Member Profile: Frank Guan
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I am an Associate Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), where I conduct research at the intersection of computer graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality (XR). Over the past 20+ years, my research has focused on 3D modelling and simulation, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and, more recently, spatial AI and intelligent agents. I am particularly passionate about translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions that address real-world challenges and create meaningful societal and industrial impact. Beyond research and teaching, I actively contribute to the international computer graphics and XR communities through conference leadership, editorial roles, and professional service.
2. What was your first job?
My first professional job was as a Software Engineer in an MNC after completing my PhD. At that time, I had limited industry experience and was eager to step outside academia to gain firsthand exposure to the industrial environment and understand how the real world of industry operates. Although I returned to academia after a few years, my time in industry was an invaluable learning experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of the different perspectives, priorities, and challenges in industry and academia. More importantly, it has shaped my approach to research, inspiring me to bridge the gap between academic innovation and real-world applications, with the goal of creating meaningful and lasting impact.
3. Where did you complete your formal education?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Chu Kochen Honors College at Zhejiang University, China, where I was fortunate to be selected for the Mixed Class programme. This unique programme offered me the opportunity to explore a broad range of interdisciplinary subjects, including computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, while building a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. I subsequently pursued my PhD at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, under the joint supervision of Professors Yong Tsui Lee and Yiyu Cai, and graduated in 2007. My PhD journey was an incredibly enriching experience, exposing me to a wide range of fascinating research areas, including computer graphics, VR, scientific visualization, and computer vision. Many of these areas remain central to my research today. More importantly, the experience sparked my lasting passion for these fields and inspired me to continue exploring and contributing to them throughout my academic career.
4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?
I still vividly remember the first time I stepped into the office of my PhD supervisor, Professor Yong Tsui Lee, at the beginning of my doctoral studies in 2002. My attention was immediately drawn to the hard copies of SIGGRAPH conference proceedings displayed on his bookshelf. Professor Lee generously lent me the entire collection to read, opening my eyes to the fascinating world of computer graphics and the groundbreaking research presented at SIGGRAPH. That was my very first encounter with SIGGRAPH, and it planted a seed of inspiration that has continued to motivate my research journey ever since. Looking back, I never imagined that this initial encounter would eventually lead me to become actively involved in the SIGGRAPH community and serve as Conference Chair of SIGGRAPH Asia 2026, more than two decades later.
5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
I have so many unforgettable memories from attending SIGGRAPH conferences over the years that it is difficult to pick just one! What I treasure most is the excitement and inspiration I experience every time I attend. SIGGRAPH offers a unique opportunity to discover cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and groundbreaking innovations across a wide range of disciplines, from both academia and industry. I am always fascinated by the creativity and passion of the community, and how ideas from different fields come together to push the boundaries of what is possible.
6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
I was fortunate to be part of the core team of the BeingThere Centre, an international research collaboration involving Nanyang Technological University (NTU), ETH Zurich, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). The project aimed to pioneer next-generation 3D telepresence technologies, bringing together expertise in computer graphics, XR, computer vision, robotics, machine learning, and other related fields. What made this project particularly special was its truly international and interdisciplinary nature, bringing together more than 70 researchers and students from nearly 30 countries. The collaboration not only produced impactful research published at leading venues, including SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Asia, but also inspired the creation of several technology startups that translated research innovations into real-world applications. On a personal level, it was an incredibly rewarding journey. I gained tremendous knowledge and inspiration from working alongside talented researchers from diverse backgrounds, while also strengthening my leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. More importantly, the experience reinforced my belief in the power of international collaboration and interdisciplinary research to drive innovation and create meaningful impact.
7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with my grandparents, who have passed away when I was young. I wish I could have the opportunity to sit down with them again, share stories about my life journey, and tell them about the experiences, challenges, and achievements that have shaped who I am today. More importantly, I would simply treasure the chance to spend time with them, listen to their stories, and enjoy a warm family meal together. It would be a truly special and meaningful reunion.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
One thing most people probably don’t know about me is that I really enjoy fishing, but ironically, I suffer from terrible seasickness! Nevertheless, I still enjoy the excitement and peaceful moments that fishing brings.
9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
Professor Henry Fuchs from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I first met him through the BeingThere Centre project in 2010, and we have continued collaborating ever since. To me, Professor Fuchs is not only an outstanding researcher but also an exceptional mentor from whom I have learned tremendously, both professionally and personally. Beyond his profound technical knowledge and expertise, what has inspired me most is his unwavering passion for research, intellectual curiosity, and strong sense of integrity. His dedication and rigorous approach to research have taught me the importance of not only doing the right things, but also doing things the right way. These values have profoundly shaped my own approach to research and continue to guide me throughout my academic journey.
10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
Tomasz Bednarz has played an important role in inspiring and encouraging me to become more actively involved with the ACM SIGGRAPH community. He introduced me to SIGGRAPH from an insider’s perspective and connected me with many wonderful people in the community. He has also generously shared his invaluable experience in organizing SIGGRAPH Asia conferences and contributing to the SIGGRAPH community, which has helped me tremendously in my own journey of professional service. Beyond our shared commitment to SIGGRAPH, we also share a strong passion for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. I have greatly enjoyed collaborating with him in both research and community service, and I truly appreciate his friendship, generosity, and continued support.
11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
I would say that serving as Conference Chair of SIGGRAPH Asia 2026, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1–4 December 2026, is shaping up to be one of the proudest moments of my career. With the tremendous dedication and collective efforts of our organizing committee and team, preparations are progressing very well, and we are looking forward to welcoming the global computer graphics and interactive techniques community to the conference. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and wonderful collaborations. My greatest hope is that SIGGRAPH Asia 2026 will deliver a truly memorable and inspiring experience for all participants. If we achieve that, I will certainly look back on this journey as one of the proudest moments of my career.