continue enhancing and improving this product to better meet the needs of those with visual impairments.”

Additionally, students and teachers of the IVE Childcare, Elderly and Community Services Discipline created “Digital Storytelling for the Elderly” with the use of reading pen. Using their professional knowledge and user-friendly technology, students documented the unique life story for the elderly, passing on their wisdom for the next generation. Many representatives from social welfare organisations appreciated the students' thoughts and their application of knowledge in community service planning, and how they express care for the elderly.

[Photo above] HKIIT Lecturer Mr CHEUNG Chung-lun (right) and students introduce the “GenEye: AI Screen Reader” at the booth.

[Photo below] Students and Lecturer Mr Billy LAM Ho-yin from the IVE Childcare, Elderly and Community Services Discipline introduce “Digital Storytelling for the Elderly” along with the reading pen.

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Professional Oral Care: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Life

Maintaining oral hygiene and caring for teeth are common challenges faced by many elderly . Lecturers of IVE Health and Life Sciences Discipline, Ms Rowena CHAN and Ms Charlotte NG held a "Dental Care Workshop" at the booth to share oral care tips. Ms NG stated, "As the saying goes, ' To the people, food is heaven,' but very few people truly care about their teeth." They used a tooth model and various dental care tools to share proper brushing techniques and teach the elderly how to care for their teeth through diet and daily habits.

The two teachers also mentioned that the programme will launch a “Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene”, focusing on preventive oral and dental disease treatments and techniques for promoting oral health education, hoping to raise public awareness of oral health, alleviate the shortage of dental professionals, as well as training skilled personnel for the society.

Dr MAK Wai-kei, representing the IVE Health and Life Sciences Discipline on the occasion, introduced various programmes related to sustainable talent development in the topic of “Building Sustainable Talents through VPET and Community Engagement” to the public during the Golden Age Expo & Summit.

At the booth, there was also a showcase of the soft food products developed in collaboration with the Sik Sik Yuen, receiving positive feedback from participants, who hope these products can be launched in the market soon.

[Photo above] Lecturers of IVE Health and Life Sciences Discipline share how to maintain oral hygiene and care for teeth with participants.

[Middle photo] Dr MAK Wai-kei, representing IVE Health and Life Sciences Discipline on the occasion, introduces various programmes related to sustainable talent development to the public.

[Photo below] Lecturers of IVE Health and Life Sciences Discipline introduce the soft food products developed in collaboration with the Sik Sik Yuen to participants.

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