Professor Harold Thwaites

Prof. Harold Thwaites

Professor Harold Thwaites

  • Head
Centre for Research-Creation in Digital Media

Biography

Harold Thwaites is Head of the Centre for Research-Creation in Digital Media at Sunway University. Originally from Canada, Professor Thwaites was a tenured Associate Professor in the Communication Studies Department at Concordia University in Montreal for 31 years. He was later Dean of the Faculty of Creative Multimedia at Multimedia University, Malaysia from 2006 to 2012 and Director of the Centre for Creative Content and Digital Innovation at University of Malaya from 2012 to 2015. He also served as President of the International Society on Virtual Systems and Multimedia (VSMM) from 2003 to 2010. His research and teaching comprise media production, information design, digital heritage, biocybernetic research and 3D spatial media. In addition to being the recipient of a Fellowship from the Telecommunications Advancement Organisation of Japan, he was also the first overseas researcher at NHK Science and Technical Research Labs in Tokyo, Japan specialising in 3D HDTV. He continues to share his 43 years of experience and passion to innovate new projects and fields of research with staff and students at Sunway University.

 

Academic & Professional Qualifications

  • MA in Educational Technology, Concordia University, Canada (1987)
  • BA Communication Arts, Universitas Montis Regi, Canada (1974)

Research Interests

  • Digital heritage
  • Cinematic & intermedia arts
  • Digital humanities
  • Audience/user media impact
  • Virtual and augmented reality

