Month: September 2024

Bank of Valletta is once again taking centre stage at various campuses across Malta and Gozo during Fresher’s Week. With a strong focus on students and their overall customer experience, the Bank aims to inform, engage, and entertain students, ensuring they kick-start their academic journey on the right foot.

After already connecting with students at the Higher Secondary School and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), the BOV team is gearing up to visit other major institutions, including Junior College, MCAST, the University of Malta, and 6th Form in Gozo. When visiting the BOV stand, students can easily sort their stipend account, along with any other services required for their day-to-day finances.

Interactive Competitions and Challenges
This year, BOV is launching exciting new initiatives aimed specifically at students. One highlight is the Boss Up Your Financial Knowledge, a quiz that can be accessed from the Bank’s Instagram page, @bovclubofficial, or from the BOV Fresher’s stand. By simply scanning a QR Code and answering a set of questions, students have the chance to win. Those who score over 80% will enter a draw, with 16 winners taking home a €100 Eurosport voucher each.

Another initiative that will get students moving is Boss up Your Healthier Self. Students on campus will have a one-minute challenge to bike as far as possible on a stationary bike. The top four performers will be invited to a showdown, with the overall winner receiving a €300 Eurosport voucher. Furthermore, all kilometres covered during the challenge will contribute to donations, as the Bank will donate bikes to St Patrick’s School. Participants who complete the challenge will immediately receive a BOV Tumbler and a grenade energy bar.

The stationary bike has already made its appearance at Higher Secondary School, and will soon be available at the University of Malta and MCAST.

Financial Well-being Matters
BOV recognises the importance of students understanding financial well-being from a young age. By engaging with students directly, the Bank aims to empower them to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. This includes encouraging smart spending, saving habits and offering resources to guide them towards financial stability in the future.

Join the Fun and Collect BOV Merchandise
The BOV team will be present on-site at all campuses, engaging with students and handing out exclusive BOV merchandise to those who visit their stand, until stocks last. This is a perfect opportunity for students to learn more about BOV’s products and services while enjoying fun giveaways.

“We’re excited to be engaging with students in such an interactive and educational way during Fresher’s Week,” said the Head of Marketing and Product Lifecycle, Daniel Magrin. “At BOV, students are at the heart of our initiatives, and we aim to enhance their experience with us by providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and of course have fun. Whether it is through our competitions or customer experience, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

Stay tuned to the BOV Club Instagram for more updates and join the fun across campuses this Fresher’s Week!

Earlier this week, Bank of Valletta launched its first-ever Commercial Financing Traineeship Program, a pivotal initiative designed to foster talent development, by equipping employees with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the Bank’s credit function, particularly in the highly specialised area of business lending. This program is part of the Bank’s broader commitment to continuous employee development, supported by the BOV Academy and extensive support when furthering their studies with external bodies at different levels.

As part of Bank of Valletta’s ongoing commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, this Program provides employees with opportunities for career advancement, offering clear trajectories from junior to more specialised roles. Through this initiative, the Bank is investing in its employees, ensuring they have the resources and support to succeed while contributing to the Bank’s customer-driven strategy.

Speaking to the first group of trainees, Kenneth Farrugia, the Bank’s CEO, emphasized the significance of this launch, “As we continue to grow and expand our services, particularly in the business lending space, it is essential that we invest in our people. Over the past five decades, we have built a robust portfolio of EUR 3.2 billion, driven by our dedicated employees who provide innovative solutions to corporate clients, SMEs, and micro-businesses. This program will ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations by cultivating a highly skilled workforce.”

The program will provide intensive, hands-on training for employees, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the Commercial Banking sector. With a focus on both personal and professional development, participants will engage in mandatory training modules, assessments, and on-the-job experience, culminating in opportunities for promotion to more senior roles.

Simon Grech, Chief Commercial Officer commented on the importance of this initiative in addressing the challenges the Bank is facing, “In recent years, we have faced challenges in recruiting skilled talent for the commercial sector, a technical and highly specialised area. This program, developed in collaboration with our People and Culture team, is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of a prepared and qualified pool of people. We aim to ensure we have a steady stream of talent ready to step into these critical roles, keeping pace with the growth of the business.”

Ray Debattista, Chief People and Culture Officer added by saying, “We are committed to ensuring that our employees are not just trained but fully supported in their professional journeys. Such training needs to be complemented by on-the-job mentoring by experienced colleagues. This program exemplifies our ‘People First’ strategy, aligning with our broader goal to create a culture where employees feel valued and empowered.”

