Case overview
“Remembering Me” is a CNA documentary series that delves into how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping how we process grief, memorialize loved ones, and preserve legacy. In the third episode, VizioFly collaborated with CNA to feature beloved local actor Chew Chor Meng—best known for his portrayal of Mr. Kiasu. Battling Kennedy’s disease, Chew explores how digital avatars can enable performers to continue their craft, even with physical limitations. The episode offers a heartfelt narrative as he reflects on mortality, legacy, and the transformative potential of immersive digital storytelling. The segment aired on CNA, sparking widespread public interest.
The Brief
CNA engaged VizioFly to digitally recreate Chew Chor Meng’s iconic character, Mr. Kiasu, for a moving episode centered around memory, identity, and technological resurrection. With the goal of exploring how actors might digitally preserve their craft, the team was tasked with capturing Chew’s likeness and animating it through a 360° virtual avatar. Working from a carefully structured storyboard, the project had to balance emotional sensitivity with cutting-edge execution. The timeline was tight and the emotional weight of the subject required a high level of care, empathy, and technical precision throughout production.
Our Approach
To bring Chew Chor Meng’s avatar to life, VizioFly employed 360° volumetric capture combined with advanced character animation techniques. The actor was filmed using a specialized setup that allowed for a highly detailed digital recreation of his facial expressions and gestures. This data was then processed and rigged into a lifelike 3D avatar that could perform based on the script and emotional tone outlined in the storyboard. Despite the compressed timeline, our team coordinated swiftly across departments to ensure both technical quality and emotional integrity. The final outcome offered a powerful demonstration of how technology can preserve human presence in meaningful ways.
