Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543288
6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 FEBRUARY 2026 Visit by RIT – Estonia IT Centre delegation at the MITA Data Centre MITA recently hosted a delega- tion from the RIT – Estonia IT Centre for a two-day visit at the MITA Data Centre. The purpose of the visit was to provide the delegation with a comprehensive understanding of MITA's op- erations, services, and strategic approach to delivering digital government solutions. The visit served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, collabo- ration, and the exchange of best practices between the two organ- isations. The visit commenced on first day with a welcome address by MITA's Chief Executive Officer, Emanuel Darmanin followed by an overview of MITA's mandate, structure, and core functions. The delegation was also introduced to the RIT – Estonia IT Centre, allowing both parties to outline their respective roles and objec- tives. Following the introductory session, the delegation was given a guided tour of the MITA Data Centre, including the Service Call Centre, the Network Operations Centre, and the Cyber Security Centre, providing valuable insight into MITA's operational environ- ment and critical infrastructure. Following the tour, the delega- tion attended a number of pres- entations by MITA's Heads of Department. Ivan Alessandro, Chief Financial Officer of the Finance and Contracts Depart- ment, introduced MITA Services, while Priscilla Bugeja, Head of the eGovernment Services Depart- ment, shared key information on eServices and Web Engineering. The day closed with a presenta- tion by Pierre Vella, Head of the Programme Management De- partment, who highlighted the agency's Vertical Services and programme management ap- proach. The second day focused on tech- nology, security, governance, and organisational support services. Keith Aquilina, Chief Technolo- gy Officer, together with Mariano Debono, Manager of the Mod- ern Workplace Team, delivered a presentation on the Modern Workplace, software licensing, and the use of CoPilot. Adrian Camilleri, Head of the Digital Enabling Services Department, followed with an overview of the Digital Wallet, eID, and other en- abling digital services. Cybersecurity initiatives were presented by Jonathan Cassar, Chief Information Security Of- ficer, along with his team, who discussed national cybersecurity efforts and the role of the Nation- al Co-Ordination Centre. Robert Galea, Head of the Infrastructure Services Department, provided an overview of infrastructure opera- tions, ongoing projects, databases, and hosting services. Ian Bonel- lo, Head of the Service Manage- ment Department, and his team presented on configuration and change management, as well as customer care. Additional presentations pro- vided deeper insight into MITA's organisational, operational, and strategic functions. Mark Antho- ny Attard, Acting Head of the Fa- cilities Management Department, delivered a presentation on build- ing services and projects, logistics, facilities management, and the agency's green initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability. David Sant Cortis, Head of the Strategy and Governance Department, to- gether with his team, outlined MI- TA's strategic direction, including planning and budgeting process- es, risk management certification, and business continuity planning. Corporate finance and govern- ance were further addressed by Ivan Alessandro, Chief Financial Officer of the Finance and Con- tracts Department, alongside Ru- diger, Senior Manager within the same department. Their presenta- tion focused on corporate finance and planning, revenue and cost management, EU relations, client liaison, and data protection. Jesmond Mizzi, Head of the Ex- ecutive Office, together with Lu- cia Vella, Manager within Human Resources, presented on human resources management, employ- ee wellbeing initiatives, and the agency's marketing activities. The series of presentations con- cluded with Matthew Catania, Service Manager for Email and the Service Call Centre within the Service Management Depart- ment, who provided an overview of MITA's corporate social re- sponsibility initiatives, highlight- ing the agency's commitment to social impact and community en- gagement. The visit concluded with a clo- sure meeting led by the Chief Ex- ecutive Officer and the Executive Office, followed by a cultural visit to Mdina guided by Visit Malta, offering the delegation an oppor- tunity to experience Malta's rich cultural heritage and history. Sara Cassar