Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1150355
01.08.19 5 INNOVATION A Memorandum of Understanding signed between the government and Vodafone will see the telecommunica- tion company using the island as a test bed for digital technology. One of the announced projects will see a smart parking system introduced in Luqa, which will consist of an appli- cation that will be able to tell motorists in real-time, which parking spots are available. Parliamentary Secretary for Innova- tion Silvio Schembri, said the project would be implemented in collaboration with the Luqa local council. "rough this MoU, Vodafone will also start offering students internships and study opportunities where they will also be exposed to a project's implementa- tion. Students will have an opportunity to work with a large telecommunica- tions company boasting ample techno- logical knowhow," Schembri said. Students, he said, would be given the opportunity to work on the implemen- tation of the projects. Sonia Hernandez, Vodafone CEO for Malta said the MoU will focus on three main pillars: awareness regarding dis- ruptive technologies such as AI, virtu- al reality, big data, blockchain, and the internet of things; providing internship opportunities to Maltese students; and launching the first pilot project related to the internet of things. She argued that Vodafone was well- placed to reach these targets, given its role as a global leader in tech and in- novation. Hernandez said the company had deployed over 800 million intelli- gent projects across the world through the internet of things. "We will also partner with the Uni- versity of Malta's artificial intelligence department to work on technologies to help deal with cancer treatment in chil- dren," Hernandez said. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat gave a short speech before the signing saying that exciting times were ahead for Mal- ta. He said that Malta has made landmark decisions on innovation. "Our country is a major hub for gam- ing companies thanks to decisions taken to attract and sustain them over many years," he said. e Prime Minister emphasised that Malta provides a blueprint in the block- chain area as we took decisions when others hesitated. Now, artificial intelli- gence is the next step. ere are opportunities to use these technologies in our daily life. Muscat mentioned the use of block- chain in the issuing of educational cer- tificates and, soon, in rent contracts, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in our health care system. Vodafone Europe Cluster CEO Serpil Timuray said that the entrepreneurial sense in Malta goes beyond its borders. Timuray said that she wants Malta to be a test bed for innovation with local software developers testing their ideas which can be exported outside Malta. Vodafone to use Malta as a test bed for new technologies Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Vodafone Europe Cluster CEO Serpil Timuray look on as Sonia Hernandez, Vodafone CEO for Malta, exchanges signed copies of a Memorandum of Understanding with Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri