Smarter Regulation, More Agility

The Malta Business Registry (MBR) and the Malta Chamber of Commerce will be organising an event as part of SME Week entitled Smarter Regulation, More Agility – Digital Mindset, Better Services and Less Bureaucracy aimed providing a platform for open dialogue between the business community and the regulator.

This year’s event will focus on legislative amendments, the Malta Business Wallet, the Youth Enterprise Framework, BAROS, and identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and improved services.

The event has become a valuable forum for exchanging ideas and turning business feedback into tangible solutions, one notable example being the Malta Business Wallet, which emerged from discussions through this initiative.

The event will provide businesses with an opportunity to share their experiences, propose ideas and contribute to shaping a more responsive, agile and business-friendly regulatory environment.

AGENDA

08:30 – Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:00 – Opening Remarks by Hon Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Technology & Strategic Projects

09:05 – Speech by William Spiteri Bailey, President, The Malta Chamber

09:10 – Speech & Presentation by Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO & Registrar, Malta Business Registry

09:45 – Malta Business Wallet Live Demo

10:15 – Q&A

10:30 – Fireside chat:
– Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, CEO & Registrar, Malta Business Registry
– Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO, The Malta Chamber
– Moderated by Rachel Bondi Attard, Head of Media & Comms Strategist, The Malta Chamber

11:00 – Q&A

11:15 – Youth Enterprise Presentation & Discussion

12:00 – Closing Remarks followed by Networking Lunch

SPEAKERS


Non members are only allowed a maximum of 3 free entrances to The Malta Chamber events. Non members will be charged a fee of 70Eur + VAT at entrance in the case of registrations that go over and above that quota. The Malta Chamber reserves the right to reject registrations of non members. The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

Do Not Look Away – Gender-Based Violence is also a Business Issue

Harassment, including sexual and gender-based harassment, is explicitly prohibited in the workplace, and the article quoted above emphasises the importance of addressing circumstances or an environment that permits such deplorable acts.

What are the legal obligations of employers in such circumstances, and, more importantly, what legal tools are available to employers to address and protect their employees if such acts are perpetrated by other employees? What procedural steps do employers need to follow to avoid falling foul of other employment-related laws?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the planned information session organised by The Malta Chamber as part of its initiative, which is funded by the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence through the ‘Together We Empower-A Future without Violence’ programme. Moreover, this event will also provide interested employers with the opportunity to learn how they can become champions in addressing gender-based violence and contribute not only to a safe working environment but also to society at large.

AGENDA

08:30 – Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:00 – Welcome Address by Rachel Bondi Attard, Head – Media and Communications Strategist, The Malta Chamber

09:05 – Legal Obligations regarding a safe working environment free from harassment – Dr Matthew Brincat, Partner, Ganado Advocates

09:35 – Type of violence that victims are experiencing and how violence is changing its forms – Louise Calleja, Assistant Commissioner, Malta Police Force

10:05 – Panel Discussion: How can employers and HR help employees who may be victims of gender-based violence, whether at work or in their private lives?

Panellist:

  • Sharon Attard De Giovanni, Victim Support Malta
  • Ramona Galea, Head of People and Culture, Lufthansa Technik Malta Ltd
  • Mariella Galea, Founder & HR Consultant, HR TalentLEAD
  • Patrick Psaila, Founder & Director, PsyPotential Ltd
  • Moderator – Rachel Bondi Attard, Head of Media and Communications Strategist, The Malta Chamber

11:00 – Closing Remarks followed by Networking Lunch

SPEAKERS


The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

The ‘Ins & Outs’ of VAT in the Payments & Fintech Sector

The payments landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by changing customer expectations, technological innovation and new ways of delivering financial services. As traditional operators and emerging fintech businesses and service providers adapt to this changing environment, understanding the VAT implications of activities carried out within the wider payments ecosystem has become increasingly important.

This session provides participants with a practical overview of the VAT principles commonly encountered within the payments and financial services sector. The focus will be on how VAT principles are applied in practice, the challenges that can arise when assessing increasingly complex commercial arrangements, and the practical implications that VAT can have for costs, recovery and compliance.

