Hello and welcome to the August issue of CEO Middle East.
This month we embark on an exciting journey through the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its profound impact on various aspects of business and society. As we delve into the heart of this issue, we are honoured to have Ajay Bhalla, the President of Mastercard’s Cyber & Intelligence business, on the front cover to offer his valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the digital world.
In his interview, starting on page 20, Bhalla brings to light the paramount importance of trust in the digital age. In a world increasingly reliant on digital interactions, trust forms the bedrock of successful transactions and lasting relationships between businesses and their customers. Beyond the realm of secure payment transactions, Bhalla emphasises the significance of protecting the entire digital ecosystem from the pervasive threat of cybercriminals.
As we peer into the horizon of emerging technologies, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the consumer experience of payments becomes a central focus of the interview. With AI rapidly shaping the digital landscape, consumers are witnessing a profound transformation in the way they interact with payment systems. Bhalla’s valuable insights help us understand the shift in consumer behaviour and expectations, guiding businesses towards creating seamless and personalised experiences.
However, with innovation come challenges, and one of the most pressing concerns is the potential risks posed by cybercriminals leveraging new technologies like AI and quantum computing. In this interview, Bhalla delves into the dynamic nature of cyber threats, providing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving tactics employed by malicious actors. Equipped with this knowledge, we can proactively develop strategies to safeguard our digital infrastructure and data.
Trust is not only the cornerstone of successful digital transactions but also a critical component of sustainability efforts. Continuing the theme of trust and sustainability, we have dedicated a special section of the magazine, starting on page 30, to explore solutions for some of the most pressing challenges faced by businesses today. By highlighting innovative sustainability initiatives, we underscore the vital role trust-building plays in fostering genuine and impactful change for a better, more sustainable future.
As we venture deeper into the intersection of technology and society, we explore the fascinating rise of AI-powered influencers and their transformative impact on both brands and content consumers. These digital influencers, driven by advanced AI algorithms, have revolutionised marketing strategies and content consumption, redefining the dynamics of brand engagement – turn to page 28 to find out more.
Furthermore, we turn our attention to the role of AI in transforming the public relations industry in Egypt, an exploration featured on page 44. As AI continues to make inroads across various sectors, the PR industry is witnessing profound changes in communication strategies, data analytics, and customer engagement. Through this exploration, we gain insights into the potential for AI-driven innovation to revolutionise PR practices in Egypt and beyond.
With that I’ll let you get to reading. Until next time.