The Multifunctional Digital Transformation Project of the Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology

By vnuhcm.edu.vn - 29/11/2023

Just with an internet-connected electronic device, users can explore the entire facility of the HCMC University of Technology (HCMUT) thanks to the multifunctional, multi-platform digital transformation project, Bach Khoa 3D Virtual Tour.

The project is carried out by Portcoast Consultant Corporation - Port and Coastal Engineering Design, and the HCMC University of Technology. In this, Portcoast Company is the main coordinator of all human resources, technology, and equipment.

Digitizing both facilities

Associate Professor Dr. Mai Thanh Phong, the Rector of HCMC University of Technology, stated that digital transformation has been one of the university's top priorities for many years. Therefore, when Portcoast Company proposed to support the implementation of the digital transformation of physical facilities, the university agreed and quickly coordinated with the company to complete the project.

The digitalization project encompasses the entire campus of HCMC University of Technology at both the Ly Thuong Kiet (District 10) and Di An (Binh Duong) locations, including 29 buildings, 50 laboratories across 12 departments and training centers, research institutes, a library, sports fields, and more. Users can virtually tour the campus using various devices such as computers, phones, iPads, and virtual reality (VR) glasses.

At each location, the platform also provides bilingual Vietnamese - English introductions in both text and audio, along with images of events and extracurricular activities. Portcoast Company has also begun integrating some e-books into the digital transformation project.

Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Xuan, a fourth-year student of the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering at HCMC University of Technology, stated that this digital transformation project enables students to better understand the history, development, infrastructure, and teaching quality of the University of Technology.

"As a Computer Science student, being exposed to advanced technologies has given me more motivation to study and create highly practical innovations. If I have the opportunity to introduce my university to friends both in and outside the country, I would definitely recommend experiencing the campus through this website," expressed Thanh Xuan.

On this virtual reality platform, the Portcoast team has also linked the university's information channels such as the Website, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google Maps to enable users to conveniently access the latest information about the university.

Enhancing the effectiveness of digital management.

In addition to the 360-degree image system, the facilities of the HCMC University of Technology on the virtual reality platform are also represented through scale models (miniature models) and current 3D models. These 3D models are integrated with a background mapping system, including simplified maps, navigation, terrain, streets, images, OpenStreetMap, etc., to digitize the management operations and maintenance of technical infrastructure.

Specifically, on this current 3D model, users can manipulate some 'dynamic' features such as measuring coordinates, calculating perimeter, area, color parameters, etc. This is a unique aspect of the HCMC University of Technology's digital transformation project compared to other virtual reality platforms.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Mai Huong, Head of the Brand Management and Communication Department at HCMC University of Technology, these features help the university optimize management, maintenance, repair, and construction of facilities, as well as enhance the efficiency of digital management. For example, if a building's roof is damaged, users can directly measure the area of the roof on the website, thereby estimating the workload and construction time to optimize the repair process.

Users can also directly annotate on the 360-degree images of damaged equipment. Subsequently, the platform will automatically notify the account of the equipment manager for prompt repair. However, this feature is limited to those managing equipment and machinery, such as staff and faculty members.

The Head of the Brand Management and Communication Department at HCMC University of Technology also noted that the Bach Khoa 3D Virtual Tour digital transformation project greatly aids in the university's remote communication and admission efforts. For instance, students and parents from various provinces can access this virtual reality platform to explore the facilities of the HCMC University of Technology. Through this, they can form an initial understanding of the learning and living environment at the university, as well as prepare some essentials before enrolling.

In terms of accreditation, this digital transformation project also adds significant value. 'Facilities are one of the aspects that higher education quality accreditation organizations pay attention to. Therefore, by digitizing the facilities, these organizations can tour and evaluate the facility criteria of the university comprehensively without spending much time and incurring travel expenses,' says Associate Professor Dr. Mai Huong.