Encouraging industry-academia collaboration in Research and Innovation

May 9 2023

Malta Launches Technology Extension Support Programme.

Malta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, has announced the launch of the Technology Extension Support Programme (TESP) scheme. This initiative forms part of FUSION, the National Funding Programme for Research and Innovation administered by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST). The TESP scheme aims to encourage Maltese industry to seek technical support from higher education institutes to ensure incremental product or process improvement.

The TESP scheme is designed to integrate Research and Innovation (R&I) at all stages of product or process development and support collaborations between public and private entities. Private entities in Malta can benefit from up to €40,000 per project over 15 months, as part of the Budget 2023 measure to increase investment in research and innovation with the participation of the private sector in various fields.

During the press conference, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti stated that the TESP scheme will help to strengthen the collaboration between the private sector and academics. He emphasized that the government firmly believes in research and innovation, which will lead to economic growth. “This is another budgetary measure that the government is fulfilling. It is a clear affirmation that the government firmly believes in research and innovation which will lead to economic growth,” stated the Parliamentary Secretary.

MCST Chairman Dr Tonio Portughese also addressed the press conference, stating that TESP aims to foster partnerships between private entities and higher education institutions. He added that through these effective collaborations, higher educational institutions can further catalyze a knowledge-based economy, contributing to a resilient society.

The TESP scheme presents an opportunity for Maltese private entities to collaborate with academia to enhance product and process development, which will lead to economic growth and a resilient society.

#MaltaDaily

Ayu ready? This Gżira hotspot is serving phenomenal flavours of the Middle East

Ayu ready? This Gżira hotspot is serving phenomenal flavours of the Middle Easy

May 9 2023

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern food and looking for a new restaurant to try, look no further than Ayu in Gżira. This charming eatery is known for its eclectic palate of cuisines. This time the spotlight is on the Middle East and Ayu’s meze selections have got us HUNGRY.

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Mezes are small dishes that are typically served as an appetiser or snack in Middle Eastern cuisine, and are a symbol of hospitality and welcome. Ayu embraces this tradition wholeheartedly, encouraging diners to share their food and enjoy the company around the table.

Among the many delicious meze options at Ayu, you’ll find classics like Falafel, Kibbeh Balls, Baba Ganoush and Hummus, together with options such as the Chicken Bastilla.

Whether you’re dining with a group or just looking for a tasty lunchtime snack, Ayu’s meze menu is sure to delight. So gather your friends, sit back, and enjoy the flavours of the Middle East at this wonderful Gżira spot.

#MaltaDaily

Messi’s Saudi deal done: club not yet revealed

May 9 2023

Sources close to the negotiations informed AFP that PSG football star Lionel Messi’s move to Saudi Arabia is essentially done.

The source was speaking on condition of anonymity in terms of which club will be taking up the Argentinian, but could confirm that the player will be playing in Saudi Arabia next season.

Reports last week suggested that Messi could be offered a whopping £400 million for just one season. The 35 year old has held negotiations with a Saudi club as his PSG deal nears expiration this summer.

However, SunSport announced that Messi will make no decision on his future until after the end of the Ligue 1 season.

The country’s publicity was already boosted following Ronaldo’s joining of Al-Nassr last year, and Messi’s move could see it skyrocket even more. The forward’s wife, however, has reportedly expressed reluctance over moving the family to Saudi.

This also comes after being suspended from PSG for his unauthorised promo trip to Saudi, having apologised to his team mates but saying that he awaits what the club wants to do with him.

#MaltaDaily

Maltese MEPs punch above their weight most, survey highlights

May 9 2023

According to a newly released study, Maltese MEPs are the ones who ‘punch above their weight the most’.

The study was carried out by EUmatrix.eu and it analysed the influence MEPs exert over EU legislation since the beginning of the current term.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola ranked in second place, just after Manfred Weber. Meanwhile, MEP Alex Agius Saliba ranked in 35th place in a list of the top 100 most influential out of a 705 members.

The island in general registered the highest score of how influential its representatives were relative to its size.

The Maltese were able to hold more leadership positions or greater legislative roles than their size would normally allow.

‘Our assessment also shows which national delegations are able to punch above their weight, such as being able to get more leadership positions or legislative files than their delegation size would normally allow.’

‘This is for instance the case of Malta and Luxembourg, as their MEPs are able to play an important role in the European Parliament despite coming from the smallest EU countries. Two Maltese MEPs are in the top 100 most influential MEPs, namely EP President Roberta Metsola and S&D Vice-Chair Alex Agius Saliba.’

#MaltaDaily