Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1216530
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 MARCH 2020 13 COMMERCIAL University students have already been given the golden opportunity for blockchain scholarships by this Gov- ernment, and our Institute for Digital Games has given Europe some of its finest craftsmen in the industry. How else do you hope to see your remit in- filtrate our Education system? We will further strengthen our spe- cialist expertise in the field by provid- ing scholarships to students who wish to undertake post-graduate studies in AI, at the University of Malta. These scholarships will supplement those already provided by the Univer- sity for blockchain, further confirming the Government's commitment to en- sure that education is integrated into our work. This is also a budget measure for 2020. A strong investment will also be made in terms of R&D enabling infrastruc- ture, providing local researches with all the necessary resources for their work to be carried out more efficiently. Another key initiative is the HPC Pro- ject, spearheaded by the MDIA, which will offer increased support to local re- searchers in their efforts. Artificial Intelligence has also been on the Government's agenda for some years – mainly to further improve our health services. How do you hope to further strengthen this synergy that has already been created, so other crucial industries like transport, infra- structure and telecommunications can also flourish? Malta's Strategy and Vision for Artifi- cial Intelligence until 2030 provides for a strong position as a leading jurisdic- tion in the AI field. Amongst other commitments, the Government aims at implementing six pilot projects by 2022, each expected to have a profound and positive impact across our society. All this will eventually play a key role in our economy, reaping the benefits AI can deliver to our businesses and small- er niches. The above mentioned scholarships and schemes also ensure the consist- ency of research, which will, in turn, be embraced and implemented according- ly across all sectors. The term 'investment' seems to be a constant ally of this Government, but how can Malta guarantee top quali- ty jobs for its workforce in industries such as iGaming or Technology with- out depending heavily on foreign di- rect investment? Malta has experienced exceptional economic growth over the past year, many a time outpacing fellow EU mem- ber states. One of the more challenging impacts of such a robust economy is the con- stant need for human capital. While the Maltese are furthering their studies in the technological field, demand always exceeds supply. To counter this, Government has em- barked on a number of projects to fur- ther spread the talent pool available for such industries. In 2017, the European Gaming Insti- tute of Malta (EGIM) was launched fol- lowing an agreement signed between the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST); with 56 students enrolling for the iGaming Diploma in 2018, and an additional 43 enrolling in 2019. However , for our economy to remain sustained with the required levels of employment, importing talent from other countries, particularly European ones, will remain constant. How do you hope to see Malta's tech- nological dependence change or evolve in the coming years? We want to promote Malta as a digi- tal country rather than just 'The Block- chain Island'. While the latter has certainly proven to be sustainable and crucial in the cre- ation of high-quality jobs and services, no jurisdiction should be solely de- pendent on one particular niche. Malta's name certainly needs to be en- graved and become synonymous with a new era in the digital age which will further improve services provided by all stakeholders in all sectors. We want other jurisdictions to look to Malta as having the principal role on the global digital stage. Then we can truly provide an endless career choice for our citizens and even more efficient services in our society for all to enjoy. as a digital country' Malta's strateg y and vision for artificial intelligence until 2030 provides for a strong position as a leading jurisdiction in the AI field