Global experts agree that the Metaverse, a cutting-edge virtual technology, has limitless potential worldwide, focusing on research to build a new realm that connects with the real world, aiming for sustainable happiness in every dimension.
• The Metaverse Unlimited forum opens a new dimension of knowledge, inspiring people to engage with Translucia Metaverse.
• Leading Metaverse experts from around the globe point out that the trends in the Metaverse align with Translucia's vision of connecting the real and virtual worlds to create sustainable happiness and balance for everyone.
• The mega-trend of the Metaverse is a new phenomenon that is set to transform the world in every dimension, enhancing quality of life, society, economy, and education.
• Global experts call on all sectors to collaborate in developing guidelines for responsible use of the Metaverse.

Leading international experts in virtual reality technology (Metaverse) state that the Metaverse has limitless potential to transform the world in every dimension, improving quality of life and addressing economic, social, environmental, educational, public health issues, and even fostering peace for humanity within the context of the real world.

Global experts gathered at the 'Metaverse Unlimited' online forum, the first of its kind in Thailand, on December 15-16, organized by Translucia Metaverse and T&B Media Global (Thailand) Co., Ltd. During this event, all speakers shared knowledge, experiences, and various research projects aimed at driving the virtual realm to converge with reality for a better world.

PP-Phat Patthanuthaporn, a Thai research assistant and innovator from MIT Media Lab, stated that the development direction of the Metaverse is advancing towards a point where it can process, identify problems, find solutions, and produce consumable items in the real world through a single device.

At the Metaverse Unlimited forum, PP cited an example of biotechnology research from MIT Media Lab, currently under study, which is a smart wearable device designed to comprehensively address health issues. This device, called a wisdom device, can accurately detect illnesses and indicate abnormal organ functions in the wearer’s body, diagnosing diseases and producing medication to treat those conditions autonomously.

PP also proposed that artificial intelligence (AI) technology could revolutionize the education system, using AI to create characters in the virtual world based on historical figures like Albert Einstein or popular characters like Harry Potter to teach children instead of real teachers. “This method will help increase motivation for online learning because students feel a connection with these characters,” PP said.

Jeremy Bailenson, founder and director of the Virtual Human Interaction lab at Stanford University, added that VR positively impacts social development. He cited a study where students interacted with avatars of themselves, which had different ages, genders, and ethnicities from their real selves. The study found that this experience helped students develop greater empathy for people from different backgrounds.

Moreover, VR technology encourages individuals to engage in environmental conservation and improve their basic knowledge. In the virtual world, people can take action and learn experiences that are not possible in reality.

“This technology will change your perspective on others,” Jeremy stated, “and it is a tool that allows you to see the world from a new viewpoint.”

David Bray, CEO of LeadDoAdapt Ventures and a senior fellow at the Stimson Center and Atlantic Council, pointed out that Metaverse technology can be applied as a tool to promote peace and address social issues by allowing residents from different parts of the world to connect with people from diverse cultures and engage with local citizens in the virtual world without traveling physically.

David emphasized that the virtual experiences people gain from the Metaverse will help them become aware of the conflicts, inequalities, and biases faced by people in those countries, fostering greater understanding.

Meanwhile, the speaker known as the Godmother of the Metaverse in the global branding industry, Kathy Hackl, CEO and Chair of the Futures Intelligent Group, defined the Metaverse as a fusion of the digital and real worlds, a place where anything is possible and opportunities are endless.

Kathy stated that the Metaverse is a new world created by integrating various technologies such as AR, VR, Blockchain, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling this virtual universe to be utilized in many forms, not just online gaming but also in other entertainment industries, branding, and marketing, transcending the limitations of the real world. Kathy believes that the Metaverse should be a world where everyone participates in its creation, development, and effective utilization.

“This is not just one technology or one company,” Kathy reiterated, “In this virtual world, no one should be left behind. In the Metaverse universe, we are all co-creators.”

At the same time, Allen Chastain, a data analysis and computer graphics expert behind Maya 3D, the program used to create scenes in the famous movie “Avatar,” stated that the Metaverse is not a new concept. In fact, Harvard University has been researching and developing this technology for over five decades, but it became widely recognized through its evolution into online gaming, allowing gamers to create their avatars in the virtual world, leading to its immense popularity and subsequent development into various platforms and advanced equipment to meet demand.

Allen added that today, the virtual universe has evolved to a point where everyone must be involved in some way. For this reason, major players in the technology industry should adopt standards for content management and collaborative usage.

In the architecture field, virtual technology is also being utilized in design. It not only meets aesthetic needs but also addresses the requirements of residents while preserving cultural values, according to Senawi Chatawethiwong, founder of DesireSynthesis architecture studio.

Senawi stated that creating designs in the virtual world allows residents to genuinely participate in designing their homes and gain accurate understanding through experiences in the virtual realm. It also ensures that all parties involved, from designers to builders to residents, have a shared understanding throughout the process, significantly reducing the chances of problems and losses.

Additionally, this technology allows him to create designs that seamlessly blend traditional Thai architectural elements with modern styles. He envisions that in the future, Thais will be able to preserve traditional craftsmanship in the virtual universe, helping future generations better understand Thai cultural history.

Shajay Boozard, executive director from the renowned design firm Zaha Hadid Architects, added that using the Metaverse in design can transform congested urban areas filled with vehicles and machinery into people-friendly cities, creating urban communities with a high quality of life where large populations can coexist harmoniously with the environment.

Shajay proposed that real estate developers could leverage the online gaming community of nearly 3 billion people to share ideas and perspectives on what makes a livable city. He emphasized that this approach would promote responsible architectural design.

While the development of advanced technology brings immense benefits, users should exercise caution and operate within a framework of shared ethical guidelines, taking social responsibility to guard against the threats posed by technology.

D. Fox Harrell, director of the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality, stated at the forum that AI technology has immense potential but can also pose threats. He cited research from his institute regarding societal biases related to race, skin color, and gender that are evident in online games and social media.

“Negative biases can infiltrate the virtual universe if users are not careful,” D. Fox Harrell referenced his findings, which revealed that online gamers could express their biases regarding race and gender within the gaming community, adversely affecting the development of children, who make up a significant portion of that community.

Ashley Casovan, executive director of the Responsible AI Institute, a non-profit organization promoting the responsible use of AI, emphasized that issues related to technology users also extend to the virtual world. She cited instances where virtual technology discriminates against users based on sexual orientation, skin color, and programs that reflect their biases, leading to unequal treatment through technology, restricting access to basic services, and creating conflicts with chatbots programmed to use hate speech.

For this reason, Ashley called for all sectors to collaborate in using the Metaverse responsibly, adhering to appropriate standards and regulations to ensure that the virtual universe is a safe place for all users, equitably and inclusively.

Meanwhile, AI expert Jin Lim, co-founder and CEO of BeingAI and one of the creators of the famous AI robot “Sophia,” stated that concerns about AI robots being a threat to humanity stem from a lack of understanding of AI. Conversely, what should be considered is how to utilize this technology to its fullest potential.

Dr. Kande Liewphairoj, executive director of FutureTales Lab, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited, and foresight researcher at the Metaverse Unlimited event, stated that the knowledge shared by all speakers at this forum proves that the vision of Dr. Chavalwat Ariyaworarom, chairman and founder of T&B Media Global (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and founder of Translucia Metaverse, is achievable. Dr. Chavalwat aims to create a virtual kingdom that serves as a bridge between the real and virtual worlds, driving the development of sustainable happiness by creating balance in society and the economy.

“The knowledge and ideas from this forum have inspired people worldwide to join our Metaverse project at Translucia Metaverse,” he envisioned.