Author: Mel Chamber

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and enhancing the well-being of individuals with disabilities, HSBC Malta Foundation, in collaboration with Hudson Foundation, is proud to inaugurate a newly developed playground at Inspire Malta. The unveiling represents a significant investment in creating a safe, engaging, and accessible environment for children attending Inspire’s specialised programmes.

The playground, designed to cater to the needs of children with autism and other disabilities, provides a structured yet stimulating space where they can develop motor, sensory, and social skills through play. This project aligns with HSBC Malta Foundation’s broader mission of supporting inclusive education and community-led initiatives that empower individuals of all abilities.

HSBC Malta Foundation has also extended its support beyond the playground by funding key enhancements within Inspire’s School Outreach Programme (SOP) and Specialised Therapies and Rehabilitation (STAR) Programme. These initiatives provide essential educational and therapeutic support to children and young adults with disabilities, ensuring they receive personalised interventions that help them thrive in school and daily life. Recent improvements include sensory-friendly classroom modifications, therapy equipment, and interactive learning tools that create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the programme’s participants.

Speaking about the initiative, Paula Mamo – Deputy Chairperson for the HSBC Malta Foundation said: “At HSBC Malta Foundation, we firmly believe in the power of appropriate spaces that allow children to grow, learn, and play safely and without barriers. This partnership with Inspire and Hudson Foundation is an effort towards cultivating an inclusive society that gives every child the opportunity to develop and find independence.”

Alfie Borg, representing Hudson Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with HSBC Malta Foundation on this meaningful initiative. This playground is more than just a space for recreation, it’s a symbol of our commitment to ensuring every child has access to a safe and joyful childhood, regardless of ability.”

“Durable and specialised playgrounds with high-spec equipmentsuch as this aid sensory, motor and structured social development which are essential for the children attending Inspire’s disability programmes, providing a safe and fun place to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive environment,” said Antonello Gauci, CEO of Inspire Malta. “We are grateful for the collaboration with HSBC Malta Foundation and Hudson Foundation, which enables us to create meaningful opportunities for the children and families we support.”

HSBC Malta Foundation remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that drive social impact and promote equality. By investing in projects that enhance accessibility and inclusion, the Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across Malta.

Bank of Valletta’s Chief Operations Officer, Ernest Agius, recently visited Prevarti Laboratories to observe the final stages of restoration on two significant artworks by celebrated Maltese artist Gianni Vella. The paintings — St John Baptising Christ in the River Jordan and Abraham Genuflecting in Front of the Three Angelic Visitors — are the last in a series of four restoration works being supported by the Bank through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. These paintings are set to return to the Holy Trinity Parish Church in Marsa upon completion.

This conservation project forms part of Bank of Valletta’s commitment to safeguarding Malta’s cultural and artistic heritage. In August 2024, the first two paintings — God Breathing Life into Adam and The Sending of the First Apostles — were successfully restored and reinstalled at the Marsa parish, to the delight of the local community.

Bank of Valletta continues to place culture at the heart of its CSR strategy, supporting projects that honour the past while enriching communities in the present. “These works are more than artistic treasures — they are part of our collective memory and identity,” said Ernest Agius. “Bank of Valletta is proud to have played an important role in bringing them back to life and seeing them back home in the community of Marsa. This project is a tangible example of how public and private sectors can come together to protect what matters most for our country’s heritage.”

Led by Pierre Bugeja, founder and senior conservator at Prevarti Laboratories, the restoration team carried out delicate cleaning to remove layers of discoloured varnish and overpainting that had dulled the original hues and hidden finer details. Structural work was also necessary on both canvases, which had suffered from ageing and previous interventions. During the process, intricate brushwork, rich colour tones, and golden highlights were carefully revealed and consolidated, respecting the integrity of Vella’s original composition.

“Restoring art of this calibre is a delicate balance between science and soul,” explained Pierre Bugeja. “With the support of Bank of Valletta, we are preserving Gianni Vella’s legacy and seeing these works of art returned to the sacred space for which they were originally intended. Once reinstalled, the full ensemble of Gianni Vella’s four paintings will once again adorn Holy Trinity Parish Church in Marsa”.

