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About CPLAS 2025

The 2nd Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance Summit (CPLAS 2025) will bring together researchers, faculty members, industry professionals, and decision-makers from around the world to explore evolving practices and innovations in cyber-physical learning (CPL). Hosted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), CPLAS 2025 aims to foster international collaboration, share cutting-edge practices, and push the boundaries of CPL.

This year’s theme, "Connecting Minds, Technology, and Learning Spaces", will focus on pivotal topics including Artificial Intelligence, Learning Analytics, Human-Centric Learning, Engagement in Immersive Learning, and the Ethics of CPL. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative workshops, design-thinking sessions, immersive learning activities, and discussions, all aimed at enhancing the understanding and impact of CPL in educational contexts.

Organized by the Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance (CPLA), which was founded in 2023 with current members including Aalto University (Finland), Bentley University (USA), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong), NEOM University (Saudi Arabia), Singapore University of Technology and Design (Singapore), Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico), The University of Ottawa (Canada), and Zhejiang University (China), CPLAS 2025 will serve as a key platform for advancing CPL research and implementation.

The summit will be held in person at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on June 4th and 5th, 2025.

Topics:

  • Data-Driven Education
  • Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Innovative Learning Spaces
  • Synchronous Seamless Learning
  • Human-Centered and Ethical Cyber-Physical Learning
  • Engagement in Immersive Learning and Extended Reality

About CPLA

The Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance (CPLA) is a collaborative network of educational institutions dedicated to advancing cyber-physical learning through innovative technologies and pedagogies. CPLA focuses on areas like cyber-physical learning technology, educational models, ethics, learning analytics, and AI-assisted education.

About HKUST

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world-class university renowned for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has quickly risen in global rankings, establishing itself as a leading institution in Asia and beyond. With a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to education, HKUST was ranked 3rd in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024.

At the heart of HKUST is a diverse and vibrant community of scholars and students. Home to a diverse and vibrant community of scholars and students, HKUST is committed to addressing global challenges and nurturing future leaders. Its scenic campus on the Clear Water Bay peninsula offers cutting-edge facilities that foster a collaborative environment, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Dedicated to advancing knowledge and tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues, HKUST equips its students and researchers with future-ready skills and a global perspective, empowering them to shape a better world.

About CEI

The Center for Education Innovation (CEI) at HKUST is dedicated to advancing excellence in teaching, learning, and curriculum development across the university. Through collaborative partnerships with Schools and Departments, CEI serves as an expert resource and advocate for evidence-based, active learning and teaching practices that foster holistic student development in a technology-driven world.

Aligned with the university’s mission, CEI builds the capacity of teaching staff to integrate innovative pedagogies and emerging technologies, such as AR, VR, AI, and eLearning strategies, that enrich the student experience. Through professional development programs for faculty, instructors, and graduate teaching assistants, CEI supports educators in refining their teaching methods to enhance student learning outcomes and advance their career goals.

Call for Abstract (Closed)

About

Welcome to the Cyber-Physical Learning Summit, an immersive platform for exploring the evolving intersection of technology and pedagogy in higher education. This year’s theme, "Connecting Minds, Technology, and Learning Spaces", invites educators, researchers, and thought leaders to share insights and innovations that shape the future of learning.

As cyber-physical systems become integral to educational practices, we invite you to contribute to discussions on how these systems can foster immersive, adaptive, ethical, and human-centered learning experiences. We encourage abstract submissions that address emerging trends, transformative practices, and critical challenges across topics such as learning analytics, the impact of artificial intelligence, immersive learning, and personalized, skill-based education.

Join us in building a future-ready learning landscape by sharing your research, insights, and practical strategies at this engaging, collaborative event.

Sub-Themes

1.

Data-Driven Education

This subtheme explores the transformative role of data in education, focusing on how analytics, real-time feedback, and predictive insights can personalize learning and enhance teaching effectiveness. Topics include ethical data practices, adaptive learning, and using data to inform decision-making, creating responsive, evidence-based educational environments that drive student success.

2.

Artificial Intelligence in Education

This subtheme examines how AI is reshaping educational practices, from enhancing instructional methods to improving learning outcomes. It covers AI-driven personalization, automation in assessment, intelligent tutoring systems, and ethical considerations, focusing on both the transformative potential and challenges AI brings to teaching and learning environments.

3.

Innovative Learning Space

This subtheme explores the design and utilization of physical and digital learning environments that enhance engagement, flexibility, and collaboration. It examines how adaptable, technology-enabled spaces can support diverse teaching approaches, foster active learning, and accommodate various learning styles, creating environments that inspire creativity and interaction in educational settings.

