Property & Life Magazine Issue 7

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE Property, Business, Investments & Lifestyle

COVER STORY

06 -

An onlIne BusIness TrAdIng In PrIme PosITIon

We find out why EXANTE’s fund platform is a potential game changer for the industry

FEATURE

20 -

The mAlTA igAmIng semInAr (mIgs)

Our team provides a special feature on MiGS 2014, the iGaming event of the year being held at Hilton Malta in November

Issue 7

EVENT OF THE YEAR

32 -

Knowledge/ICT weeK 2014

Exclusive: Malta’s unprecedented educational and ICT event scheduled to be held at SmartCity end October 2014

HEALTHCARE

36 -

looKIng AfTer Your BodY InsIde-ouT

Spotlight on health and beauty by Shirley Cauchi , Macrobiotic Health Coach and Yoga Teacher

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

contents

ISSUE 7

COVER STORY 06 An Online Business TrAding in Prime POsiTiOn

ediTOr’s nOTe

We find out why eXAnte’s fund platform is a potential game changer for the industry with a highly sophisticated trading infrastructure

Conducting change may be the ultimate test of a leader— no business survives over the long term if it can’t reinvent itself. But, human nature being what it is, fundamental change is often resisted mightily by the people it most affects: those in the trenches of the business. From my experience, leading change is both absolutely essential, yet in Malta this seems to be incredibly difficult due to a change resistant mentality.

06

FEATURE STORIES 14 COnduCT unBeCOming: HOw TO AvOid defAmATOry COnduCT

We bring you the first part in a series of business case studies about defamation and defamatory conduct by P. Murphy & Quinn H. Vandenberg

Perhaps nobody understood the anatomy of organisational change better than retired Harvard Business School professor John P. Kotter, who published a book in 1996 called “Leading Change’. In it, he outlines eight critical success factors— from establishing a sense of extraordinary urgency, to creating short-term wins, to changing the culture (“the way we do things around here”). It might feel familiar if you read it, in part because Kotter’s vocabulary has entered the lexicon and in part because it contains the kind of home truths that we recognise, immediately, as if we have always known them.

A decade later, his work on leading change remains definitive.

Over the past years, I have watched many companies try to re-engineer themselves into significantly better competitors.

They have included large organisations (Gasan/Zammit, Airmalta) and small ones, companies that were on their knees and companies that were a success. These efforts have gone under many banners: total quality management, reengineering, downsizing, restructuring, cultural change, and turnaround.

But, in almost every case, the basic goal has been the same: to make fundamental changes in how business is conducted in order to deal with a new, more challenging market environment.

08

Finally, a word on the topic of our cover story this month. We have hesitated for some time to focus on digital currencies. We realise that what is true for cryptocurrencies and corporate financiers applies to our magazine as well: We hope the resulting success story on EXANTE will help our readers understand how they may facilitate their corporate payment processes. One way of trendy new change…

Martin Vella

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

- Dale Carnegie

Disclaimer All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied and reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. All content material available on this publication is duly protected by Maltese and International Law. No person, organisation, publication or party should rely, or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication, whether that information is sourced from the website, magazine or related product without first obtaining consent from the editor. The opinions expressed in the Property & Life Magazine are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

neTwOrking evenT Of THe yeAr

A photo gallery of one of the best B2B corporate events gathering over 55 tunisian and Libyan companies at smartcity

19 sAve mOney And Time wiTH THe BesT TrAvel APPs

16

We find out why everything is going mobile these days and the revolution caused by travel application devices

20 THe mAlTA igAming seminAr (migs)

our team provides a special feature on MiGs 2014, the iGaming event of the year being held at Hilton Malta in november

19

23 PuBliC-PrivATe PArTnersHiPs under HOrizOn 2020 lAunCHed firsT CAlls in July 2014

We take a look at under the eU’s new research and innovation programme Horizon 2020

A few of these corporate change efforts have been very successful.

A few have been utter failures. The lessons that can be drawn are interesting and will probably be relevant in the increasingly competitive and unforgiving future business environment.

Transformations begins well, when an organisation has a new head who is a good leader and who sees the need for a major change, and is not a leader who is mired in the past, who listen to good advice and respects his employees. When these individuals are such leaders, or change champions, the result will be utter failure.

