Author: Mel Chamber

HSBC Malta Foundation and Hudson Foundation have partnered with Inspire to support two impactful projects: the creation of a new outdoor playground in Bulebel for LinC students with autism and challenging behaviours, and major renovations at Inspire’s Marsaskala facility, which will benefit children and adults with disabilities attending various programs.

The outdoor playground aims to provide an inclusive and engaging space for children of different abilities. Equipped with trampolines, swings, and soft flooring, the playground is designed to encourage physical activity in a safe environment, while offering a controlled sensory experience and a space for social interaction. Outdoor activities have been shown to help children manage energy levels, reduce stress, and improve behaviour management, contributing to their overall well-being.

Meanwhile, the renovation of Inspire’s Marsaskala facility focuses on enhancing infrastructure to better meet the needs of its service users. Plans include modernising the premises, installing energy-efficient ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and implementing embellishment works to create a more welcoming and sustainable environment.

Speaking about the collaboration, HSBC Malta Foundation CEO Geoffrey Fichte said: “This partnership with the Hudson Foundation represents a significant milestone for the HSBC Malta Foundation, marking our first joint initiative with another foundation in many years. By working together to support Inspire, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Projects like these reflect our belief in creating environments where everyone can thrive.”

Alfie Borg, Hudson Holdings Ltd. Founder and Chairman, added: “I am thrilled to announce our co-sponsorship with HSBC to create an inclusive playground for children with disabilities. This partnership embodies our shared commitment to fostering environments where every child can play, learn, and grow without barriers. Together, we are building a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.”

Antonello Gauci, CEO of Inspire said: “”We are incredibly grateful for the generous support. The new outdoor playground in Bulebel and the renovations at our Marsascala facility will make a profound difference in the lives of our service users. This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships in driving positive change, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.”

These projects are part of Inspire’s ongoing efforts to create therapeutic and educational facilities that address the unique needs of its service users. With the support of HSBC Malta Foundation and Hudson Foundation, Inspire continues to enhance the quality of its services and interventions, further cementing its position as a leader in supporting persons with disabilities and their families.

For more information about these projects, please contact Inspire via email at communications@inspire.org.mt or by phone at 20928150.

The HSBC Malta Foundation, in collaboration with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honeybee (KNM), celebrated the winners of the National Insect €2 Commemorative Coin Competition during a special ceremony held at the HSBC Malta Foundation’s premises in Valletta.

The competition, aimed at raising awareness of the endemic Maltese Honeybee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), invited participants to create short videos showcasing the bee’s unique dark-coloured abdomen and its critical role in the ecosystem. The winning videos, determined by public votes on KNM’s YouTube channel, effectively highlighted the importance of this vital pollinator to Malta’s biodiversity.

Each of the seven winners — Jeremy Bonello, Brendan Buttigieg, Sebastian Said, Jake Desira, Jorge Spiteri, Joseph Zammit, and Monika Gerdvilyte — was awarded a limited-edition €2 commemorative coin issued by the Central Bank of Malta. These coins were generously sponsored by the HSBC Malta Foundation to honour the Maltese Honeybee, officially recognised as Malta’s National Insect.

Speaking at the event, Glenn Bugeja, representing the HSBC Malta Foundation, said: “We are proud to support KNM by sponsoring the purchase of these limited-edition commemorative coins honouring the National Insect of Malta. Conservation efforts can take many forms, from hands-on fieldwork to initiatives like this, which celebrate such a vital pollinator deeply intertwined with our country.”

Dylan Farrugia, Co-founder and President of KNM, expressed his gratitude: “I am delighted that a commemorative coin honouring the national insect of Malta is now available. Every effort towards conservation, in any form, contributes to combating the numerous threats facing our honeybee. We are grateful to the HSBC Malta Foundation for recognising and supporting these vital conservation efforts.”

The Maltese Honeybee, an endemic species that has evolved in isolation for centuries, faces significant threats to its genetic purity due to the introduction of foreign bee stock. The competition and the release of the commemorative coin aim to raise awareness about these challenges and inspire efforts to protect the species from extinction.

