The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry welcomes the announcement that its long-standing proposal for direct flights between the US and Malta has finally been realised. US carrier Delta Airlines has announced plans to commence direct flights from New York to Malta starting June 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in boosting US tourism to Malta and will strengthen trade links between the two countries.
This proposal was first introduced in The Malta Chamber’s Rediscover document in November 2021 and since then it has been a recurring recommendation in every set of prebudget submissions to the Government. Over the past two years, The Malta Chamber has actively encouraged its members, particularly those within the Tourism Operators Business Committee, to leverage their US business contacts to advance this initiative. Some members have even reported productive discussions with American carriers underlying the level of commitment put into this effort.
The US is considered one of the most attractive source markets for Malta, provided that we attract the higher per capita visitor spending. Visitor numbers from the US have been steadily increasing, reflecting the strong potential of this market.
While the launch of direct flights represents a major breakthrough, The Malta Chamber underlines that this development alone is not sufficient. To sustain progress and maximise the opportunity, Malta must redouble its efforts to deliver an exceptional visitor experience. US travellers are known for their discerning tastes, which means quality across all aspects of the tourism product chain is crucial.
As a starting point, The Malta Chamber calls for stricter enforcement of regulations related to cleanliness, upkeep, and overall service standards. This will safeguard Malta’s reputation as a competitive and attractive destination while ensuring that the country capitalizes fully on this landmark opportunity.
Author: Mel Chamber
Lucienne Pace Ross elected Territory Senior Partner for PwC Malta
PwC Malta has announced the appointment of Lucienne Pace Ross as Territory Senior Partner (TSP), effective 1 October 2025. She succeeds David Valenzia, who has served as TSP of the firm for the last eight years.
David Valenzia has been with PwC for 36 years, 27 of them as a partner, and will be retiring from the firm on 31 December 2025 having reached the firm’s official retirement age.
Commenting on the election of his successor, David Valenzia said, “Congratulations to Lucienne on her election. Throughout her years at PwC, Lucienne has strengthened our quality and risk agenda and built trusted relationships across industries and our network. She brings deep business and assurance experience, a clear, objective view of the facts and a relentless focus on quality. I believe that PwC Malta is in very capable hands as it moves forward to deliver outcomes that our clients can rely on. I am grateful to our clients and our people for their support over the last eight years, and I am confident that Lucienne will maintain our fundamental principles, values and culture as she guides the firm to further success in the years ahead.”
Lucienne joined PwC Malta in 1997 after graduating in Accountancy from the University of Malta. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA), where she currently serves as vice-president. She was appointed assurance partner on 1 July 2006 and assumed the role of quality and risk management partner in 2011. Lucienne has acted as assurance engagement leader on a diverse client portfolio, including groups of companies and other non-group companies that vary in size and structure. Her experience spans the audit of local and foreign-owned companies across multiple industries and sectors. She has complemented her experience with secondments to PwC offices in New York and Brussels and has participated in and led various global projects at a network level.
“It is a privilege to have been elected Senior Partner and to have the opportunity to lead our talented team. I would like to thank David for his leadership over the last eight years. My aim is to build on the firm’s strong foundations. As we look ahead, the market is evolving rapidly – clients face pressure to transform, to digitise responsibly, and to maintain trust in a challenging environment. My priority will be to ensure our firm stays ahead of these shifts, bringing the best of our people and our network to deliver insight, innovation and lasting value for our clients, while continuing to build a sustainable and resilient firm for the future,’ said Lucienne Pace Ross.
Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship Marks Breakout Year as Demand Triples
Less than a year since its launch, the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship (CoE) is making a remarkable impact. Established by JA Malta, the HSBC Malta Foundation, and the Ministry for Education, the CoE has seen demand for its teacher training more than triple, with four upcoming October sessions already fully booked.
The CoE equips schools to integrate financial capability and entrepreneurship across the curriculum through accredited training, practical resources, and ongoing mentorship. From its early pilot projects in schools across Malta, the initiative has demonstrated that when teachers are given the right tools and training, students quickly engage with essential money skills such as budgeting, saving, evaluating offers, avoiding scams, and planning for future goals.
In June 2025, 19 educators were recognised as Accredited Financial Capability Teachers, reflecting months of practical implementation in classrooms. Many of these teachers are now active contributors to the CoE’s community of practice, sharing resources, co-creating activities, and mentoring peers.
Petra Ellul-Mercer, Financial Capability Project Developer at JA Malta, said: “Our vision was clear: financial capability should not be a stand-alone subject but a way of teaching across disciplines. The surge in demand shows that schools and educators are eager for practical training that delivers immediate benefits for students.”
The CoE’s work also connects with broader educational initiatives such as Let’s Talk Farming and Eco Skola, embedding financial literacy into sustainability and entrepreneurship projects. Its hands-on resources include Dilemme, a financial education board game adapted for Maltese classrooms with support from the HSBC Malta Foundation.
Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., added: “This is such an important initiative, and it is encouraging to see it off to such a strong start. By working together with educators and partners, we are helping to build lifelong skills and confidence that young people will carry into their future careers and communities.”
Looking ahead, the CoE will honour the first schools to achieve recognition as Centres of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship at the Digital Finance Frontiers conference on 15 October 2025—one year to the day since its inception.
About the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship
Launched on 15 October 2024 by JA Malta in partnership with the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Ministry for Education, the CoE equips educators and schools to integrate financial capability and entrepreneurship across the curriculum through accredited training, resources, and mentorship, helping young people become confident, critical thinkers and responsible decision-makers. Click here for more info.
HSBC Malta Foundation Supports Restoration of Anton Inglott Painting at Malta Society of Arts
Housed at the Chapel of the MSA’s headquarters Palazzo de La Salle, the painting titled Sacred Heart of Jesus will be restored by PrevArti.
The HSBC Malta Foundation is supporting the Malta Society of Arts (MSA) in the restoration of Anton Inglott’s painting Sacred Heart of Jesus, an important work of Maltese modern art housed at the Society’s historic headquarters in Valletta.
Anton Inglott (1915–1945) is regarded as one of the foremost artists of his generation, credited with introducing modern conceptions and techniques into Malta’s art scene before his untimely death at the age of 30. His works are rare and highly valued, making the restoration of the Sacred Heart an important step in safeguarding a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity.
The conservation project is being led by specialist conservators PrevArti, who will undertake a full process of documentation, cleaning, structural repairs and aesthetic reintegration of both the painting and its decorative frame. Tests have shown that the painting has been affected by yellowed varnish, surface dirt, fly specks, and past retouchings, while the frame bears splits in the wood and layers of overpainting. The restoration will carefully remove these alterations, stabilise the materials, and reapply protective coatings, with the frame’s original gilding reinstated using pure gold leaf.
Founded in 1852, the Malta Society of Arts is the country’s oldest institution for the promotion of art, crafts, and culture. The organisation continues to be a hub for exhibitions, courses, and creative development, while also serving as custodian of important works such as Inglott’s Sacred Heart.
Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., comments: “This is such an important initiative. The restoration of Anton Inglott’s Sacred Heart is not only about conserving a work of art but also about protecting a piece of Malta’s modern cultural history. It is encouraging to see this project off to a strong start, and we are proud that the HSBC Malta Foundation can contribute to its success.”
Roderick Camilleri, Acting President of the Malta Society of Arts, adds: “We are delighted to receive the support of the HSBC Malta Foundation for the restoration of this important work. This piece is a unique standout among sacred artworks from Malta’s early modern period, and conserving it is a responsibility we take very seriously. With this project we are not only preserving a valuable piece of Maltese heritage but also ensuring that the public can continue to experience and be inspired by it for years to come.”
Once the restoration is complete, the painting will be exhibited to the public at the Malta Society of Arts premises in Valletta, reinforcing the Society’s role as a guardian of Malta’s cultural heritage and as a space where the public can engage directly with the nation’s artistic treasures.
Restored painting unveiled in Żebbuġ Gozo
The Parish Church of Żebbuġ, Gozo, unveiled the newly restored 16th-century painting of the Immaculate Conception, a work of art depicting the Virgin Mary crowned with twelve gilded stars and standing on a crescent moon. The conservation project was supported by the Bank of Valletta Foundation and restoration was entrusted to Prevarti, led by restorer Pierre Bugeja, who meticulously revived the painting’s original brilliance using advanced conservation techniques.
Speaking on behalf of the BOV Foundation, Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, said, “This painting is far more than colours on canvas. It is a reminder of faith, values, identity and folklore. Local folklore has it that the radiant face of the Virgin Mary turns yellowish and pale before an impending natural catastrophe. It is also said that one day, when some corsairs dared to devastate the countryside as far as the village, a lady that resembled the image in the altarpiece appeared on the spot hurling stones to repel the enemy. Thanks to this conservation project, this work of art has been returned to the community in all its glory, to be enjoyed by current and future generations. At BOV, we are proud to support projects that safeguard Malta’s cultural heritage as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the community at large.”
Pierre Bugeja explained the care taken in this complex project. “This was a delicate and challenging restoration. The painting had deteriorated over the years, with visible cracks, canvas deformations, and a darkened varnish layer. The painting also suffered from damage caused by added stars and a necklace once fixed onto it. Using special conservation techniques, we were able to consolidate the paint, repair the canvas, and clean the painting from accumulated layers of dirt, oxidised varnish and previous retouching and overpaint – ensuring the work is both structurally sound and faithful to the original.”
