Lingnan University Unveils LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA To Draw Global Student Talent

In an innovative move to enhance global student recruitment, Lingnan University in Hong Kong SAR has announced a significant expansion of its digital admissions strategy. The university anticipates a surge in applications from international students as the publicly funded universities' admission quota for non-local students is set to double to 40 per cent in the 2024/25 academic year. In response, Lingnan University has unveiled LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA on 18 March, marking its position as the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to leverage the metaverse for admissions.

LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA aims to transcend geographical and temporal barriers by offering a comprehensive one-stop platform for undergraduate admissions information. Prospective students can now explore the Metaverse campus at their convenience, accessing up-to-date admissions details and selecting their preferred programmes without the constraints of location or time.

Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Academic Affairs and External Relations) at Lingnan University, highlighted the platform's role in broadening the university's international reach. "Lingnan University is dedicated to becoming a leading international research-intensive liberal arts institution in the digital age," he stated. The introduction of LingnanVerse last year facilitated virtual campus tours for secondary school students in Hong Kong, receiving positive feedback for its innovative approach to providing admissions information.

This year's launch of LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA expands on this foundation by replicating the Tuen Mun campus in the digital realm, allowing users worldwide to explore Lingnan's rich history and cultural heritage since its establishment in 1888. The platform not only targets students from Hong Kong but also aims to attract top talent globally, aligning with the trend towards digitalisation and sustainable development by reducing the need for printed promotional materials.

Prospective students and their families can navigate the Metaverse campus using personal avatars, experiencing the university's welcoming atmosphere firsthand. The addition of a real-time communication feature this year enhances interaction, enabling in-depth discussions with Lingnan's undergraduate admissions team and departmental offices directly within the Metaverse.

Ms Margaret Cheung Wai-fong, Registrar of Lingnan University, emphasized the importance of providing a comprehensive understanding of the university's learning and living environments for overseas students. "Choosing a university is a crucial decision, especially for those studying abroad," she noted. To support this decision-making process, LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA offers an innovative platform enriched with interactive features such as games and activities, alongside opportunities for real-time engagement with faculty and staff.

Following its recognition at THE Awards Asia 2023 with the Student Recruitment Campaign of the Year prize, Lingnan University plans further enhancements to its Metaverse campus. These upgrades will include additional undergraduate admissions information and more interactive functions, games, and activities to engage the community further.

For more details on undergraduate admissions at Lingnan University, interested individuals are encouraged to explore LingnanVerse 2.0 BETA.