Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1120492
23.05.19 7 DIGITAL ECONOMY until academic year 2020/21," he said. "Students interested to hear more about the scheme should send an email to dlt@um.edu.mt to register their interest." The DLT fund was first announced by the Government last year in a bid to bolster the local talent pool and further ensure the necessary human resources are available to companies relocating to the 'Blockchain Island.' The fund is also believed to be aiding the government's efforts in attracting international blockchain companies to the Mediterranean hotspot. The Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri, said that the fund was planned after the Government drafted the legislative framework that regulates this sector. Schembri said that there were many foreign investors who have expressed their interest in investing in our coun- try and therefore it was important for Malta to provide them with the re- quired human resources to operate. "These companies will not only re- quire technical experts who can build and operate the systems with which they will be operating in the block- chain and DLT sector," he said. "It will also require experts in the field of financial services, legal ex- perts and management positions." Education Minister Evarist Bartolo welcomed this initiative and said this - and other similar initiatives - would enable Maltese students to be at the forefront in developing their skills in important sectors and therefore help our country to excel. On his part, University of Malta Rec- tor Professor Alfred J. Vella pledged a solid pillar in education to sustain the "Blockchain island". "The scheme ties in with the Govern- ment strategy on Blockchain and DLT, and the University should continue working to strengthen this important sector for the economy," he said. Vella said the national strategy on Blockchain and DLT had put Malta on the global blockchain map and there- fore it was important that educational institutions provide the expertise re- quired for this sector to flourish. fund seeks to bolster local talent "The scheme ties in with the Government strategy on Blockchain and DLT, and the University should continue working to strengthen this important sector for the economy"