Parish Priest Fr John Sultana expressed his gratitude to the Bank and Prevarti, recognising that “The Immaculate Conception painting has been a symbol of devotion for generations of Żebbuġ parishioners. Its restoration not only revives a work of art but also renews a piece of our identity as a community. We are deeply grateful to our partners Bank of Valletta and Prevarti for making this possible.”
The ceremony was also attended by Dr Gordon Cordina, BOV Chairperson, Ms Antoinette Caruana from the BOV Foundation and Charles Azzopardi, Head CSR and Events, with their presence further underlining the Bank’s commitment to safeguarding Malta’s cultural and artistic heritage. Through such initiatives the Bank continues to honour its responsibility towards Malta’s heritage, supporting cultural sustainability through the BOV Foundation as part of its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments.
HSBC Malta Foundation Supports Thematic STEM Debate for Primary Students
The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to renew its collaboration with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation for the 7th edition of the Thematic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Debate, which will take place on Saturday 11 October 2025.
Organised by the Directorate for STEM and VET (Vocational Education and Training) Programmes, the Thematic STEM Debate is a flagship initiative for Year 6 students across Malta, designed to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while also sharpening vital 21st-century skills. This year’s theme “digital gaming” ties into a broader national initiative on the subject, encouraging students to examine its potential benefits, challenges, and wider societal impact.
The event’s format sees young debaters examine diverse materials, research evidence, evaluate arguments, and articulate their positions with clarity and confidence. Through this process, they develop not only subject knowledge but also critical thinking, active listening, teamwork, and public speaking skills. All qualities that will serve them well in their academic journeys and beyond.
All participants will be recognised for their efforts, with special awards presented to the top debaters. A representative from the HSBC Malta Foundation will also serve on the adjudication panel, underscoring the Foundation’s hands-on commitment to nurturing educational excellence.
Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Malta, said: “The Thematic STEM Debate blends science education with skills for life. It pushes students to think deeply, argue respectfully, and engage with ideas from different perspectives. As technology continues to shape the future, initiatives like this equip our young people to navigate it with confidence, creativity, and critical insight. We are delighted to continue supporting it.”
Isabel Zerafa, Education Officer for Primary Science within the Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes, added: “Over the years, the Thematic STEM Debate has grown into a much-anticipated annual event that both challenges and inspires our students. The focus on digital gaming this year is particularly relevant, offering a platform for meaningful discussion on a topic that touches the lives of so many young people. HSBC Malta Foundation’s ongoing support and collaboration with Esplora and the University of Malta, particularly the Institute of Digital Games and the Faculty of ICT, facilitates an enriching experience that encourages curiosity, respectful argumentation and empowerment, and confidence.”
The HSBC Malta Foundation’s ongoing support for STEM education reflects the bank’s wider commitment to empowering young people through learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, innovation, and resilience in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Malta Chamber Pre Budget Document 2026: Time to Action
Fix today’s flaws or risk tomorrow’s growth
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has issued its Pre Budget Document 2026, calling on Government to address the major challenges that Malta is facing – competitiveness, productivity, population growth, talent, skills and expertise, environmental sustainability, planning and over-construction, take-up of digitalisation, enforcement, public procurement and governance. These issues are impeding value-added growth, quality and well-being. While there have been some improvements, much work still remains.
In his opening remarks, William Spiteri Bailey, President of The Malta Chamber, stated that over the past year, The Malta Chamber has engaged extensively with Government, Opposition, authorities and stakeholders, putting forward over 200 proposals addressing the above. “While progress in proposal take-up has been registered, much more needs to be done. For this reason, in this year’s Pre Budget Document we have identified 47 priority proposals, that tackle immediate systemic pain points while aligning with the four pillars of Government’s Malta Envision 2050.” He added that, “the road ahead will be challenging, but the necessity is undeniable. The future of our nation depends on the decisions we make today.”
The Malta Chamber CEO, Dr Marthese Portelli, gave a detailed explanation of the 47 proposals. She explained that “for ethical business to keep investing, they need to be confident that they are operating in a country that has a responsive administration.” She emphasised on the importance of addressing the deep-rooted challenges which are deteriorating quality of life, reducing productivity and competitiveness, and which could ultimately lead to economic slowdown. The consequences of continued inaction, or half-hearted measures, will be severe.”
The Malta Chamber categorised its 47 proposals under the 4 pillars of Envision 2050, aimed to ease adoption by government, both in terms of Budget 2026 and Envision 2050 milestones and deliverables. These are listed below:
- Sustainable Economic Growth – Mainly revolving around quality over quantity, a modern industrial policy for the manufacturing industry, stronger trade links, an international logistics hub, lowering corporate tax, digitalisation, fiscal discipline, transparent procurement, and targeted tax incentives for high-value sectors.
- Accessible Citizen-Centred Services – Mainly focusing on more accessible services, elimination of clientelism and stronger enforcement of laws, with fully digitalised law courts, revised corporate tax, targeted tourism investment, and workplace mental well-being support initiatives.