Notable Publications

  1. Harold Thwaites, Delas Santano, Human Esmaeili, Zi Siang See. (2019). A Malaysian Cultural Heritage Digital Compendium, in Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. doi.org/10.1016/j.daach.2019.e00116
  2. Santano, D., Thwaites, H. (2019). Multi-Screen Installation of the Malaysian Folklore Stories. PNC 2019 Annual Conference and Joint Meetings Regionality and Digital Humanities: South-South Connections, 15–18 October, 2019. IEEE Xplore, 2018 PUBLICATIONS
  3. Eugene Ch’ng; Yiyu Cai; Harold Thwaites. Special Issue on VR for Culture and Heritage: The Experience of Cultural Heritage with Virtual Reality: Guest Editors’ Introduction (2018).  Presence Volume: 26 , Issue: 03, Page s: iii – vi MIT Press Journals. https://doi.org/10.1162/pres_e_00302
  4. Thwaites, H. (2018). Digital Transformations of the Cultural Imaginary, In Peter Heard Ed. Great Thinkers Great Minds, Sunway University Professorial Lecture Series, Vol 1. Sunway University Press. Pp.215-258.
  5. Delas Santano and Harold Thwaites. (2018). Augmented Reality Storytelling: A Transmedia Exploration. Proceedings of the Digital Heritage 2018 3rd International Congress & Expo. IEEE. ISBN 978-1-7281-0292-4.
  6. Human Esmaeili, Harold Thwaites and Peter Woods. (2018). A Conceptual User–Centered Approach to Immersive Digital Heritage Site/Museum Experiences: The Hidden Waterfall City. Proceedings of the Digital Heritage 2018 3rd International Congress & Expo. IEEE. ISBN 978-1-7281-0292-4.
  7. Zi Siang See, Delas Santano, Matthew Sansom, Chi How Fong and Harold Thwaites (2018). Tomb of a Sultan: A VR Digital Heritage Approach. Proceedings of the Digital Heritage 2018 3rd International Congress & Expo. IEEE. ISBN 978-1-7281-0292-4.
  8. Esmaeili, H., & Thwaites, H. (2018). What Happened Here? An Immersive Virtual Story Narrated by Users. IEEE Games, Entertainment & Media Conference, Galway, Ireland. ISBN: 978-1-5386-6304-2  https://doi.org/10.1109/GEM.2018.8516506
  9. Zi Siang See, Xia Sheng Lee, Adam Brimo, Harold Thwaites, Lizbeth Goodman (2018) MOOC for AR VR Training. 2018 IEEE Games, Entertainment, Media Conference (GEM), IEEE, https://doi.org/10.1109/GEM.2018.8516514
  10. Esmaeili, H., Thwaites, H., & Woods, P. C., (2017). Workflows and Challenges Involved in Creation of Realistic Immersive Virtual Museum, Heritage, and Tourism Experiences: A Comprehensive Reference for 3D Asset Capturing: SITIS 2017 (The 13th International Conference on SIGNAL IMAGE TECHNOLOGY & INTERNET BASED SYSTEM). (IEEE Xplore, IEEE Computer Society, ACM,Scopus)
  11. Santano, Delas, Thwaites, Harold. (2017). Pacific Network Consortium (PNC) 2017 International Conference, Transcoding Folklore Stories, IEEE Indexed (Scopus).
  12. Zi Siang See, Mohd Shahrizal Sunar, Mark Billinghurst, Arindam Dey, Delas Santano,Human Esmaeili, Harold Thwaites (2017) Demo: Exhibiton Approach Using an AR and VR Pillar. Siggraph Asia 2017 Mobile Graphics and Interactive Application. (indexed in ACM, SCOPUS)
  13. Zi Siang See, Mohd Shahrizal Sunar, Mark Billinghurst, Arindam Dey, Delas Santano,Human Esmaeili, Harold Thwaites (2017) An Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Pillar for Exhibitions: A Subjective Exploration. International Conference on Artificial Reality and Telexistence & Eurographics Symposium on Virtual Environments, Australia. (indexed in ACM)
  14. Zi Siang See, David Blundell, Harold Thwaites (2017) Virtual Reality 360 Content Preservation for Disaster Relief. Pacific Neighborhood Consor7um 2017 (PNC 2017), Taiwan. (indexed in IEEE)
  15. Delas Santano, Zi Siang See, Chi How Fong, Harold Thwaites (2017) Aerial 360-Degree Video Research-Creation. International Conference on Visual Systems & Multimedia. Dublin, Ireland. (indexed in IEEE, SCOPUS)
  16. Esmaeili, H., Thwaites, H., & Woods, P. C., (2017). Immersive Virtual Environments for Tacit Knowledge Transfer Focusing on Gestures: A Workflow. The paper was presented in VSMM 2017 (International Society on Virtual Systems and MultiMedia). (IEEE, Scopus)
  17. Thwaites, Harold; Lau, Sian Lun; Addison, Alonzo (Eds.) 2016. Proceedings of 2016 22nd International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia, VSMM. IEEE Explore Conference Publications, (978-1-4673-8993- 8 ©2016 IEEE).
  18. Esmaeili, H., & Thwaites, H. (2016). Virtual photogrammetry. Proceedings of 22nd International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia (VSMM). doi:10.1109/VSMM.2016.7863153
  19. Esmaeili, H., Thwaites, H., & Woods, P. C. (2016). e-Reconstruction and e-archiving of iconic architectural heritage: A complete example. Proceedings of 2016 22nd International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia. doi:10.1109/VSMM.2016.7863195
  20. Santano, D., Thwaites, H., & Yahya, M. A. (2016). The boatbuilder of Pangkor Island. Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia. doi:10.1109/VSMM.2016.7863210.  
  21. Thwaites, H., Lau, S. L., & Addison, A. (Eds.) (2016). Proceedings of 2016 22nd International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia, VSMM. IEEE Explore Conference Publications.
  22. Esmaeili, H., Woods, P. C., & Thwaites, H. (2015). Virtual preservation of contemporary architectural heritage in developing countries in absence of protection digital reconstruction, recording, and archiving before complete disappearance. The 11th International Conference on Signal-Image Technology & Internet-Based Systems (SITIS). doi: 10.1109/SITIS.2015.115 