The HSBC Malta Foundation’s sponsorship of the competition highlights its ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Through such initiatives, HSBC continues to play a vital role in fostering awareness of Malta’s unique biodiversity and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Bank of Valletta has successfully launched its SEPA Incoming Instant Payments service, offering customers a faster, more efficient way to receive funds from anywhere in Europe. This milestone underscores the Bank’s commitment to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions, and its drive to enhance the customer experience with modern, reliable payment solutions.

With SEPA Incoming Instant Payments, funds are transferred and made available in the recipient’s account in under 10 seconds, any time of day or year. Unlike traditional SEPA transfers, which can take up to three days, this service ensures funds are immediately accessible, providing unmatched convenience and reliability for both individuals and businesses.

The launch is part of Bank of Valletta’s broader strategy to modernise its services and meet the evolving needs of its customers. Businesses stand to benefit from improved cash flow and efficiency, while individuals enjoy the peace of mind that comes with real-time updates and instant access to funds.

The achievement is the result of a year-long collaboration across multiple teams within the Bank, demonstrating the bank’s ability to deliver complex, high-impact projects through teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence.

Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, gave his first reaction on the launch, stating, “The introduction of SEPA Instant Payments is a landmark moment for Bank of Valletta. This achievement underscores our commitment to provide innovative and customer-centric solutions, while also reflecting the exceptional teamwork and expertise of our people”. Tonia Naudi, Lead Payments and Multichannel, corroborated his comments by adding, “This project highlights the dedication and collaboration of our teams, who have worked tirelessly to bring it to life. SEPA Instant Payments are a game-changer, and we are proud to offer this service, setting a new standard for payment solutions in Malta”.

As Bank of Valletta continues to enhance its payment services, the launch of SEPA Instant Payments marks an important step in its journey towards delivering faster, more efficient, and customer-focused solutions. This milestone reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. For further details about SEPA Instant Payments, one may visit www.bov.com  or contact the Bank’s Customer Service Centre on 356 2131 2020.

HSBC Malta Foundation has partnered with Sacred Heart School on a groundbreaking project, Creative Leftovers, blending education with sustainable development. The initiative challenges students to creatively repurpose leftover food into new meals, linking language skills to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while promoting sustainable consumption.

Through Creative Leftovers, students not only honed their culinary creativity but also embraced the value of community support. Proceeds from the sale of their collective efforts, a beautifully designed recipe book, will be directed towards aiding those in need. The project aligns closely with the school’s mission to foster social awareness and active community participation.

The initiative has already seen remarkable success, with nearly 200 copies of the recipe book sold even before its official launch, reflecting strong enthusiasm from parents and the wider community.

The book’s launch was celebrated during a special event at the end of November at Sacred Heart School. The occasion featured a heartwarming Christmas-themed assembly performed by the students, who proudly showcased their contributions while donning chef hats.

Speaking about the initiative, Geoffrey Fichte, HSBC Malta CEO, said: “Creative Leftovers is a wonderful example of how small actions can inspire big changes. By combining sustainability with education, this project not only teaches children valuable skills but also instils a strong sense of social responsibility. We are proud to support such an innovative initiative that reflects the values we stand for at HSBC Malta Foundation.”

HSBC Malta Foundation remains committed to supporting innovative projects that combine education with sustainability and social impact. Initiatives like Creative Leftovers not only equip young minds with valuable skills but also inspire a sense of responsibility towards our planet and each other.

As part of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), HSBC Malta Foundation has undertaken five impactful initiatives to promote environmental responsibility and support the community. The week-long activities highlight the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of sustainability.

1. Bring Your Own Container Initiative

HSBC Malta Foundation collaborated with the Malta Circular Economy Unit to host an information session promoting the Bring Your Own Container Initiative. Held online, the session was attended by approximately 130 HSBC employees. The initiative encourages individuals to use reusable containers when purchasing products, reducing reliance on single-use packaging, promoting responsible consumption, and fostering environmental awareness.

2. Beach Clean-Up

Eight HSBC employees from the Back Office Distribution Support team, including one who travelled from Gozo, used their voluntary leave day to participate in a beach clean-up. The team collected 12 bags of trash, contributing to a cleaner shoreline and protecting marine life. This initiative not only addressed littering but also raised awareness about the importance of waste reduction and prevention.