Participants will gain a better understanding of the VAT considerations commonly encountered in the sector, including the application of relevant exemptions, the classification of services and the factors that can influence VAT outcomes.

The session will also explore common assumptions, recurring VAT risk areas and practical considerations that businesses may wish to bear in mind when reviewing their activities. Broader commercial considerations, including the impact of VAT on operating costs, service delivery and business decision-making, will also be discussed.

Throughout the session, practical examples and references to relevant case law will be used, where appropriate, to illustrate the application of VAT principles in different circumstances. The session will conclude with practical scenarios and discussion points designed to reinforce key concepts and encourage discussion around common industry challenges.

Topics on the Agenda

  1. A practical framework for analysing activities within the payments and financial services sector from a VAT perspective.
  2. Key VAT principles relevant to payment-related, financial and technology-enabled services.
  3. Practical considerations arising from evolving business models, service offerings and industry developments
  4. Common misconceptions, pitfalls and recurring VAT risk areas encountered in practice.
  5. The impact of VAT on costs, recovery and broader compliance considerations.
  6. Practical scenarios and case studies, including references to relevant case law where appropriate.

SPEAKERS

AI at Work – What’s Working, What Isn’t & What Comes Next

Epic is leading a conversation on the practical realities of AI in the workplace, moving beyond the hype to explore real applications, honest challenges, and the leadership decisions required to embed AI effectively.

AI is no longer a future consideration for organisations. It is already embedded in customer interactions, operations, and decision-making. The question is not whether to engage with AI, but how to do so deliberately and confidently.

Event Overview:

AI is already at work. The question is how well you’re using it

Organisations achieving the greatest value from AI are not always the most technically advanced. They begin with a clear business need, choose relevant use cases and measure results objectively. We will be discussing where AI is delivering tangible benefits across customer service, operations and internal processes, as well as why some initiatives have stalled, underperformed or proved unnecessary.

People and culture remain central / Building trust and readiness for AI adoption

AI augments human performance but cannot replace sound judgement, empathy or leadership. Adoption often slows when employees do not understand a tool’s purpose, distrust how it will be used or feel unprepared to use it. Leaders should enable safe experimentation and continuous improvement while clearly explaining how roles and skills may change.

Securing AI without slowing responsible adoption

AI introduces new security and data protection considerations alongside its benefits. Organisations must understand what information enters AI systems, how it is processed and retained, who can access it, and how risks such as data leakage, manipulation and attacks on AI models are controlled. We will be discussing how leaders embed cybersecurity, privacy and accountability from the outset while enabling useful experimentation and innovation.

Event Agenda:

9:00am – 9:30am Registration and Coffee
9:30am – 11:00am Panel Discussion and Q&A


Non members are only allowed a maximum of 3 free entrances to The Malta Chamber events. Non members will be charged a fee of 70Eur + VAT at entrance in the case of registrations that go over and above that quota. The Malta Chamber reserves the right to reject registrations of non members.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

Turning Growth into Profit: Structure, Governance & Digitalisation in Family Business

Family businesses are the backbone of Malta’s economy, yet many are facing a common challenge: while turnover continues to grow, profitability is not always keeping pace. How can family businesses scale sustainably, improve productivity, and create long-term value for future generations?

Organised by The Malta Chamber in collaboration with the Family Business Office and EMCS Advisory, this event will present the key findings of a comprehensive Family Business Survey, providing valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing family-owned enterprises today. The findings reveal a growing need for stronger strategic planning, enhanced governance structures, improved productivity, and greater adoption of digital tools and technologies.

The event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and family business owners to explore practical solutions for building more resilient, efficient, and future-ready organisations. Through expert presentations, real-life case studies, and an interactive discussion, participants will gain valuable perspectives on how successful family businesses are transforming operational challenges into competitive advantages.

Topics will include the impact of productivity on business performance, the role of governance and planning in sustainable growth, and how digitalisation can help businesses improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term value creation.