  23. Thwaites, H., Jehom, W. J., & Khairul, H. (2015). Textile tales of Pua Kumbu: Intermedia exhibition. Centre for Creative Content and Digital Innovation.
  24. Esmaeili, H., Thwaites, H., Woods, P. C. (2014). Reconstruction of a construction in virtual reality: Jabatan Geology a neglected piece of architecture. International Journal of Architectural Heritage.
  25. Esmaeili, H., Woods, P. C., Thwaites, H. (2014). Realisation of virtualised architectural heritage. Proceedings of 2014 International Conference on Virtual Systems & Multimedia (VSMM) (pp. 94–101). doi:10.1109/VSMM.2014.7136676.
  26. Esmaeili, H., Woods, P. C., & Thwaites, H. (2014). Status of digital archiving of post independence built heritage information in Malaysia. Journal of Cultural Heritage. 
  27. Esmaeili, H., Woods, P. C., Thwaites, H., & Hashim, K. (2014). Digital archiving of architectural heritage. Reinventing cities and places: Proceedings of the International Urban Design Conference on Cities, People and Places (pp. 97–107). Sri Lanka: Colombo.
  28. Shaw, J., Thwaites, H., & Kenderdine, S. (Eds.) (2014). Proceedings of VSMM 2014 International Conference. IEEE Explore Conference Publications. 
  29. Thwaites, H. (2014). Mah Meri unmasked: Process of creating a polysensory, intermedia exhibition. Proceedings of the PNC 2014 Annual Conference and Joint Meetings, National Palace Museum. Taiwan: Taipei.
  30. Thwaites, H., & Khairul, H. (2014). Mah Meri unmasked polysensory intermedia exhibition V2.0. Displayed at the VSMM 20th International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia. Hong Kong: City University, School of Creative Media.
  31. Woods, P. C., Thwaites, H. & Esmaeili, H. (2014). Digital reconstruction and archiving of architectural heritage: Lessons from Pekeliling Flats, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. International Journal of Architectural Heritage (Conservation, Analysis, and Restoration). 
  32. Panahi, M. S., Woods, P., Thwaites, H. (2013). Designing and developing a location-based mobile tourism application by using cloud-based platform. Technology, Informatics, Management, Engineering, and Environment (TIME-E), 2013 International Conference. doi:10.1109/TIME-E.2013.6611982 
  33. See, Z. S., Aziz, K. A., Thwaites, H., Hashim, K. H., & Ooi, W. H. (2013). Exploring the role of virtual reality 360 imaging for corporate communications usage: The experience of a Malaysian creative firm. International Journal of Information Technology and Management.
  34. Thwaites, H. (2013). Digital heritage: What happens when we digitize everything? In Ch'ng, E., Eugene, Gaffney, Vincent, Chapman & Henry (Eds), Visual Heritage in the Digital Age Springer (Springer Series on Cultural Computing) (pp. 327–348).
  35. Ng, Y. Y., Khong, C. W., & Thwaites, H. (2012). A review of affective design towards video games. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 51, 687–691.
  36. See Z. S., Hashim, K. H., Thwaites, H., Lee, X. S., & Ooi W. H. (2012). Retrieving extended high dynamic range from digital negative image: An experiment on architectural photo imaging. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 68(August), 2158–2166.
  37. Thwaites, H. (2010). Reality to virtuality: Communication analysis protocol for VR. FCM Press.
  38. Wong, C. Y., Khong, C. W., & Thwaites, H. (2010). Mobile user interface for seniors: The past, present and future. Design Principles and Practices: An International Journal, 4(4), 231–250.
  39. Wong, C. Y., Khong, C. W., & Thwaites, H. (2010). Mobile user interface for seniors: The past, present and future. Proceedings of 4th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices. Cyberjaya, Malaysia: Research Management Centre, Multimedia University.
  40. Thwaites, H. (Ed.). (2009). Proscenium of art, humanities and technology. RCE2 Research Creation Exhibition 2 Catalogue. FCM Press.
  41. Jong S. J., Thwaites, H. & Khong C. W. (2008). User experience using motion capture: Simulation of human motion for multimedia applications. Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Computer Graphics, Imaging and Visualization. doi:10.1109/CGIV.2008.27
  42. Thwaites, H. (2008). Simulating walking, jumping and running using Mocap to enhance user experience for multimedia applications. Proceedings of 21st International Symposium Human Factors in Telecommunication: User Experience of ICTs (pp. 487–490). Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur.
  43. Wong, C. Y., Khong, C. W., Ooi, S. S. P., Chean, S. Y., Thwaites, H., & Braa, K. (2008). Eliciting user requirements for designing a mobile community for the deaf in Malaysia. In Khong, C. W., Wong, C. Y., & Niman, B. V. (Eds.), 21st International Symposium Human Factors in Telecommunications (pp. 15–22). Kuala Lumpur: Prentice Hall. 
  44. Wong, C. Y., Thwaites, H., & Khong, C. W. (2008). Oh! My battery was drained because I forgot to press the end call button: A small-scale study on Malaysian senior citizen’s perception towards mobile phone and its services. In Khong, C. W., Wong, C. Y., & Niman, B. V. (Eds.), 21st International Symposium Human Factors in Telecommunications (pp. 31–38). Kuala Lumpur: Prentice Hall.
  45. Wong, C. Y., Khong, C. W., Thwaites, H. (2007) Aesthetics and virtual keyboard designs for PDAs. Proceedings of the 4th international conference on mobile technology, applications, and systems and the 1st international symposium on Computer human interaction in mobile technology (pp. 181–186). Singapore.
