COVID-Vention: From Physical to Virtual Open Day, UOW Malaysia KDU Perspective

COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in terms of the life style, the way of carrying out work, meetings, shopping, teaching and learning and many more. Many economy sectors were also affected. This paper is reporting on how the institute of higher learning transforming the usual physical open day events to the virtual environment due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed by the Malaysian Government in the fight to contain the spreading of the COVID-19 virus among the community. The virtual open day platform was created entirely by 3D visualized rendering software. It features plenty of stunning and conceptual virtual spaces such as the Grand Lobby and up to 16 program booths. The platform is also integrated with interactive and immersive features for viewers to navigate, explore and click on any hotspot. Clicking on a hotspot triggers an action such as opening a photo, poster, video, text file, or URL link. Google Analytics is being integrated to analyze the statistics and demographic of the viewers/visitors. The virtual platform is highly customizable and can be used to host other commercialized events such as virtual exhibitions, virtual fair, virtual shopping experience, and virtual travel tours. This is why virtual tours are considered the future of creativity with control in the palm of our hands.