The Malta Chamber was delighted to have both Epic and TriStratus in the Chamber to discuss their recently announced partnership and how together they have formed a powerful ecosystem which goes beyond traditional connectivity. This partnership combines Epic’s infrastructure with TriStratus’ cloud and AI services, providing a one stop shop for businesses in Malta on their digital journey.
The Malta Chamber President, Chris Vassallo Cesareo, during his opening speech, thanked Epic (Bronze Sponsors of The Malta Chamber) as through this partnership The Malta Chamber is well-positioned to create an environment that fosters business-friendly transformation. “We are committed to ensuring that Malta has the necessary ingredients to be a winner in the digital economy of the future,” he highlighted.
During a panel discussion, The Malta Chamber CEO, Dr Marthese Portelli, encouraged businesses to utilise local and EU funding and seek collaboration opportunities, with support available through the Enterprise Europe Network – Malta. “The rapid economic transformation, along with the focus on green and digital initiatives, has introduced significant challenges in a tight labour market,” she noted.
Additionally, Dr Portelli highlighted that The Malta Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2025 Proposals emphasise the need for upskilling the workforce, proposing a “Future Skills Programme” and funding for specialised training. Additionally, The Malta Chamber called for the digitalisation of the public sector to simplify business processes and improve efficiency, including proposals for real-time status-tracking technology, an integrated portal for reporting, and a centralized document repository system.
During the event, MDIA representatives will delved into their digital initiatives and how they can meet the growing demand for integrated digital services and solutions for businesses across Malta, and provide the tools needed to access the funding in place for such transformations.
Bank promotes physical, mental and financial well-being
In a bid to promote a holistic approach to well-being, Bank of Valletta is inviting the general public to take the plunge and join its well-being challenge, and invest time and money on enhancing physical, mental and financial wellness.
BOV is combining these three elements through a nationwide campaign culminating in the Colour My Run, the annual fun run that will be held on Sunday 27th October 2024. The activity, organised in collaboration with Colour My Run and renowned local athlete Nathan Farrugia, is open to all families and will be taking place at Manoel Island, with the support of MIDI. Part of the proceeds from the run will be donated to Richmond Foundation, an NGO that is synonymous with mental well-being in Malta.
This initiative brings together local key players in the fields of physical, mental and financial wellness and aims to generate awareness about the importance of investing time in physical activity, focusing on keeping a healthy mindset and planning for a sound financial future.
Speaking about this initiative, BOV CEO Mr Kenneth Farrugia, said that “As a Bank with a 50-year history, and as an integral part of the economy and the local community, Bank of Valletta is constantly driving the focus on financial well-being. Apart from aiming to be physically active and mentally aware, the public is being incentivised to start planning for a sound financial future. With an ageing population and longer life expectancy, pension adequacy is a topic of great interest. The Colour My Run initiative will be serving as a reminder to the public to start planning for retirement at an early stage, by means of small monthly contributions into a new Personal Pension Plan through BOV”.
Colour My Run organiser Nathan Farrugia, known locally for his sporting and philanthropic efforts, said about the partnership with BOV: “This partnership is a true indication of the commitment towards health and wellbeing that we all believe in. Thanks to the partnership, we can expand our impact, get more people active and spread the word about mental health and the benefits of physical activity for both body and mind. We encourage everyone, of any ability, to participate, whether you walk, run or dance your way around the fun course filled with colour and happiness!”
Richmond Foundation CEO Daniela Calleja Bitar said: “Colour My Run is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of unity, wellness, and community spirit. At Richmond Foundation, we believe in the power of movement—not just for our physical health but for our mental well-being.
This year, we run together to show that every step forward is a step toward a healthier, more vibrant life. Let’s paint the town with positivity and remind everyone that mental health matters. A heartfelt thank you to UN Limited and BOV for their continued support in making this event possible and for championing mental health alongside us.”
Applications for Colour My Run are now open. The public can register here. A registration fee applies, with part of the proceeds going to support Richmond Foundation.
On 29 October, Malta Enterprise, Vistage and Up Your Level are bringing the Futurists of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Futureworld together for a dynamic 1-day summit designed to equip you with the tools and insights to build the future of your business. This isn’t just another conference—it’s an opportunity to future-proof your business.
Why Should You Attend?
AWS Expertise: Learn from AWS how their “Working Backwards from the Customer” approach has successfully propelled businesses into creating impactful new products and services.