The Commercial Financing Traineeship Program aligns with the Bank’s strategy to be the Employer of Choice in Malta.

Bank of Valletta has delivered an exciting and memorable summer schedule of activities for its employees, with a series of engaging events organised by the Bank of Valletta Sports and Social Committee (BOVSSC) and the CSR Events Team. These events were designed to bring employees together, foster team spirit, and create lasting memories, making them a standout feature of the BOV community.

The summer kicked off with the highly anticipated BOV Quiz Night, an event that saw over 300 employees coming together for a night of friendly competition and trivia challenges. Held in a lively atmosphere, participants tested their knowledge across various categories, sparking laughter, debates, and a great sense of team spirit.

Summer events continued with the thrilling ‘Pirates of BOV’ beach competition in August. Embracing the pirate theme, the event was packed with exciting land and sea games that doubled as team-building exercises, strengthening bonds among colleagues. Chief People and Culture Officer Ray Debattista presented the trophies to the winning team South Pearls who emerged victorious. He commanded the BOVSSC team for their exceptional organisation and the positive impact that these events have on staff engagement.

Summer fun continued with the Kayaking in the Sunset event held in early September. Forty-five participants paddled along the scenic route from Ġnejna Bay, navigating past stunning coastal landmarks such as Qarraba, Riviera and Golden Bay. Favourable weather and shared teamwork made for an exhilarating adventure. The event was highlighted by the attendance of CEO Kenneth Farrugia and Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius, who joined the rowing, adding a sense of unity and celebration among those present.

The BOV Staff Summer Event organised by the CRS & Events team, featured live entertainment, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Despite being held on one of the few rainy evenings this summer, the weather did not dampen the spirits of attendees. Instead, it turned the evening into a memorable occasion filled with laughter and renewed camaraderie, proving that not even rain could cloud the joy and togetherness of the BOV family.

Reflecting on the success of this summer’s events, Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer expressed his appreciation towards the organisers for their enthusiasm, creativity, and energy. “These activities are a testament to the Bank’s commitment to fostering a positive and engaging work culture, offering employees unique opportunities to bond, have fun, and strengthen their connections beyond the workplace,” he said.

On 4 September 2024 JA Malta Foundation held its annual SkolaSajf Junior Entrepreneurs final event at The Malta Chamber, marking the culmination of another successful year of fostering entrepreneurship, sustainability, and financial literacy among young students. The event showcased the achievements of students who participated in the “It’s Our Planet” and “Economics for Success” programmes, two of JA Malta’s flagship initiatives aimed at primary and secondary school students.

Supported by the longstanding partnership with the HSBC Malta Foundation, JA Malta continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners across Malta and Gozo. HSBC Malta Foundation not only provides backing for the programmes but also plays an active role in delivering them. Several HSBC Malta employees served as volunteer facilitators, bringing their expertise into schools to engage students in interactive sessions that highlight the importance of sustainability, personal finance, and career planning.

The “It’s Our Planet” programme, aimed at primary students, focused on raising awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability. Through engaging activities, students learned about natural resources, climate change, and sustainable living, empowering them to make a positive difference in their communities.

Meanwhile, the “Economics for Success” programme targeted secondary school students, offering crucial insights into personal finance management, budgeting, and career planning. The sessions helped students understand the relationship between education, career choices, and financial independence, giving them essential tools to succeed in their future personal and professional lives.

In a show of support for JA Malta’s commitment to sustainability, Project Green generously donated beautiful plants that were gifted to the winners of the SkolaSajf Junior Entrepreneurs competition. The plants symbolised not only the importance of nurturing the environment but also the growth and potential of the young entrepreneurs who participated in the programmes.

JA Malta’s CEO, Matthew Caruana, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the HSBC Malta Foundation, saying: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with HSBC Malta Foundation, whose involvement over the years has been instrumental in delivering our educational programmes to students all over Malta and Gozo. Their commitment, along with the generous contribution from Project Green, truly highlights the power of collaboration in shaping the future of our youth.”

As JA Malta continues to empower young people through experiential learning and mentorship, the success of the SkolaSajf Junior Entrepreneurs final event serves as a testament to the impact these programmes have on shaping future leaders, entrepreneurs, and responsible citizens.

Bank promotes physical, mental and financial well-being

In a bid to promote a holistic approach to well-being, Bank of Valletta is inviting the general public to take the plunge and join its well-being challenge, and invest time and money on enhancing physical, mental and financial wellness.

