On August 16, 2024, Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., participated in a virtual meeting with Dean Diego Maranan and Professor Lunchakorn Wuttisittikulkij of Chulalongkorn University. The discussion focused on the creation of a digital twin of the UP Open University for a self-hosted, collaboratively developed metaverse platform, marking a huge step toward integrating real-world infrastructure into the metaverse.
Chulalongkorn University has been spearheading the development of its virtual world metaverse platform called Metaverse Academic Nexus for Global Opportunities (MANGOs). The platform aims to foster collaboration between academic institutions worldwide by providing a shared digital environment for educational and research initiatives. Building a digital twin of UPOU seeks to enhance how users interact with its facilities virtually, allowing both local and international communities to engage with the campus from anywhere in the world.
The digital twin concept refers to creating a virtual replica of a physical structure or system, designed to mirror its real-world counterpart. By utilizing real-time data, the digital twin simulates the functionality and environment of the physical entity, enabling enhanced monitoring, analysis, and optimization. Once developed, the digital twin of the UPOU will serve as a dynamic hub for virtual learning, experimentation, and international collaboration. This initiative highlights the collaborating universities’ dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies with traditional educational frameworks.
The collaboration supports IOP’s larger goal of bridging the gap between academia and technology. By developing virtual campuses, universities worldwide can offer students, faculty, and researchers the opportunity to connect in a shared digital space. The innovative platform represents a move toward creating a more inclusive and accessible form of higher education, providing students with more flexible learning opportunities and access to resources. Furthermore, it underscores their commitment to advancing digital transformation in education. As the world shifts toward more hybrid forms of learning and working, projects like MANGOs and the development of digital twins stand to play a critical role in shaping the future of global education.
Written by Hannah Gabriella Macaldo
Edited by Roberto Figueroa Jr.