Future Thinking Methodology: Gain exclusive insights from Futureworld, a leading global firm, on adopting a future-focused mindset to drive innovation within your organisation.
Product and Service of the Future: Design your future products and services to delight your customers of the future
Industry agnostic: any industry can benefit from this programme
Channel IT, Value Added Distributor for ManageEngine in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, is proud to announce that for the first time ever, the ManageEngine IT Roadshow will be hosted in Malta.
The ManageEngine IT Roadshow is an annual global series of IT conferences organized by the leading software manufacturer. Designed to showcase cutting-edge solutions and best practices in IT management and security, the event brings together industry professionals from around the world. This year, the roadshow will take place in St. Julian’s on October 1, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Corinthia St. George’s Bay Hotel.
This highly anticipated event is specifically designed for IT professionals, including Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Heads of IT departments, IT Managers, Systems Engineers, Data Protection Officers (DPOs), IT Security Managers, IT Auditors, and anyone involved in the Information Technology sector. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends, emerging technologies, and solutions provided by the rapidly expanding portfolio of ManageEngine.
The roadshow will feature six key thematic sessions led by ManageEngine product experts, who will provide in-depth insights into strategies for effective prevention and response to security incidents, network and infrastructure protection, centralized device management, helpdesk optimization, automation, and more. These sessions will also focus on simplifying routine tasks and addressing the everyday challenges faced by modern IT departments.
In addition to these informative presentations, the event will showcase IT leaders from top companies who rely on ManageEngine’s solutions. These executives will share their real-world experiences, demonstrating how ManageEngine products have transformed their daily operations, enhanced efficiency, digitized processes, reduced operational costs, and boosted productivity.
The ManageEngine IT Roadshow in Malta represents an unparalleled opportunity for local IT professionals to stay ahead of the curve, network with industry experts, and explore practical solutions for the challenges faced in today’s IT landscape.
Registration for the event is free, but spaces are limited. Interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot. For the detailed event agenda, speaker profiles, and to register, CLICK HERE.
Bank of Valletta is the Official Partner of Special Olympics Malta for the 2024 National Games being held in Malta between the 12th and the 15th September 2024
The National Games will see over 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities from Malta, North Macedonia, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus compete in five sporting disciplines with the theme of the Games being ‘The Champion Within Us’.
Special Olympics is a global movement that tackles stigma, isolation and injustice faced by people with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport.
Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta met with Special Olympics Malta President Dr Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta together with Ms. Anna Calleja, National Director of Special Olympics Malta to announce the Bank’s partnership with this prestigious event.
‘As an inclusive organisation with over 2,000 employees from all walks of life, we at Bank of Valletta are proud to have Special Olympics athletes whom we call colleagues and friends,’ said Mr Agius. ‘Our support to this event goes beyond financial contributions as we collaborate with Special Olympics Malta to promote inclusivity and community engagement.’
‘We are very pleased to see that this event goes beyond the competitive aspect and places a strong emphasis on promoting the health of its athletes through health screening and educational initiatives that are embedded in the event programme,’ continued Mr Agius. ‘Supporting this event forms part of BOV’s commitment as a citizen of the Maltese Community and we are proud to be associated with this event in the year where we are celebrating 50 years since opening our doors for the first time.’
‘The choice of ‘The Champion within Us’ as the theme of these games stems from our commitment that each athlete is a champion and forms part of one team whose aim is to participate together and share each other’s success,’ said Dr Abela. ‘We show gratitude to Bank of Valletta for partnering with Special Olympics Malta on this event and look forward in strengthening our relationship in future initiatives’.
Athletes will be participating over 5 sporting disciplines, bocce, swimming, table tennis, athletics and football and all events will be held at the SportMalta complexes in Cottonera and Marsa.
Good Governance, Structural reforms, Competitiveness, Productivity, Sustainable Growth, and improved Quality of Life featuring on top
“Given the structural issues Malta is currently facing, it is evident that we need a budget that goes beyond rhetoric—a budget that addresses Malta’s immediate problems, which have been left ineffectively tackled for far too long. These issues are now grinding the country to a halt.” This message was conveyed by The Malta Chamber President Chris Vassallo Cesareo during a meeting held at The Malta Chamber in Valletta earlier today with Prime Minister Robert Abela, emphasising the critical need for reforms that have been overlooked for years.