16 THe mAlTA-TunisiA-liByA B2B

28 eduCATiOn musT PAy- sAy PArenTs

20

A case-study by HsBc form their recent report titled “The Value of education: springboard for success”

32 knOwledge/iCT week 2014

We exclusively feature the curtain-raisers to what will be Malta’s unprecedented educational and Ict event of the year scheduled to be held at smartcity end october

36 lOOking AfTer yOur BOdy inside-OuT

36

An excellent article on health and beauty by shirley cauchi , Macrobiotic Health coach and Yoga teacher

Publisher: Martin Vella Technical Adviser: Marcelle D’Argy smith Publication Manager: Martin Vella Advertising: 99260162; 99952660 Email: propertylife2013@gmail.com Contributors: shirley cauchi; Lorna Diep; Richard Geres; Patrick J o’Brien; P. Murphy; Quinn Vandenberg; Matthew spiteri Special Thanks: BPc; DG RtD commision eU; eXAnte; HR Advisor; HsBc; tMID Front Cover: eXAnte Art Director: Melanie Mifsud Content: Martin Vella Print Production: Union Print co. Ltd. Office: PLM Holdings, north Quay Apartments, Fl 4, st Paul’s street, st Paul’s Bay ©All rights reserved ISSUE 7 | PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Cover Story of the Month

An Online business trAding in Prime POsitiOn

F

By Patrick J. O'Brien

or integrated brokerage and fund platform firm, EXANTE, setting up in Malta in 2011 year was certainly a case of ‘New Kid on the Block’. Historically, the island has always been a nation of savers. The investment industry has necessarily developed to reflect this fact, where the general sentiment is one of long-term investing with low risk appetite.

When you consider that eXAnte prides itself on having cutting edge technology, a co-location infrastructure, and what is, to all intents and purposes, a highly sophisticated trading infrastructure well suited to high frequency traders, their establishment on the island was clear for all to see.

Commitment to their clients, advantageous partnership conditions, constant development of client and partnership services, adaptation to environment– all these aspects display eXAnte’s strategy for being at the cutting edge of prime brokerage As the smart money continues to flow from other parts of europe, the potential for Malta’s investment fund industry to get more sophisticated is high. Malta has never really had a cutting-edge global broker able to meet the needs of aggressive investment managers such as hedge funds, who rely on leverage, competitive prices and access to a range of derivative instruments; eXAnte plugs that gap. “for a hedge fund considering a domicile like Malta, knowing that such a brokerage company existed would certainly add to its overall attraction.”

Stated Patrick J o’ Brien, eXAnte’s communications director 06

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There is no doubt that the brokerage market is developing every day, and the environment is becoming extremely competitive.The future seems to belongs to high-end It solutions and applications., eXAnte is committed to keeping their finger on the pulse of world tendencies and has respond quickly to their clienats needs hence why their Automatic trading Platform has won much acclaim for its updated unique technology. eXAnte multi-asset fund platform, operates solely online via the internet. not only can funds trade global markets, they can also market themselves and their strategies to all of eXAnte’s global customers. eXAnte is not only interested in high volume clients running sophisticated strategies: it is happy to deal with all kinds of clients, be they local or international, long-only equity or high frequency quant and professional traders.

“Setting the standard and constantly raising the bar,” forbes recently wrote about the Portomaso based brokerage firm. With offices in Singapore, russia and Amsterdam the company has rapid expansion. eXAnte’s fund platform is a potential game changer for the industry as it gives investors the opportunity to invest directly in hedge funds.

Cover Story of the Month

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

“Global perspectives for professional Investors in 2014-2015. New markets and new opportunities “ EXANTE was established in March 2011.

Unlike other fund platforms, EXANTE is an organic institution, blending multi-asset fund support with first-class trade execution services using a sophisticated technology infrastructure. In 2014, EXANTE widenened its clients base by lowering its miminum deposits thus providing institutional brokerage services to trading professionals The EXANTE Corporate Business Breakfast is about making connections. Participants can share and develop mutual trust and respect, leading to genuine long term business relationships. The EXANTE Corporate Leaders Breakfast Series brings, investors, enetrepreneurs and business executives and community leaders together to gain fresh perspectives on timely topics.

Particpants will hear from informative and inspiring speakers, relevant discussions, and a unique opportunity to network with other top leaders in their field. EXANTE will show presentations of its award winning platform.

This is a invitation only event with limited seats.