4.

Synchronous Seamless Learning

This subtheme focuses on creating fluid, real-time learning experiences that bridge in-person and virtual environments. It explores strategies for achieving continuity and engagement in hybrid and remote settings, leveraging technology to support live interaction, collaborative activities, and a cohesive learning experience that transcends physical boundaries.

5.

Human-Centered and Ethical Cyber-Physical Learning

This subtheme focuses on integrating technology in education with a human-centered, ethical approach. It addresses inclusive design, ethical data practices, and the balance between automation and personal interaction, ensuring that cyber-physical systems respect privacy, promote equity, and prioritize learners' well-being in tech-enhanced environments.

6.

Engagement in Immersive Learning and Extended Reality

This subtheme explores the role of immersive technologies, such as Extended Reality (XR), in enhancing learner engagement and interaction. It examines how VR, AR, and mixed reality create experiential learning opportunities, deepen understanding, and foster active participation, transforming traditional learning into dynamic, hands-on experiences across disciplines.

Abstract Submission Requirements

  • All abstracts must be submitted and presented in English.
  • Abstracts should be based on any of Summit’s subthemes
  • Abstracts should be 400-500 words in length and follow the Need-Based Approach.
    • Context and Need: Description of what is known and the identified need
    • Approach: Details of the intervention or study design
    • Significance: Implication or contributions of the study to the field
  • Abbreviations should be defined the first time they appear in your text. Abbreviations should neither be defined nor used in the abstract title.
  • Tables, charts or other graphics should not be included and will be disregarded by the reviewers.
  • All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review process. Authors should ensure that their submissions are anonymized. Each submission will be reviewed by at least two experts in the field.
  • If you encounter any problems during the submission process or you do not receive any confirmation by email, please contact cplas2025@ust.hk

Abstract Submission Requirements

  • Submission of Abstract ----- 15 February 2025 (Abstract Submission Closed)Submission of Abstract
    15 February 2025 (Abstract Submission Closed)
  • Notification of Abstract Acceptance ----- 31 March 2025Notification of Abstract Acceptance
    31 March 2025
  • Final Version of Abstract Due ----- 15 April 2025Final Version of Abstract Due
    15 April 2025

Presentation Guidelines

Oral Presentation Requirement: Author(s) are required to deliver an oral presentation of their work during the Summit.

Language: All presentations must be prepared and delivered in English. Arrival Time: Presenters should arrive at their assigned venue at least 15 minutes before the start of their session. Information about venues and session schedules will be available on the Summit website once finalized.

Presentation Duration: Each oral presentation is allocated 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.

Venue Equipment: All presentation venues are equipped with modern digital A/V systems, a presentation PC, and a microphone. Presenters using their own devices should allow sufficient time for setup.

Registration

Registration

Free admission!


Thanks to funding support from our host institution and in recognition of the growing importance of AI and cyber-physical learning in education, we are pleased to announce that the registration fee for CPLAS25 is now waived to make this event accessible to a broader audience.

Join us for this exciting opportunity to explore the future of teaching and learning.

Note: Refunds will be arranged for those who have already registered.

Registration for Early Bird Discount
Keynotes & Speakers
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Program

Program - Day 1 (4 June 2025)
08:45-09:15 Registration and Networking Coffee @ LT-A Concourse
09:15-09:30 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Prof. Yike GUO, Provost and Director of HKUST-DXM AI for Finance Joint Laboratory, HKUST
09:30-09:40 Opening Group Photo Session
09:40-09:50 Thematic Kick-Off: Sparking Connections
Keynote speech @ LT-A
09:50-10:30 Keynote 1: Inquiry learning at scale: Conversation theory, citizen inquiry and social generative AI
Prof. Mike Sharples, The Open University, the United Kingdom
10:30-11:00 Morning Coffee Break
Concurrent Sessions
11:00-11:30 Open Forum 1 @ LT-A Interactive Workshop 1 @ Tsang Shiu Tim Art Hall

Reimagining Education in a Cyber Physical World

As education continues to evolve in the face of rapid technological advancement, how can institutions redefine learning experiences to remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful? This forum brings together founding members of the Cyber Physical Learning Alliance (CPLA) to share their vision for a future where digital and physical learning environments are seamlessly connected. Join us as we explore emerging trends, strategic directions, and global insights that are shaping the future of learning. Discover how this transformation is influencing teaching, educational design, and student engagement in meaningful ways.