The Malta Chamber delegation highlighted its 12 key strategic priorities that it would like to see Government focus on in the upcoming budget. These are:
1. Competitiveness
2. Fiscal Discipline
3. Utilities
4. Renewables
5. Traffic Congestion
6. Sustainable Tourism
7. Planning and Upkeep of Public Areas
8. Value-Added Employment
9. Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
10. Low Income Earners and Pensioners
11. Public Procurement
12. Proper Enforcement of Laws and Regulations
The Malta Chamber said that for ethical business to keep investing, they need to be confident that they are operating in a country that has a responsive administration, and expressed its concern that only 1.8% of the 219 proposals that it put forward last year have been implemented by government. 18.7% are partially implemented, whereas there are another 74.9% which have not been refused but nothing has been heard yet about their implementation. The country’s economy needs to change its direction – from a labour-intensive economy to one which is based on high-value added.
The Malta Chamber CEO, Dr Marthese Portelli described this shift as “essential to enhance the quality of Malta’s offerings while reducing the strain on the country’s infrastructure, which is now clearly at breaking point”. The Malta Chamber urges government to change its current course, and take the decisions that need to be taken, even if they might be unpopular.
Stressing that the forthcoming budget must be a pivotal moment for tangible, long-term change, Portelli added that this economic shift must be complemented by robust measures to tackle governance failures that have compromised Malta’s security, stability and international reputation. The Malta Chamber delegation openly discussed opportunities and concerns being faced by the business industry in Malta, highlighting key areas requiring urgent interventions and possible solutions. These included:
• Good governance across the board and carrying out the required reforms, including the public procurement reform
• Planning well the necessary investment required to enhance Malta’s productivity and competitiveness
• Rationalising public procurement to avoid unnecessary expenditure and to ensure that all public spending gives good return on investment (R&I)
• Simplification of business processes and making better use of technology across government agencies, authorities, and departments, to improve operational efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs and delays for businesses, as well as to ensure better enforcement
• The necessary and speedy investment to ensure a stable and adequate supply of electricity, water and sewage services that meet the demand
• Finetuning measures to encourage more businesses to adopt green technologies, offering schemes and tariffs that provide a better return on investment than the current ones
• Implementation of a number of measures aimed at addressing Malta’s traffic congestion rather than merely expanding road networks or adopting sporadic measures which in the absence of others end up futile
• Urban planning issues and the importance of embarking on a wider planning reform to ensure a holistic approach which is coherent and respects aesthetics, as opposed to pick-and-choose policy approaches
• The upkeep of public spaces, which should be a priority to enhance the well-being of residents and the country’s attractiveness to tourists.
• Addressing the human resource issue and moving towards more value-added employment.
In response to the Malta Chamber’s proposals, Prime Minister Robert Abela acknowledged the significance of the above concerns and expressed his commitment to considering The Malta Chamber’s recommendations in the formulation of the upcoming budget. He affirmed the government’s intention to foster a more resilient economy, while also ensuring a fair level playing field for business and a good quality of life for all citizens. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to drive the necessary reforms and achieve sustainable development. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister Ian Borg, Minister Clyde Caruana, Minister Miriam Dalli, Minister Silvio Schembri, Minister Chris Bonnett, Minister Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, MP Cressida Galea and OPM Chief of Staff Col. Mark Mallia.
Steadfast in its belief that the 2025 budget must be a catalyst for meaningful change, The Malta Chamber looks forward to much more effective dialogue with the government, together with other stakeholders in the ambit of MCESD.
The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to announce its latest charitable initiative aimed at continuing to support local communities. With the invaluable support and generosity of the HSBC Malta employees and suppliers, the Foundation donated a wide range of essential items to various NGOs across Malta. The initiative focused on providing much-needed supplies to help NGOs assist their service users effectively. The donations included stationery items, refillable and reusable water bottles, food for the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation and Caritas Malta, books for the ALS Malta bookshop, and quilts and blankets for shelters. Additionally, Fondazzjoni Sebħ received a special donation of men’s clothing to distribute to those in need.
HSBC Malta is committed to supporting local shelters by providing quilts and blankets to NGOs such as YMCA, Fondazzjoni Sebħ, RISE Foundation, and Building Bridges for the upcoming Winter season. This initiative ensures that vulnerable individuals have access to warmth and comfort. The bank also contributed food items to the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation and Caritas Malta, addressing food insecurity and supporting families in need across Malta.
