Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/204636
44 Events maltatoday, Sunday, 3 November 2013 The BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation is launched The BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation was launched today during a press conference that was addressed by John Cassar White, Chairman of Bank of Valletta and Joseph Calleja. Bank of Valletta and Joseph Calleja are the joint founders of the Foundation. The purpose of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation is to perform a social function amongst vulnerable individuals and social groups with particular emphasis on underprivileged children and children with innovative, distinctive or unique artistic or musical talents who are in any way unable to develop or enhance their talents. BOV Chairman, John Cassar White, said that BOV is delighted to collaborate with Joseph Calleja in a project that is set to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and social groups. "When we were discussing our collaboration with Joseph Calleja, the idea of setting up this Foundation was the aspect that really aligned the sense of purpose of the two sides. This initiative that Joseph has come up with is really in tune with the business philosophy of Bank of Valletta. Indeed, BOV, as the largest financial institution in Malta, has always considered the society in which it operates as an important stakeholder and has been at the forefront in contributing financial and other resources towards projects that seek to make a tangible contribution towards the very same communities within which it operates," said Cassar White. "The Bank is confident that the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation will play an important role that will continue to make our society a better society and that will complement the established structures providing opportunities that were hitherto not within the reach of vulnerable individuals and social groups," added Cassar White. The BOV Chairman thanked Joseph Calleja for the excellent collaboration on this most exciting initiative and augured that the launch of the Foundation would be a first step in a journey that would benefit the Maltese society as a whole. Speaking during the launch of the Foundation, Joseph Calleja expressed his excitement at finally being able to launch the Foundation. "I had been toying with the idea of this Foundation for several years now. I have felt the urge to give something back to the most vulnerable in society for a long time . Now, thanks to Bank of Valletta's support, we are finally here to witness the first hours of this Foundation." Joseph Calleja concluded his intervention by expressing his gratitude to the Board of Directors of the new Foundation. "It gives me great pride to have such great individuals ready to take the Foundation forward. I would like to thank each and every one of you profoundly for your dedication." Frank Salt Real Estate announces a five-year expansion strategy Frank Salt Real Estate has been enjoying a successful 2013, and this week the company's management announced a strategic plan that will see the company expand considerably over the next five years. Details were given at an extraordinary general meeting called by the Company Directors earlier this October, during which conference a five-year strategic plan was put forward to the company consultants and employees. Amongst other measures the company plans to open a number of additional branches in strategic places in Malta, and also invest substantially in attracting foreign property investment. The latter includes dedicated plans focused on interest in commercial property. To achieve its plans, the company is planning to gradually augment its staff complement, both in terms of property consultants and support staff, by 50% from its current levels. An even greater emphasis on staff training is being implemented. These expansion plans shall help maintain Frank Salt Real Estate's leading position in the local market. As part of the overall strategy, the company announced an increase in remuneration packages across the board. It has also introduced several initiatives aimed to attract new property consultants to join the team. "There comes a point for a business that has been around for a substantial number of years, where you have to sit back and assess the best way forward for the business", stated Joe Lupi, the company's Managing Director in his address. "Frank Salt Real Estate has been around for over four decades and we felt it was time to see whether to take a conservative approach and consolidate our efforts or possibly even downsize, or alternatively push forward and grow further. After a careful assessment of the current market conditions and expected The partnership between Joseph Calleja and Bank of Valletta launched in June 2013 is based on three distinct pillars:- positioning BOV as the main sponsor of the Maltese Tenor's annual Summer Concert and the BOV Joseph Calleja Children's Choir; having Joseph Calleja endorse BOV and the services that the Bank offers as Malta's Further details of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation and the manner in which it will work will be announced over the coming months. Banking institutions donate €50,000 worth of musical instruments to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Members of the Foundation for the Assistance of Musical Development: Governor of the Central Bank of Malta Professor Josef Bonnici, Bank of Valletta CEO Charles Borg, HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson during the official presentation of the instruments to Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Chairman Sigmund Mifsud. industry forecasts, we took the riskier option – that of expansion." On the new remuneration packages, Company Director Douglas Salt commented "There is this impression that to work in property, your earnings will only be