Feature Talk: Human + AI Collaborating to Build Immersive Stories: From Scripting Tales to Stunning Visuals

Date: 10 March 2026
Time: 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Hybrid Mode: The Forum, 6/F, Library & Online via Zoom
Guest Speaker: Mr Billy Hau

Join us in this talk where you'll discover how to harness generative AI as your creative collaborator! We will introduce you to essential techniques in prompt engineering across cutting-edge AI platforms. Learn how to apply this skill through the entire storytelling process — from structuring captivating narratives and crafting compelling characters to planning visually stunning sequences and producing short-form videos.

By the end of the talk, you'll leave with a practical, transferable workflow that transforms your ideas into immersive visual narratives, unlocking your full storytelling potential! This is also perfect for boosting your entries in the READ@PolyU AI Challenge: Reimagine the Story Ending of One Day!

About the Speaker

Billy Hau is a Hong Kong-based STEM educator and former NASA engineer. At NASA Glenn Research Center, his work in space exploration technologies included contributions to the Deep Space Gateway lunar station concept, robotic mining prototypes, and serving as Principal Investigator for a simulation-based machine learning project for robotic navigation. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech. He now channels this experience into designing and teaching advanced aerospace, robotics, and AI curricula for schools across Hong Kong.

READ@PolyU AI Challenge: Reimagine the Story Ending of One Day!

We are thrilled to launch a creative contest as part of our READ@PolyU reading programme, centred around our common book 2025/26: One Day by David Nicholls. 

One Day follows Emma and Dexter across two decades. The novel explores love, missed opportunities, personal growth, and the unpredictability of life, leading to an unforgettable conclusion that has sparked endless discussion among readers. 

This challenge invites you to reimagine the story: What if things had turned out differently? Craft your own alternative ending for Emma and Dexter: A new twist? A different choice? Or an entirely fresh resolution. 

How to Participate: 

1. Develop Your Alternative Ending Concept: Write a 50-word description of your alternative ending idea. 

2. Utilize AI to Produce a Video: Use GenAI tools to create a 30-second video that brings your alternative ending to life. It could include visuals, narration, text overlays, or simple scenes. 

3. Submit Your Entry: 

• Post your 30-second video on your Instagram account, with the caption: "READ@PolyU Challenge: My Alternative Ending for One Day" and include hashtags: #polyureads and #PolyULibrary 

• Email your submission to lbread@polyu.edu.hk. Include: 

• A screen capture of your Instagram post 

• Your full name and student ID 

• A shareable link to your 30-second MP4 video (e.g., OneDrive and set sharing to “Anyone with the link can view”) 

• Your 50-word description of the alternative ending concept 

• The AI tools and the prompts you used  

Eligibility:  

• This challenge is open to all PolyU students. 

• Each participant may submit one entry only. 

Prizes: 

Submissions will be judged on creativity, originality, connection to the book's themes, and effective use of AI tools. Winners have the opportunity to be featured on our social media platforms. 

• Gold Award (x1): BOOX 6" Go 6 E-Reader 

• Silver Award (x1): HEDONIC Retro-style Digital Camera 

• Bronze Award (x1): USATISFY Smart Wireless Voice AI Mouse 

Don’t miss this fun opportunity to get creative with one of the most talked-about love stories! Give Emma and Dexter the ending you wish they had! 

For questions, contact us at lbread@polyu.edu.hk. 

Meet The Author: David Nicholls

We are excited to announce the culminating event of our campus-wide reading programme this year, featuring a special conversation with the acclaimed author Mr David Nicholls to discuss his bestselling novel One Day, which has been selected as the 2025 Common Book for READ@PolyU.

The novel follows Emma and Dexter, two fresh graduates whose lives intertwine every 15th of July over two decades, exploring their evolving relationship and the impact of time on their dreams and choices. The witty, heartfelt story explores themes of love, friendship, ambition, and the unpredictable twists of life’s journey.

During the event, Mr Nicholls will spend the first 30-40 minutes sharing insights into his creative process for One Day, followed by a Q&A session.

Date: 16 October 2025 (Thursday)
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Format: Online via Zoom (Moderated by Mr Dean A.F. Gui, English Language Centre)
Quota: 200 participants. Register to reserve your seat. 
Sign Up HERE!

Have a Question for David Nicholls? Post it to Win a Prize!

Want a chance to win another bestseller by Mr Nicholls? Join our Instagram campaign for a chance to win one of his novels: You are Here, Us or Starter for Ten.

Steps to Participate:

1. Post your thought-provoking question related to One Day on your Instagram account, using the hashtag #PolyUReads_David_Nicholls.

2. Email a screenshot of your post to lbueo@polyu.edu.hk.

3. Deadline for submission: 14 October 2025 (Tuesday)

After the deadline, the questions will be compiled and sent to Mr Nicholls for his consideration. During the Q&A session, he will answer 5-7 of the most intriguing questions submitted via Instagram before addressing queries from the audience. If your question is chosen, you will receive his bestselling book as a prize.

About the Author

David Nicholls is a novelist and screenwriter for TV and film. He has written six bestselling novels, including One Day, Us (long-listed for the Booker Prize) and his latest, You Are Here. His TV adaptation of Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was Emmy-Nominated and won him a BAFTA for Best Writer. 

Recording