At Media Suhoor, The American University in Cairo Highlights Plans for AI, Innovation, and Student Support

The American University in Cairo (AUC) hosted its annual Ramadan suhoor for media professionals on Thursday, March 12, at the Oriental Hall on AUC’s Tahrir Square campus, in the presence of Dr. Ehab Abdel Salam, Vice President of the University, along with a number of faculty members, in an atmosphere that reflected appreciation, connection, and long-standing partnership with members of the media.

The event drew a notable gathering of journalists and media figures as part of an annual tradition that AUC maintains to strengthen communication with media institutions and exchange views on higher education issues and the role of academic institutions in supporting community development.

In his remarks during the event, Dr. Ehab Abdel Salam welcomed the attendees and emphasized AUC’s pride in its longstanding professional relationship with journalists and media professionals. He also underscored the university’s commitment to continuing this annual Ramadan gathering, which brings together a social occasion with meaningful dialogue on education and knowledge.

Dr. Abdel Salam noted that the higher education sector is undergoing profound and accelerating transformations at both the regional and international levels. He explained that universities are no longer merely traditional spaces for receiving knowledge, but have become dynamic environments where technology intersects with research, and where critical thinking and adaptability are increasingly essential.

He added that maintaining the quality of education while accommodating growing student populations remains one of the most significant challenges facing higher education institutions in the region. AUC, he said, views these transformations as an opportunity to strengthen its role and reinforce excellence in education and research.

Abdel Salam reviewed a number of initiatives and projects currently being advanced by the university, most notably AUC’s artificial intelligence strategy, which aims to integrate AI applications into the educational process, build the capacities of faculty, students, and staff, and align learning outcomes with labor market needs, while ensuring the ethical and responsible use of these technologies.

He also highlighted the university’s plans for the Technology, Research and Innovation Lab (TRI Lab), which is envisioned as an interdisciplinary space where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can develop practical ideas and solutions that serve society, within a modern educational framework that bridges academic knowledge and real-world application.

Dr. Abdel Salam further spoke about the importance of enhancing the student experience, stressing that the quality of learning is closely linked to the quality of campus life. This, he said, drives the university’s efforts to create sustainable and inclusive academic and residential environments, while also expanding opportunities for study abroad through exchange programs with more than 200 partner universities worldwide.

In the same context, he reviewed the Continuing Education Center project, which aims to offer flexible and specialized programs that respond to evolving needs in Egypt and the wider region, promote lifelong learning, and support workforce readiness through collaboration with government entities and the private sector.

Abdel Salam affirmed that these projects are part of an integrated vision aimed at reinforcing AUC’s position as a center for knowledge and innovation and as an active partner in community development, with a strong focus on preparing graduates equipped with critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt to rapid changes in the labor market.

He also stressed the university’s commitment to making high-quality education accessible to outstanding students regardless of their economic circumstances, noting that the budget allocated to scholarships and financial aid has increased to $52 million, enabling broader student support and reflecting AUC’s commitment to equal opportunity.

The event was attended by a distinguished group of journalists and media professionals, including Akram El Kassas, former Chairman of Youm7, media expert Amr El Kakhki, Ahmed El Sersawy, Managing Editor of Akhbar Al Youm, and Basyony Komsan, expert in media information centers. A number of AUC faculty members also attended, including Dr. Hussein Amin and Dr. Mahmoud Allam.

The evening concluded in a Ramadan atmosphere that reaffirmed AUC’s commitment to strengthening its ties with media professionals and supporting community dialogue on education and development, further reflecting the university’s academic and societal role in Egypt and the region.