Zammit Lewis says ICT innovation a priority

The Parliamentary Secretary for Competiveness and Economic Growth Edward Zammit Lewis said that government was committed in creating a "perfect context" for ICT innovation in Malta.

Zammit Lewis was speaking at the 3^rd edition of the ebusiness awards hosted by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) during which twelve enterprises were recognised for successfully implementing or developing innovative ICT solutions.  These awards have become an important showcase for local entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and business acumen in the eBusiness field.

Zammit Lewis said that in today's world no business can afford to ignore technology and said that events like these should serve to spur other businesses to follow suit whilst allowing for other businesses to learn from such successes. 

He said that Malta had managed to establish a strong ICT industry, and that the "levels of excellence" which the country has strived to reach has helped Malta make a name for itself in the global ICT market. 

"The message you are sending beyond our shores augurs well for a strong Maltese digital economy in years to come," he said, addressing the entrepreneur-filled audience. 

Zammit Lewis said that government's mission was to push Malta to the forefront of technological development and innovation. 

"We intend to have a thriving economy that is built on next generation infrastructures capable of catering for emergent technologies and business needs," he said. 

He explained that the MCA had been carefully implementing a strategy that will ensure the rollout of such technologies in Malta, highlighting the recent launch of 4G as an "important result" in this regard. 

Zammit Lewis also stressed that Fibre to the Home (FTTH) remained a top priority for Malta's digital economy and said that the MCA is working together with other entities to facilitate the roll-out process. 

"Government is committed to giving you the space, opportunity, support, and the regulatory stability you need to succeed," he said, whilst stressing that ultimately it was up to the business community to build and sustain a digital economy. 

Eighteen finalists were selected out of 35 applications by an independent adjudicating panel representing members from industry, government and academia, representing a wide spectrum of industries and technologies. 

The businesses ranged from self employed individuals to some of the largest companies in Malta. 

Zammit Lewis congratulated all the participants, saying that these real-life examples "serve to set a standard for eBusiness in Malta and should encourage more businesses to adopt a more proactive approach in the use of ICT". 

New to this year's event, is a special award to acknowledge the efforts of a student who has excelled in an area of research related to eBusiness. 

Anne Marie Bajada, who completed an MBA in eBusiness at the University of Malta was awarded for her dissertation titled 'Driving along the Cyber Highway - an end-users' perception of security and privacy in today's digital society'. 

Amongst the other winners were MCAST wich won the award for the 'Best eGovernment Initiative' with their 'shortcourses.mcast.edu.mt' initiative, whilst BOV, with their website bov.com, won the award for 'Best Multi-Channel Strategy'. 

The Best Business to Business application was won by Sullivan Maritime Ltd and developed by Mangion & Lightfoot Ltd.

Furthermore AAT Research Ltd. won the award for 'Best App' with their mobile application, 'Brain Music System Mobile', Clever Solutions pipped PwC for the 'Best eBusiness Idea of the Year' award, and Good Morning Malta Ltd. won the award for 'Best eCommerce Site' with their website, Dealtoday.com.mt.

SmartCity Malta supported the MCA in this event and presented the award for the best Business-to-Business Application.