Author: Mel Chamber

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.

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.

The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to renew its collaboration with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation for the 7^th 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 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.

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.

PwC Digital Services Malta Limited proudly announces the appointment of Kirsten Cremona as Director effective 1 July 2025. Kirsten is also the firm’s Cyber Security Leader, underscoring the company’s strategic commitment to safeguarding digital assets and enabling secure transformation.

Over the past two years, PwC Digital Services has continued investing to grow and expand its capabilities and client portfolio. It has become a trusted partner in digital transformation, offering services that span business-led transformation, cybersecurity, data and AI, cloud infrastructure, and software solutions.

“We continue to invest in differentiating capabilities that allow us to offer services that remain relevant in today’s business environment. This appointment is not just a reflection of where the market is heading, it demonstrates our long-term commitment to growing a sustainable firm and creating meaningful opportunities for our people. Congratulations to Kirsten, whose wealth of expertise will continue benefitting both our clients as well as PwC as a whole,” said David Valenzia, Territory Senior Partner at PwC Malta.

Meet the new director

Kirsten brings with him over 12 years of experience in cybersecurity. He has been instrumental in driving the Cyber Security practice from both strategic and operational perspectives, delivering high-impact solutions across industries. Beyond his technical expertise, Kirsten acts as a technical trainer and a Consultation Council Member of the Maltese National Cybersecurity Community, contributing to national-level initiatives and capacity building. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for PwC Digital Services Malta Limited, reinforcing our commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in cybersecurity.

Bank of Valletta is placing customer feedback at the heart of its transformation journey, using insights from its Voice of the Customer (VOC) program to drive meaningful improvements across the Bank. The first half of 2025 saw a continued upward trend in customer satisfaction and loyalty. This result comes as part of the Bank’s ongoing VOC initiative, designed to gather real-time feedback from clients and translate it into tangible service improvements across all customer touchpoints.

Through ongoing transactional and journey-based surveys, BOV is gathering valuable feedback at key moments in the customer journey, from home loans and personal banking to mobile usage and customer interaction at branches and other contact centres. This insight is being used to shape the Bank’s strategy and day-to-day service delivery.

Shawn Stanyer, who leads the Customer Experience team at the Bank, commented, “The Voice of the Customer isn’t just a reporting tool. It is the foundation of how we design better services. Behind every score is a human experience, and our job is to make that experience smoother, simpler, and more rewarding. We’re proud of the improvements so far, but even more excited about what’s ahead.”

One of the most significant developments has been the utilisation of feedback to address service gaps more effectively. Ian Robert Gourley, who heads the Customer Resolution team, noted that, “We treat feedback as an opportunity. Every concern raised by a customer is a moment to listen, learn, and put things right. It’s about closing the loop. It does not stop at saying ‘we heard you,’ but showing real change.”

With digital banking forming a major part of the customer journey, efforts are also underway to enhance the design and usability of BOV’s digital platforms. This is where Luke John Agius and his team at User Experience come in. “Our approach is user-first. We’re simplifying processes and improving features to make banking intuitive, accessible, and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers. A great user experience isn’t just about technology. Ultimately, it is about making life easier.”

Bank of Valletta’s VOC programme continues to evolve, with newly introduced journey-based surveys targeting key areas such as home and personal loans. The Bank remains committed to using insight-driven action to enhance its products, services, and ultimately customer experiences.

The carved wooden pulpit at the Parish Church of St Catherine of Alexandria in Żurrieq, dating back to 1669, and recognised as the second oldest pulpit in Malta after that of the Co-Cathedral of St John in Valletta, has been restored to its original splendour thanks to the support of the Bank of Valletta Foundation. The Bank’s support for this project reflects its ongoing commitment towards cultural sustainability and the protection of Malta’s heritage.

The restored pulpit was presented during an unveiling ceremony presided by the Parish Priest Fr Daniel Cardona, the Bank’s Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius and Valentina Lupo, conservator and founder of Atelier del Restauro.

Carved from walnut, the pulpit is one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical woodwork of its time, combining artistic mastery and religious iconography. Over the centuries the structure suffered from wear, insect infestation and paint accretions that obscured its details. The meticulous intervention involved structural consolidation, particularly in areas weakened by past damage. Layers of dirt, old coatings and non-original varnishes were carefully removed, revealing the intricacy of the carvings and decorative panels. Missing elements were hand-carved in matching walnut to replace lost detail, while ornate reliefs, including depictions of St Catherine, St Barbara, St Agnes, St Lucy, St Agatha and St Margaret, were cleaned and retouched. The associated papier-mâché Crucifix was also conserved to uncover the original finish.

Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius, on behalf of the BOV Foundation remarked, “At Bank of Valletta, we believe that preserving Malta’s cultural and artistic heritage is part of our responsibility towards the local community. By supporting this project, we helped safeguard a remarkable work of art that forms part of our collective identity as a nation. We are proud to see the pulpit restored, knowing that it can now be appreciated by future generations.”

Speaking about the project, Valentina Lupo explained, “This pulpit is a rare example of 17th-century Maltese craftsmanship, and working on it has been both a privilege and a responsibility. Our aim was to stabilise and revive the pulpit while respecting its historic integrity. Every intervention was carried out with care, respecting the pulpit’s history and allowing its beauty to shine through once again.”

Fr Daniel Cardona commented that “The Church treasures these works not only as artistic masterpieces but also as instruments of faith and devotion. This restoration allows the pulpit to continue serving its spiritual and cultural role within the Żurrieq parish, and we are grateful to Bank of Valletta for making this possible and to Atelier del Restauro for the conservation works.”