Exclusive Interview | The Arab Academy: Education as the Gateway to the Future and Human Development in the Era of Digital Transformation
Interview by Ahmed Fawzy
In light of the rapid transformations the world is witnessing on both technological and economic levels, education remains the fundamental pillar for building (the human being) and shaping the future. From this standpoint, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport stands out as one of the leading educational institutions in the Arab world, offering an advanced educational model that combines academic qualification with the development of life and human skills, in line with modern-day requirements.
In an exclusive interview, Professor Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Academy, reveals the key features of the Academy’s vision in supporting youth creativity, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, and keeping pace with rapid developments in artificial intelligence and digital transformation through qualitative initiatives, most notably the Arab Observatory for Artificial Intelligence in cooperation with the League of Arab States.
The interview also addresses the Academy’s roles in supporting comprehensive development plans, foremost among them contributing to the development of El Alamein City, in addition to its vision for the future of maritime transport as one of the most important pillars of the Egyptian economy and a key driver of growth.
An interview that places youth at the heart of the scene, as the real (force) behind shaping the future, while revealing the features of the present and the aspirations of tomorrow.
First: The Role of the Academy in the Arab Education System
How do you see the Academy’s role today in supporting the education system in the Arab world?
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport plays a pivotal role in supporting the Arab education system by providing a modern educational model that combines academic quality with practical application. It also works on preparing cadres capable of competing regionally and internationally, with a particular focus on technology, engineering, management, and maritime transport.
What are the (key) features of the Academy’s vision in preparing youth for the labor market?
The Academy relies on integrating theoretical education with practical training, while continuously developing curricula in line with labor market requirements. It also focuses on developing students’ skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking.
Second: Youth and Human Development
How is the vision of “education builds” translated within the Academy?
This vision is embodied through comprehensive educational programs that go beyond academic knowledge to include personality building, leadership development, teamwork, and discipline, with the aim of preparing a well-rounded individual intellectually and professionally.
How does the Academy support youth creativity?
The Academy provides a stimulating environment for creativity, supports student projects, embraces innovative ideas, and organizes scientific and cultural competitions that encourage unconventional thinking.
How is a generation capable of facing challenges prepared?
By equipping students with knowledge, technical and language skills, and enhancing their ability to adapt to global changes, making them more prepared for the international labor market.
Third: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
How do you evaluate the role of the Arab Observatory for Artificial Intelligence?
It represents an important strategic step to support digital transformation in the Arab world by monitoring and developing AI applications, raising awareness of its importance, and enhancing research cooperation among institutions.
How is the Academy preparing to keep pace with this field?
By introducing specialized courses in artificial intelligence, developing technological infrastructure, and supporting applied scientific research.
Is there a direction to integrate AI into curricula?
Yes, there is a clear plan to integrate it into various academic programs, whether as an independent specialization or as a supporting tool for other disciplines.
Fourth: Entrepreneurship and Investment
What is the importance of entrepreneurship forums?
These forums are a vital platform for linking (youth) ideas with investors and transforming student projects into implementable ventures.
How do they contribute to creating opportunities for youth?
By opening direct channels with the labor market and providing training, as well as technical and financial support for startups.
Are there success stories?
Yes, a number of graduates have established successful startups in technology and logistics.
Fifth: Academy Advantages and Future Specializations
The Academy is distinguished by the diversity of its programs, its reliance on applied education, its international partnerships, and its advanced infrastructure.
It also pays great attention to programming and practical activities as a fundamental component in preparing students for the labor market, by integrating theoretical study with field application.
The (main) future specializations include: artificial intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, logistics, and digital engineering.
Sixth: The Academy and Development
How do you evaluate the Academy’s experience in El Alamein City?
The experience represents a successful model of the role of educational institutions in supporting urban development and transforming new cities into advanced educational hubs.
How does education contribute to urban development?
By attracting talents, providing job opportunities, and contributing to comprehensive human development.
Seventh: Maritime Transport and the Economy
What is the importance of maritime transport for the Egyptian economy?
It is considered one of the main pillars of the national economy due to Egypt’s strategic location and its role in global trade (movement).
What is the vision for developing the sector?
The vision focuses on modernizing ports, employing modern technology, and preparing specialized cadres capable of managing the system efficiently.
Can Egypt become a shipbuilding hub?
Yes, through investment in technology and training, Egypt can become a promising regional hub in this field.
Eighth: Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Education and Media
In this context, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport witnessed the signing of an expanded cooperation agreement with Al-Nahar Network, aiming to support and qualify young media professionals and link academic study with professional application.
The agreement includes providing practical training opportunities for Academy students within Al-Nahar Network, developing media content, and launching joint research projects to measure the impact of media on society.
Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar confirmed that the agreement comes within the Academy’s strategy to prepare graduates for the labor market, while Alaa El-Kahki pointed out the importance of cooperation with academic institutions in supplying qualified cadres in the media field.
Conclusion: A Message to Arab Youth
The President of the Academy affirms that the message of the future is clear:
“Arab youth possess the real opportunity to shape tomorrow, provided they are equipped with knowledge, open to technology, and committed to hard work, because the future belongs only to those who possess skills and the ability to adapt to change.”
Activities Supporting Student Awareness
As part of its commitment to developing intellectual and cultural awareness among its students and enhancing constructive dialogue, the Deanship of Student Affairs at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport organized a distinguished student seminar hosting the Islamic preacher Mr. Mostafa Hosny, attended by a number of deans, faculty members, assisting staff, and a wide participation of students from (various) faculties and disciplines.
The seminar witnessed significant interaction from attendees, addressing several issues concerning youth, focusing on awareness building, self-development, and promoting positive values, within a dialogue-based approach that combines depth and simplicity, helping to bring concepts closer and inspire students.
Through this event, the Academy reaffirmed its commitment to its role in preparing a conscious and influential generation capable of critical thinking and positive engagement with societal issues, by hosting influential intellectual and religious figures who enrich the educational experience beyond classrooms.
The seminar was organized with distinction and coordination among various sectors of the Academy, reflecting a spirit of cooperation and teamwork, and the keenness of all concerned parties to present the event in a manner befitting the Academy’s stature.