- A Resilient Country & Modern Education System – Mainly more public sector efficiency, addressing energy and water resources better, better waste management, linking planning permits to environmental efficiency, reversing brain drain, increasing research and innovation funding, amongst others.
- Smart Land & Sea Usage – Mainly a full review of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED), with measures addressing unfinished developments, incentives for heritage restoration, as well as a number of measures to address traffic mitigation and the implementation of port related reforms.
During the press conference, The Malta Chamber also stressed that an underlying pre-requisite for this achievement should be more responsible use of taxpayer money, whereby capital investment should be prioritised over recurrent spending. Public services must be streamlined, modernised, interconnected and equipped with real-time application tracking to reduce duplication and fragmentation.
Dr Marthese Portelli emphasised that ethical businesses must be supported through strategic reforms that cut bureaucracy, strengthen proactive enforcement, modernise infrastructure and boost productivity. Only then can Malta attract high-value investment and sustain long-term prosperity.
The road ahead is not simple, nor is it without difficulty. Malta’s future depends on the courage and resolve to act now. The Malta Chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the country’s prospects and this is why it is making another clarion call in the Pre Budget. Now is the time for action, not hesitation.
HSBC Malta Foundation marks two years of support for YMCA Malta’s Drop-In Centre
The HSBC Malta Foundation has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to YMCA Malta by continuing to support the organisation’s Drop-In Centre in Ħamrun, which this month marks its second anniversary.
The centre has quickly become a lifeline for hundreds of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and hardship, welcoming over 13,000 visits since it first opened its doors in 2023.
From the very beginning, the HSBC Malta Foundation has been a steadfast partner, providing practical support to help the centre meet both immediate and ongoing needs.
Every week, clothing donations from HSBC Malta employees and the Foundation are delivered to the Drop-In Centre, ensuring that service users have access to clean and suitable attire. More recently, the Foundation also contributed 100 reusable cups, which will be used daily at the centre while helping reduce waste in line with YMCA Malta’s sustainability goals.
Glenn Bugeja, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Malta, said:
“Our partnership with YMCA Malta is built on trust and consistency. By providing ongoing support, we aim to bring stability and dignity to people facing very difficult circumstances. The Drop-In Centre has become an important place of hope, and we are proud to play a part in strengthening its work.”
YMCA Malta CEO Anthony Camilleri expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s contribution, stating: “HSBC Malta Foundation has been with us since the very start of the Drop-In Centre. Their continuous and practical support has allowed us to respond to the urgent needs of our service users while giving them the tools to rebuild their lives. This collaboration goes beyond donations – it’s a truly DAR partnership that reinforces the values of compassion and community, and reinforces our message of Dignity, Access and Refuge.”
The YMCA Drop-In Centre provides meals, showers, clothing, and professional social work interventions, while also serving as a safe and welcoming space for those who have nowhere else to turn. Its work is sustained entirely through donations and partnerships with organisations like HSBC Malta Foundation.
As the centre marks two years of service, the ongoing contributions from HSBC Malta Foundation stand as a testament to the power of collaboration in building a fairer and more caring society.
BOV employees donate hair for a good cause
Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, recently received a heartfelt donation of hair from employees of Bank of Valletta. The hair will be used to create wigs that will be distributed by the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation to patients undergoing treatment for cancer and other medical conditions.
This initiative, coordinated by the BOV Sports and Social Committee (BOVSSC), highlights the solidarity and generosity of BOV employees who came forward in a gesture of solidarity to help restore dignity and hope to patients going through very challenging times.
Speaking during the presentation, Her Excellency, the President of Malta, expressed her sincere appreciation to the Bank for its commitment to the cause and for being a force of solidarity in Maltese society, and thanked the employees who contributed generously to this initiative by the BOV Sports and Social Committee.
Ernest Agius, President of the BOVSSC and Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, accompanied employees on this visit. He explained that “At Bank of Valletta, we believe in going beyond the mere provision of financial services, by contributing to the well-being of our community. This initiative reflects the compassion and solidarity that lie at the heart of the Bank’s values. We commend our employees’ gesture in donating something very personal, such as their hair, to people in need. Through the BOV Foundation, and as a founding member of the Malta ESG Alliance, we remain committed to those initiatives that improve the lives of others and strengthen Maltese society as a whole.”
The Bank has long supported the work of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, recognising its vital role in assisting individuals and families facing health and social challenges. Mr Agius further explained how the generosity of BOV employees in this instance dovetails with the values of solidarity and compassion that define the MCCF Foundation.
Spearheaded by the BOVSSC arm of the Bank, which is essentially a team of BOV volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to engage people across the Bank, this initiative helps create a lasting positive impact in line with its ESG strategy and ongoing commitment to the Maltese community.