Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1503641
2 NEWS 13.7.2023 MEDIRECT, Malta's first digital bank, will be the title sponsor of the Open De- velopers Category during CodeSprint- MT, Malta's biggest coding challenge, which is taking place later this month. Launched in 2018 as a coding contest for students studying computing in second- ary schools, the event has now grown into a national coding championship with additional categories for post-sec- ondary students and an open category for undergraduate, postgraduate stu- dents and established software develop- ers. Chris Portelli, Chief Technology Officer at MeDirect, said "Competitions like CodeSprintMT are a great opportunity for aspiring and experienced software developers, particularly young individ- uals wanting to enhance skills and test their abilities against peers. In addition to being a great learning opportunity, CodeSprintMT also creates an environ- ment where hundreds of young people can enjoy being part of a like-minded community. As a digital bank with ambi- tions to expand our WealthTech business further across Europe, it is exciting for us to see so many young people acquiring software development expertise and we are all very much looking forward to see- ing some great projects emerge during the competition." e main objective in all the competi- tion categories within CodeSprintMT, including the open category, is to test participants' problem solving, compu- tational and programming skills. e challenge is an open book exercise, and the participants' work is judged against a set of assessment criteria based on func- tionality and effectiveness. Contestants within the open category will have to overcome an 8-hour coding marathon. e top three participants in Code- SprintMT will be rewarded with pres- tigious study programs and mentorship opportunities, aimed at advancing their programming skills to a world-class lev- el. Additionally, they will receive a cash prize as part of their well-deserved rec- ognition. CodeSprintMT is organised by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport, Research & Innovation together with ICE Malta. Josmar Borg, Education Officer Com- puting within the Ministry, and the coordinator of the competition, said "To see organisations like MeDirect ap- preciating the value of a national cod- ing championship and taking the de- cision to invest in this event is a great validation of all our efforts to raise the game when it comes to teaching and enhancing computing and software de- velopment skills in Malta. As partners in Malta's future economic progress, we are committed to making this year's CodeSprintMT an even greater suc- cess." More information of CodeSprintMT is available at https://codesprintmalta. edu.mt/ e open category competition will take place on 15 July at the ICE Malta premises. is will be followed by a VIVA session for the top 5 on 19 July and an awards ceremony on 22 July whereby the top 3 winners across all competitions are announced. From left: Chris Portelli, Chief Technology Officer at MeDirect, Steve Ritchie, Head – Software Development at MeDirect, Josmar Borg, Education Officer Computing at the Ministry of Education, Nikolai Sammut, CEO at ICE Malta and Clinton Paul Borg, Enterprise Architect at MeDirect, discussing preparations for CodeSprintMT MeDirect sponsors Malta's biggest coding competition - CodeSprintMT USERS of BNF Bank's website can now experience an enhanced digital experience, as the Bank launches its new intuitive and enhanced web- site, designed to give customers ex- cellence in user-centricity. With a fresh interface, simple and enhanced navigation elements, streamlined content and a respon- sive design, the new platform pro- vides customers with a more en- gaging experience. e technology behind the platform also ensures, not just a more responsive experi- ence, but also the most robust secu- rity, guaranteeing the highest level of protection to clients. Daniel Cutajar Chief Technology & Operations Officer at BNF Bank explained how the new design is fo- cused on making the website easier and faster to navigate, with updated content to assist visitors in finding the right product, service or rate for their financial needs. "is project is our first step of the Bank's digi- tal transformation journey, that aspires to always offer the best and most advanced technological tools to our customers, reinforcing the Bank's resolve to promote digital customer interactions across our virtual touch-points and platforms." he noted. Mr Cutajar continued "we recog- nise the transformative power of technology in today's fast-paced corporate landscape and the crucial part it plays in future-proofing our Bank, whilst assuring our clients of the trust-worthiness of the Bank as their lifetime financial partner." Check out the new website at www.bnf.bank. New digital experience for BNF Bank customers