  46. Thwaites, H. (2006). Cyberanthropology of mobility. In Proceedings of 3rd IEE Mobility Conference 2006. Thailand: Bangkok.
  47. Thwaites, H. (2006). The immersive experience of Osmose and Ephemere: An audience study. In Ascott, R. (Ed.), Engineering nature: Art and consiousness in the post-biological era. Bristol, UK: Intellect Books.  
  48. Thwaites, H. (2005). Immersion, virtuality and the 21st century audience. In Virtual reality at work in the 21st century: Impact on society (pp. 483–490). Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia. 
  49. Thwaites, H. (2005). The Immersant experience of Osmose and Ephémère”. In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Artificial Reality and Telexistence, (pp S6-3, 149–155). 
  50. Thwaites, H. (Ed.). (2005). Virtual reality at work in the 21st century: Impact on society. Japan: VSMM Japan.
  51. Thwaites, H. (Ed). (2004). Hybrid realities & digital partners: Explorations in art heritage, science and the human factor. Japan: VSMM Japan.
  52. Thwaites, H. (Ed). (2003). Hybrid reality: Art technology and the human factor. Canada: 3Dmt & VSMM Montreal.
  53. Thwaites, H. (2003). Immersion and audience: Some considerations resulting from Osmose. In Hybrid reality: Art technology and the human factor (pp. 351–358). Canada: 3Dmt & VSMM Montreal.
  54. Thwaites, H. (2001). Fact, fiction, fantasy: Information impact of virtual heritage. VSMM2001 Enhanced Realities: Augmented and Unplugged. Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE Computer Society Press.
  55. Thwaites, H., & Addison, L. (Eds). (2001). VSMM2001 Enhanced Realities: Augmented and Unplugged. Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE Computer Society Press.
  56. Thwaites, H. (Ed.). (2000). Connected: Next generation applications in virtual heritage, highspeed connectivity and commercial collaboration. Tokyo, Japan: Ohmsha/ISO Press.
  57. Thwaites, H. (1999). Visual design in three dimensions. In Jacobson, R. (Ed.). Information Design (pp. 221–246). US: MIT Press.
  58. Thwaites, H. (Ed). (1998). Future fusion: Application realities for the virtual age (Volume One & Volume Two). Tokyo, Japan: Ohmsha/ISO Press.
  59. Thwaites, H. (1998). Ville de Quebec: An analysis and proposal for a virtual world heritage site. Future Fusion: Application Realities for the Virtual Age, 1–2, 445–450. Tokyo, Japan: Ohmsha/ISO Press. 
  60. Thwaites, H. & Malik, M. (1998). Communication analysis: A protocol for virtual world heritage creation. Future Fusion: Application Realities for the Virtual Age, 1–2, 256–261. Japan: Ohmsha/ISO Press, Tokyo.
  61. Thwaites, H. (1996). Digital 3-D communication media. Proceedings of the 1996 Gigabit Network Conference (Section 3, pp. 1–28). Tokyo, Japan: Support Center for Advanced Telecommunications.
  62. Thwaites, H. (1996). Human navigation in real and virtual space. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia [Invited Paper] (pp. 19–26). Japan: Gifu Research and Development Foundation. 
  63. Thwaites, H. (1996). Production methods and psychological effects of 3D HDTV. Technical Report of the Institute of Electronic, Information and Communication Engineers, HCS, 96(123), 1–6. Japan: Tokyo.  
  64. Thwaites, H. (1996). Virtual reality and information space. Technical Report of the Institute of Electronic, Information and Communication Engineers, HIP 95(554), 45–51. Japan: Tokyo.
  65. Thwaites, H. (1995). 3D media and the electronic arts. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Electronic Arts (pp. 283–288). Canada: Montreal.
  66. Thwaites, H., & Malik, M. (1993). Hodology: A biocybernetic approach to human orientation in real and virtual space. In Tsujiuchi, J., Hamasaki, J., Wada, M. (Eds.), TAO First International Symposium on Three Dimensional Communication Technologies (pp. 441–448). Japan: Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
  67. Thwaites, H., & Malik, M. (1992). Information design for 3-D communication media. In Hamasaki, J. (Ed.). Proceedings of the International Symposium on Three Dimensional Image Technology and Arts (pp. 193–200). Japan: Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo.  
  68. Thwaites, H., & Malik, M. (1992). Information design for virtual and artificial reality. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Artificial Reality and Tele-Existence (pp. 195–214). Japan: JTTAS & NIKKEI.
  69. Thwaites, H. (1991). Three dimensional media technologies: Prospects for the 1990. In H. Kusaka (Ed.), Proceedings of the International Joint Session of ITEC91 and 3Dmt Research (pp. 591–594). Japan: Institute of Television Engineers of Japan. 
  70. Thwaites, H. (1990).  3D HDTV - Impact and future perspectives. The Proceedings of the Fourth International Colloquium on Advanced Television Systems. CBC Engineering Department, 2B.7.1 - 2B.7.7
  71. Thwaites, H., & Malik, M. (1990). A notion of spatial information impact on the human brain: A biocybernetic perspective. In Thwaites, H. (Ed.), Three dimensional media technology: Proceedings of the 1989 International Conference (pp. 75–88). Canada: 3Dmt Research and Information Centre, Montreal.
  72. Malik, M., & Thwaites, H. (1989). Multi-channel biometric recording of sound information complexes: A biocybernetic view. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition (pp. 73–76). Kyoto, Japan.