Neil Agius To Speak At The Business Leaders Malta Conference

Feb 28 2024

World Record Open Water swimmer and inspirational Mentor Neil Agius is set to speak at the Business Leaders Malta Conference, elucidating how his principles have propelled him through the most treacherous waters and foster determination.

Neil Agius is a name that has become synonymous with relentless endurance and the human spirit’s indefatigable will. From the crystalline waters of his swimming academy, where he has been nurturing the dreams of aspiring swimmers since 2007, Neil has taken the plunge into the world of ultra-distance open water swimming, pushing the boundaries of what is physically and mentally conceivable.

In 2019, he conquered the 37km stretch around Gozo in 10 hours. The year 2020 witnessed his 101km swim from Sicily to Malta, completed in 28 hours. Yet, it was in 2021 that Neil undertook his most colossal challenge and clinched his first world record, a 125km swim from Linosa, Italy, to Malta, completed in a monumental 52 hours.

Neil Agius will be joined by international speakers such as David JP Phillips and Jenk Oz, as well as local entrepreneurs Michael Cutajar, Valentina Rossi, Katrina Grech, Edward Curmi and MaltaDaily’s very own Gabriel Mifsud.

Get your tickets here.

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Y Plate Operators Assemble Ahead Of Protest

Feb 28 2024

The Light Passenger Operators Association announced a peaceful car-cade demonstration tomorrow at 8 am, starting from the Farmers parking in Ta’ Qali.

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‘The gathering will take the form of a slow moving car cade , in protest of the current impositions of the Y-plate operators in the industry sector , specifically the current pricing

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strategies being adopted by partner platforms impacting the sustainability of the small operator, and thus effecting the operator’s earnings.’

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Y-Plate operators operate on commission with platforms. The protest calls for a review of current pricing strategies due to economic constraints.

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Operators invest time, energy, and finances, facing predatory pricing and threatening their livelihoods. An exodus of operators is ongoing, prompting a plea for assistance through peaceful assembly.

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Over 300 Students To Benefit From New Supplementary Stipend

Feb 28 2024

During his visit to the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Education & Sports Minister Clifton Grima met with students and announced the implementation of means testing bands to increase eligibility for additional stipends.

Through this new measure, eligibility for this additional allowance will be extended to more students coming from low-income families.

Consideration will be given to the number of students in the family who are pursuing their studies.

This measure, applicable from the current academic year, will benefit over 300 students for the first time. Significant adjustments include increases in the stipends ranging from €2,550 to €3,200.

Minister Grima concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and maintaining its strong social ethos. He emphasised the ongoing efforts to develop a more inclusive system that provides adequate support to students from all backgrounds, especially in terms of financial assistance, as fairness remains a core principle.

During the visit, Minister Grima was accompanied by the Principal and CEO of MCAST, Professor James Joachim Calleja.

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Messi 2nd Person To Reach 500 Million Instagram Followers

Feb 28 2024

Lionel Messi achieved a significant milestone on Instagram, amassing 500 million followers, making him the second person globally to achieve such a feat.

Despite this achievement, he still trails the top spot by 122 million followers. Messi inaugurated his account in June 2013, chronicling his footballing journey, from his successes at Barcelona to winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and his subsequent move to Inter Miami.

Alongside documenting his career, Messi shares glimpses of his family life and engages in brand endorsements. However, he remains distant from surpassing his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who boasts 622 million followers, having established his account over a year before Messi.

Notably, the most followed account on the platform is Instagram itself, with 669 million followers. Following Ronaldo and Messi, singer and actress Selena Gomez occupies fourth place with 429 million followers, followed by Kylie Jenner with 400 million.

Dwayne Johnson, widely known as The Rock, ranks sixth with 396 million followers. Cricket icon Virat Kohli holds the 16th position with 266 million followers, while football sensation Neymar claims the third spot among footballers, securing 219 million followers and the 20th position overall.

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