The HSBC Malta Foundation has partnered with the Valletta Local Council to support educational innovation in the capital by donating state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) device consoles. These devices will be used to enhance the Homework Club operated by the council and the Optimist Club, offering students an engaging, immersive way to learn.

The donation forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes and technological accessibility within local communities. The VR equipment will provide Valletta’s young learners with the opportunity to explore a wide range of educational content, making learning more interactive, dynamic, and enjoyable.

Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Malta said: “The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support initiatives that empower students through access to innovative technologies. These VR devices are more than just educational tools – they open the door to creative exploration, helping young our people learn in ways that are both inspiring and effective.”

Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay also welcomed the initiative, saying: “We are grateful to the HSBC Malta Foundation for their support. These devices will help transform the educational experience for many of our students, making learning more fun and accessible than ever before.”

The VR consoles will be made available to students attending the Homework Club and during special events organised by the Valletta Local Council. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide while fostering a lifelong love of learning among Valletta’s youth.

Bank of Valletta has extended its support to the Karl Vella Foundation’s “Because You Matter, Because We Care” service, a vital initiative dedicated to providing psycho-therapeutic support to patients, their carers, and their families, who need specialised care beyond our shores.

The Karl Vella Foundation (KVF) has been a beacon of hope for many families, offering a nurturing environment where individuals can find solace, belonging, and understanding among peers who share similar experiences. The “Because You Matter, Because We Care” service is a testament to KVF’s commitment to empowering individuals to navigate their emotions, build resilience, and regain a sense of stability.

Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta met Claire Chircop, Chairperson of the Karl Vella Foundation at their offices within the President’s Kitchen Garden.

“Bank of Valletta has believed in this project since its inception and we are honoured to continue supporting the work of the Karl Vella Foundation through the ‘Because You Matter, Because We Care’ service,” said Mr Agius. “At BOV, we believe in the importance of mental health and the power of community support, especially in times where people are most vulnerable, and this aligns perfectly with the Bank’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more resilient society.”

“BOV’s support will enable the Foundation to continue to offer and enhance its services, ensuring that more families can benefit from the compassionate counselling and tailored educational programmes offered by KVF,” said Mrs Chircop. ‘Since its inception, over 427 patients have benefitted from this service, which figures includes over   60 children. The Foundation continued to invest in skills and expertise to ensure that we can make an even greater difference in the lives of people who make use of our services.”

This collaboration between Bank of Valletta and the Karl Vella Foundation underscores the two organisations’ dedication to making a positive impact in the community and supporting initiatives that promote mental health and well-being.

HSBC Malta Foundation is once again supporting the Primary STEM Challenge, an initiative that encourages young students to develop scientific thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Now in its sixth edition, the challenge provides an exciting opportunity for primary school students in Years 3 to 6 to engage in hands-on scientific investigations and present their findings through short video projects.

The Primary STEM Challenge initiative is organised by the Primary Science Team within the Directorate for STEM and Vocational Education & Training (VET) Programmes within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation. The initiative aims to make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging while fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication among young learners.

Students participating in the challenge will explore one of three STEM themes, namely nature, colour and sound and create a three-minute video showcasing their investigation process. These entries will be evaluated based on scientific inquiry, presentation, and communication skills.

As part of its commitment to supporting education and innovation, HSBC Malta Foundation is providing the awards for the top three winners in each theme and a classroom prize for the best collective investigation.

Esplora Interactive Science Centre is providing science kits and books for the Science Communication Award prize to one participant for each theme.

Glenn Bugeja at HSBC Malta, said, “The Primary STEM Challenge plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to continue its support for this initiative, which not only nurtures curiosity but also equips students with essential skills for the future.”

Isabel Zerafa, Education Officer for Primary Science said, “During hands-on, minds-on science investigations, students actively explore their curiosity while cultivating critical 21^st century skills and evidence-based reasoning that are essential foundations for developing engaged, informed citizens of tomorrow.”

