What does the current tech landscape look like in Malta? Where do we want to go? How do we get there? How do we harness the power of AI?
How do we stimulate innovation? How are businesses employing emerging technologies?
Can we do more with less? Would elevating digital skills improve productivity? Are we investing enough in ourselves through continuous learning?
These are but a few of the questions posed to the distinguished speakers present at the workshop.
Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, National Skills Council executive chairman stressed that strengthening transversal skills alongside digital skills will make our workforce more futureproof. Tech,MT representative concurred and emphasized the need to foster further innovation and creativity if we want Malta’s tech ecosystem to flourish and attract investment and talent in this sector. Ms. Claire Cianco, a tech entrepreneur crystallised these concepts by recounting her experience in building Greenroads, a local business providing digital solutions for sustainable mobility. This introductory panel discussion set the scene to the keynote speech by Dr. Gege Gatt. His inspiring presentation opened the minds of the audience to the power of AI and how it can and should be harnessed for future progress. He said “by the end of this decade, there will be two kinds of companies: those fully utilising AI and those out of business”.
Industry experts, academics and policy makers had their say on emerging technologies. Mr. Bernard Montebello from MDIA explained how Malta is investing in a Digital Innovation Hub to promote digital enterprises and assist start-ups. Mr. Paul, lead AI Engineer of an EdTech company gave an example of the work being done locally in employing AI to gamify learning, making it more exciting to learners with different abilities.
On a second panel, the key take-away message was: if we want to stay ahead of the curve we need to upskill, and embrace digital technologies. Prof. Alex Grech highlighted that in a digital future, we need to secure critical thinking skills to navigate the labyrinthine digital realm; to combat misinformation and disinformation by fostering a deeper understanding of the conflicting contributions of the media and technology. Mr. Mallia from Bank of Valletta showcased their model for employee training, and Mr. Anastasi, a Microsoft representative built the case that in today’s day and age thanks to micro-credentials, even on digital platforms like LinkedIn, learning is accessible to all. Dr. Borg, a University of Malta academic mentioned how despite the increase in IT graduates, the opportunities in industry across sectors are not being met.
Throughout the discussions, feedback from the audience was sought, which allowed those present to reflect on their own digital skills, and their willingness to train as well as what technology really means to them.
If you are interested in answering these questions, browse through the Blanche Ellis’ illustrations, an artist who managed to capture the salient points of the workshop in pictorial form.