Author: Mel Chamber

The directorate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and VET (Vocational Education and Training) Programmes, in its continuous effort to foster scientific curiosity and skills among young learners, has just concluded the 5th edition of the Primary STEM Challenge – an initiative for primary students in Years 3 to 6. This innovative initiative, which was supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation, invited primary students to delve into the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

A total of 50 primary students and 5 primary classroom teachers and their students from state and non-state schools participated in the 5^th edition of this challenge. Participants explored one of three engaging themes namely, Light, Soil, or Chemical Reactions through a hands-on investigative approach. Students were tasked with creating a brief, three-minute video to showcase their findings outlining the investigation process in a compelling manner. The submissions were evaluated by a team of professional adjudicators based on their scientific content, investigative skills, and the effectiveness of communication. Entrants could have participated individually or as a classroom and followed detailed guidelines.

Mr. Olaf Mc Kay Esplora Senior Director, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “By engaging in the Primary STEM Challenge, students not only acquire essential 21st-century skills but also foster a lifelong interest in science and discovery which is at the very heart of our mission and vision at Esplora.”

HSBC Malta Foundation reaffirms its commitment to educational initiatives by providing attractive prizes for the top three entries in each theme category, as well as a special classroom prize. “Our support for the Primary STEM Challenge underlines HSBC’s dedication to nurturing young minds and contributing to the educational landscape of Malta,” said Paula Mamo on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation.

The first three winners in each category were announced on Friday 31^st May 2024 on the STEM & VET Curriculum Hub Facebook Page (ex-Science Centre Pembroke – Malta).

During a brief award ceremony held at the HSBC Hub, in Qormi, Ms Xanthe’ Schembri, Assistant Director STEM & VET Programmes within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation presented a certificate of participation to the winners. Dr Paula Mamo, Company Secretary at HSBC Malta presented the winning participants voucher awards sponsored by the HSBC Malta Foundation. Mr Des Zerafa Cini, Education Programme and Content Developer on behalf of Esplora presented the winners of the Science Communication Award Esplora Family Tickets including the Esplora Planetarium Experience.

BNF Bank’s London Branch hosted June’s Malta Business Network event at its office in Mayfair. The event focused on the connections and investment links between Malta and the UK from a banking and investment perspective.  The guests, hosted by BNF’s Chief Executive Officer David Power, came together to network and share business insights, opportunities and potential strategies, with the Malta-UK relationship serving as a common denominator and the intricacies of cross-border relations as a context.

“Malta and the UK have long enjoyed a strong economic partnership, underpinned by shared values and a mutual commitment to fostering business growth,” said David Power. “The UK has been one of Malta’s most significant trading partners, and our financial institutions have played a crucial role in facilitating this relationship and providing the necessary infrastructure to support cross-border investments, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to grow.”

“The UK’s departure from the European Union has introduced new complexities and market volatility, while ongoing adjustments and potential future changes continue to pose challenges,” he continued. “BNF Bank is well positioned to navigate these opportunities and challenges, adopting an agile, proactive and collaborative approach based on regulatory cooperation, investment in technology and strategic partnerships.”

BNF Bank London Branch Manager Andrew Woods highlighted the Bank’s position as the only Maltese bank operating a branch in the UK, offering clients assistance with their expansion plans in the UK through commercial real estate and deposits growth. “Finding the right financial partner for commercial real estate ventures is a crucial step in the success of a project – it’s not simply about securing funds but also about establishing a relationship that aligns with a project’s goals and the investor’s values. BNF Bank is exceptionally placed in this aspect, driven by the principle of customer-centricity.”

The Bank’s Chief Commercial Officer George Debono said “Malta’s profile as a financial centre is well acknowledged and BNF Bank is a key player in the local sector as one of the country’s core banks. Following a rigorous and challenging Third Country Branch application process, BNF is now also well set to become Malta’s bank of choice for cross-border business with the UK as well as UK based international investors that wishing to invest in Malta building on our reputation for strong customer relationships, regulatory compliance and forward-looking business vision.”