The challenge is open to both individual students and classroom groups, with the best entries receiving recognition for their investigative approach, scientific accuracy, and ability to communicate findings effectively. Participants will also be invited to share their video investigations as part of the 2025 Great Science Share for Schools.  This global, award-winning campaign inspires students to ask, investigate and share scientific questions that matter to them, and reaches over 40 countries with over 700,000 young people taking part.

Winners will be announced during the national Primary Science Fair on Thursday 15^th May 2025 at the STEM & VET Curriculum Hub, Pembroke. Details of awardees will be published on the STEM & VET Curriculum Hub Facebook page.

HSBC Malta Foundation remains committed to investing in education and skills development, ensuring that young minds are empowered to embrace science and technology as tools for shaping the future.

Bank of Valletta recently welcomed the Malta ESG Alliance (MESGA) Consultative Council of Future Generations, a vibrant delegation of students from government, church, and independent schools to its Head Office in Santa Venera. This council aims to create a platform for students and business leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) topics, challenging current practices in areas such as renewable energy, the circular economy, mental health, and sustainable development.

As one of the 13 founding members of MESGA, Bank of Valletta is committed to fostering collaboration among Maltese businesses to drive national ESG goals and serve as a catalyst for positive change.

BOV CEO Kenneth Farrugia and COO Ernest Agius hosted the Council at the Bank’s Head Office in Santa Venera. The discussions focused on the Bank’s role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provided an opportunity for the members of the Council to voice their perspectives on creating a sustainable and thriving future.

The Council delved into topics such as the Bank’s carbon footprint and its efforts to reduce it, cash and cheque usage, sustainable lending, gender equality and community engagement among others. They challenged current practices and suggested mitigating solutions in an engaging discussion in an informal manner.

“The ESG landscape is increasingly complex, with businesses like Bank of Valletta facing mounting pressures related to climate risks, regulatory changes, and evolving societal expectations,” said Kenneth Farrugia, BOV CEO. “We welcome the innovative solutions and strategies proposed by the MESGA Consultative Council of Future Generations, whose fresh perspectives are invaluable in addressing the pressing concerns of the Maltese business community.”

Bank of Valletta remains dedicated to leading by example in the ESG arena, continuously seeking to integrate sustainable practices into its operations and encouraging other businesses to do the same. The Bank looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the MESGA Consultative Council of Future Generations and other stakeholders to build a more sustainable and resilient future for Malta.

Bank of Valletta announced its first-ever public webinar, aimed at helping individuals stay safe from scams and phishing attacks, offering practical advice to support people in protecting their personal and financial information. The one-hour webinar will take place online on Wednesday 7^th May 2025 at 5pm. It is open to the public, free of charge, and will be delivered in Maltese.

This initiative forms part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to financial education and customer protection. The webinar will be led by the Bank’s Group Chief Anti-Financial Crime and Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Ryan Caruana. CEO, Kenneth Farrugia, will also be present and making an intervention. During the session, attendees will learn about the methods used by fraudsters, how scams typically unfold, and the steps one can take to stay protected. Using real-world examples and straightforward language, the session will offer practical advice on how to recognise red flags, safeguard personal and financial information, and respond appropriately to suspicious activity.

Financial scams and phishing attempts continue to rise, targeting people from all walks of life. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using tactics that exploit emotions such as fear, urgency, and trust. Ryan Caruana emphasised that awareness and knowledge are the best defence, stating, “Our goal is to equip the public with the tools they need to protect themselves. Scammers are smart, but with the right information, you can be smarter. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to learn more and stay one step ahead.”

Bank of Valletta invites everyone who wants to learn how to better protect themselves to register today. Registration for this webinar can be done through this link or by using the QR Code provided.

The session is open to the general public, and participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a short live Q&A session at the end. For more information, visit https://www.bov.com/anti-financial-crime-webinar or contact BOV Customer Service Centre agents on +356 21312020.