Tax department to introduce AI alert for evasion detection

May 9 2023

Speaking during a press conference, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced that the tax department will be introducing a new software which automatically alerts authorities over tax evasion and other possible fraud.

The software is already utilised in countries like the Netherlands, Canada and the UK, and will be analysing VAT returns by the end of this year as well as other forms of taxes within the next three years.

The software essentially analyses people and companies’ wealth daily and matches it up with declared income.

The government will cost the government €3 million and is among a series of measures announced in a new tax and customs administration strategy.

The statistical analysis system (SAS) uses AI to draw data from different registries and bank accounts to assess cash deposits and illiquid assets like property, land, vehicles and boats.

During the press conference, Minister Caruana said that this marks the beginning of a much needed culture change and this system will condense work which usually takes weeks and months.

Addressing possible critique, the minister said that he is not in favour of crony capitalism and that he wants to foster an economy that awards creativity, equity and perseverance over exclusivity, power and inequality.

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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.

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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.

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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