Prime Minister Robert Abela Announces Launch of Central Data Repository

Apr 30 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced the launch of a new Central Data Repository to reduce excessive bureaucracy and which will continue to facilitate Malta’s economy.

On Tuesday morning, in the premises of the Malta Business Registry in Żejtun, another Cabinet meeting was held, this time with individuals who, in one way or another, contribute to our country’s economic sector.

After hearing the concerns of many individuals coming from various agencies, including those in the field of Artificial Intelligence, digital gaming, the food sector, and others, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized that the Government remains committed to facilitating investment and economic progress.

He stressed that while it is commendable that we continue to attract new economic niches, it is necessary for this progress to continue by reducing bureaucratic obstacles. It was here that he announced the publication of the directive for the Central Data Repository in a few weeks.

Here he assured the business community that just as the Government was vigilant before the shocks in international prices, the same will happen in the face of changes in international legislation.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying that the Government will continue to be a source of support for businesses because the Government’s vision depends on the success of companies in our country.

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Disney Releases First Trailer Of Lion King Prequel ‘Mufasa’

Apr 30 2024

Disney Studios have released their first trailer of the much anticipated Lion King prequel ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ at the annual CinemaCon.

The film is set to focus on the origin story and early years of Mufasa, the father of Simba who is tragically killed at the beginning of The Lion King.

The film will feature the voices of Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the younger versions of Mufasa and his younger evil brother Scar.

The trailer was described as majestic by many, with the realistic animation of the African savannah stunning viewers.

A young Mufasa is seen leaping over rhinos and all kinds of jungle creatures as a voiceover from Rafiki sets the scene for a story about “a lion who was born without a drop of nobility in its blood… a lion who would change our lives forever… a lion who will shape our destiny.”

The film will follow Rafiki telling Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, the origin story of her legendary grandfather and how he managed to become the Lion King.

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Yazmin Gets First Look At Love Island Malta Season 2 Contestants

Apr 30 2024

Who ever will they be?

Watch as Love Island Malta’s host Yazmin Helledie gets the first glimpse at the contestants for the second season of Love Island Malta!

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The anticipation for the unveiling of the first contestants is building up – just last year, we were hooked to our phones as the first contestants entering the villa were unveiled.

And all that is about to take place again very, very soon!

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Six Study Loan Schemes Launched Through €6.75 Million Investment

Apr 30 2024

Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima launched six study loan schemes worth a total of €6.75 million. These schemes include: the Veterinary Studies Loan Scheme; the Endeavour II Study Loan Scheme; the TESS Study Loan Scheme; the Arts Study Loan Scheme; the Sports Study Loan Scheme; and Reach High II.

Minister Clifton Grima emphasised that these study loans are direct investments in students, providing financial support to help them achieve their future aspirations. “For these study loan schemes, we are investing €6.75 million, €4.5 million from European funds and €2.25 million from National funds. We believe that strong investment in the educational sector and students guarantees success for them, for society, and for our country,” stated the minister.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry Matthew Vella highlighted that these schemes demonstrate the investment being made in the educational sector, which has already benefited over 1,200 individuals in various fields. He stated that the ministry will continue its work through the National Education Strategy 2024-2030, which aims to transform the country’s education into one of quality, placing the individual at its core. Among the 153 initiatives of the strategy, some are geared towards specialized studies, including those in sports and the arts.

The study loan schemes are as follows:

I) Veterinary Studies Loan Scheme: This scheme allows students to pursue a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (at Level 7 of the MQF) and receive financial support covering the entire duration of the course, leading to a recognised Veterinary Medicine qualification at Level 7 of the MQF. Winners of this study loan will receive a maximum of €14,000 per year for a period of 5 academic years.

II) Endeavour II Study Loan Scheme: This is the third call for applications under the Endeavour II Scholarships Scheme, allocating €2.5 million from the European Social Fund (ESF+). The scheme supports tertiary education (at Levels 7 and 8 of the MQF), ensuring that the Maltese labor market has the best individuals and ensuring competitiveness at an international level. The scheme aims to support those pursuing tertiary education to succeed both in acquiring education and contributing effectively to the economy. Post-university education is becoming increasingly important in the economic and social agenda of every country and contributes to the continuous professional development of many people.

III) TESS Study Loan Scheme: TESS (Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme) is open to post-university students at Levels 7 and 8, providing financial support to those pursuing high-level education programs and encouraging students to increase their levels of academic research.

IV) Arts Study Loan Scheme: The Malta Arts Scholarships’ Scheme aims to provide more opportunities and support to individuals with exceptional talents in creating and/or promoting professionals in the Performing Arts, Theatre, Music, Dance, Design, Creative Writing, Film, Visual Arts, or any combination thereof. This scheme is also available to applicants aged 11 and above, at Levels 5 to 8 of the MQF.

V) Sports Study Loan Scheme: This scheme aims to elevate sports to a professional level and promote the development of high-performing athletes who will eventually represent Malta in international competitions. It targets applicants in two categories: Specialization in Sports and Academic Sports. The increase in sports status in Malta not only leads to international recognition but also encourages regular sports practice and physical activity throughout the country, resulting in overall improvement in the health and well-being of the entire population.

VI) Reach High II: This is the second call for which €2 million from the European Social Fund (ESF+) has been allocated. It is a study loan scheme aimed at post-doctoral grants. Post-doctoral research education is considered important as it provides the means through which research activity can be stimulated within universities and industries. This scheme builds on the previous Reach High scheme. The grant covers, among other things, the stipend, travel, and direct research expenses.

More details can be found here.

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