Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516608
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 28 FEBRUARY 2024 NEWS KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt THE Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is described by Heritage Malta as an "outstanding under- ground burial complex that bears testimony to a civilisation that has disappeared". The prehistoric site was in use be- tween 4000BC and 1500BC and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Due to its uniqueness and to pro- tect it from deterioration, access to the site is limited to pre-booked visits but it may soon be possible to visit from the comfort of your liv- ing room. The AuReal Project by the St Martin's Institute of Higher Educa- tion, an IT and computer teaching facility, is recreating the Hypogeum by combining historical research and cutting-edge VR technology. The project will eventually pro- vide users with an unprecedented opportunity to explore this ancient site. "With the AuReal Project, St Martin's Institute is paving the way for a new era of immersive cultural experiences, ensuring that Malta's heritage remains accessible and engaging for generations to come," the institute's principal Charles Theuma said. The project is being funded through a €304,000 grant from Malta Enterprise. During a visit to St Martin's In- stitute, Enterprise Minister Silvio Schembri and the CEO of Malta Enterprise Kurt Farrugia said the grant is an investment in research and development. Schembri said the project is not only connecting the past with technologies of the present, but is also connecting various entities within the ministry, namely Malta Enterprise with its funds, Gaming Malta where such a project can be used in an innovative industry and the MDIA, with the opening of Di- HubMT this year – a space where start-ups and scale-ups can find everything they need in their jour- ney, including high performance computers. Farrugia said the economic val- ue that is being created by Malta Enterprise's R&D grant goes be- yond the project itself. He said this project is focused on creating VR and AI for heritage purposes, but it is also creating tools which will be used in the film industry, in gaming, in software development, pharmaceutical and medical fields among others. The St Martin's Principal Charles Theuma said the project was built on Malta's cultural heritage, and research orientated towards the possibility of students living the country's history through virtual reality. He said it was thanks to the Malta Enterprise funds that they could continue with their research and build the project. Virtual reality project being developed by students will allow users to explore the Hypogeum St Martin's Institute for Higher Education Principal Charles Theuma (left) showing Enterprise Minister Silvio Schembri the work being done on the AuReal Project A man from Żabbar has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding tens of thousands of euro from four men in connection with imaginary debts, as well as harassing and stalking them. 37-year-old Josemar Borg of Żab- bar was arraigned under arrest before magistrate Elaine Rizzo on Tuesday afternoon, accused of fraud and mak- ing fraudulent gain of over €5,000, as well as misappropriation. Borg is also facing charges of har- assment, committing an imprisona- ble offence during the operative pe- riod of a suspended sentence, driving without a licence and insurance and recidivism. Inspectors Eman Hayman and Clive Abela, prosecuting together with lawyers Rebecca Spiteri and De- jan Darmanin from the Office of the Attorney General, said that the po- lice had received a report from a man who claimed that Borg was bom- barding him with phone calls and loi- tering in front of his home, as well as following him around and accosting him in the street. The police say the alleged harass- ment consisted of Borg chasing the victim, who did not owe him any- thing, with demands for the payment of a non-existent debt. The victim eventually filed a police report at the Sliema police station. But as the police investigation pro- gressed, the officers had identified more potential victims and had even- tually called in the Financial Crimes Investigation Department (FCID), due to the amounts of money in- volved. Borg pleaded not guilty, with his lawyer, Josephine Farrugia Mifsud, requesting bail. The prosecution objected to the request, citing the nature of the offences and the risk of Borg tampering with evidence. The request for bail was refused by the court. Man denies harassment, fraud and stalking charges over 'imaginary' debts, denied bail KM Malta Airlines, Air France sign codeshare agreement MATTHEW AGIUS magius@mediatoday.com.mt KM Malta Airlines has announced the signing of a unilateral codeshare agreement with Air France, one of Europe's leading airlines. Under this agreement, Air France will place its code on KM Malta Airlines' 10 weekly flights between Malta and Paris Charles de Gaulle Air- port (CDG), nine weekly flights between Malta and Paris Orly Airport (ORY), and five weekly flights between Malta and Lyon (LYS). By leveraging KM Malta Airlines' route net- work, Air France will be able to offer its custom- ers convenient connections to and from various destinations both in Europe and its interconti- nental network. "This codeshare agreement opens new oppor- tunities for both airlines to expand their reach and provide enhanced travel options to their re- spective customers. KM Malta Airlines and Air France customers can now enjoy a smoother travel experience, checking-in at their departure airport and collecting their checked-through baggage at their destination," the airline said in a statement. Passengers flying with KM Malta Airlines will also benefit from this collaboration. They will have the opportunity to book flights beyond Paris to domestic and European destinations served by Air France. This will provide them with a wider range of travel options and greater flexibility in planning their journeys. "The airline is delighted to enter into this codeshare agreement with Air France. This part- nership will not only strengthen the position of KM Malta Airlines in the market but also offer passengers enhanced connectivity and added travel options. KM Malta Airlines is looking for- ward to working closely with Air France to pro- vide a superior travel experience to its custom- ers," KM Malta Airlines said. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt KM Malta Airlines (File photo)