Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547312
APS Bank has recently intro- duced three AI-powered inter- nal assistants, two of which are integrated directly into Micro- soft Teams, to help colleagues access information more effi- ciently. Data Clara Customer Intelli- gence allows colleagues to ask questions through a familiar Teams chat interface and re- trieve customer intelligence and business insights to sup- port informed decision-making, whilst Propositions AI provides colleagues with information on the Bank's products and prop- ositions. The Credit Adminis- tration AI assistant is used as part of an automated process and helps colleagues in Risk De- partment to extract and analyse information from periodic doc- umentation, reducing manual effort. Developed using Microsoft AI technologies, the Teams- based assistants are available across the Bank's offices and branches in Malta and Gozo. The rollout has been supported by colleague training, guidance materials and awareness initia- tives to encourage responsible use, improve productivity and streamline daily operations. Ronald Psaila, Head of Inno- vation at APS Bank, comment- ed: "Our focus is on delivering practical AI solutions that ad- dress real business challenges, help colleagues save time, re- duce manual effort and access knowledge more effectively through the tools they use every day – with the ultimate objec- tive of consistently providing a better service to our custom- ers." 7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2026 COMMERCIAL Cointreau Cocktail Competition celebrates Malta's bartending talent THE first edition of the Coin- treau Cocktail Competition in Malta brought together 15 bar- tenders to showcase their crea- tivity, technical skills and pas- sion for mixology. Farsons Beverage Imports Company Limited (FBIC) re- cently hosted the first edition of the Cointreau Cocktail Com- petition in Malta, bringing to- gether 15 talented bartenders for a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation in cocktail making. Held on 8th October 2026 at The Apothecary Cocktail Bar in St Julian's, the competition provided a platform for local bartenders to demonstrate their skills and showcase their indi- vidual interpretations of cock- tails featuring Cointreau, the re- nowned orange liqueur from the French Maison Rémy Cointreau. Throughout the competition, participants were challenged to create cocktails that demon- strated originality, balance and a strong understanding of flavour, while incorporating Cointreau into their recipes. Entries were evaluated on presentation, skills and technique, as well as the cre- ativity, balance and overall qual- ity of each cocktail. The competition was assessed by a panel of judges with experi- ence across the hospitality, bar- tending and spirits industries, including Roberto Molaro, FBIC Spirits Ambassador; Aleksandar Zivadinovic, technical judge; and Pierre Stafrace, representing Farsons' extensive experience in the beverage industry. Following the judging process, three bartenders were recog- nised for their outstanding cre- ations: First Place – Vinay Kale, Kuch Kuch, with Mango Lassi Second Place – Veronica Guz- man Chavarria, Sip n Sail, with Ary Third Place – Bibin Krisha, The Chapels Gastrobrewpub, with Mela Imqaret In recognition of his winning creation, Vinay Kale was award- ed a trip to the Athens Bar Show, including flights and accom- modation. The prize offers an opportunity to experience the international bartending scene, discover new trends and gain further inspiration from indus- try professionals. The winning creations reflect- ed the diversity of ideas and approaches brought forward by the participants, highlighting the creativity and talent present within Malta's bartending com- munity. Beyond the competition itself, the event offered an opportunity for bartenders to connect with fellow industry professionals, exchange ideas and celebrate the craft of mixology. It also high- lighted Cointreau's longstanding association with cocktail culture and its versatility as an essential ingredient in both classic and contemporary serves. FBIC remains committed to supporting the local hospitality industry by creating opportuni- ties that encourage professional development, product knowl- edge and creativity among bar- tenders and hospitality profes- sionals. The successful first edition of the Cointreau Cocktail Compe- tition marks an exciting mile- stone for the brand in Malta, recognising the people behind the bar and celebrating the in- novation that continues to shape the local cocktail scene. FBIC congratulates all the participants, with special recog- nition to the three winners, and extends its thanks to everyone who contributed to making the inaugural competition a success. Cointreau is imported, mar- keted and distributed by FBIC, a subsidiary of the Farsons Group. From left, Aleksandar Zivadinovic, technical judge; Pierre Stafrace, judge; Vinay Kale, winner first place; Veronica Guzman Chavarria, second place; Mattea Farrugia, Cointreau Brand Executive; Bibin Krisha, third place; Roberto Molaro, FBIC Spirits Ambassador and judge APS Bank introduces three AI-powered assistants to support colleagues