New partnership to advance AI-driven digital media technology
The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) has partnered with South Korea’s Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) to advance research and development in AI-driven digital media technology.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during a visit by IITP representatives to the University in early September, which also facilitated networking between FEIT academics and industry partners to discuss shared interests.
Professor Shanika Karunasekera and IITP Vice-President Hyoungdon Moon. (Picture: Megan van Vegten)
FEIT Acting Dean Professor Shanika Karunasekera said the partnership reflects the commitment of both institutions to foster innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving field of digital media.
“This strategic collaboration marks a milestone in the University and the Faculty’s ongoing efforts to contribute to advancements in digital media technology and strengthen our global research partnerships,” Professor Karunasekera said.
The MOU will focus on the exploration and development of joint research and development initiatives in AI-driven digital media technology, including programmable media, emerging technologies for media and broadcasting, and AI research related to entertainment and its supporting infrastructure, as well as broader opportunities in the ICT and creative sectors.
IITP is a key public institution under South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, specialising in research and development to support technology development and talent cultivation in the field of digital technology innovation. Specifically, it is responsible for planning, executing and managing investments in technology development and talent nurturing across Korea’s digital innovation sector.
IITP Vice-President Hyoungdon Moon said the partnership represents a significant opportunity to consolidate the research capabilities of both institutions in the field of AI-driven digital media technology.
“Moving forward, we are committed to leveraging the expertise and resources of both institutions to achieve tangible research outcomes through joint collaboration,” Mr Moon said.
“We will do our utmost to promote the development of related organisations and companies from both countries in the global digital media market.”
From L-R: Daniela Reichert, Emma Russo, Dr Marc Cheong, Professor Taehyun Rhee, Nicole Barbee, Professor Shanika Karunasekera, Professor Adrian Pearce, IITP Vice-President Hyoungdon Moon, Junwoo Lee, Gumhee Lee, Professor Uwe Aickelin, Ms Jinsook Yoon and Dr Anita Archer. (Picture: Megan van Vegten)
The partnership is envisioned to grow beyond the initial scope of digital media technology and AI research, potentially involving other collaborators from the academic, research and industry sectors in both South Korea and Australia. IITP has expressed interest in engaging with Australian government entities, with the University facilitating introductions.
University of Melbourne Professor Taehyun (TJ) Rhee from the School of Computing and Information Systems, who is leading the collaboration, has a long-standing relationship with IITP, as well as the Korean research community and industry. He recently joined the University of Melbourne from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), where he founded the Computational Media Innovation Centre, a global research hub for digital media innovation.