Short Bio
Sandra Olga Ng, Ka Man, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Heritage, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Macau, China. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Macau, she has cultivated a diverse skill set and academic background. Sandra holds a master's degree in Communication and Media from USJ, and she holds a Ph.D. in Global Studies. Her research focusses on 3D modelling, rendering, virtual reality, and interactive mindfulness, with a particular emphasis on exploring the applications and impact of Virtual Reality (VR).
In addition to her academic pursuits, Sandra has accumulated extensive experience in various fields, including Public Relations, translations, digital illustration, and social media communication, since her graduation with a Bachelor's degree in 2015.
Sandra's dedication to advancing knowledge in her field is evident through her published academic papers, conference presentations, and participation in international events. Her recent paper, "In Memorial and Serenity: Introducing VR Grave Mourning in the Chapel of St. Michael in Macao," published in the International Journal of Creative Interfaces and Computer Graphics, exemplifies her commitment to innovative research.
Apart from her academic achievements, Sandra is an accomplished professional in the realm of digital design. She showcases her creative projects on platforms like Behance, Kuula, and Thangs, providing a glimpse into her 3D modelling and VR ventures. Noteworthy among her creative endeavours are the VR exhibition "ARTeFACTo2022Macao" and "Night Painting Selected Works 2018-2023" and the immersive VR tour of the Holy Cross Chapel of the University of Saint Joseph.
As an educator, Sandra has supervised and guided students in their academic endeavours. One of her notable supervisions led to the development of "COMMUNICARE," an interactive multisensory application to care for trees in Macao.
Sandra's influence extends beyond the classroom, as she has organised and participated in workshops and creative events, both locally and internationally. Her contributions to events such as the ARTeFACTo 2022 Macao International Conference and the UN World Data Forum Satellite Event in 2023 underscore her commitment to fostering creativity and knowledge exchange.
In collaboration with Seton Hall University, Sandra spearheaded the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) Exhibit Showcase in 2024, showcasing the collaborative efforts of students and faculty from both institutions.
Sandra Olga Ng, Ka Man, is not only an academician and researcher but also an innovative designer and mentor, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of technology, art, and education. Her multifaceted contributions reflect a passionate commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and knowledge in the dynamic landscape of communication and media studies.
For a more visualised presentation of my portfolio and resume, click here: https://sandraolgang.wixsite.com/sandra-olga
Orcid: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0006-3709-353X
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ka-Man-Ng-4
Academia: https://usj-mo.academia.edu/SandraNg
Google Scholar: Sandra Olga Ng Ka Man
Bēhance: https://www.behance.net/sandraolgang
Kuula: https://kuula.co/profile/SandraOlga
Thangs: https://thangs.com/designer/SandraOlgaNg
Publications
ACADEMIC PAPERS
» Ng, K. M., & Caires, C. S. (2022). In Memorial and Serenity: Introducing VR Grave Mourning in the Chapel of St. Michael in Macao. International Journal of Creative Interfaces and Computer Graphics (IJCICG), 13(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCICG.308300
ACADEMIC TALKS
» Seminar in Vietnam UEH
Immersive History Lens: Digitising and Conserving Cultural Heritage in Virtual Environment – 28 January 2026
» SoundLab Symposium in City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) (link)
Immersive Storytelling – 29 May 2025 (link)
» Doctoral Symposium at University of Saint Joseph
DEVISING MULTI-INTER-TRANSDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
“The conditions of achieving interactive mindfulness through virtual reality single user: a case study experience in macao” – 8 November 2024
» Webinar at IFCU Centenary Digital Exhibition
Experience the vibrant world of the University of Saint Joseph Art Gallery (Macao - SAR) - 16 May 2024
» Public Lecture at Study Tour / Workshop
Vietnam-in-Macau: “City Project: Design and Technology for Sustainable Development | Beyond Boundaries: Navigating Virtual Realms and Preserving Heritage through the Lens of 3D Modelling and Rendering” - 8 May 2024
» ARTTECH HUB 2023 @UEH
Creating Customer Experience: Arttech to Improve Quality of Life
» UN World Data Forum Satellite Event 2023
The Conditions of Achieving Mindfulness through (In)Tangible Virtual Reality Experience in Macao
BOOKS
» Lampton, A., Simpson, T., & Pecoroni, L. (2025). Nothing Serious Can Happen Here: Photographs from Macau (S. O. K. M. Ng, Trans.; Bilingual edition). Kehrer Verlag.
