A cinematic portfolio of digital initiatives by Dr Siu Sai Yau (蕭世友) — applying artificial intelligence, 3D reconstruction, and computational research to Buddhist textual studies and Hong Kong cultural heritage.
[ASST_PROFESSOR] HSUHK
[DIRECTOR] Research Centre for Translation of Buddhist Texts
[FOUNDER] OldHKinColour
Digital humanities scholar specializing in AI-powered Buddhist translation, 3D heritage, and the restoration of Hong Kong's visual past.
The institutional and public-facing projects anchoring a decade of research in DH, AI, and translation.
The Research Centre for Translation of Buddhist Texts at HSUHK — the first of its kind in the Greater Bay Area. Directs AI-powered sūtra translation, digital Buddhism platforms, and the Springer book series on Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Buddhism.
rctbt.org
A cutting-edge project combining AI-assisted colourisation, image restoration, photo animation, face restoration, and 3D modelling to revive Hong Kong's visual heritage. Featured by Bloomberg, SCMP, HSBC, LANDMARK, Swire and many more.
oldhkincolour.org
A novel translation of the foundational Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma text, guided by Venerable Professor K.L. Dhammajoti and supported by Dr Stephen Suen and Dr Eliza Fok. Bridges classical Buddhist philosophy with a globally accessible digital platform.
View projectInteractive platforms, immersive 3D models, and AI tools making ancient scholarship accessible.
Reconstructed Sanskrit based on Xuanzang's manuscript, parallel Chinese and English translations, grammatical analysis, and audio pronunciation.
explore →
Digital reconstruction of a 12th-century Revolving Sūtra Repository from Yingzao Fashi — interactive 3D model with bilingual annotated text.
explore →
Bilingual 3D models of significant Buddhist architecture — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Kumārajīva Pagoda — preserved on Sketchfab for global access.
explore →
A bilingual Sanskrit–Chinese study platform for the Diamond Sūtra (梵漢《金剛經》學習平台), supported by Sin Wai Kin Chinese Culture Promotion Scheme.
view →
An immersive 3D learning experience exploring the translation world of Kumārajīva (透過3D技術探索鳩摩羅什的譯經世界).
view →
A 12-piece sticker collection blending traditional Year-of-the-Snake greetings with Buddhist wisdom — distributed via WhatsApp globally.
view →Commissioned digital heritage work for blue-chip brands, theatres, schools and universities.
Restored, colourised and animated 160 years of HSBC history from archives at HPC Bristol, HKU Libraries, HSBC and Wikimedia.
AI restoration, 3D reconstruction and day-to-night animation for the flagship heritage campaign.
Colourised archival photos of the former Taikoo Sugar Refinery and Dockyard at Quarry Bay.
Animated historical photos of Shek Tong Tsui to promote HKREP's The Tamed and the Tempted.
Revived Reverend Vincent J. Stanton in colour and motion for the Central Market exhibition.
AI-colourised photos displayed at "Hong Kong Memories" exhibition of Old Hong Kong Streetscapes.
Peer-reviewed monographs, edited volumes, and invited lectures at leading universities.
Authored Chapter 2 — "Discerning Authenticity in Buddhist Scriptures: An Analysis of Sengyou's Approach to Pseudotranslation". View ↗
Series Editor (with Dr S.C. Siu & Dr Chung-hui Tsui). Advisory Board: Ven. Prof. K.L. Dhammajoti, Dr Stephen Suen, Dr Eliza Fok, Dr Sraman Sree Dharma Rakkhit.
Invited speaker on AI and digital technology in Buddhist texts. ~100 international participants. Read ↗
A study of organisational structures, processes and roles in medieval Chinese sūtra translation institutions. View ↗
A comprehensive Chinese-language monograph on team-based sūtra translation from Eastern Han to Tang. View ↗
Guest-edited a special issue on Buddhist scripture translation in partnership with the Hong Kong Translation Society.
Invited talk: "A Development Framework for an AI-Powered Digital Reading Platform for Buddhist Translations."
Demonstrated an AI-powered sūtra translator, textual analysis software, and social-network visualisations of translators.
Paper: "Decoding Ancient Voices: A New Framework for Understanding the Translation Discourses on Buddhist Scriptures in Medieval China."
Selected press across financial, lifestyle, and academic publications in HK and internationally. Hover to pause.
Enquiries welcome on AI in the humanities, Buddhist textual studies, 3D heritage reconstruction, exhibitions, public events, and academic collaboration.
saiyau@dhstudies.ai