Newly Inaugurated Smart Gaze Project Aims To Help Vulnerable Persons

Mar 11 2025

The newly inaugurated Smart Gaze project aims to assist vulnerable individuals, including those with ALS and spinal paralysis, by enabling them to use technology through eye-tracking.

The initiative was announced at a press conference at Dar Bjorn, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

Led by Professor Ing. Kenneth Camilleri, Smart Gaze is one of several research projects funded by the Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced signal processing, the project enhances eye-tracking technology, making it more efficient, reliable, and comfortable for users by reducing the burden of wearing heavy masks.

Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that research must serve the community, improving existing innovations to benefit those in need.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to easing the burdens of vulnerable individuals, praising Bjorn Formosa for his advocacy and dedication to ALS patients.

Professor Camilleri explained that the technology allows users to control devices simply by looking at them, enabling them to turn on lights, operate TVs, or open doors without physical contact.

ALS Malta Executive Secretary Maria Formosa welcomed the project, stressing its potential to improve the lives of ALS patients through technology-driven solutions.

Photo Credit: DOI Neil Camilleri

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Floriana Head Coach Darren Abdilla Named VBET Coach of the Month for February

Mar 11 2025

Floriana Head Coach Darren Abdilla has been named VBET Coach of the Month for February, after being the only coach to lead their side to an unbeaten month.

The Greens continued their great season by beating Żabbar, Marsaxlokk and Old firm rivals Sliema Wanderers, whilst also holding Balzan to a tense goalless draw.

Out of 25 votes cast, Darren Abdilla secured 8 votes to claim the VBET Coach of the Month award, marking his second title after also winning in November.

Naxxar’s George Vella and Marsaxlokk’s Enzo Potenza were also strong contenders, ending up closely behind Abdilla in the voting.

The award was presented to Coach Abdilla on Monday morning at the VBET office by Soft Construct Malta’s Business Development Director, Adam Calleja.

Despite Abdilla’s young age as a coach, he has truly become one of the greats in Maltese football, equalling the record for most matches managed in European competitions and becoming the only coach in Malta to qualify for two consecutive UEFA rounds twice in a row (2022 & 2023), both with Gzira United in the UEFA Conference League.

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Maltese MPs Participate In EU International Woman’s Day Conference

Mar 11 2025

On Thursday, 6 March 2025, Katya De Giovanni and Graziella Attard Previ participated in an inter-parliamentary committee meeting organised by the European Parliament’s FEMM Committee and the Directorate for Relations with National Parliaments.

Titled “Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Upholding Women’s Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding”, the event marked International Women’s Day 2025 and brought together EU representatives and national parliamentarians.

Discussions focused on increasing women’s participation in decision-making within defence, security, and peacebuilding. The conference also addressed the protection of women and girls from trafficking, exploitation, and gender-based violence, especially in conflict zones.

This year’s event coincided with the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.

Speakers included FEMM Committee Chair Lina Gálvez, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Poland’s Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula, and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.

De Giovanni and Attard Previ highlighted Malta’s commitment to the WPS agenda, stressing the need for greater gender equality in peace and security.

Their participation reinforced Malta’s support for international efforts that promote women’s leadership in decision-making and conflict resolution.

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2 Malta Police Officers Shine At Athens Marathon

Mar 11 2025

The Malta Police Force shared the remarkable achievement of two officer athletes, PC Andrew Grech and PC Roderick Cilia, whilst at the Athens Half Marathon.

Andrew Grech placed 31st overall but placed first in his Age Category with a. Time of 1 hr14’17”.

Meanwhile, on his part, Roderick Cilia placed 34th overall out of 10,000 athletes with a time of 1hr14’40”.

What’s even more remarkable is that this took place on a hilly course in Athens, making it even more inspirational.

This even was part of a sports exchange through the European police Sports Union (USPE).

Meanwhile, Police sergeant and athlete David Bezzina set a few new records in the M40 category.

He set two national records and two personal bests: a time of 1:38:23 in the 600m indoor and a time of 41.71s in the 300m indoor.

Well done all!

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