» Caires, C. S., Estadieu, G., & Olga Ng Ka Man, S. (2024). Design Thinking Methodology and Text-To-Image Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study in the Context of Furniture Design Education. In N. Martins, D. Brandão, & A. Fernandes-Marcos (Eds.), Perspectives on Design and Digital Communication IV: Research, Innovations and Best Practices (pp. 113–134). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41770-2_7
» Ng, S. O. K. M. (2023). (Un)directed Reading (1st ed.). University of Saint Joseph, Macau SAR (China).
CONFERENCE PAPERS/ PROCEEDINGS
» Ng Ka Man, S. O., Zijun, K. L., & Sena Caires, C. (2025, November 26). Saint Joseph the Worker Church: A Case Study in AI-Enhanced 3D Digitisation and Virtual Reality. 12th International Conference on Digital and Interactive Arts: Media Art Cultures, Communities & Territories (ARTECH 2025), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18721449
» Ng, S. O. K. M., Liang, K. Z., & Caires, C. S. (2025). Saint Joseph the Worker Church: AI- Enhanced 3D Digitisation and VR. Livro de Resumos Da ARTECH 2025 - 12th International Conference on Digital and Interactive Arts, 36.
» Estadieu, G., & Ng, S. O. K. M. (2025). Immersive Storytelling: Exploring the Intersection of Spatial Audio and Live Theatre. Book of Abstracts, Multimodus’25, 2nd International Conference on Sound and Image in Art & Design, 60–61. https://multimodus.ipportalegre.pt/
» Ng, S. O. K. M., & Caires, C. S. (2023). Virtual Serenity: Exploring a Chakra Meditation Dome in Virtual Reality for Stress Relief in Macao. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Digital and Interactive Arts, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1145/3632776.3632782
» Estadieu, G. V., Ng, S. O. K. M., Martins De Abreu, F., & Farinha, D. (2023). Beyond Physical Boundaries—Organising a Virtual Exhibition with NFTs for an International Conference. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Digital and Interactive Arts, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1145/3632776.3632815
» Barbosa, A., Ng, S. O. K. M., & Estadieu, G. V. (2023). Radial String Chimes: A Behavioural Driven Tangible Instrument Derived from Networked Music Performance Practices. 1. https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/hc:63221/
» Ng, S. O. K. M., & Caires, C. S. (2023). Empirical Studies on the Conditions of Achieving Interactive Mindfulness Through Virtual Reality Single User Experience in Macao | SpringerLink. Entertainment Computing – ICEC 2023, 329–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8248-6_27
» Ng, K. M., & Caires, C. S. (2022). Applied Interactive Mindfulness: A virtual reality grave mourning user experience in the Chapel of St. Michael in Macao. Book of Abstracts, Multimodus’22, 1st International Conference on Sound and Image in Art & Design, 22–23. https://multimodus.ipportalegre.pt/
» Ng, K. M., Estadieu, G., & Farinha, D. (2022). (Un)Directed Reading, an interactive kiosk to encourage writing and reading. The Creative Process: Reflections on Contemporary Creativity, 83–85. https://multimodus.ipportalegre.pt/
THESES AND DISSERTATIONS
» Ng, K. M., & Caires, C. (2024). The Conditions of Achieving Interactive Mindfulness Through Virtual Reality Single User: A Case Study Experience in Macao. University of Saint Joseph.
» Ng, K. M. (2019). To what extent social media plays a role in Macao emergency public communication? the Macao case study during Typhoon Hato (2017) [University of Saint Joseph]. http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=173259&query_desc=an%3A82710
SUPERVISIONS
2024/2025 (Graduated in July 2025)
Master in Design
» Supervisor – Innovative Use of Gamification for Children’s Environmental Education in Macao – Yulia, Chen Siyu
Siyu, Y. C. (2025). INNOVATIVE USE OF GAMIFICATION FOR CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN MACAU ：THE CASE STUDY OF “ I MACAU .” University of Saint Joseph.
» Supervisor – PAWMATCHPRO: Interactive Application for Pet Adoption – Kelly, Wei HuiLin
HuiLin, K. W. (2025). In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of. University of Saint Joseph.
