Author: Mel Chamber

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.

HSBC Malta Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and innovation by sponsoring the 6^th edition of the Thematic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Debate for Primary Schools, organised by the Primary Science Team within the Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes (DSVP). The event focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence – ‘Is Artificial Intelligence a source of opportunity or a cause for concern?’. This event saw the participation of 40 Year 6 students from primary schools across Malta and Gozo.

This edition of Thematic STEM Debate is part of the STE(A)M Learning Ecologies (SLEs) project, an EU-funded Horizon Europe initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Artificial Intelligence within the Faculty of Information & Communication Technology at the University of Malta. Designed to promote critical thinking, debate skills, and scientific literacy, the event provided students with an engaging platform to examine AI’s impact on society through a round table debate.

This year’s competition was structured into two initial debate rounds held on Wednesday 5^th February at the STEM & VET Curriculum Hub in Pembroke, where students debated in groups of 20. The top eight debaters progressed to the final round which was held on Wednesday 19^th February at Maria Regina College, Qawra Primary. The debates were adjudicated by professionals, including representatives from HSBC Malta Foundation.

To ensure that the student debaters were well-prepared for the event, a Public Speaking Workshop, co-ordinated by Esplora, was held on Friday 24^th January at ESPLORA Interactive Science Centre. Students and their mentors participated in a hands-on workshop on public speaking strategies, argumentation, rebuttal techniques, and presentation skills.

Empowering Future Innovators

As part of its dedication to fostering STEM education, HSBC Malta Foundation contributed to the event by providing Mio the Robot kits as prizes for the Top Debater Award winners. Additionally, all finalists received a book on Artificial Intelligence, courtesy of the European Commission Representation in Malta. Certificates of participation were presented to all students who took part in the initial debate event.

Speaking about the initiative, Glenn Bugeja, Corporate Sustainability Manager at HSBC Malta, said, “Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of industries worldwide. At HSBC Malta Foundation, we believe that empowering young minds to critically engage with technology is essential for preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This debate serves as an excellent platform for students to develop communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in any career path.”

Isabel Zerafa, Education Officer for Primary Science added that “such a debate event is crucial for stimulating problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Furthermore, early engagement with the ethics and societal impacts of AI, can cultivate more responsible creators, developers, and informed citizens. These events build essential skills for a tech-driven future, promoting early awareness of AI’s limitations and empowering students with digital and AI literacy.”

The Thematic STEM Debate has become a flagship event in Malta’s primary, middle and secondary education sector, nurturing curiosity, intellectual confidence, and a deeper understanding of STEM-related issues. By supporting initiatives like these, HSBC Malta Foundation continues to play an active role in enhancing educational opportunities and fostering innovation in the country.