[Research Contribution] New Perspectives on the Future of the Virtual World
20 June, 2025
Keywords: ArtTech Fusion, technology and art, sustainable development, virtual world
As part of the academic knowledge-sharing initiatives within the ArtTech Fusion series organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), a special discussion session titled “The Evolution of the Metaverse: Past, Present, and Future” attracted a large audience of lecturers, students, and professionals from both technology and art sectors. During the session, speakers offered a comprehensive overview of the Metaverse’s evolution—from its early conceptual stages to its current developments—while projecting its potential and challenges in the years ahead.
Objectives and Significance of the Session
The primary aim of the session was to provide in-depth insights into the development trajectory of the Metaverse—a concept that has captivated the attention of the tech industry over recent years. Although the Metaverse has existed as an idea for decades, its acceleration in recent years—driven by technology giants such as Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and others—has cemented its role as a pivotal element in forecasts of the digital future.
The event also brought together experts in creative technology and sustainable development, emphasizing the significance of ArtTech Fusion in constructing and advancing Metaverse platforms, while highlighting the long-term social and environmental implications of technological growth. Discussions explored solutions for balancing innovation with sustainable development in an increasingly digitalized world.
The session was chaired by Associate Professor Ping-Hsuan Han, a specialist in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Virtual Reality (VR), and multisensory technologies from the National Taipei University of Technology, alongside distinguished speakers including Professor Hwang Dong Wook from Kwangwoon University (Korea), Mr. Cholwoong Kim, CEO of Petarainsoft Corp., and Mr. Nguyễn Tiến Huy, CEO of Pencil Group. These experts shared the latest perspectives and research findings on the evolution of the Metaverse and the transformative ways such technologies are reshaping human interaction and connectivity in digital spaces.
Multisensory Technologies and the Future of the Metaverse
The discussion opened with Associate Professor Ping-Hsuan Han expanding upon the concept of the Metaverse and introducing foundational technologies driving its growth. He particularly underscored the role of multisensory technologies and their capacity to create entirely new interactive environments for users.
“The Metaverse is not merely a digital domain; it is a space where human senses can be reconstructed and simulated, unlocking unprecedented experiences. We are no longer confined to viewing screens—we can engage with virtual worlds through multiple senses, from touch to hearing and sight,” Han remarked.
He highlighted advances in Extended Reality (XR)—which integrates VR, Augmented Reality (AR), and haptic technologies—to produce vivid, interactive virtual environments. Case studies such as AoEs, GroundFlow, WaterForm, and Metapunch X were presented as examples of technologies enabling users not only to see but to physically perceive and interact with their surroundings.
Looking ahead, Han emphasized that these integrated technologies will have transformative applications beyond entertainment, extending into education, training, and industry. For instance, haptic systems can simulate physical scenarios for training in hazardous conditions, such as advanced driving simulations or emergency medical response drills.
Digital Twins and the Metaverse – The Interaction of Physical and Virtual Realities
Following Han’s presentation, Professor Hwang Dong Wook offered a unique perspective on the synergy between Digital Twin systems and the Metaverse. He explained that in the near future, Digital Twins—virtual replicas of physical objects, processes, or systems—will be critical to building and interacting with immersive virtual worlds.
“The Metaverse will not merely be a simulated environment. It will become a space where replicas of physical objects, people, and systems can be created and directly engaged with. Digital Twin systems will make the Metaverse more authentic and closely aligned with reality than ever before,” he noted.
Hwang also pointed out that autonomous vehicles and smart mobility solutions are propelling Metaverse integration into transportation systems. These technologies not only enhance safety but also open up opportunities for in-vehicle entertainment experiences—creating mobile virtual spaces directly connected to Metaverse platforms.
From a sustainability standpoint, Digital Twins offer substantial benefits in optimizing resource use and minimizing waste. Virtual simulations and analyses can inform better energy management and resource allocation, ultimately mitigating negative environmental impacts in the physical world.
The Evolution of the Metaverse in South Korea
Mr. Cholwoong Kim, CEO of Petarainsoft Corp., provided an insightful historical overview of Metaverse development in South Korea, tracing its roots back to the 1990s.
In the aftermath of the 1997 financial crisis, while the national economy faced severe challenges, the technology sector—particularly IT and the Internet—experienced rapid growth. This era witnessed the launch of Cyworld, South Korea’s first online social network, which allowed users to connect and create virtual spaces. In the early 2000s, online games such as The Lineage™ and Starcraft™ gained massive popularity, cultivating large gaming communities and propelling the growth of eSports culture. MMORPGs during this time offered interactive virtual environments where players could socialize—laying the groundwork for later Metaverse platforms.
By the late 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of 3D social networking platforms like VRChat and Second Life, driving the creation of fully interactive virtual spaces for communication, learning, and remote work. These developments positioned South Korea as a global pioneer in Metaverse advancement.
New Brand Experiences in the Metaverse
Mr. Nguyễn Tiến Huy, CEO of Pencil Group, showcased innovative branding strategies in the Metaverse, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D modeling to create virtual characters capable of engaging with consumers.
He introduced the LIBERA Nha Trang project, featuring Flexie—an AI-powered virtual persona representing the development.
“Flexie is not just a virtual figure—it embodies our approach to connecting with customers in the digital era. Through AI, we can create characters that appear in advertisements, events, and even interviews, strengthening emotional bonds with consumers,” Huy explained.
By leveraging advanced AI and 3D rendering technologies, Pencil Group has been able to produce highly interactive, immersive brand experiences that deliver tangible value to businesses operating in virtual environments.
A Promising Digital Future
The session “The Evolution of the Metaverse: Past, Present, and Future” concluded with forward-looking insights into the Metaverse’s growth trajectory. The speakers not only recounted its historical development and current challenges but also forecast a future in which virtual worlds play an increasingly integral role in education, entertainment, commerce, and communication.
Participants left with a deeper understanding of both the opportunities and risks inherent in Metaverse expansion. With rapid advancements in AI, VR, and multisensory platforms, the Metaverse promises to usher in an era of unprecedented connectivity and interactivity.
Author: MSc. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền – Faculty of Communication Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
News & Photos: Author, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department
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