EXANTE's Corporate Business Breakfast at Villa Arrigo, Malta, 25th July 2014.

Mr Alexey KirienKo

Mr AnAtoliy KnyAzev

Mr GAtis eGlitis

Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Executive Director, Co-founder

Executive Director, Co-founder

Since 2003 Alexey has been successfully trading derivatives on the global markets. In 2006 Alexey incorporated a private trust fund, the trust success led to an establishment of public Global Hedge Capital Fund in 2007, which contributed key technological infrastructure and knowledge base for the next generation prime brokerage company EXANTE Ltd.

Anatoliy qualified as a mathematician and systems programmer in Lomonosov Moscow State University. Anatoliy previously worked as a director at Global Hedge Capital Group, participating in projects for the design of systems and applications for tick market data visualization and its analysis. Anatoliy is based in our Singapore office.

Gatis holds a master of finance and strategic management from (CBS) Copenhagen Business School. Gatis previously worked as an Institutional Sales Trader and later as an institutional business sales manager at Saxo Bank. Gatis presently heads the Malta office of EXANTE which has seen rapid growth over the last few months.

ISSUE 7 | PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

07

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

TrAnSPOrT & LOGISTICS

Malta to hold Transport & Logistics Awards with HSBC Malta’s support

A

pplications are open for the first Transport & Logistics Awards, organised with HSBC Bank Malta’s support, to recognise outstanding achievements of transport and logistics companies and individuals operating in these sectors in Malta.

“For the first time in Malta, the TransLog Awards will be recognising excellence in the transport, logistics and supply chain industries, all crucial sectors for Malta’s economic growth and providing employment for well over 25,000 persons,” said SSM Group Director Alex Borg, the organisers of the awards.

“These Awards will further raise Malta’s profile as a centre for transport and logistics, while being an excellent networking opportunity, not to be missed by active industry members,” Mr Borg said.

The Award categories are based on international benchmarks and values to recognise industry excellence in 12 key areas.

Interested companies are invited to write to: info@ssmgroup.org. Participation in the Awards is free of charge.

HSBC Malta’s Head of Commercial Banking Michel Cordina said: “These awards have our full support as they provide a deserved 08

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recognition to a vital sector in Malta where we can see growth potential in the future.

This prestigious event helps create awareness and stimulate this important industry in Malta and the Mediterranean region. As such, the TransLog Awards complement our own initiatives to support growth in Malta’s potential to become a logistics hub This initiative forms part of the Malta Trade for Growth Fund where we dedicated €50 million towards stimulating international trade.”

“Going global is increasingly critical for Maltese companies if they are to remain competitive. With its global connections and expertise, HSBC is uniquely positioned to help companies in Malta achieve success on the global level,” said Mr Cordina.

A supply chain is the journey of a product or raw material from its source to the consumer or end-user. Every item on the market comes to the consumer via a supply chain.

HSBC Malta’s Head of Commercial Banking Michel Cordina with SSM Group Director Alex Borg

Logistics is that part of the supply chain process that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customers’ requirements.

A good transport system in logistics activities could provide better logistics efficiency, reduce operational costs, and promote service quality. A well-operated logistics system could increase the competitiveness of both government and enterprises, an important factor that is even more essential in the case of an island economy.

The deadline for participation in the first edition is Thursday 28th August 2014. The awards ceremony will be held during a gala dinner on Friday 10th October 2014. More information about the TransLog Awards is available at www.translogawards.com or on 2123 1015.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

NEWSMAKERS

80,000 likeS! Air Malta (www.airmalta.com) has soared to 80,000 Likes on Facebook, retaining its standing as one of the most popular Maltese brands on social media.

“Facebook allows us to share our love for Malta and our other destinations with customers all over the world. We’re proud to have a very engaged audience that keeps growing every month,” said Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders.

“Just two months ago we were celebrating our 70,000 milestone, so this new record is particularly encouraging.”

Air Malta’s Facebook page is regularly updated with videos, images, blog posts and competitions that celebrate the airline’s passion for travel, particularly in Malta and its many other destinations.

Air Malta’s followers also contribute regularly, sharing their experiences with the page www.facebook.com/airmalta with constant feedback about Air Malta flights and services.

Over the past three months, Air Malta has offered its Facebook followers 25% off scheduled flights around Europe to celebrate its 40th anniversary and ran a prediction competition surrounding the football season, which gave all participants the chance to win discounts and free flights.

