Dr. Hatem Alamy, Chairman of the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS) and Senate President of the Cultural and Educational Institute for Development and Research (CEIDR), recently appeared on Mariam TV to discuss his latest book, “A Bright Spot: The Digital Age and the Future of Leadership and Identity.”

“The issues challenging us in the Arab world and the broader Middle East are successive and deeply influential,” Dr. Alamy said during the interview. “Educational and research institutions must take up the task of answering the many questions that arise,” he added.

Explaining the book’s title, he noted, “A bright spot, in the common sense, is a chance to look at this long tunnel. It represents breaking through the barriers and chains that have defined Arab and Middle Eastern thinking. This is not just a digital opportunity but a shared search for the future.”

“We live in a hybrid era, between traditional leadership and new digital charisma. Many digital influencers understand the digital game and know how to communicate through encrypted messages and close observation. But not all digital leaders succeed: success depends on grasping the meaning and timing of messages,” he stated. Referring to global examples, he said, “Algorithms have become a core part of election campaigns, including the French and American presidential campaigns, guiding leaders to target messages that match the public mood.”

He also addressed Lebanon’s circumstances: “Lebanon is a country of creative people. Investing in these talents does not require the resources some imagine; it can happen even in difficult times.”

On digital identity, Alamy observed, “Today a person can invent their identity. With current platforms, someone might have a main identity and several others, communicating with different countries and contexts. Artificial intelligence detects the news I listen to and the images I like and then re-analyzes and interacts with this identity.” He warned, “The big challenge today is not between human and machine. It is between those with knowledge and those without it. The one with knowledge takes the place of the one who lacks it. Computers are only tools.” 

Alamy concluded with a call for philosophy and critical thinking in education: “The real test is to deepen awareness, especially in the field of education, so we can prepare a new generation ready to engage positively, with ethical control.” He stressed the importance of digital justice, noting, “What is missing is justice, including digital justice.” 

Watch the full interview on: https://youtu.be/FsR1jIDVl1g?si=dBC0nzIX6Ax5qrln