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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 MARCH 2024 7 COMMERCIAL BYD shortlisted in the top three for the 2024 World Car Awards AT the Geneva Motor Show on February 26, the World Car Awards announced the top three finalists for 2024. BYD's mod- els, the BYD SEAL and the BYD DOLPHIN, excelled among a host of competitors, securing spots in the top three for the "World Car of the Year" and "World Urban Car" categories, respectively, and progressing to the final round of the competi- tion. BYD makes history as the first and only Chinese carmaker to be shortlisted in the top three for the "World Car of the Year" category. Regarded as the top three au- tomotive accolades globally, the "World Car Awards," "Europe- an Car of the Year," and "North American Car of the Year" are highly esteemed. Dubbed the "Oscars of the automotive world", the "World Car Awards" is particularly celebrated for its emphasis on international mod- els, positioning it as a highly an- ticipated event within the global automotive industry. BYD's ex- ceptional performance highlights its status as a global leader in the New Energy Vehicle space. BYD was launched locally, last year by GasanZammit Motors, and has been very well received here too. These two models, with their distinctive design, cutting-edge technology, and robust safety features, captured the interest of over 100 automotive media ex- perts from 29 countries. In 2023, the BYD SEAL and BYD DOL- PHIN achieved five-star ratings in Euro NCAP and ANCAP tests. Notably, BYD SEAL was also nominated for the final European Car of the Year 2024. As a frontrunner in the new en- ergy vehicle sector, BYD achieved a milestone with over 3 million new energy vehicle sales in 2023, securing the top spot in glob- al sales, for the second year in a row and breaking into the top ten global automotive brands — a first for a Chinese automaker. So far, BYD's new energy vehi- cles have a substantial presence across over 70 countries and re- gions on six continents, encom- passing more than 400 cities. In 2023, BYD emerged as a front- runner in new energy vehicle sales across various internation- al markets, including Thailand, Singapore, Colombia, and Brazil, garnering extensive consumer acclaim and preference. Aligning with the World Car Awards' mission to foster con- tinual innovation in the automo- tive sector, BYD is committed to building a comprehensive ze- ro-emission new energy solution through technological innova- tions. It aims to enhance consum- er travel experiences, spearhead the new energy vehicle industry's growth, and actively contribute to the automotive industry's trans- formation and progress. Looking ahead, BYD will steadfastly pur- sue its vision to "Cool the Earth by 1°C," continually driving the industry's green and low-carbon transformation and global sus- tainable development. Find out more or book an ap- pointment here HSBC Malta champions women's empowerment with annual donation drive ON the occasion of International Wom- en's Day, HSBC Malta Foundation has re- affirmed its commitment to supporting women in need through its annual dona- tion drive. This initiative, aimed at aiding women affected by violence, mental health issues, homelessness, and other adversities, has once again demonstrated the power of community and compassion. This year, HSBC Malta, in collaboration with twelve local schools and two generous suppliers, has successfully gathered a sig- nificant collection of essential items which will be going towards twenty local NGOs. Donations include a variety of toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorants, as well as essential items like blankets and food stuffs all destined for women who are navigating challenging cir- cumstances. Among the enthusiastic par- ticipants were students from the Prince's Trust International Achieve Programme. The donations were presented in a spe- cial event on March 6th, at the HSBC Head Office boardroom in Valletta, which, once again (after the Christmas Donations) for one day, has been transformed from a con- ventional corporate space into a vibrant bazaar brimming with kindness and com- munity spirit. Glenn Bugeja, Corporate Sustainability Manager at HSBC, expressed his gratitude and admiration for the community's effort. "The overwhelming support from stu- dents, schools, and suppliers exemplifies a collective commitment to fostering a more supportive and inclusive society. Through initiatives like this donation drive, we are not only providing essential items to those in need but also sending a message of sol- idarity and hope. It's heartening to see our corporate spaces repurposed to facilitate such meaningful engagement and support for our community," said Bugeja. MCAST's progress in empowering women in education and beyond The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) celebrated Interna- tional Women's Day on Campus with activ- ities, emphasising the need for an inclusive environment at MCAST where women are encouraged and empowered to excel. MCAST's commitment to gender bal- ance within its student body has brought a shift towards a more balanced full-time registered student cohort. In 2017, male students accounted for 59%, while female students represented 41% of the cohort. By 2023, this gender distribution had im- proved to 56% male and 44% female. Over the past six years, a 74% increase in full-time female registered students in STEM was registered. Female STEM grad- uates increased by 48% from 2022 to 2023. Female graduates in the Institute of Applied Science (IAS) increased by 68%, while those in the Institute of Information and Com- munication Technology (ICT) increased by 53%. Such achievements result from a concerted effort and a range of initiatives to promote women in STEM and within edu- cation in general. Several social activities took place, includ- ing networking opportunities, live music, readings, and a reflection discussion panel on the role of women in our community. Staff and students were encouraged to wear yellow as a symbol of its essence; yellow is an example of joy, positivity, and innate creativity. To reach out to the broader community for the second year running as part of the Women's Week Initiative, MCAST and the Institute of Community Services (ICS) reached out to numerous local NGOs. Women were invited on campus and given complimentary hair and beauty treatments by College students at the MCAST Hair & Beauty Salon. Moreover, several activities were held on campus in Paola to celebrate the success of women studying and work- ing at the College.