Talk Session: Introduction to Virtual Reality (VR) Technology as a Method for Heritage Preservation and Smart Cities

The Centre for Landscape Management Studies, Housing and Local Government Training Institute (I-KPKT), organised the Talk Session: Introduction to Virtual Reality (VR) Technology as a Method for Heritage Preservation and Smart Cities on 27 May 2025 via an online platform.

In a rapidly evolving digital era, Virtual Reality (VR) technology has become a crucial innovation across various fields, including education, entertainment, medicine, and increasingly prominently, heritage preservation and smart city development. VR technology allows users to experience simulated environments that resemble the real world, thereby opening new opportunities in how humans interact with information and space.

Ts. Dr Izham Abdul Ghani, a Senior Lecturer from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch, was invited to share his knowledge and experience with the participants.

The session was conducted online and was attended by 89 participants from Local Authorities (PBT) and relevant agencies. The main objectives of this course implementation were to:

1. Understand the basic concepts of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, as well as its role and development in the digital era.

2. Explain the importance of cultural heritage preservation and the challenges faced in maintaining historical value and societal identity.

3. Identify VR applications in heritage preservation, including within the contexts of documentation, restoration, and the re-display of cultural elements.

4. Explain the smart city concept and how VR is utilised in the planning and development of sustainable and inclusive cities.

5. Evaluate the potential and challenges of using VR in the context of heritage and urban development through case studies and real-world examples.

6. Apply the basics of VR usage through brief practical sessions such as virtual tours, historical site simulations, or basic 3D content development.

It is hoped that the participants can apply the knowledge and insights gained from this session.