Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1171482
26.09.19 14 NEWS A new conference organised by Work- ing Town Events on 10 and 11 Octo- ber promises to explore the worlds of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by engaging with active practi- tioners in the fields. 'Blockchain & AI: Where are they taking us?' will feature a number of ex- pert speakers who will discuss the im- pact these innovative technologies are having, and may yet have, on the world. While debating the various current and future applications of Blockchain and AI, the conference will also look at the relevant legal frameworks, particu- larly regarding Malta. "We are delighted to be hosting the 'Blockchain & AI: Where are they tak- ing us?' conference," said Mark Azz- opardi from Working Town Events. "Blockchain and AI are set to change our lives – but what do we know about these technologies and what can we expect their impact to be? Have they already had a profound and irrevers- ible effect? is useful and enjoya- ble conference hopes to answer these questions and more, for those looking to deliver services related to these sec- tors as well as those who just wish to learn the basics." e two-day event will include talks, forums and panel discussions with ex- perts including Helen Burrows, Aviya Arika, Soulla Louca, Godfrey Baldac- chino, Joseph Anthony Debono, Clau- dia Borg, Gordon Pace, Stephanie Fabri, David Galea, Philip Maurice Mifsud, Luis Pallares, Abigail Mamo, Béatrice Collet, Denise De Gaetano, Luis Pal- lares, Helga Pizzuto, Mark Mallia, Dar- ren Parkin, François Grech, Leonard Bonello, Malcolm Falzon, Ian Gauci, Damian Mifsud and James Muscat Azz- opardi. It will be compered by business journalist and PR strategist Jo Caruana. Working Town Events is an Azure Rock Partners brand and it will host the conference in media and PR part- nership with Blockchain Island Mag- azine, Zeta, Meta Luminor, the Acad- emy of Business Leaders, Write Me Anything, and Coin Rivet. e event is also accredited by the Malta Institute of Accountants for 8.25 hours of Pro- fessional Development in terms of the Accountancy Board's CPE Scheme. 'Blockchain & AI: Where are they taking us?' will be held on ursday 10 and Friday 11 October 2019 at Villa Bologna, Attard. Tickets are priced at €300 excluding VAT, or €225 exclud- ing VAT for members of certain rele- vant organisations. More information, registration and ticketing details may be found online at www.workingtown. com/events or at www.ticketline.com. mt. New conference to take the mystery out of blockchain and artificial intelligence THE Government remains committed to evaluating the ways in which it can strengthen methods of com- pensation for the cost of living such that everyone can benefit from the country's economic success, while it contonues to improve the standard of living for citi- zens, as discussed during yesterday's meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) Addressing the meeting, social dialogue parliamen- tary secretary Aaron Farrugia said that while MCESD members represent different sectors of society, their aspirations as well as the country's challenges for the future is what beings them together. Farrugia explained that this is the reason that social partners agree that government needs to impelement its elec- toral programme, create a future-proof economy, par- ticularly in the context of an increasingly globalised world, and to make sure that no-one gets left behind. e parliamentary secretary said that the upcoming budget will place an emphasis on structural reforms aimed at protecting families and businesses from international economic shocks, ensuring that mech- anisms which were put in place to address new chal- lenges remain stronger than ever, and finally that the wealth and prosperiy which results, makes its way to everyone. Equality minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that the the challenges do not begin and end with the up- coming budget, and that the dignity of workers is not measured by financial income. In this regard he said that compensation for the cost of living should not be seen in isolation, but withib the context of govern- ment policy which rewards productivity, incentivises social mobility and strengthens social justice through equality for all in every aspect of life. Strengthening methods of compensation for the cost of living