Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499757
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 MAY 2023 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 MAY 2023 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION viżjoniwaħda dehraġdida infrastrutturadiġitali publicservice.gov.mt segwina An estimated 15,000 visited the first ever Public Service Expo, or- ganised a couple of days ago at the MFCC in Ta' Qali. It was the first time that all the Public Ad- ministration was under one roof, with 20 stands exhibiting the best and most innovative digital tools currently in use. From an Air Traffic simulator to statue holograms and 3D cos- tume scanning, one could easily see that technological advance- ment is truly occurring at a fast pace in the Public Service. An eSports car simulator based on the local Hal Far track, a digital kitchen used by ITS, the pass- port identifier system and digi- tal scanning of notarial archives also grabbed the attention of many. The event also served as an ideal opportunity for the public to get acquainted better with various egovernment Services. These facilitate and provide im- mediate access and information on personal healthcare, social security, local permits and vari- ous other applications. Digital systems that assist the country on a national scale were also exhibited, including the Emergency Management Control Centre, the dashboard of the Malta Stock Exchange, a medicine testing laboratory, and the digital system which oper- ates the Tritoni fountain among others. Other digital tools used in diplomacy,in agriculture and natural resources were also pres- ent, together with various virtual realities and virtual tours of at- tractions of interest. All this provided the best set- ting for the Public Service to launch its new rebranded iden- tity. During its launch, Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sul- tana said this is part of the mod- ernisation process that the Pub- lic Service is undergoing. During the three-day event, Mr Sultana also addressed the heads of the Public Adminis- tration where he explained his vision of one public administra- tion for one people, which does not distinguish between depart- ments, agencies and entities, but is based on ambition to achieve greater results. "Only this way will we be able to look forward and continue to modernize this country," con- cluded the Principal Permanent Secretary. Public Officers awarded for their work VARIOUS public officers were recognised for their diligent work dur- ing a ceremony held under the patronage of President Dr George Vella. Engineer Ramon Tabone from the Directorate of Engineering at Mater Dei Hospital was awarded the Best Green Initiative. Mr Tabone worked on a project where he reduced the waste of heat from the hos- pital's chillers, by utilizing this same energy to heat wards and domes- tic water. It is estimated that one million liters of fuel was saved, and carbon emissions were reduced by more than three million kilograms. Best Digital Solution was awarded to the Information Management Unit of the Ministry for Social Policy, for the development of the plat- form 'mySocialSecurity.' This tool offers personalized social services, where an applicant may view what benefits one is eligible for. Inclusion Award was given to the Community Policing team in Mar- sa. This team has established several activities leading to more inclu- sion in the community, as well as serving as a bridge between minority groups and the authorities. Inspiring Social Responsibility Award was given to the Malta Food Agency, for the distribution of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish to soup kitchens and food banks. Project of the Year was awarded to the Department of Active Aging and Community Care for the 'Dar Padova' project, a clinic with a num- ber of holistic services under one roof for the elderly in Gozo, provid- ing also the facility of a night shelter. Team Recognition Award was given to the Industrial Relations Unit (IRU) within the People and Standards Division, for its work on work- ers' conditions, in particular with their negotiation and conflict resolu- tion skills in their daily work. Quality Award was given to Business First, after consistently obtain- ing positive results in quality internal controls of the Public Service. The Passport office and the eID office within Identity Malta, the Of- fice for Consular Services, the One-Stop-Shop for Public Officers and Health Care Funding have obtained the Quality Label. Best Practice in Good Governance Award was awarded to the Stand- ards Authority for Social Care, after the National Audit Office (NAO) described this authority in a recent audit as a 'fine example in good governance'. Role Model Award was given to Police Constable Aiden Brignone Carachi, who was described by his colleagues as a diligent and ethi- cal person who carries out his duty carefully. He was instrumental in saving from death a person who was suffering a stroke and was not accepting help. The final recognition of 'Outstanding Effort Award' was also given by the Head of Public Service Tony Sultana, to the Civil Protection team. These officers were recognized for going abroad last February and as- sist the victims of the earthquake in Turkey. Successful Public Service Expo Photos: DOI