Digital Domain Supports with DMD Teen 'Tszkin' by Creating a Personalized AI Virtual Human to Help Achieve His Dreams
Leveraging advanced technology to create a virtual human, Overcoming limitations, and Transforming constraints into possibilities
HONG KONG, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The applications of AI virtual human technology are rapidly expanding, demonstrating its value in social good and human-centered care, especially in providing emotional companionship and supporting the continuation of dreams and legacies. Digital Domain Holdings Limited (the "Company"; stock code: 547) is supporting Tszkin Chen, a 16-year-old teen living with a rare disease, in creating his personalized AI virtual human. By leveraging decades of Visual Effects (VFX) expertise with advanced technology, Digital Domain has recreated Tszkin's appearance and voice, supporting his dreams to inspire others and amplifying his impact to give back to society through a virtual presence.
Sharing His Life Journey Through Another Self to Inspire Others
Tszkin was diagnosed at the age of one and a half with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare disease, and he has relied on a wheelchair for mobility since age 9. Now at 16, he continues to face life with courage, supported by the constant care of his mother, Ms. Michelle Li, and his friends. He has not only pushed his own limits by completing various challenges on land, in the sea, and in the air, but has also taken part in numerous activities. Through his YouTube channel, "snail tszkin," and social media platforms, he dedicates himself to sharing his life experiences with the rare disease community and spreading positivity to inspire others within his limited lifetime.
Both the technology and applications of AI virtual humans were new to Tszkin and his mother at first. Through the support and referral of Dr. Eve Wong, the social worker in charge of the "Dreams*2Gather" programme, Tszkin and his mother came across the concept of AI virtual humans and hoped to explore its possibilities to carry on his will and dreams. To support their aspiration, Digital Domain is creating a personalized AI virtual human to empower Tszkin to share his life journey, raise awareness of rare diseases, and inspire others facing similar challenges.
"The advancement of AI virtual human technology today not only enables the creation of another me, but also helps turn limitations into possibilities and let me pursue even more of my dreams," said Tszkin. "I imagine being able to talk to a version of myself that can walk and run, and take 'him' to different places to share my story and present him as a role model to bring encouragement and hope to more people. One day, my AI virtual human could even carry on my beliefs, and continue doing meaningful things to give back to society."
Leveraging VFX Experience and AI Technology to Recreate a Lifelike Appearance
With over 30 years of experience in VFX, Digital Domain has combined its expertise in creating photorealistic human faces with advanced 3D scanning technology. This enables the precise capture and recreation of Tszkin's facial features and expressions. Additionally, Digital Domain incorporates an AI brain, along with voice cloning and speech synthesis technologies, to develop the AI virtual human of Tszkin, which is powered by Momentum Cloud, Digital Domain's real-time control system for virtual humans.
The production team photographed Tszkin from multiple angles to capture facial features, expressions, and every detail. Experiencing the process for the first time, both Tszkin and his mother were amazed by the complexity involved in creating a virtual human. The more detailed the steps, the more lifelike the result.
Ms. Michelle Li recalled her emotional reaction when she first saw the 3D model of Tszkin's virtual human. "The AI virtual human of Tszkin felt so real, it was like seeing a dream come to life. It looked exactly like the Tszkin I see in my eyes," she said. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to explore this new technology. Tszkin and I hope that the AI virtual human can help present life education and related information in a more approachable way, while also offering emotional and spiritual support to people living with rare diseases or disabilities. As new technologies become part of everyday life, AI virtual humans could help people better understand them sooner. We believe that society can benefit from companion-like figures like this, which offer positive information and inspiration."
From Cared-for to Caregiver: AI Virtual Human Opens New Possibilities
Beyond technological advancement, AI virtual humans can preserve precious memories and emotional bonds. With familiar faces and voices, they have the potential to bring comfort and companionship, helping friends and family keep their memory alive in a meaningful way.
Ms. Michelle Li believes that being able to say goodbye or have conversations with deceased loved ones through an AI virtual human offers positive emotional benefits. "Expressing and releasing emotions through an AI virtual human can be somewhat healing. Some might think it prolongs the grieving process, but ultimately, it depends on how we choose to understand and engage with the technology," she explained.
Tszkin, who uses the AI virtual human to help express his beliefs and continue pursuing his dreams, also thinks it can provide emotional comfort to his mother. "My mom has worked so hard to care for me over the years. Now, through the AI virtual human, I can shift from being the one cared for to being a caregiver who supports and accompanies my mom. Being able to give back in this way means a lot to me." He mentioned that Dr. Eve Wong was introduced to AI technology in their previous projects, which led her to think more deeply about how AI could help achieve more, such as turning a finite life into something with infinite meaning and helping more people. "This inspired my mom and me to explore the idea of creating an AI virtual human, and we are truly grateful to Dr. Wong and Digital Domain for their support in making this dream come true," he said.
Mr. William Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Domain, stated: "Through advanced AI and virtual human technology, we hope to help more life stories continue and be told in different forms. Creating this personalized AI virtual human for Tszkin is more than just a technological breakthrough, it embodies the principle that technology should serve humanity, reflecting the warmth and care of a human-centered approach. We are truly honored to be part of this journey, supporting Tszkin as he continues to create endless possibilities for his dreams and also advances the positive and diverse uses of technology for social good."
About Digital Domain
Digital Domain is a pioneer in creating transportive experiences. After more than three decades of evolution, the company has transitioned from its Hollywood origins to achieve global expansion in areas such as Visual Effects (VFX), AI Virtual Humans, and Visualization technologies. Digital Domain boasts a rich legacy, having contributed to hundreds of films and television series, thousands of commercials, game graphics, and experimental immersive experiences. Some of its most notable accomplishments include winning Academy Awards for "Best Visual Effects" for films like Titanic, What Dreams May Come, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as contributing to blockbuster classics such as The Avengers series, and the fourth season of the popular series Stranger Things.
Digital Domain has charted a pioneering course into the realms of AI and virtual reality since 2016, revolutionizing the creation of emotionally expressive and photorealistic virtual humans in real-time. The company's AI Virtual Human technology is widely applicable across diverse sectors such as healthcare, elderly service, training and education, concierge service, BFSI, the public sector, entertainment etc. It enhances service efficiency, user experience, and business value.
Since establishing the R&D Center at Hong Kong Science Park in Q4 2024, Digital Domain has been actively collaborating with industry partners, universities, and research institutions to explore opportunities in AI development and digital transformation.
Digital Domain is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock code: 547) and is headquartered in Hong Kong. The company operates in multiple cities, including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing, Shanghai, Hyderabad, and more.
For more information, visit the official website – www.digitaldomain.com.
SOURCE Digital Domain
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