On December 5, 2025, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) at Antonine University (UA), in collaboration with Upscale Hub and the IEEE Lebanon Section, organized a seminar titled “AI and Machine Learning: Transforming Industries and Education” at the Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus. The event gathered academics, engineers, and students for a full day of dialogue and discovery on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping learning, technology, and professional practice.

Setting the Foundations for Innovation

The seminar opened with remarks from key academic and professional figures who emphasized the rising relevance of AI across disciplines:

• Fr. Maged Maroun, Director of the Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus, encouraged students to engage actively with AI’s emerging opportunities.
• Prof. Roger Achkar, Dean of the FET, stressed the university’s responsibility in preparing future innovators.
• Prof. Nazih Moubayed, Chair of the IEEE Lebanon Section and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the Lebanese University, highlighted the importance of collaborative development in AI.
• Arch. Chawki Fatfat, President of the Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA) in Tripoli, discussed AI’s impact on contemporary engineering practice.
• Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA Rector, reiterated the University’s commitment to technological advancement and responsible innovation.

Together, they framed AI not only as a technological tool but also as a transformative force that demands ethical awareness and thoughtful implementation.

Strengthening Collaboration: MOU With the OEA Tripoli

Following the opening remarks, UA and the OEA Tripoli signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), represented by Fr. Saghbiny and Arch. Fatfat. The agreement formalizes avenues for collaboration through training sessions, workshops, seminars, and joint projects, offering mutual benefits, reinforcing UA’s engagement with professional partners, and expanding applied learning opportunities for students and instructors.

The Next Era of Artificial Intelligence

The keynote address, delivered by Mr. Joe Abi Aad, Founder and CEO of Netiks International, explored “The Next Wave of AI: From Generative Models to Responsible AI.” His talk traced the rapid evolution of generative models, their applications in business and daily life, and the growing need for transparent, accountable, and ethically designed AI systems.

Technical Sessions

Ethical AI: Bias, Fairness, and Transparency

Dr. Sandy Rihana, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), examined how machine-learning systems can unintentionally embed bias. She discussed the associated risks and the need for robust frameworks that ensure responsible and accountable AI development.

AI in Education: Adaptive Learning and Smart Tutoring

Dr. Zoulfikar Ibrahim, Instructor at the Lebanese American University (LAU), presented how AI can transform learning processes. Through examples of adaptive learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems, he showcased AI’s ability to personalize education and enhance student engagement.

Hands-on Workshop: From Pixels to Predictions

The seminar concluded with a practical workshop led by Mr. Mario Korban, Operations Manager at Upscale Hub. Participants traced the progression from classical image processing to today’s deep-learning techniques, discovering how visual data is transformed into actionable insights for fields such as healthcare, automation, and security.

Advancing Education Through Innovation and Collaboration

By integrating academic expertise, industry insights, and hands-on learning, this seminar directly supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These dimensions were reflected in the event’s focus on emerging technologies in learning, its strong industry collaborations, and the formalized partnership with the OEA Tripoli.

A Visionary Step in Bridging Education and Industry

The event offered participants a comprehensive perspective on AI’s expanding impact across sectors and reaffirmed UA’s role in shaping ethical, forward-thinking professionals equipped for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.