The Chairman of NASSCOM, Mr. R Chandrasekaran,CEO of SmartCity Dubai, Abdullatif AlMulla, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Dr Christian Cardona, COO of SmartCity Dubai, Dr Baju George

The National Association of Software & Services (NASSCOM) and SmartCity today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Small Business at Palazzo Zondadori in Valletta.

missions/business delegations of IT industry and best practices to facilitate joint venture alliances promote bilateral relation and business opportunities in host cities and support them for success.

The Chairman of NASSCOM, Mr. R Chandrasekaran and the CEO of SmartCity Dubai, Abdullatif AlMulla, signed the MoU in the presence of the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Dr Christian Cardona, Chief Operations Officer of SmartCity Dubai, Dr Baju George and CEO of SmartCity Malta, Anthony P. Tabone.

Talking about the MoU, Mr. R Chandrasekaran, Chairman, NASSCOM, said, “The knowledge industry is experiencing a steady and stable transformation world over, with IT playing a central role in every aspect. The Indian IT industry is also rapidly maturing, driven by dynamic macro-economic factors, rapidly emerging technologies and business priorities.

We are pleased to have partnered with SmartCity to further ensure faster adaptability of advanced technologies and develop knowledge hubs globally. This will provide access to companies operating in India to better infrastructure, facilities and services and enable growth of the global network of free zone business townships.

The MoU aims to contribute to the growth and development of the knowledge industry, with special emphasis on software, IT services, internet, e-commerce, IT Enabled services, Smart Services, Cloud Computing and Telecommunications. It will also help create self-sustaining models that will enable the rapid growth of the knowledge sector, propelled by innovative disruptive technologies.

The partnership will focus on building knowledge cluster models globally, as a network of selfsustained knowledge townships and support the growth of these knowledge industries.

The MoU will aim to develop eight more townships in the next ten years with smart digital infrastructure, apart from existing projects in Malta (in Europe) and Kochi (India).

As part of the collaboration, both parties will organize the exchange of information and trade 10

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Mr. Abdullatif AlMulla, CEO, SmartCity, said, “As part of the MoU, we aim to leverage technology for innovativesolutions which will allow exchange of services and other facilities between both regions. Emerging technologies like cloud, analytics, pervasive presence of mobile telephony and broadband penetration have created new opportunities for companies to collaborate and build a knowledge hub globally. The MoU is a positive step undertaken to provide customized offers and services and further translate expertise

NASSCOM PArtNerS with SMArtCity tO fOCuS ON grOwth ANd develOPMeNt Of the kNOwledge iNduStry glObAlly to develop international business clusters that fuel economic and industry growth.”

Both parties will also be facilitators of investment including venture capital in IT industry for the benefit of SmartCity companies and NASSCOM members. SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi form the first SmartCity outposts in EU and India.

Both, free zone developments are supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, unique lifestyle amenities and a responsive support system.

Mr. Abdullatif Almulla also welcomed the EU Parliament’s recent decision to favor EU-wide, Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) visas, which could help the employees of NASSCOM’s member companies to move freely between EU states. He congratulated NASSCOM for its over six-year long endeavour to convince the EU Parliament to do so.

The key problem in the existing system was that there were different regimes including different admission criteria, application processes, scope of visa, etc. for work permits in 25 EU member states.

This lack of standardization made the application process for Intra-Corporate-Transfer permits time consuming, cumbersome and inefficient.

The main problem, however, was the inability of employees to move freely between EU member states to carry out multi-site projects without a separate work permit in each instance. With the current legislation, the stage has set for the free movement of employees.

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

COMPAny FOCus

Poor acoustics affect PeoPle’s health and well-being

M

any of us simply consider the ceiling as that area above our head. We don’t really give it much thought, apart from looking up towards it in moments when we need inspiration, or have been given a particularly difficult request by the boss.

However, the ceiling has a considerable effect on our working environment. It acts as a giant reflective barrier, bouncing sound throughout the workspace. It also acts as a sound buffer from the floors above, preventing us from having to listen to every footstep, or chair scrape.

One man who has made it his mission to bring quality to ceilings is Riccardo Andreozzi, Director at Rockfon. “Rockfon is part of the Danish company Rockwool, the world’s largest producer of stone wool and today Rockwool employs around 9,000 people around the globe, has over 70 years experience in stone wool production giving Rockfon a considerable edge in the market,” he adds.