2021/2022 (Graduated in November 2023)
Master in Design
» Advisor – COMMUNICARE - An Interactive Multisensory Application to Care for Trees in Macao – Hera, Cheong Weng Ian
Cheong, W. I. (2023). COMMUNICARE - an Interactive Multisensory Application to Care for Trees in Macao. University of Saint Joseph.
Modules
Year 1 Bachelor
This module is an introduction to digital fabrication technologies applied in architecture and design fields. It will awaken and enhance students’ ability to three‐dimensionally present spatial and formal solutions, with a focus on rapid prototyping and material experimentation. Using physical models to test and explore design solutions should be any architect or designer’s primary tool, along with drawing and research. In the past, model making was mostly outsource to specialized companies with all its limitations in time, cost and interpretation. Digital fabrication technologies provide an opportunity for architects and designers to take over their digital plans and empower them to control the full process from the digital design to the physical model.
This module will encourage students to see, think and speak in the visual language of three-dimensional models and art. Students will concentrate on the application of three-dimensional concepts, through the direct manipulation of materials using a broad approach to tools and processes. Although this is a studio course module focusing primarily on specific projects and group critiques, in an effort to develop critical thinking, a portion of time will be spent on slide lectures, films, readings and discussion. Some time will also be given over to the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools and equipment. The module considers both hand worked (clay, polystyrene, balsa wood, MDF, etc)and machine made (stereo-lithography, etc) models. As part of the module, students hand made models for at least two different products and one machine made model.
This module introduces students to the concepts and techniques of computer-based software tools used to draw images and construct virtual models of two- and three-dimensional objects and spaces. Line (wireframe), surface, and solid modeling will be studied.
Year 2 Bachelor
For this module, students critically review and evaluate the design, implementation and operation of a selection of online/virtual environments from around the world. Additionally, students propose and complete the detailed conceptual design for an online virtual system for a selected purpose.
Virtual Environments - LAR225 / LCM216 / LDS408
Alternative Description:
This module acknowledges the importance of temporal and spatial pixel-manipulation within digital media. It intends to develop the student’s technical and conceptual skills of render, lighting and materials, useful for presenting their design and architecture projects to clients. The module focuses on a commercial approach, presenting the students with real-world tools for the outside job market. The students will also acquire and understand the vocabulary on the digital medium, and will became familiar with creating digitally inside a 3rd dimension space.
This module will examine computer-based parametric design systems and their applications and implications for architecture. Through a series of lectures and guided design exercises, students will be introduced to the theoretical background of parametric systems and their usage in practice. Historical precedents of specific architectural typologies will be examined to initiate a critical dialogue between physical constraints and digital design. Various techniques will be deployed in order to generate parametrically driven prototypes with the capacity to produce innovative architectural structures.
Students will have the time and place to observe, practice and test their learning achievements in areas related to human life. The use of real life situations, scenario building, simulation, introspective exercises and project development and management will create an environment where students will be challenged to question and research the wide range of issues that are central to the emergence and dynamics of life.
Year 3 Bachelor
Students will be asked to develop their projects under the theme “Video-mapping: Imagine the Invisible”. The theme encompasses video projects that relate with the idea of developing video-mapping strategies to produce motion graphics and interactive video contents.
By having a firm grasp on the visual, creative and technological components of interactive media and motion graphics, the student will be ready to apply this expertise to a design job in the graphic/motion design, advertising and marketing professions. Furthermore, this program aims to develop learners, knowledge, understanding and skills in graphic communication and multimedia through studio-based assignments. The contemporary context of graphic and motion design will be investigated.
From start to finish, students will learn the core elements of motion graphic design and interactive video-mapping media. This course will explore several areas of graphic design and interactive media, including:
● Elements of design
● Principles of design
● Visual communication
● Digital typography
● Motion graphics
● Interaction design
● Principles of projection
● Fundamental of Augmented Reality
● Video Mapping
Motion Graphics and Compositing is a module whose main focus is learning animated graphic composition, videographic computer animation and advanced visual effects for film and animation. This module aims to teach methodologies and modes of applying advanced animation techniques for visual and sound effects. Its content focuses in depth on the study of kinetic pictures and typography as the use of text as meaning and aesthetic language. Students will learn how to apply motion graphics and compositing for video and film in Motion (Apple), and After Effects (Adobe). They will learn the main elements of Motion and Compositing (Keyframing; Interpolating; Creating generators, automatic behaviours; and particle Emitters; Keying; Stereoscoping). At the end of this module it is expected that student understands and knows all the workflow process of motion graphics and compositing.
