Digitalisation: The Way Forward

Earlier this week the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry organised an event as part of SME Week 2021 titled ‘Digitalisation: The Way Forward’, promoting the importance of building digital, smart and resilient businesses.

The event was organised in collaboration with our esteemed Bronze Partners, BMIT and Western Union Business Solutions, under the auspices of the Ministry of the Economy and Industry.

In her opening remarks, Malta Chamber President Marisa Xuereb said, “The biggest risk that the world can face at this point in time is an attack on digital.” She also pointed out the increase in the use of and dependence on technology, particularly since the pandemic struck.

Dr Marthese Portelli, The Malta Chamber CEO, delivered a client-centric and insightful presentation explaining how industry can optimise on funding for industry to go digital. She delved into terms and conditions applicable for micro, small, medium, and large businesses, explaining techniques on how to tap into growth, R&D and internationalisation support with an optimal returns-on-investment.

In his keynote speech, Mr Mark Anthony Camilleri, Country Manager and Executive Director of Western Union Business Solutions in Malta, stated “The integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, including payments, is fundamentally changing how we operate and delivering value to customers. The global pandemic rendered digitisation a crucial priority, reflecting an acceleration cultural change that requires organisations of all sizes to undergo without further delay.”

Mr Camilleri outlined the importance for businesses to venture globally and become flexible by highlighting several misconceptions about international payments.

A panel discussion, moderated by Julia Aquilina, Policy Development Executive at The Chamber, followed. Topics focused on digital readiness, innovation, policy-making requirements and the promotion of digital-ready practices.

Mr Nick Tonna, CCO at BMIT and Mr Kyle Anastasi, Client Technology Lead at Microsoft explained the importance of investing in digital and innovative solutions, highlighting how digital advanced firms have been better placed to adjust and emerge stronger from the current recovery phase.