Milestone of Digital Safety Education: SU Debuts VR Lab Safety System

To strengthen laboratory safety education through digital innovation, the Ministry of Education (MOE) designated SU’s Downtown Campus as the site for the Digital Laboratory and Emergency Simulation Training Program on August 14, 2025. The program gathered lab instructors from universities and high schools nationwide, offering 40 spots that drew over 130 applicants and a 90% attendance rate. 

Supported by the Higher Education SPROUT Project, Soochow’s Teaching and Learning Center collaborated with the School of Science and the Department of Chemistry to develop the VR Lab Safety System. The project received strong recognition from the MOE, leading to SU’s opportunity to co-organize the program, showcasing the university’s strength in digital transformation and safety education. 

The SU-developed VR system realistically recreates a 1:1 general chemistry laboratory, featuring interactive modules that simulate proper lab attire, chemical hazard identification, equipment operation, waste handling, and emergency response to chemical spills and fires. This immersive experience enables participants to learn safety procedures and improve decision-making in a risk-free environment. 

At the opening ceremony, Chih-Cheng Chen, Specialist of the MOE’s Department of Information and Technology Education, praised SU’s VR initiative and encouraged broader application. Dean Chin-Hsiung Hsu of Academic Affairs and Dean Chih-Chieh Wang of the School of Science also addressed the audience, highlighting the project’s development process and its educational value. 

The program received enthusiastic feedback, with many participants commending the immersive learning experience. Several universities and high schools expressed interest in future collaboration. Going forward, SU will continue enhancing the VR Lab Safety System and developing digital safety materials tailored to different fields, building a safer and smarter learning environment.