The Design Lab: Building Future-Ready Learning Spaces

In this very hands-on session, participants will engage in a mini design sprint to prototype innovative learning spaces for cyber-physical learning. Guided by the ClockWise innnovation process, participants will form cross-disciplinary teams and move rapidly from ideation to physical prototyping using readily available materials.

*Pre-registration for the workshop is required. The registration email will be sent out in due course.

(From 11:00 to 13:00)

Research and Practice Talks 1 @ Room 1103 & 1104
Breakout 1 @ Room 1103
AI in Education 		Breakout 2 @ Room 1104
Innovative Learning Space & Synchronous Seamless Learning
11:40-12:00
12:00-12:20
12:20-12:40
12:40-13:00
13:00-14:30 Summit Get-Together Lunch @ China Garden, G/F
Research and Practice Talks 2 @ Room 1103, 1104 & 1409
Breakout 3 @ Room 1103
Data Driven Education 		Breakout 4 @ Room 1104
Innovative Learning Space & Synchronous Seamless Learning 		Breakout 5 @ Room 1409
AI in Education
14:30-14:50
14:50-15:10
15:10-15:30
15:30-15:50
15:50–16:10 Afternoon Coffee Break
Keynote speech @ LT-A
16:10–16:50 Keynote 2: CRAFTing a way forward for institutions
Prof. Danny Liu, The University of Sydney, Australia
Open Forum @ LT-A
16:50–17:20 Open Forum 2: The Role of Global Alliance in Higher Education

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, global alliances play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education. This forum brings together representatives from leading networks such as the Digital Education Council, the Cyber Physical Learning Alliance, and APRU to discuss the value, challenges, and evolving dynamics of international collaboration. The panel will explore how cross-border partnerships can support innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in education. The session will also offer reflections on the future outlook for global academic cooperation.

17:20-17:30 Closing of Day 1
*The program may change without prior notice.

Program - Day 2 (5 June 2025)
08:45-09:15 Registration and Morning Coffee @ LT-A Concourse
09:15-09:30 Morning Recap: Highlights and Reflections
Keynote speech @ LT-A
09:30-10:10 Keynote 3: An ethical foresight analysis on cyber-physical learning technologies
Prof. Jeffrey Chan, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
Open Forum @ LT-A
10:10-10:40 Open Forum 3: Student Voices in Cyber-Physical Learning

What does effective learning look like from a student’s point of view in today’s blended educational environment? This forum invites students to share their firsthand experiences navigating between physical and online classrooms. Through honest reflections and open dialogue, they will explore what supports meaningful engagement, how collaboration differs across formats, and what truly makes learning work in cyber physical spaces. Gain insights into student preferences, challenges, and the evolving role of technology in shaping their learning journeys.

10:40–11:10 Morning Coffee Break
Research and Practice Talks 3 @ Room 1103, 1104 & 1409
Breakout 6 @ Room 1103
Immersive Learning and Extended Reality 		Breakout 7 @ Room 1104
AI in Education 		Breakout 8 @ Room 1409
Human-Centered and Ethical CPL
11:10-11:30
11:30-11:50
11:50-12:10
12:10-12:30
12:30-12:50
12:50-14:00 Lunch
Light lunch will be provided at LT-A Concourse
Concurrent Sessions
14:00-14:30 Open Forum 4 @ LT-A Interactive Workshop 2 @ Tsang Shiu Tim Art Hall

Navigating the HK Landscape

How are institutions in Hong Kong preparing for the future of cyber physical learning? This forum brings together leaders and educators from local universities to share their institutional strategies, challenges, and aspirations. From faculty development to student engagement, the discussion will explore how higher education in Hong Kong is evolving to embrace new learning models.

Thinking Outside the B❒X: Unpacking Mindsets for Future Learning

What mindset do we need to design truly innovative cyber-physical learning spaces? In this interactive and reflective experience, participants will literally think out of the Box by physically constructing their current mental models. Using the award-winning The B❒X process, attendees will explore their own conscious and unconscious beliefs, biases, and assumptions—those that shape how they approach the challenges and possibilities of CPL.

*Pre-registration for the workshop is required. The registration email will be sent out in due course.

