Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1509678
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 OCTOBER 2023 8 COMMERCIAL MCAST students participate in first Global Competition STUDENTS from the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) follow- ing courses at the Institute of Information and Communica- tion Technology (ICT) partici- pated in the first Global Robot- ics Competition in Singapore. The MCAST team spent much of their summer learning and experimenting with their robot in preparation for the competi- tion. This innovative event en- abled them to carry out diverse activities with their robot while helping them advance their knowledge and skills in areas related to their programmes of study. The MCAST team secured the 4th place in the playoffs during the competition. This result marks an outstanding milestone for Team Malta, achieving such a high ranking for the very first time. Accompanied by College lec- turers and staff the 'MCAST Robotics Team' comprised of Anthea Muscat, Julia Mus- cat, Mirielle Vella, and Nicole Frendo represented Malta and the College amongst 191 other countries invited to participate in this competition. The theme of the 2023 FIRST Global Challenge is #Hydrogen- Horizons. This theme intro- duced a key, developing tech- nology for student participants to understand. In Hydrogen Horizons, teams learn about the potential of hydrogen en- ergy to address global energy needs without adding addition- al greenhouse gasses to our at- mosphere. The event aimed to inspire leadership and innovation in youth from all nations by em- powering them through edu- cation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — also known as STEM. MITA, GO, PwC, Tech.mt, and HSBC supported this event and the 'MCAST Robotics Team'. Stories of Negroni: An event that tempted the senses SINCE its creation in 1919, Campari has been the red heart and defining ingredient in the classic cocktail. The Negro- ni's rise and popularity as the #1 bestselling classic cocktail worldwide wouldn't have been possible without the limitless skill of bartenders sharing their talents across the globe. Negroni Week was back for its 11th year running from 18 to 24 September. An international charitable initiative sponsored by Campari, Negroni Week aims to raise money for good causes while also bringing people to- gether to celebrate this iconic cocktail. On 19 September, the event, Stories of Negroni, brought en- thusiasts together to experience a rich tapestry of flavours and fragrances. Held at the elegant Michelin Guide restaurant, Rosami at The Villa, located in picturesque Balluta, this sensory delight immersed all attendees in an indulgent palate journey. The event kicked off with an aperitivo featuring three Cam- pari-infused delights: Campari Spritz, Campari Tonic and the timeless classic, Negroni. Head Chef Cliff Borg skillfully craft- ed five memorable dishes, while Sommelier Brandon Kriel took centre stage, guiding patrons through the intricacies of each Negroni variation. He provided insights into the artistry accom- panying the preparation of these exquisite cocktails, making "Sto- ries of Negroni" an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. Sponsored by Farsons Bever- age Imports Company Ltd. in collaboration with Campari. Emirates crowned as 2024 APEX World Class Airline, with additional award for Economy Class amenity kit EMIRATES has recently been crowned as a 2024 APEX World Class Airline winner for master- ing guest experience and deliver- ing outstanding customer service, at the 2024 APEX/IFSA Awards held in Long Beach, California. Evaluated through a comprehen- sive audit of quality of service, safety, and health control initia- tives, Emirates is one of just eight airlines globally to achieve this accolade. Emirates also received a 2024 IFSA award for 'Best On- board Amenity,' in recognition of Emirates Sustainable Econo- my Class amenity kit - filled with useful amenities to enhance pas- senger comfort whilst being com- posed of more sustainable mate- rials designed for reusability. About Emirates Economy Class Amenity Kits Emirates' Economy Class range of amenity kits are complimen- tary for customers on long-haul flights, and feature designs that represent the four essential el- ements of nature – fire, water, earth, and air. The pouches are reusable and made from washa- ble kraft paper with bespoke art printed in non-toxic soy-based ink. The contents include a se- lection of durable travel essen- tials made from materials that are more environmentally friendly than single use plastic. The tooth- brush is made from a combina- tion of wheat straw and plastic, and the socks and eyeshades are made from recycled plastic, in this case, rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). To compliment the reusable amenity kits onboard, Emirates has several other initiatives in Economy Class which focus on using sustainable materials where possible, including cosy blankets made from recycled plastic bot- tles, where each blanket is made from 28 recycled plastic bottles – an initiative which has prevent- ed over 95 million plastic bottles from going to landfill over the last 6 years. About the APEX World Class Awards APEX (Airline Passenger Expe- rience Association), the largest international airline association dedicated to passengers and ad- vancing their experience, is the official ratings body that issues the new WORLD CLASS award and accreditation. The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ were the indus- try's first validated, verified, and certified industry award where the airline's passengers rate their overall experience on a scale of 1-5, with Five Star being the highest honour. To be awarded WORLD CLASS airlines must qualify by audit. Audits are con- ducted by industry professionals from Yates and Partners, avia- tion's premier guest experience consultancy. Each audit is peer reviewed and validated by Asso- ciate Professor Dr Maxwell Win- chester of Victoria University and Copenhagen Business School, an expert in qualitative and quanti- tative customer research meth- odology. Then further scrutinized by the governing board of APEX. WORLD CLASS is awarded to the qualified few. APEX is the air- line association run by the airlines for the airlines.