Whether you are a founder, owner, director, or next-generation family business leader, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from data-driven insights, engage with industry experts, and contribute to shaping the future of family business in Malta.

This event is being organised as part of Malta SME Week 2026.

AGENDA

08:30 – Registration and Welcome Coffee

09:00 – Welcome Address, Jordy McKay, Head of Corporate Banking Dept, BNF Bank

09:05 – Presentation of the Family Business Survey Results by Silvan Mifsud, Vice President, The Malta Chamber

09:40 – Address by Hon Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects

10:00 – Question & Answers on the Survey Results with Silvan Mifsud, Vice President, The Malta Chamber

10:20am – Case Study Videos followed by an Interactive Discussion with the Audience led by Kurt Muscat, Manager, EMCS

11:00 – Closing Address by Dr. Joseph Gerada, Regulator, Family Business Office

11:15 – Networking

SPEAKERS


Non members are only allowed a maximum of 3 free entrances to The Malta Chamber events. Non members will be charged a fee of 70Eur + VAT at entrance in the case of registrations that go over and above that quota. The Malta Chamber reserves the right to reject registrations of non members.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes.

Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

The “Ins & Outs” of VAT in the Aviation Sector

The aviation industry presents a unique VAT landscape, with transactions often involving multiple jurisdictions, specialised business models, and a range of exemptions that require careful analysis. The VAT treatment of aviation transactions is highly dependent on the underlying facts, making it essential to understand not only the legislative framework but also how the rules are applied in practice.

This session provides participants with a practical overview of the VAT principles relevant to the aviation industry, focusing on the most common transactions encountered by operators, aircraft owners, and service providers. Participants will gain an understanding of how to approach aviation transactions from a VAT perspective, identify the appropriate VAT treatment, recognise common risk areas, and understand the VAT compliance obligations that may arise.

Throughout the session, practical examples and relevant judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) will be used, where appropriate, to illustrate the application of the VAT rules in real-life scenarios. The session will conclude with a number of practical case studies and exercises designed to reinforce the concepts discussed and test participants’ understanding of the material.

TOPICS ON THE AGENDA

  • A practical framework for analysing aviation transactions from a VAT perspective.
  • The VAT exemptions applicable to the aviation industry and the conditions for their application.
  • VAT considerations relating to the acquisition, importation, leasing, financing, operation, maintenance and disposal of aircraft.
  • Place of supply considerations and the VAT treatment of common aviation-related services.
  • Practical scenarios and case studies, including references to relevant CJEU case law where appropriate.

SPEAKERS


Non members are only allowed a maximum of 3 free entrances to The Malta Chamber events. Non members will be charged a fee of 70Eur + VAT at entrance in the case of registrations that go over and above that quota. The Malta Chamber reserves the right to reject registrations of non members.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

Digital Workshop 6: Securing the Future – Cybersecurity, Cloud & Responsible AI

TARGET AUDIENCE: ALL SECTORS

Digital growth must be built on secure and responsible foundations. This workshop will examine cybersecurity, cloud migration, cloud infrastructure and ethical AI, helping businesses understand how to protect their information, manage emerging risks and develop the capabilities needed to operate confidently in an increasingly digital environment.

SPEAKERS


The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

Digital Workshop 5: Transform Smarter – A Practical Roadmap for Digital Growth

TARGET AUDIENCE: ALL SECTORS

Digital transformation does not need to be disruptive or overwhelming. This workshop will show businesses how to modernise their operations through the right combination of strategy, software, ERP integration, web and mobile solutions, branding and user experience – creating digital systems that improve efficiency and strengthen customer engagement.

SPEAKERS


The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.

Digital Workshop 4: AI That Delivers – Growth, Innovation & Better Customer Experiences

TARGET AUDIENCE: ALL SECTORS

Move beyond the hype and discover where artificial intelligence can deliver real business value. This workshop will explore generative AI, machine learning, AI agents, chatbots and conversational technologies, focusing on how they can increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer service, retention and personalisation.

SPEAKERS


The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes. Kindly inform us on info@maltachamber.org.mt if you do not wish to feature in any marketing activities.