
Themed reports
“Shaping Malta's Future" is our annual conference aimed at generating discussion about the economy, sustainability and the impact on future generations. The debate is informed by our yearly Shaping Malta report, which analyses the state of the Maltese economy and the challenges ahead.
The 2021 conference, dedicated to governance and sustainability, ran over the course of three days in October, and featured themed panels and a line-up of prominent speakers both from the private and the public sectors.
The forum addressed how sustainable development is key in order to reignite the Maltese economy momentum after COVID-19, what organisations learnt, how businesses can mitigate deficiencies brought to light by the pandemic and what sustainable safeguards can be introduced to prevent similar market disruptions in the future.
In 2022 we will return with more thought-provoking discussions and insights from some of the most influential local and international leaders.
- Get valuable insights from over 30 local and foreign experts;
- Participate in the discussions by putting forward your questions;
- Take part in interactive polls;
- Network with other business professionals in our virtual lounges;
- Visit our virtual booth and book a meeting with our specialists.
Shaping Malta's Future 2021 Agenda (click to expand)
2:30 - 3:15 pm | The hybrid office: productivity, social dynamics and way forward
The pandemic forced many organisations to adopt a decentralised working model setting up remote teams. How has this affected productivity and what are the organizational and mental challenges faced by employees who are suddenly isolated from their peers? Is remote working a sustainable model in the long term?
Speakers:
Kjersti Arntsen, Director People & Culture, Grant Thornton International
Gerd Bergh, Head of Employee Experience, Betsson Group
Finian Massa, ICT Solutions
Dr Joyce Cassar, Permanent Secretary, People and Standards (OPM)
3:30 - 4:15 pm | Embracing the digital revolution
While Covid-19 has projected the world toward an accelerated digitalization, new generations might have seen this coming. How do university students think this emphasis on technology may affect their careers and does this mean the end of "traditional" jobs?
Speakers:
Dr Claudia Borg, Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Malta
Dana Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer, Tech.mt
Hesus Inoma, Head of Digital, Data Solutions & Fintech Practice, Grant Thornton Ireland
Francesca Mizzi, IT student, University of Malta & Marketing Officer, ICTSA
4:30 - 5:15 pm | Governance strategies to drive business sustainability
Government incentives to increase digitisation for companies can pave the way towards corporate sustainability, however, organisations must be ready to adopt digital governance strategies. What are the key implications from a managerial perspective?
Speakers:
Dr Clinton Bellizzi, Council of Notaries
Liana DeBattista, Head of Strategy & Propositions, APS Bank
David Xuereb, Chairperson Occupational Health and Safety Authority
2:30 - 3:15 pm | The evolution of corporate finance and digital economy
We will discuss how blockchain transforming corporate finance and the financial services industry as well as its impact on capital markets by gradually replacing stock agents and changing the way stocks are traded.
Speakers:
Dr Jessica Borg, Senior Manager, Regulatory, Corporate & Financial Services, Grant Thornton Malta
Christoph Surgowt, CEO, VAIOT
Dr Gege Gatt, Chief Executive Officer, EBO.AI
Luciano Brincat, MFSA
3:30 - 4:15 pm | Malta and the great reset: sectors and skills that will drive growth
The “Great Reset” will see the alignment of the economy with the most pressing social issues. How can Malta capitalize on this monumental change and make sure that its workforce will be equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in this brave new world?
Speakers:
Gordon Cordina, Chairman, BOV
David Curmi, Executive Chairman, Air Malta
Geoffrey Debono, CEO, Debono Group
Christos Barberis, Managing Director, Camilleri Holdings Ltd.
4:30 - 5:15 pm | Financing during and post Covid-19
A look inside the traditional forms of finance used during the pandemic. What mitigations are credit institutions using to safeguard against another financial crisis and what measures are being implemented to ensure that FDI is fully reignited? We will also delve into the impact that the pandemic had on capital markets.
Speakers:
Nick Xuereb, Vice President, Malta Chamber of Commerce
George Vella, Head of Advisory, Grant Thornton Malta
Simon Zammit, CEO, Borza ta' Malta
Rene Saliba, Chief Executive Officer, Malta Development Bank
2:30 - 3:15 pm | Championing risk management through sustainability
Internal risk management and control functions help to strengthen governance frameworks, but how can organizations ensure their compliance with the latest regulations and legislation requirements? We will discuss the role of the risk management specialist in identifying and mitigating internal risks.
Speakers:
Ruth Esposito, Manager, Compliance and risk, Grant Thornton Malta
Giovanni Bartolotta, Chief Risk Officer, APS Bank
Brian Zahra, Lecturer, Criminology Department, University of Malta
Dr Jonathan Spiteri, Insurance lecturer, University of Malta
3:30 - 4:15 pm | Malta's way forward: sustainable recovery, development and growth
What measures are private organisations putting in place in order to safeguard the environment? How is the public sector ensuring that its policies are up to date with the latest environmental regulations? How is Malta aligning its Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
Speakers:
Gabriella Cassola, Deputy Director, 3CL Foundation
Paul Vermaak, Founding Director, EarthPLAN
Darren Borg, Rebels with a cause, Co-Founder
Karl Azzopardi, CEO, Building Construction Agency
4:30 - 5:15 pm | Enabling a culture shift: Covid, FATF and an alternative outlook to GDP and beyond
Grant Thornton Malta Managing Partner Mark Bugeja will deliver a wrap-up session, discussing the road ahead for Malta and its financial institutions.
Speakers:
Dr Marie Briguglio, Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, University of Malta
Mario Galea, Chairman Identity Malta & National Foreign Investment Screening Office
Dr Wayne Pisani, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Compliance, Corporate and Financial Services, Grant Thornton Malta
Alfred Camilleri, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance and Employment