BOV is combining these three elements through a nationwide campaign culminating in the Colour My Run, the annual fun run that will be held on Sunday 27th October 2024. The activity, organised in collaboration with Colour My Run and renowned local athlete Nathan Farrugia, is open to all families and will be taking place at Manoel Island, with the support of MIDI. Part of the proceeds from the run will be donated to Richmond Foundation, an NGO that is synonymous with mental well-being in Malta.

This initiative brings together local key players in the fields of physical, mental and financial wellness and aims to generate awareness about the importance of investing time in physical activity, focusing on keeping a healthy mindset and planning for a sound financial future.

Speaking about this initiative, BOV CEO Mr Kenneth Farrugia, said that “As a Bank with a 50-year history, and as an integral part of the economy and the local community, Bank of Valletta is constantly driving the focus on financial well-being. Apart from aiming to be physically active and mentally aware, the public is being incentivised to start planning for a sound financial future. With an ageing population and longer life expectancy, pension adequacy is a topic of great interest. The Colour My Run initiative will be serving as a reminder to the public to start planning for retirement at an early stage, by means of small monthly contributions into a new Personal Pension Plan through BOV”.

Colour My Run organiser Nathan Farrugia, known locally for his sporting and philanthropic efforts, said about the partnership with BOV: “This partnership is a true indication of the commitment towards health and wellbeing that we all believe in. Thanks to the partnership, we can expand our impact, get more people active and spread the word about mental health and the benefits of physical activity for both body and mind. We encourage everyone, of any ability, to participate, whether you walk, run or dance your way around the fun course filled with colour and happiness!”

Richmond Foundation CEO Daniela Calleja Bitar said: “Colour My Run is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of unity, wellness, and community spirit. At Richmond Foundation, we believe in the power of movement—not just for our physical health but for our mental well-being.

This year, we run together to show that every step forward is a step toward a healthier, more vibrant life. Let’s paint the town with positivity and remind everyone that mental health matters. A heartfelt thank you to UN Limited and BOV for their continued support in making this event possible and for championing mental health alongside us.”

Applications for Colour My Run are now open. The public can register here. A registration fee applies, with part of the proceeds going to support Richmond Foundation.

On 29 October, Malta Enterprise, Vistage and Up Your Level are bringing the Futurists of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Futureworld together for a dynamic 1-day summit designed to equip you with the tools and insights to build the future of your business. This isn’t just another conference—it’s an opportunity to future-proof your business.

Why Should You Attend?

• AWS Expertise: Learn from AWS how their “Working Backwards from the Customer” approach has successfully propelled businesses into creating impactful new products and services.
• Future Thinking Methodology: Gain exclusive insights from Futureworld, a leading global firm, on adopting a future-focused mindset to drive innovation within your organisation.
• Product and Service of the Future: Design your future products and services to delight your customers of the future
• Industry agnostic: any industry can benefit from this programme

REGISTER HERE

Channel IT, Value Added Distributor for ManageEngine in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, is proud to announce that for the first time ever, the ManageEngine IT Roadshow will be hosted in Malta.

The ManageEngine IT Roadshow is an annual global series of IT conferences organized by the leading software manufacturer. Designed to showcase cutting-edge solutions and best practices in IT management and security, the event brings together industry professionals from around the world. This year, the roadshow will take place in St. Julian’s on October 1, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Corinthia St. George’s Bay Hotel.

This highly anticipated event is specifically designed for IT professionals, including Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Heads of IT departments, IT Managers, Systems Engineers, Data Protection Officers (DPOs), IT Security Managers, IT Auditors, and anyone involved in the Information Technology sector. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends, emerging technologies, and solutions provided by the rapidly expanding portfolio of ManageEngine.

The roadshow will feature six key thematic sessions led by ManageEngine product experts, who will provide in-depth insights into strategies for effective prevention and response to security incidents, network and infrastructure protection, centralized device management, helpdesk optimization, automation, and more. These sessions will also focus on simplifying routine tasks and addressing the everyday challenges faced by modern IT departments.

In addition to these informative presentations, the event will showcase IT leaders from top companies who rely on ManageEngine’s solutions. These executives will share their real-world experiences, demonstrating how ManageEngine products have transformed their daily operations, enhanced efficiency, digitized processes, reduced operational costs, and boosted productivity.

The ManageEngine IT Roadshow in Malta represents an unparalleled opportunity for local IT professionals to stay ahead of the curve, network with industry experts, and explore practical solutions for the challenges faced in today’s IT landscape.

Registration for the event is free, but spaces are limited. Interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot. For the detailed event agenda, speaker profiles, and to register, CLICK HERE.