Cairo ICT 2026: ”AI in Education” Seminar Highlights Initiatives for School Coding and Game Development
The "AI in Education" seminar, held during the 30th edition of Cairo ICT 2026, discussed joint efforts to modernize educational curricula and expand computer science literacy in Egypt. The session was moderated by Heba Khaled, Strategic Communication Manager at the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, featuring Dr. Islam Wagid, Executive Director of the Arab Center for AI at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), and David Garcia, Educational Advisor for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and North Africa at Epic Games.
A Quarter-Century Partnership for Global Competitiveness
The seminar highlighted a 25-year strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and AASTMT aimed at discovering and nurturing talented students from 3rd grade through high school. Through nationwide training programs and tiered competitions, this collaboration has enabled Egyptian students to secure scholarships at world-class institutions like MIT and Stanford, as well as career opportunities at global tech giants like Microsoft.
Game Coding and Interactive Curriculum Transformation
Panelists emphasized the strategic importance of teaching students game coding and design, pointing out that gaming is a multi-billion-dollar global industry offering young creators opportunities to launch sustainable tech startups. The discussion also addressed transforming traditional school curricula into interactive visual and video content, leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance teaching, assessment, and personalized learning.
Empowering Talented Youth Across School Labs
Dr. Islam Wagid praised the Ministry’s efforts in opening school tech clubs and computer labs to facilitate student training and talent discovery. He noted that students who dedicate their free time and school breaks to acquiring technical skills are best positioned for admission to elite universities, stressing that learning and innovation know no age limits.
Passion as the Engine for Success
David Garcia emphasized that age is no barrier to mastering programming and game development alongside traditional schooling. He highlighted that genuine passion accelerates skill mastery and opens pathways to long-term professional and economic success, urging students to continuously build practical, real-world experience.