(From 14:00 to 16:00)
Research and Practice Talks 4 @ Room 1103 & 1104
Breakout 9 @ Room 1103
AI in Education 		Breakout 10 @ Room 1104
Innovative Learning Space & Synchronous Seamless Learning
14:40-15:00
15:00-15:20
15:20-15:40
15:40-16:00
16:00–16:20 Afternoon Coffee Break
Keynote speech @ LT-A
16:20–17:00 Keynote 4: Imperatives, pitfalls and agents of change: navigating challenges in an era of AI everywhere
Prof. Simon Bates, University of British Columbia, Canada
17:00-17:10 Closing Remarks
*The program may change without prior notice.
Organizer

Steering Committee

Organizing Committee

Prof. Jimmy Fung
Associate Provost (Teaching & Learning), Provost Office,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Dr. Beatrice Chu
Head, Professional Development, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Dr. Sean McMinn
Director, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Ms. Tammy Sha
Senior Manager, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Ms. June Chan
Head, Technology-enhanced Teaching, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Working Committee

Dr. Beatrice Chu
Head, Professional Development, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Ms. Quianne Tsang
Senior Multimedia Design Officer, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Ms. Tammy Sha
Senior Manager, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr. Dickie Hung
Assistant Manager, Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr. Eric Yeung
Senior Officer (Educational Evaluation), Center for Education Innovation,
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Accommodation

Recommended Hotels

We are excited to host CPLAS2025 in Hong Kong!

The summit will take place in Clear Water Bay, conveniently located near Sai Kung, Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O. A variety of accommodation options can be found in these districts, providing attendees with easy access to local attractions and amenities.

A selection of hotels offering special rates for delegates attending CPLAS2025 will be listed below. Please note that accommodation bookings must be made directly with the hotel of your choice, separate from your conference registration.

Currency Conversion
Please be aware that currency exchange rates may cause variations in the rates quoted in HKD, depending on your home currency.

Hotel Booking Information Directions To/From HKUST
WM Hotel
28 Wai Man Rd, Sai Kung
Contact: (+852) 2196 6888
Website:
https://www.wmhotel.hk/ 		Special rate from 2 - 8 June, 2025
Please fill in the booking form and
email to (Reservation) Rsvn@wmhotel.hk / (Sales) Sunnyliu@wmhotel.hk 		Distance: ~7.9km
(Approx. 15mins by Taxi)
Suggest Direction
Holiday Inn EXPRESS Hong Kong Kowloon CBD2
How Ming Street 97, Kwun Tong
Contact: (+852) 3890 2888
Website:
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/hong-kong/hkgkk/hoteldetail 		Special rate from 3 - 6 June, 2025
Please reserve via this link with special rate

Cancellation Policy/ Guarantee:
- Full-room payment will be settled once booking confirmed under guest own account.
- Non-refundable, No cancellation and No amendment is allow once booking confirmed.

Distance: ~10.3km
(Approx. 17mins by Taxi)
Suggest Direction
Nina Hotel Kowloon East
38 Chong Yip Street, Kwun Tong
Contact: (+852) 3968 8666
Website:
https://www.ninahotelgroup.com/en/nina-hotel-kowloon-east 		Special rate from 3 - 6 June, 2025
Please reserve via this link with special rate 		Distance: ~9.8km
(Approx. 16mins by Taxi)
Suggest Direction
Dorsett Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
84 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong
Contact: (+852) 3989 6888
Website:
https://www.dorsetthotels.com/dorsett-kwun-tong/ 		Special rate from 3 - 6 June, 2025
Please email or fax back the completed booking form to
Ms. Sally Wong sally.wong@dorsetthotels.com & copy to reservation.kwuntong@dorsetthotels.com
Or via Fax no.: (852) 3989 698
The confirmation number and payment link will be provided upon receipt of the completed reservation form.
Reservation should be made on or before 13 May, 2025. 		Distance: ~9.7km
(Approx. 16mins by Taxi)
Suggest Direction
Hotel COZi ‧ Harbour View
163 Wai Yip St, Kwun Tong
Contact: (+852) 3766 8668
Website:
https://www.hotelcozi.com/harbourview 		Special rate from 3 - 6 June, 2025
Please reserve with special rate via
1. This link, or
2. Promo Code: USTCEI
Reservation should be made on or before 13 May, 2025.

Cancellation Policy:
- Non-refund, full paid via hotel website once make reservation from the guests directly

Distance: ~9.6km
(Approx. 15mins by Taxi)
Suggest Direction
Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East
3 Tong Tak St, Tseung Kwan O
Contact: (+852) 3983 0388
Website:
https://crowneplazatkoshop.com/en 		Please find the booking details in the offcial website. Distance: ~6.0km
(Approx. 12mins by Taxi)
Suggest Direction