‘The Steve Jobs of Malta’ Who Might Solve Our Traffic Problems

Jan 20 2024

In a recent social media post, AI Professor Alexiei Dingli expressed profound gratitude and humility, marking a significant milestone in his quest to revolutionise urban transportation.

Dingli conveyed sincere appreciation to entrepreneur Mark Bajada, not only for his financial support but for wholeheartedly embracing the vision of creating a digital traffic brain to tackle congestion issues.

The innovative project, conceived by Dingli, envisions a future where technology and smart solutions play a pivotal role in reshaping the dynamics of road navigation. Bajada’s investment, as highlighted by Dingli, goes beyond financial backing; it symbolises a resounding vote of confidence in a future characterised by innovation and intelligent solutions, fostering smoother and more efficient roads.

The collaboration between Dingli and Bajada signifies more than just addressing traffic challenges; it represents a bold stride toward embracing innovation and instigating positive change in urban mobility.

Dingli’s social media post vividly portrays a journey that commenced as a dream and is now unfolding into a reality, exemplifying the transformative power of collaboration and a shared vision.

At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative lies the concept of a “digital traffic brain.” This inventive solution utilises artificial intelligence to analyse and manage traffic patterns, offering real-time insights and solutions to alleviate congestion. As urban centres globally grapple with the challenges of increasing traffic, Dingli’s project emerges as a beacon of hope, promising a future where connectivity takes precedence over congestion.

Dingli also extends gratitude to everyone contributing to this transformative adventure, recognising that the success of such visionary endeavours is intricately tied to the collective efforts of a dedicated team and supportive community. It reflects the ethos of collaboration and shared enthusiasm for a future characterised by less congestion and seamless connectivity.

Alexiei Dingli, a Maltese artificial intelligence expert, secured €1.3 million in funding for his AI-powered traffic management system after his appearance on TVM’s Shark Tank.

The initiative received praise from entrepreneur Mark Bajada, who likened Dingli to the “Steve Jobs of Malta” and offered €1.3 million for half of the business.

Dingli’s innovative solution, forecasted to make profits of €500,000 in its first year, stands out for its holistic approach to traffic management, promising a 15% improvement in overall traffic flow.

Photo Source: Shark Tank Malta

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12 Underage Drinking Cases Reported in Paceville

Jan 20 2024

In the past 3 months, since October 2023, Paceville and San Ġiljan have witnessed 12 cases involving young individuals below the legal drinking age that were caught by police consuming alcohol or spirits.

The revelation was made by Minister Byron Camilleri, in response to a parliamentary question posed by PN MP Albert Buttigieg.

The Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling this issue and highlighted the increased allocation of resources by the Police Force to address underage drinking in these popular entertainment districts.

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Around 20,500 People In Malta Can’t Read And Write

Jan 20 2024

Malta and Gozo have made significant strides in literacy rates, with an impressive 96% literacy rate recorded in 2021. This positive development reflects a notable improvement from the 94% literacy rate reported in the 2011 census, indicating a 2% increase over the span of a decade.

Despite these strides, approximately 20,500 individuals in the region still face the challenge of illiteracy.

Swieqi emerges as the beacon of literacy, with an impressive 99% of its residents possessing the ability to read and write. Following closely behind are Balzan and Attard, both achieving a commendable 98% literacy rate.

On the flip side, challenges persist in areas such as Luqa, where the literacy rate is reported at 89%. Additionally, Cospicua and Marsa face their own struggles, with literacy rates standing at 90%.

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25% Of Maltese Under 10 Consider English 1st Language

Jan 19 2024

A significant demographic shift is evident in Maltese language preferences among children under 10, as around 25% consider English their first language, indicating a rise in English usage compared to previous generations.

Among those aged 10 to 19, approximately 15% view English as their primary language, a figure that decreases to about 9% for adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, declining further for seniors.

Despite Maltese remaining the predominant mother tongue across all age groups, the prevalence of English as the first language is more pronounced in areas like Swieqi, Sliema, and St Julian’s.

According to the 2021 Census of Population and Housing by Malta’s National Statistics Office (NSO), nearly 40% of Swieqi’s residents and around a quarter of those in Sliema and St Julian’s spoke English from early childhood. The census did not allow for a direct comparison with previous periods due to changes in questioning methods.

Additionally, the census highlighted a nearly 96% literacy rate in 2021, indicating improvement from the 2011 census. Swieqi boasted the highest literacy rate at almost 99%, while Luqa reported the lowest at just over 89%. Simultaneously, a survey revealed that while Maltese is perceived as easier to speak, English is considered easier to read and write.

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