Month: March 2025

HSBC Malta Foundation is pleased to support the 19th edition of the Malta Spring Festival, a prestigious annual celebration of classical and contemporary music, which will take place between the 21^st and the 26^th April 2025 at Teatru Manoel in Valletta. Since its inception in 2005, the Malta Spring Festival has been recognised for its innovative programming, featuring unique collaborations between emerging and world-renowned musicians. This year’s edition introduces an exciting expansion with the launch of the International Strings Academy, a new initiative designed to provide intensive training and mentorship to young string musicians.

In recognition of the festival’s contribution to cultural education and artistic excellence, HSBC Malta Foundation is making a donation in support of this initiative. The International Strings Academy will offer free masterclasses in solo, chamber, and orchestral performance for violin, viola, cello, and double bass players.

Led by an impressive faculty of internationally acclaimed musicians, including violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Charles Sewart from the Purcell School in the UK, and other distinguished artists, the Academy will provide an invaluable opportunity for aspiring musicians to refine their skills under expert guidance. Participants will also benefit from curated chamber ensemble collaborations, daily rehearsals, and the chance to attend festival concerts at no additional cost.

Masterclasses will be hosted in some of Malta’s most esteemed cultural venues, such as the Malta Society of Arts, Casino Maltese, the St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral and Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta. Throughout the week-long programme, students will prepare for the festival’s grand finale concert at Teatru Manoel on 26^th April, featuring a rich repertoire including Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, Op. 110a, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade, and Arvo Pärt’s Fratres for violin solo, strings, and percussion. This extraordinary performance will bring together young talents and celebrated musicians, creating a unique and inspiring musical experience for both participants and audiences alike. Glenn Bugeja Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bank Malta commented: “the HSBC Malta Foundation’s support for the Malta Spring Festival underscores our ongoing commitment to the arts, education, and youth development. By contributing to initiatives like the International Strings Academy, HSBC Malta is playing a vital role in ensuring that the islands’ cultural landscape continues to thrive while fostering an environment where

HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support Flow to Freedom, a transformative initiative by Soar, a service of the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, dedicated to healing, resilience, and community support. This initiative is being launched in memory of Nicolette Ghirxi, a beloved HSBC colleague who tragically lost her life in 2024. Through this programme, HSBC Malta Foundation aims to provide meaningful support to survivors, ensuring that Nicolette’s legacy of strength and compassion continues to inspire those in need.

Flow to Freedom provides a safe and nurturing space for survivors of domestic violence to heal through somatic movement. By incorporating guided movement exercises, participants are encouraged to reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and foster emotional well-being. Led by Soar’s Head of Services, Shakira, alongside two dedicated volunteer dancers, the initiative is designed to empower individuals through movement, expression, and self-awareness, ultimately helping them rebuild confidence and regain a sense of control over their lives.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, a special Flow to Freedom session took place at the HSBC Innovation Hub in Qormi. This event introduced participants to the principles of somatic dance, a practice that integrates movement and mindfulness to promote relaxation, self-expression, and healing. The session included stretching exercises, guided movement, and a free-form dance component, allowing individuals to explore their emotions through motion in a supportive environment.

In addition to its sponsorship of Flow to Freedom, HSBC Malta employees recently came together to raise funds in aid of Soar. Recognising the importance of this cause, HSBC Malta Foundation also contributed to support Soar’s essential services, which include support groups, advocacy, and educational workshops aimed at empowering survivors and raising awareness of domestic violence.

Furthermore, HSBC Malta has long supported Soar’s mission through various initiatives. One of the memorable events organised last year by the HSBC Sports and Social Committee was the Music Bingo event, which included a raffle to further support Soar’s work in providing essential resources to survivors of domestic violence.

To further commemorate International Women’s Day, the HSBC Sports and Social Committee also prepared a special gift for all females working at HSBC Malta related to the Flow to Freedom initiative. This gift, an empowerment bookmark prepared by Soar, reinforces the bank’s commitment to supporting the empowerment of women while also contributing to the sustainability of survivor-led initiatives. The bank employees are encouraged to pass on the empowerment bookmark to another woman who may be struggling, as a reminder that help is available.

“As a foundation, we remain committed to supporting meaningful initiatives that foster resilience and empowerment within our community. Flow to Freedom is an example of how collective efforts can create a positive impact, ensuring that survivors have the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives,” said Glenn Bugeja on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation.

Through Flow to Freedom and other initiatives, HSBC Malta Foundation not only pays tribute to the memory of Nicolette Ghirxi but also reaffirms its broader commitment to fostering resilience, empowerment, and healing within the community. By supporting initiatives like this, the Foundation continues to create meaningful change in the lives of those most in need, ensuring that every survivor has access to the encouragement and support necessary to rebuild and thrive.

