Prof. Ashraf Zaki Honored at Supreme Council of Universities Scientific Forum
Prof. Ahmed Hamad, Acting President of Egypt University of Informatics (EUI), praised the honor awarded to Prof. Ashraf Zaki, Dean of the Faculty of Digital Arts and Design, during the First Scientific Forum of the Arts and Music Education Sector Committee of the Supreme Council of Universities. The forum was held under the theme “From University to Society… Renewed Creativity,” and witnessed the recognition of Egypt University of Informatics for its pioneering role in developing modern arts education.
Prof. Hamad commended the remarks of Prof. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, who emphasized that investment in the arts sector is not a luxury, but a direct investment in human development and the growth of cultural capital. He noted that this vision aligns with the state’s strategy for advancing higher education and scientific research in response to the global digital and artificial intelligence revolution.
He also emphasized the importance of the forum’s recommendations, particularly the call to develop the internal bylaws of faculties of arts and music education. These recommendations aim to ensure the graduation of creative, highly qualified specialists capable of enriching Egypt’s artistic landscape and meeting labor market demands at the local, regional, and international levels.
Prof. Hamad stated that Egypt University of Informatics has been working toward this goal since its establishment in 2021. The University has aligned its academic bylaws and operational systems with those of the University of the Arts London, ranked second globally in arts and design and first in offering advanced programs in digital arts and design. Accordingly, the academic regulations of EUI’s Faculty of Digital Arts and Design were developed in line with the British academic system, while fully complying with NARS quality standards, ensuring the quality of academic content and graduates alike.
He added that EUI continuously updates its curricula through flexible, block-based learning models, the expansion of sub-specializations, and the integration of academic study with practical application and the realities of the creative industries. The University also leverages technology and artificial intelligence in arts and design education—an approach reflected in student graduation projects that have received prestigious local and regional awards, including recognition at the DIGITOPIA competition.
Regarding future bylaw updates, Prof. Hamad stressed the importance of introducing specialized digital technology courses, providing advanced infrastructure such as high-performance computing and specialized software, and training faculty members to effectively integrate these tools into the learning process.
He also highlighted the need to educate students on protecting their creative works in the digital age, as intellectual property in the arts faces growing challenges, including unauthorized copying and online distribution, difficulty in identifying rights holders, and the lack of unified international legislation.
Prof. Hamad concluded by calling for greater awareness among individuals and institutions about the importance of protecting artistic intellectual property, the development of relevant laws and regulations, and the use of modern technologies—such as digital watermarking—to safeguard creative works against infringement.