driven by commissions on sales (or lettings). We understand the concerns that some people might have on this matter and as such we wanted a remuneration package that not only offers the excellent income that a career in real estate provides, but also an attractive secure income that will ensure their peace of mind. Experience shows that once you have tried your hands at real estate sales, there is no turning back – and we want to make it easier for prospective candidates to take the plunge." A specific attractive package was also announced for more seasoned consultants, especially those who already hold considerable experience in the field. "We strongly believe in our service" further explained Grahame Salt, Company Director. "Frank Salt Real Estate is today a household brand that is synonymous with quality real estate consultancy. We pride ourselves of always putting the client first, and one way of doing so is by always being proactive and keeping abreast with market trends and the opportunities that the local and foreign environment present. We have a number of qualities that make us the best option for people to go to when they need to buy or sell their property. We not only offer an excellent and complete experience, but we have a large and talented team and a strategy that works. Albeit built on strong family traditions, our philosophy is forward thinking; and has proven successful over and over again. We're now looking forward to even more exciting times." For more information on this press release one may contact Nick Bilocca at Frank Salt Real Estate on telephone 23 794 794 or by email at marketing@ franksalt.com.mt. The Foundation for the Assistance of Musical Development donated the sum of €50,000 worth of musical instruments to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO). A musical presentation by members of the MPO was held at Robert Samut Hall in Floriana as an expression of gratitude for the new instruments donated by the Foundation. Co-founded by the Central Bank of Malta, Bank of Valletta plc and HSBC Bank Malta plc, the Foundation was set up with the aim to foster musical talent in Malta by granting financial assistance to individuals and entities in support of musical careers and the acquisition of musical instruments. The donated instruments include a three-manual organ, a marimba, a five-string double bass, and a digital keyboard, all of which were incorporated in the presentation. During the presentation, the Foundation highlighted its objectives and achievements and invited other companies to contribute towards the philanthropic drive in support of Malta's musical Melita TV Everywhere tops App Store charts Melita's TV Everywhere app has topped the download charts of Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store with more than 12,000 downloads in three weeks. The Melita TV App is available for free download on both stores for smartphones and tablets. "The download response has been phenomenal and we also received great feedback from customers about the whole experience. leading financial services provider and; the collaboration on the creation of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation that was launched today. We received some great stories and experiences from customers about how they are using this app that enables them to watch TV on their smart device. The BETA period is also enabling us to collect some very important feedback on how to further improve the service, be it the user interface or content line up", commented Michael Darmanin, Director of Marketing and Business Services at Melita. During the BETA test period, all Melita customers with Fibre Powered internet and any TV subscription get to use the service for free on up two different phones or tablets for the duration of their contract. As from launch customers get access to some 30 TV channels from the existing Melita line-up including local favourites TVM, TVM 2, NET TV and ONE TV along with Italian channels, news channels such as SKY NEWS and CNN, as well popular entertainment channels such as BBC Entertainment and the successful Melita More. The Beta version of the Melita TV app is compatible with all Apple iPhone or iPad devices and with Android smartphones and tablets running software version 4.0 or later. For more information visit www. melita.com potential. The Governor of the Central Bank of Malta Professor Josef Bonnici said: "The Central Bank of Malta, BOV and HSBC Malta's commitment to promote a better appreciation of Malta's cultural and artistic works has, over the years, manifested itself in different ways. The three institutions are now proud to associate themselves with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra by donating musical instruments with the aim of promoting a greater appreciation of music among the public." BOV CEO Charles Borg said, "Arts and culture are widely being recognised as critical to any holistic education. It gives us great pleasure to be able to boost this important facet of education in a practical manner, thereby enriching the culture of our islands. Being here today and witnessing the harmony at play is really music to our ears." HSBC Malta's CEO Mark Watkinson said: "Hearing the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra play is always an inspiring cultural experience. It was especially nice to hear the Foundation's contribution of new instruments come alive. We encourage other organisations to follow in the Foundation's cooperative effort to encourage further musical development in Malta." Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Chairman Sigmund Mifsud thanked the Foundation for its generous donation. He said that "through this donation, the orchestra's potential has been enriched and will enable us to broaden our repertoire. Furthermore, with the installation of the organ, Robert Samut Hall is now the only venue that offers the possibility to perform non-sacred organ works".