3. Clothing Donation Drive for Soup Kitchen

HSBC employees continue to support the Soup Kitchen in Valletta with a monthly clothing donation drive, which provides clothing items to those in need. To mark EWWR, an additional distribution of clothing was organised on 22nd November. This initiative has become a cornerstone of community support, with HSBC staff actively involved in sorting and distributing donated items. The Soup Kitchen remains a vital resource, offering meals and clothing to vulnerable members of the community.

4. Supporting Sacred Heart Junior School’s Eko-Skola Project

HSBC Malta Foundation provided financial support to Sacred Heart Junior School’s Eko-Skola students, who focused on food waste reduction during EWWR. The students encouraged their school community to develop recipes using leftover food and compiled these into a recipe book, with proceeds going to Hospice Malta. The project, endorsed by Masterchef Malta’s Chef Joe Vella, combines sustainability with educational and social impact, fostering creativity and community engagement.

5. Team Volunteering at the Soup Kitchen

Members of HSBC Malta’s South Wealth Team spent their voluntary leave day at the Soup Kitchen in Valletta, preparing meals for disadvantaged individuals. The team gained firsthand experience of the challenges faced by those in need while contributing to waste reduction efforts by repurposing surplus food into meals. This activity underscores the importance of sustainable food practices and community solidarity.

HSBC Malta Foundation’s initiatives during EWWR reflect the bank’s dedication to embedding sustainability into daily practices, both within the organisation and across the broader community. Through these activities, HSBC aims to inspire others to adopt practical steps towards waste reduction and responsible consumption.

Speaking about the initiatives, CEO of HSBC Malta Geoffrey Fichte said: “The European Week for Waste Reduction provides an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of the impact of small, conscious choices. Whether it’s reducing food waste, cleaning up our beaches, or helping those in need, these initiatives demonstrate how sustainability and community care go hand-in-hand. HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support these meaningful actions and to empower our employees to make a difference.”

With the shopping season reaching its peak as Christmas approaches, Bank of Valletta continues to advise customers to be aware of the increasing attempts by scammers to obtain sensitive and personal information illicitly and maliciously. This is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to increase customer education on the different scams in circulation.

The Bank’s Spot the Scam campaign which has been running since March last year has attracted significant engagement from the Bank’s social media followers. The campaign features on BOV’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, providing engaging content such as quizzes, polls and informational and educational posts to help customers remain alert and identify genuine Bank communications from unsolicited requests and malicious intent.

In recent weeks various phishing attempts have been noted, urging customers to act immediately due to alleged suspension of their BOV Card or 3D Secure app. In these instances, the scam takes the form of an email or SMS appearing to be sent by the Bank asking customers to click on the link provided. Once the link is accessed through the SMS, scammers ask their victims to unenroll their cards from the 3D Secure app by providing them with step-by-step instructions, and the user is then taken to a spoofed site where they are asked to enter their card number, expiry date and CVV code. Other scams are in the form of telephone calls that appear to be from a Bank number, with the caller often speaking in Maltese and asking for sensitive information over the phone.

As part of this ongoing awareness program, customers who visit any BOV Branch in Malta and Gozo until the end of December are encouraged to test their knowledge by taking an interactive Financial Scams Quiz. Three customers who complete the quiz will be randomly drawn each month and are eligible to win a prize.

The Bank has also recently introduced a new AI-powered Transaction Monitoring tool that enables the Bank to identify any suspicious activity before any transaction is affected. Whilst this continues to protect customers, with technology playing an important role in helping fraudsters up their game, vigilance and proactiveness from customers remain the key factor in the fight against financial crime.

Bank of Valletta remains committed to protect its customers from fraudsters and scammers. The Bank would like to remind the public that it never sends any links to customers via SMS, and neither will it ask for personal or bank details over the phone, by email or SMS. With Christmas shopping in full swing and online purchases becoming even more popular, Bank of Valletta urges customers to monitor their account balances closely and frequently and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 2131 2020. Victims of financial scams are also encouraged to file a police report within 24 hours at their nearest police station.