Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529458
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 NOVEMBER 2024 6 COMMERCIAL Shaping the future of excellence in Youth, Research, and Innovation Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlights 2025 budget measures for youth empowerment, research, and innovation PARLIAMENTARY Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti has un- veiled pivotal 2025 budget meas- ures under the theme "Naħdmu Lejn Pajjiż ta' Kwalità" ("Working Towards a Nation of Quality"), pledging significant investments in Malta's research, innovation, and youth empowerment sec- tors. Structured to address fu- ture challenges, these initiatives aim to support young Maltese in education, homeownership, and health, while positioning Malta as a competitive player in research and technological advancement. Pioneering Investment in Re- search and Innovation Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti announced an ambitious research initiative in quantum computing, set to launch next year, thanks to the newly allocated budget. This pro- ject aims to bolster Malta's quali- ty-driven research ecosystem and has already attracted partnerships with international tech giants IBM, Amazon, and a third key player, Airbus. The collaborative venture highlights Malta's grow- ing influence in the digital sector, as the nation positions itself as a hub for cutting-edge technologi- cal advancements. On the research front, Parlia- mentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti announced expanded fund- ing for Xjenza Malta's FUSION program, with an allocation of €6.3 million aimed at advancing research in key fields, including health, sustainable resource use, aviation, and technology. This funding enables public, academic, and private entities to spearhead projects that address national pri- orities. For the first time, Malta's Space Sector receives focused invest- ment. Funding for the PECS program, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, in- creases to €1.5 million, with an additional €400,000 dedicated to implementing Malta's Nation- al Space Strategy (2022-2027). In the coming days, the govern- ment is expected to unveil a legal framework establishing national jurisdiction over space activities, enabling Malta to venture into space-related commerce. This framework aligns with global standards, opening avenues for satellite data applications in en- vironmental monitoring, agricul- ture, and climate adaptation. Parliamentary Secretary Azzo- pardi Tanti underscored the gov- ernment's support for transform- ative healthcare solutions, marked by a substantial investment in the Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM). This foun- dation was established earlier this year as a flagship of Malta's research agenda, dedicated to pi- oneering cancer prevention and treatment research. With fund- ing set to double in 2025 from €800,000 to €1.6 million, the foun- dation facilitates collaboration be- tween medical professionals, AI specialists, and digital technology innovators, accelerating progress in cancer care. Through such in- itiatives, Malta aims to assert itself as a leader in scientific advance- ment and community-focused health innovation. Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti also said that the CRIHM is working towards bring the first accredited Cancer Mission Hub in Europe. Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity in Education and Com- munity Support Budget 2025 further underscores the government's commitment to lifelong learning and accessibility. Through a large-scale initiative, over 100 schools are set to under- go modernization over the next 13 years, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainabil- ity. The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) receives a significant budget in- crease to €1.6 million, tripling its previous funding, to expand sup- port services that foster independ- ence for individuals with disabili- ties. FITA's mission is to make technology accessible, offering critical resources for workplaces, homes, and digital interfaces. Commitment to Youth Empower- ment and Opportunity Central to Budget 2025 is its fo- cus on empowering young people in critical areas like education, health, and financial stability. The government has expanded the First Time Buyers scheme, which has already benefited near- ly 4,900 young applicants, pro- viding crucial financial support through increased grants and reduced stamp duty. This initi- ative addresses housing afforda- bility, a long-standing challenge for Maltese youth, underscoring the government's commitment to creating stable, long-term housing opportunities. Youth health and fitness also see priority, with the government covering the first six months of gym memberships for those born between 2005 and 2007, a move that forms part of a broader well- ness initiative aimed at fostering lifelong well-being. Further financial support for youth includes adjustments to the cost-of-living allowance and increased educational stipends, such as book grants and additional parental allowances for post-sec- ondary students. Additionally, Budget 2025 provides substan- tial allocations for the European Digital Innovation Hub (DiHub- MT), an initiative that nurtures young tech entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship and high-performance comput- ing resources. This new hub has the potential to cultivate a fertile environment for Malta's youth to explore innovation in the digital economy. The government has also pledged to support the expanding gaming sector by advancing areas like computer gaming, eSports, and immersive technologies, fur- ther solidifying Malta's role as a competitive player in the digital economy. The budget includes provisions for eSports athlete vi- sas, creating a dynamic environ- ment that attracts international talent and promotes cultural and skills exchange within this sector. Investing in Youth Engagement and Mental Health Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continues to play a key role in Malta's youth empowerment strategy, bol- stered by a 40% funding increase in Budget 2025. This enhanced budget supports a broad array of initiatives, including the BOOST scheme, which provides funding to youth organizations and cultur- al associations, such as band clubs, enabling them to broaden their activities. This year, the BOOST scheme has funded over 210 pro- jects, engaging more than 60,500 young participants and promot- ing inclusivity across cultural, ed- ucational, and social domains. Through the Empowerment for Youth program, which has posi- tively impacted 12,000 young Mal- tese to date, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ plans to expand its reach, focusing on underrepresented groups and nurturing leadership, life skills, and community engagement. Mental health is also a priority, with initiatives including online counselling and mental health workshops in schools, ensuring accessible support for all youth. International partnerships con- tinue to benefit Maltese youth, providing skill-building and cul- tural exchange opportunities. Hosting Youth Conferences in 2025 As part of Malta's commit- ment to youth development on the European stage, Parliamen- tary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti announced that Malta will host two major youth conferences in 2025 under its Presidency of the Council of Europe. In May, Mal- ta will welcome the European Youth Work Convention, a piv- otal event focused on advancing youth work policies and practices across member states. In October, Malta will host a Ministerial Con- ference for European Ministers responsible for youth, fostering discussions and policy-making for youth-centred initiatives. These events highlight Malta's leader- ship in fostering youth engage- ment and showcase its dedication to shaping inclusive youth-orient- ed policies on both national and international platforms. Looking Ahead Budget 2025 reflects the govern- ment's holistic approach to build- ing a resilient and future-ready Malta. It aims to strengthen Mal- ta's global standing in research and innovation while cultivating an inclusive environment for the nation's youth. Through this com- prehensive budget, which spans housing, education, health, and career readiness, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti reaf- firms the government's dedica- tion to a prosperous Malta, ready to embrace the challenges and op- portunities of tomorrow. Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlights (photo by Kian Bugeja/DOI)