It’s the big 50 for Bank of Valletta, an important milestone in the Bank’s history, which is being celebrated throughout the year with various activities and events for the Bank’s customers and major stakeholders. In order to sustain the Bank’s longstanding endeavours to give back to the community it operates in, particularly the vulnerable members of our society, the Bank has entered into another yet major collaboration, this time with Puttinu Cares Foundation. Through this community project, the Bank will be supporting the Puttinu Cares Foundation in furnishing a brand-new apartment in London. This project follows on another collaboration recently announced with Caritas Malta, where BOV is supporting the kitchen renovation project of the men’s quarters in San Blas.

To launch this latest project, the Bank’s CEO Kenneth Farrugia, Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius and Chief Personal and Wealth Officer Simon Azzopardi, made a courtesy visit to Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, where they were greeted by Puttinu Cares President Angele Cuschieri and CEO Rennie Zerafa. The Bank’s representatives were given an overview of the renovation project and were presented with the site plans of the newly purchased apartments in London. The London project, which will be receiving much-needed financing from the Bank, entails sponsorship of the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. This support will surely help Puttinu to continue enhancing the invaluable assistance to Maltese citizens seeking medical treatment abroad.

Commenting on this collaboration, BOV CEO Kenneth Farrugia highlighted the positive impact that this project will have on patients and their accompanying relatives during the most difficult time of their lives. “In its decades-long history, Bank of Valletta has always strived to be an active and responsible corporate citizen. We continue with this effort even more so during this year as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. We are currently embarking on a number of collaborations that will have long-term positive impact on different local communities for years and generations to come. The invaluable work done by the Puttinu Cares Foundation, and their dedication and support to families in need is commendable and we are indeed proud to be here today, offering a helping hand to those in need through this ambitious project.”

Speaking on behalf of Puttinu Cares Foundation, President Angele Cuschieri thanked Bank of Valletta for its continuous support along the years. “BOV is like a lifelong partner to Puttinu, having supported us with preferential loan terms when we were seeking financing options to purchase these apartments in London. The Bank supported us in our fundraising marathons on Good Friday. This project is probably the largest we have undertaken so far, and the support we are receiving is encouraging us and helping to bring the project to completion.”

Puttinu Cares Foundation is currently finishing off a total of 27 new apartments in London which will serve to keep on helping patients and their families seeking Cancer treatment in the UK. There are currently around 60 to 90 patients undergoing medical treatment and seeking shelter in London thanks to Puttinu Cares. The duration of their stay varies from days to months and some even for years.

Bank of Valletta’s Chairman Dr Gordon Cordina, CEO Kenneth Farrugia, Directors and Executive Committee members paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono at Sant’Anton Palace in Attard.

The first visit by the Bank since the appointment of H.E. Spiteri Debono as Head of State served as an occasion to renew and strengthen the ties between Bank of Valletta and the Office of the President, with which the Bank crosses paths on several occasions during the year thanks to a number of collaborative initiatives. Bank of Valletta is renowned for its support to The Malta Community Chest Fund through the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign which this year sees its 21st consecutive edition, as well as to various other initiatives undertaken in aid of L-Istrina which the Bank proudly supports.

During the visit, Dr Gordon Cordina stressed the important role that Bank of Valletta plays in the Maltese economy. “Considering the size of the Bank’s market share, and its direct relationship with the local economy, Bank of Valletta is considered to be of systemic importance, directly supervised by the European Central Bank, with onerous obligations and expectations from a regulatory perspective. This systemic relevance also places a significant responsibility upon us to support society at large and the various communities we serve, be them either personal or business. Fostering our ties with the Office of the President will also help us in being a truly responsible corporate citizen, as we align some of our activities with those of the Office of the President in helping transform Malta’s future.”

Corroborating the Chairman’s comments, Kenneth Farrugia highlighted the Bank’s commitment to society through its extensive Community Programme. “This year marks a significant milestone for BOV as we are celebrating 50 years since we first started serving customers. We are commemorating this anniversary in several ways, but one important aspect is through major CSR projects that we implement during the year. It is worth mentioning that the Bank has been acting as a responsible citizen since its foundation 50 years ago, and a true testament to this is our collaboration with the Malta Community Chest Fund with whom we have been working closely for decades. Last year alone, BOV helped raise over €53,000 from the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign, while collectively, through this campaign and other donations made by the Bank over the years, over €3 million were donated to L-Istrina. The invaluable work that the Office of the President carries out as part of its nationwide duties, fills us with the additional drive to serve our communities better, both through financial services and philanthropic activities that benefit society and those in need.”

Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono welcomed the courtesy visit by the BOV’s CEO, the Chairman, the Directors the Executive Committee and the Corporate Social Responsibility team. The President extolled the ways in which Bank of Valletta, through its various services, seeks to be of service to the Maltese Society and underlined the fact that Bank of Valletta is one of the pillars of the Maltese economy.

During this visit, the President thanked the Bank for the continuous support it provides in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. “Through various activities and events throughout the year, like the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign, BOV continues to support initiatives to help those people who are in need of the services of the Malta Community Chest Fund.”

Kenneth Farrugia Bank of Valletta p.l.c. CEO, has been elected Chair of the Malta Bankers’ Association (MBA) for the coming term of office i.e. 2024 – 2026. His appointment was announced following an election pursuant to the Association’s Annual General Meeting held on the 19th June 2024. Henry Schmeltzer MeDirect Bank (Malta) p.l.c. was re-elected Deputy Chair for the same period.

Outgoing Chair Marcel Cassar, CEO of APS Bank p.l.c. said that the Association agreed that Mr Farrugia’s extensive industry experience and long-standing presence on the MBA Board made him an ideal candidate to continue to steer the Association through these increasingly challenging and rapidly changing times.

On his part Mr Farrugia thanked Marcel Cassar for his support and stewardship of the MBA over the past years which he said have served to greatly increase the Association’s presence and outreach with its stakeholders. Moreover, Mr Farrugia whilst thanking the rest of the Association’s members for their support and confidence in him, confirmed that he is very glad to continue to work with Henry Schmeltzer, Director MeDirect Bank Malta p.l.c., in continuation of his role of the MBA’s Deputy Chair.

In his capacity as MBA Chair, Kenneth Farrugia will also represent the Association on the Board of the European Banking Federation (EBF), of which the MBA is a full member. The EBF unites 32 national banking associations in Europe that represent some 3,500 banks employing about 2.6 million people and extending over €23 trillion in lending to the European economy. It is actively engaged in advocacy and the support of policies that foster economic growth and jobs.

HSBC Malta is proud to announce its partnership with St Ignatius College Ħandaq Secondary School in organising a series of mock job interviews in an initiative aimed at boosting the career readiness of Malta’s youth. This collaboration underscores HSBC’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and professional preparedness amongst students.

The mock interview event took place in May and engaged Year 10 students in a practical learning environment where they could apply their interview skills in real-life scenarios. These sessions were designed to bridge the gap between educational achievements and real-world job market expectations, providing students with valuable feedback from seasoned professionals.

HSBC volunteers, including key members from various departments, shared their expertise, offering insights into the dynamics of job interviews and effective communication strategies. This initiative not only helped students gain confidence but also equipped them with essential skills required in today’s competitive job environment.

“HSBC is committed to investing in the future by supporting educational programs that cultivate the talents of young individuals. Our involvement with St Ignatius College is part of our broader strategy to enhance access to quality education and career development opportunities,” said Maria Boot, Risk Manager at HSBC Malta. She added, “We believe that by preparing students for the professional challenges ahead, we are contributing to a well-equipped future workforce, and ultimately, to the sustainable growth of our community.”

This event is one of several initiatives led by HSBC to support educational and professional development across Malta. By partnering with educational institutions like St Ignatius College, the bank hopes to make a lasting impact on the professional landscape of tomorrow.

“HSBC’s involvement in the mock interview initiative has been a truly enriching experience for our students,” remarked Ann Julene Hili, Principal Education Support Practitioner – Career Advisor at St. Ignatius College. “The professional guidance and real-world insights provided by HSBC volunteers have significantly enhanced our students’ readiness for the world of work. We are immensely grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to equip our students with the necessary skills for their future careers.”