Asian Media Access (AMA) is taking a bold step into the future of immersive entertainment with its upcoming Immersive Lab at the Sears Site, designed to blend cutting-edge technology, wellness principles, and Asian cultural storytelling. Visitors will explore interactive exhibition rooms inspired by the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West” and other Asian mythologies, alongside martial arts simulations and calming environments such as a digital forest room, all showcasing AMA’s commitment to creativity and holistic wellbeing.
“Journey to the West,” one of the most celebrated works in Chinese literature, follows the monk Xuanzang and his three supernatural companions—including the beloved Monkey King – on an epic pilgrimage filled with humor, adventure, and moral lessons. Its themes of perseverance, teamwork, and spiritual growth have resonated across Asia for centuries. By bringing these stories to life through immersive technology, AMA aims to introduce new audiences to their cultural richness while fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
To ensure an exceptional user experience, AMA is already training an advanced AI/AR/VR cohort every Saturday to help design the interactive exhibitions. Building on lessons learned from industry leaders such as Meow Wolf and Frameless London, AMA has developed a series of strategic partnerships to advance its immersive design capabilities. The University of St. Thomas is exploring potential collaborations using its $1 million Data Visualization Wall and VR lab. Forte, a global leader in audiovisual systems, is advising AMA on state-of-the-art LED wall displays, interactive media technologies, and sound engineering. Additionally, AMA is partnering with Kleader in China to integrate advanced projection-mapping systems, enabling the creation of deeply immersive and visually transformative environments.
“Our goal is to create experiences that are both entertaining and restorative,” said Ange Hwang, Executive Director of AMA. “By combining wellness, technology, and cultural storytelling, we want to offer guests spaces where healthy, mindful choices feel natural.” This vision echoes insights from global leaders in wellness and design. For example, the Global Wellness Institute’s 2025 Wellness Ecosystem Report emphasizes that wellness should be intentionally embedded from the earliest stages of planning (Link Here). Through walkable layouts, community-centered design, and amenities that promote social connection, developments can create environments where healthy choices become intuitive and easy.