Bank of Valletta (BOV) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Gozitan community by supporting Fondazzjoni Arka, a foundation that has been providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Gozo for over 30 years.

Fondazzjoni Arka operates Dar Arka, a residential home and respite centre for individuals with disabilities. The foundation provides round-the-clock care, therapy, and support services, ensuring that those with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as their families, receive the assistance they need to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.

Recognizing the importance of this work, BOV has supported the refurbishment of the foundation’s dining room, creating a more welcoming and functional space for residents and service users.

BOV’s CSR representatives, Cleo Almerigo and Francesco Grech, together with Gozo Branch Manager, Charmaine Borg, visited Dar Arka to meet with the foundation’s management and discuss how the Bank can continue to support its initiatives. The BOV team was also given a tour of the premises, witnessing firsthand how the Bank’s donation has contributed to enhancing the facility.

Charmaine Borg emphasized BOV’s commitment to community-driven initiatives, stating, “At BOV, we believe in being present in the communities we serve. We are a bank built by the people and for the people. Through our support for initiatives like this, we ensure that we remain the bank of the community.”

The management of Fondazzjoni Arka expressed their gratitude for BOV’s generous contribution, highlighting that such support is crucial in sustaining their services. They also look forward to continued collaboration with BOV to further enhance the care provided to individuals who rely on Dar Arka’s assistance.

Through this initiative, BOV continues to make a tangible difference, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in building a more inclusive and supportive Gozitan community.

On 28 February 2025, HSBC Bank Malta welcomed clients and key stakeholders to two exclusive economic presentations led by HSBC Global Economist James Pomeroy. These events provided attendees with valuable insights into the global economic outlook amid uncertain times, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to informed financial decision-making.

During the presentations, James Pomeroy delivered an in-depth analysis of key global economic trends, focusing on consumer spending, inflation rates, and broader financial market dynamics. His expertise provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities shaping the global landscape.

Reflecting on his visit, Pomeroy remarked, “In today’s economic climate, it is crucial to discuss and understand the long-term trends that are shaping economies worldwide.” His discussions underscored the importance of strategic economic foresight in navigating the complexities of the global market.

Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Malta, highlighted the bank’s commitment to keeping clients well-informed, stating, “By bringing James Pomeroy to Malta, we are fulfilling our mission to provide our clients with valuable economic insights. His expertise offers critical perspectives that help businesses manage uncertainty and identify opportunities for growth.”

Jesmond Apap, Head of Global Markets at HSBC Malta, emphasised the positive reception of the event, noting, “The insights shared by James align closely with what our clients need to remain competitive. Access to expert economic analysis is essential in today’s fast-moving global economy.”

HSBC Malta remains dedicated to supporting businesses and financial stakeholders by offering platforms that enhance economic knowledge and strategic decision-making. These events continue to reinforce the bank’s role in promoting economic growth and innovation within Malta’s business community.

HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta (K-9 USAR Malta), a dedicated non-profit organisation committed to training highly specialised search and rescue dogs for disaster response. As part of its ongoing commitment to community resilience and emergency preparedness, HSBC Malta Foundation is making a donation to support the NGO’s vital work in saving lives and providing critical assistance during natural and man-made disasters.

K-9 USAR Malta is a volunteer-based organisation that plays a crucial role in Malta’s emergency response network. Through rigorous training programmes, the NGO ensures that its search and rescue teams are prepared to locate missing persons in disaster-stricken areas, whether caused by earthquakes, building collapses, or other emergencies. The organisation collaborates closely with local authorities and first responders, including the Civil Protection Department, the Armed Forces of Malta, and medical personnel, to enhance search and rescue operations across the country.

In addition to its life-saving efforts, K-9 USAR Malta is actively involved in community outreach, raising awareness about disaster preparedness and the importance of search and rescue operations. The organisation also offers therapy dog services, providing comfort and companionship to vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and hospital patients.

HSBC Malta Foundation’s support for K-9 USAR Malta aligns with its broader mission to invest in social impact initiatives that strengthen communities and enhance public safety. This contribution will assist the NGO in maintaining its rigorous training programmes, acquiring essential equipment, and ensuring that both handlers and dogs are well-prepared for real-world rescue scenarios. Furthermore, K-9 USAR Malta has committed to engaging with HSBC employees and the wider community through educational demonstrations and public awareness campaigns.

HSBC Malta Foundation is honoured to contribute to the invaluable work of K-9 USAR Malta, reinforcing its dedication to initiatives that safeguard lives and promote community resilience.