In collaboration with the ALS Malta, the HSBC Malta Foundation donated a selection of books to their bookshop, empowering the community through the joy of reading and supporting ALS’s ongoing efforts.
This initiative aligns with HSBC Malta’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by promoting community welfare, social equality, and sustainable resource use. Furthermore, it supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education and Reduced Inequality.
HSBC Malta believes in giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those around us. We are honoured to support these incredible organisations and help them continue their vital work in our community. This initiative reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility and our dedication to building a brighter future for Malta.
“We believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting those who need it most,” said Glenn Bugeja on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation. “Our initiative aims to provide essential resources that can make a real difference in people’s lives and empower organisations to continue their outstanding work in our society.”
The NGOs that benefited from donations of stationery, water bottles, and other essential items include Inspire, Richmond Foundation, FIDEM Foundation, ALS Malta, MCAST – Outreach Services and Student Affairs Office, LOOP, Building Bridges, Fondazzjoni Sebħ – Shelter Milja, Soup Kitchen in Valletta, Life Network Foundation, St Jean Antide Foundation, Happy Parenting – Malta (For Happier Children), Smiling with Jerome, Dar il-Kaptan, Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, Caritas Malta, Families Supported by the Missionaries of Charity, Families supported by the Augustine Sisters, Kummissjoni Parroċċa Tfal, The St Augustine Community in Valletta, St Ignatius College, Woman for Woman and YMCA.
PwC Malta has released its second Economic Outlook for 2024, providing insights into global economic trends and projections for the coming fiscal years.
This edition highlights moderate global growth projections at 2.7% and 2.6% for 2024 and 2025 respectively, masking slowdowns in traditionally stronger growth economies such as China and the US, compared with continued robust growth in India and a marginal pick-up in the relatively slower growing Euro area.
Meanwhile, in Malta, official GDP data for Q1 suggest a marginal slowdown in Malta’s Quarterly GDP growth, down from 8.7% in Q1 2022 and 6.4% in Q1 2023, to 4.6% in Q1 2024.
The slowdown in output witnessed in Q1 2024 appears relatively broad-based across sectors, with manufacturing, ICT, professional services and retail all slowing down in this quarter, while real estate and construction registered up-ticks in performance.
From an expenditure perspective, consumption of food and beverages has registered a decline compared to the same quarter in the previous year, similar to expenditure on housing and furnishings. This contrasts with strong growth in spending in restaurants, hotels and recreation.
Furthermore, in line with official GDP data, economic sentiment survey data also point to a less upbeat outlook amongst local businesses in Malta during 2024.
Meanwhile, on the fiscal side, Malta has been running some of the highest deficits in Europe since Covid, and in July the European Commission has recommended an Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP). However, despite the recommended EDP, Malta’s financial position in terms of the debt-to-GDP ratio remains strong.
Ultimately, forecasts for Malta show a mix of relatively robust, yet slowing – economic growth, with rising consumer pressures and indications of sector-specific slowdowns. This could suggest that while economic activity overall remains relatively healthy, sentiment may appear to be dipping as price pressures begin to affect consumption behaviour in certain local sectors.
Dr Michela Pulis has been honoured with the prestigious BOV Prize in Medicine for 2024, in recognition of her outstanding academic performance. Dr Pulis achieved the highest marks in the final qualifying examinations in Medicine during the Academic Year 2023/2024, securing this esteemed award.
Established in 2006 through a collaboration between Bank of Valletta (BOV) and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malta, the BOV Prize in Medicine aims to promote excellence in medical education by acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of exceptional students.
Dr Pulis was presented with a commemorative certificate and a monetary award by Charles Azzopardi, Head CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) at Bank of Valletta. The presentation took place in the presence of Professor Stephen Montefort, Head of the Department of Medicine and Deputy Dean of the of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Pulis for her remarkable accomplishments. We are confident that her dedication and excellence will greatly contribute to the field of medicine and inspire others to strive for higher achievements,” said Charles Azzopardi. “Since its inception nineteen years ago, the BOV Prize in Medicine has been dedicated to fostering academic growth and producing distinguished medical professionals whose expertise will benefit the broader community.”
Professor Montefort also congratulated Dr Pulis on her outstanding results, noting that this award serves as an encouragement for students to push their boundaries and validate their hard work in pursuit of excellence. “Dr Pulis’s persistence, dedication, and genuine interest in the field of medicine have driven her to achieve the top results among 140 students, earning her this prestigious recognition,” remarked Professor Montefort.
