Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/219723
48 Events maltatoday, Sunday, 1 December 2013 Bank of Valletta wins Best Multi-Channel Strategy Award in 2013 MCA eBusiness Awards Bank of Valletta has won the MCA eBusiness Award for Best Multi-Channel Strategy during this year's eBusiness Awards organised by the Malta Communications Authority. The award was presented by Dr. Edward Woods, Chairman Malta Communications Authority to a team of senior executives from Bank of Valletta, namely, Michael Galea Chief Officer Operations and Ivo Camilleri, Executive Head Electronic Banking. Bank of Valletta's multi channel strategy has a strong background which has seen the Bank registering a number of firsts including the first ATMs in 1989 and the first Internet banking in 2002. In renewing the strategy, BOV has launched Multichannel Banking 2.0 – a strategy centred around providing customers with a uniquely positive experience. The first part of this innovative strategy involved BOV mobile, introducing mobile payments and a whole new take to banking on the go. The next step in this strategy will be the introduction of a new internet banking platform, scheduled in 2014. Through this strategy, Bank of Valletta is focusing on continuing to make its extensive expertise in financial services translate into innovative and value added services that its customers appreciate. This year the Malta Communications Authority received 35 submissions for the eBusiness Awards 2013 in various categories. The adjudication was conducted by an independent committee comprising representatives from industry, Government and academia, which assessed each nominated solution against criteria on which the committee based its final judgement. Luxyrt Grande 95rph is Azimut A true taste of India Yachts' new raised pilot house Azimut Yachts introduces the Azimut Grande 95RPH: a new hull, new design, and innovative solutions for a vessel with many surprises in store. The 95RPH is part of the Grande collection, the line of 95'-120' luxury yachts from the Italian shipyard. The first brand new Azimut Grande 95RPH is coming out in spring 2014; however, thanks to renderings, it is possible to preview some of the boatyard's interesting solutions that improve functionality without altering the style. Foremost among the new features introduced by concept and exterior designer Stefano Righini is the raised wheelhouse. The boat's name - RPH - actually stands for Raised Pilot House, giving some indication of the importance of the decision to separate the wheelhouse from the main deck. This is accomplished by creating a half deck which gives the boatowner and guests more space and maximises privacy from the crew. The designer has also managed to integrate the raised wheelhouse with the vessel's hallmark exterior lines, retaining that special Azimut Grande family look. Thanks to the raised wheelhouse, the Azimut Grande 95RPH has five cabins, four guest cabins on the lower deck and the boatowner's cabin on the main deck towards the bow. The exceptional view and large bathroom make the boatowner cabin a veritable suite with an unparalleled sea view. There is also a liberating sense of space in the 95RPH saloon; here, Righini has created a real sense of continuity between inside and outside, thanks in part to the double, floorto-ceiling picture windows. Another Azimut Grande trump card is without doubt the exceedingly spacious flybridge (+60 m2) - awarded Best in Class; it includes a cushy exterior dinette that seats 10, a mini bar, Jacuzzi, and comfortable sunbathing area. The layout sleeps 10 with the boatowner's suite and four VIP cabins, each with a private bath; there is also a day head. The fourmember crew has three cabins and two baths to the bow, with separate access to the kitchen located on the main deck. The luxurious and elegant interiors are by Studio Salvagni Architetti for Azimut Yachts, a proven collaboration that has led to such successful models as Azimut 80, Azimut 84, and Azimut 88. To the stern, there is a garage with pivoting platform for a + 4-metre tender jet; the engine room has two MTU 16V2000 M84 motors which, when combined with the planing hull with skeg, provides for significantly improved directional stability, enabling maximum speeds of 26.5 knots and cruising speeds of 20 knots. The 12,000-litre fuel tank and 2,000-litre water tank ensure great range, even for long crossings. Despite being a vessel with an overall length of nearly 29 metres, the Grande 95RPH falls within the 24-metre cut-off and therefore can be registered as a pleasure craft. In many countries around the world this is a distinction which offers the boat-owner serious advantages both in terms of crew management and administration, with significant savings in time and money. This is because pleasure crafts do not require a professional captain or engineer and have reduced crew requirements. In addition, the registration procedures are definitely simplified, with the corollary benefits for charter use: regulations are in conformance with MGN280 guidelines, MCA equivalent for under 24 metres. The Grande 95RPH is the Grande collection's first model since it was incorporated into the Azimut Yachts family, now with five collections: Atlantis, Magellano, Flybridge, S and – of course – Grande. India a fine Indian dining restaurant is all about this exquisite Indian food brought to you in the south of Malta, specifically in Marsascala (ex Langustini Restaurant). After their big success with Sharma in Mdina, the team welcomes you to their new restaurant, where they're pleased to offer the finest Indian dishes. Their commitment is quality in an ambiance purely Indian – starting from music to an array of genuine food prepared by highly skilled Indian chefs. They specialise in chutneys, dips, naan breads, rice dishes and also a range from mild to hot curry dishes to fulfill everyone's desire. One highlight is India's mouthwatering cooked meats prepared in authentic tandoori clay ovens. But that's not all. You are invited to choose from a vast selection of wines to suit everyone. India even dares you to bring your own wine at a mere cost of a corkage fee. For more information, find India on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/indiamaltadining HSBC Malta Foundation supports indigenous tree planting in Għargħur Symbolic initiative marks 20 years of local councils in Malta Earlier this week children from the college's Kindergarten got to experience firsthand a day in the life of a public protection agent. As part of their curriculum, Kindergarten students learn about 'People Who Help Us', which would include fire fighters, policemen, doctors and nurses, soldiers and many more. This week the students got the chance to meet members from the Armed Forces, members from the Police Corps and members from the Civil Protection along with their vehicles and equipment. During the visit, children experienced what it is like being in a police car and to sound the siren. They also got to hold a fire hose and learned how firemen use various fire-fighting tools in case of an emergency. The representatives from Armed Forces explained how they use their radios when out at sea to communicate with their colleagues on shore. The children were all smiles as they visited each station class by class. Last week we also were lucky when the very same students were visited by a local dentist; another person in society who forms part of their 'People Who Help Us' topic. Sciberras visited the classes with her friend Max the dinosaur and his big toothbrush. The children were encouraged to eat healthy food like carrots and apples, and were told that sweets should only be eaten twice a week – apart from when they have the occasional party! The children enjoyed giving examples of the good healthy food they will start bringing for lunch to school. Then they each got a turn brushing Max's teeth the correct way. To finish off the activity, the children received 'a goodie' bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash to take home. From left: HSBC Malta Head of Business Management Matt Macdona, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Culture Hon. José Herrera and Gharghur Mayor Mario Gauci overlooking the planting of trees by the students of Gharghur Primary school