The Infographics and Multimedia Design course provides students with in-depth, hands-on experience in the design and authoring of original multimedia works. Students will have the opportunity to study graphic design and interactive design, emphasizing both technological proficiency and visual literacy. By having a firm grasp on the visual, creative and technological components of multimedia and information graphics, the student will be ready to apply this expertise to a design job in the graphic design, advertising and marketing professions. Furthermore, this programme aims to develop learners in knowledge understanding and skills in graphic communication and multimedia through studio-based assignments. The contemporary context of Graphic Design will be investigated. As Graphic design moves from the creation of closed, static objects to the development of open, interactive frameworks, designers seek to understand their own rapidly shifting profession.
This subject, “Infographics for New Media” is going to be the students final design projects and they should use it as an opportunity to develop a communication graph that summarizes the best of their design knowledge and skills. Students should look for their design assets and where they see themselves working in the future, and use this knowledge to help in the development of their design concept and production of their design project. In the course of this module, students will be required to thoughtfully research, ideate, plan, prepare, produce and present their infographics, making the decisions – regarding the concepts, materials, technologies, strategies, etc. – that best translate their ideas.
Students will be asked to develop their Final Project under the theme “Infographics for new media”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing emerging visual displays strategies within the scope of new media (web/mobile).
From start to finish, students will learn the core elements of info graphics and multimedia design. The module is divided in two parts: a first one that will explore and produce an offline infographic (5 sessions) and prepare it for the second part, that leads to the development of the infographic for the web (7 sessions). This course will explore several areas:
• Infographics concept and definitions
• History of Infographics
• Visual communication
• Digital tools for Infographics
• Multimedia design
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• jQuery
• SVG and SVG Manipulation from JavaScript
• Patterns for interactive Web Infographics"
The objective of this module is to able the student to be a creator..
In Design-Lab Animation the students are also given the knowledge of the most advanced tools today in digital animation creation, and are taught on the most efficient way to use them according to a real life production pipeline. "
Year 4 Bachelor
Continuing from Architectural Design V, this module emphasizes the development of design skills that allow students to organize buildings of medium within a social and economic framework, particularly in the environmental context of Macau. The module is focused on a comprehensive design project, with supplementary design exercises.
For this module, students critically review and evaluate the design, implementation and operation of a selection of online/virtual environments from around the world. Additionally, students propose and complete the detailed conceptual design for an online virtual system for a selected purpose.
Virtual Environments - LAR225 / LCM216 / LDS408
Students are expected to be conversant with some of the most pertinent literature of and for our times. Even though we disavow the relative merits of fixed lists of works considered classics, we do affirm the intrinsic value of communal reading and theorizing. Reading lists will be defined and evolve through proposals from faculty and students.
Alternative Description:
This subject aims to introduce different literary genres. Students are expected to be conversant with some of the most pertinent literature of and for our times. Even though we disavow the relative merits of fixed lists of works considered classics, we do affirm the intrinsic value of communal reading and theorizing. Reading lists will be defined and evolve through proposals from faculty and students.
Alternative Description:
This subject aims to introduce different literary genres. Students are expected to be conversant with some of the most pertinent literature of and for our times. Even though we disavow the relative merits of fixed lists of works considered classics, we do affirm the intrinsic value of communal reading and theorizing. Reading lists will be defined and evolve through proposals from faculty and students.
Year 1 Master
Students will learn how to use software programs for making models. They will compare it with hand-power tools and materials such as clay, plaster, wood, fiberglass, plastics, and metals for model making. They will learn how to finish scale models from original designs and surface development. Presentation of digital images complemented by hand made models.
Students will be introduced to the relationships between product (and component part) design, the materials they are made from and the manufacturing processes used to create components and assemble them into products. They will examine economic and social constructs for design. They will also study the resources and evolution of style in mass-produced products. They will learn methodology, with emphasis on research, problem identification and analysis, and creative problem solving. Students will work on projects, both in large scale and full scale, and will explore the nature of materials, the discovery of new materials. They will also investigate the art of detailing.
Working in large scale or full scale on projects, students will study the nature of materials, discover new materials and investigate the art of detailing. They will explore designing computer interfaces and products/objects that only exist in a temporal dimension or virtual space.