“False ceilings were originally installed simply to hide cables and to neaten up the installation of items such as air-conditioners. However, they do much more than that. They have a 12

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considerable effect on room acoustics and can result in a room developing a constant murmur of noise that forces people to raise their voices to be heard. Of course, raised voices only make matters worse,” Riccardo says.

In fact, the issue of acoustics is often overlooked. “When the acoustics in a room are not right it decreases the attention span of those working in that room. Employees will find it harder to focus and concentrate on tasks at hand. Productivity drops as a result and a business does not run as efficiently as it could” he explains.

In addition to acoustic performance, ceilings can also be a fire hazard as heat and flame travels upwards.

“Our partnership with Dex has allowed us to bring these products to the quality-conscious Maltese market, and we are working on a

variety of projects that bring good acoustics - and good aesthetics - to ceilings around the islands,” Riccardo concludes with a smile.

Dex Workspaces, the specialized outlet of the Vivendo Group focuses on complete workspace solutions across various industries.

At Dex we view ourselves as potential partners of your company directly assisting to increase productivity and efficiency of your workforce by providing quality furnishing and finishing solutions that are functional, comfortable and designed for your workspace. Dex Workspaces is offering a one off opportunity to install 20 sq.m. of free acoustic ceiling with a trial period of 60 days at absolutely no cost and no infrastructural changes on your part. Experience the added benefits of quality acoustics and noise absorption at your workspace. This offer is valid for spaces of minimum 200 sq.m. and sample soffits tiles will be placed on top of current ceiling soffit structure without any alterations to alarm systems, lighting. Contact us today for your free trail on info@dex.com.mt Dex Mdina Road Qormi.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

HuMAN ResOuRCes

CONDUCT UNBECOMING: HOW TO AVOID “DEFAMATORY CONDUCT”

By P. Murphy, Esq. and Quinn H. Vandenberg, Esq.

Y

ou just completed a comprehensive investigation of employee theft of company funds, including interviews with several of the accused thief’s coworkers, determined that he committed the crime, locked him out of his office, terminated his employment and had him escorted off the premises by security. You just saved the company from a thief, right? Probably, but you also may have exposed the company to a large damage award in a defamation by conduct lawsuit filed by the terminated employee.

Investigating, disciplining, suspending, and terminating employees are part of the daily activities of HR Professionals. To accomplish these tasks without severe repercussions to the company in the form of litigation, HR Professionals should prepare themselves for the ever-increasing legislative and judicial oversight of the workplace, which includes training the company’s managers and supervisors. One of the thorniest issues facing HR professionals in today’s complex workplace is defamation: defamation in the actual process of terminating an employee, defamation in the rendering of negative references, defamation when disciplining employees, or defamation in the investigation of employees.

For most HR professionals, learning how to avoid making defamatory statements and training the company’s managers and supervisors have been critical components of his or her job. While defamation typically takes the form of oral or written statements, in the last few years, an increasingly common cause of action brought by terminated employees against their former employers is defamation based upon the employer’s conduct. In particular, HR professionals and those who typically are responsible for investigating problems in the workplace should also be aware of the potential for the company’s conduct toward the suspected employee to form the basis of a claim of defamation by conduct. A recent trend amongst state courts has been to find that mere conduct alone, even absent defamatory oral or written statements, could support a claim of defamation.

I. WHAT IS DEFAMATION? In general, defamation is a cause of action that attempts to compensate a plaintiff, i.e., 14

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disciplined or terminated employee, from injurious statements to his or her reputation.

Generally, a disciplined or terminated employee must show he following in order to prove that his or her employer defamed him or her: “(a) a false and defamatory statement concerning another; (b) an unprivileged publication to a third party; (c) fault amounting at least to negligence on the part of the publisher; and (d) either actionability of the statement irrespective of special harm or the existence of special harm caused by the publication.” This means that to establish a claim for defamation, a former or disciplined employee must demonstrate that the employer communicated a statement about the employee to a third person (publication) that could be damaging to the employee’s reputation.

In order to prevail in his or her defamation suit, the employee must prove that the communication is capable of a defamatory meaning and that the communication was understood in this defamatory sense by the recipient. In order for a communication to have a defamatory meaning, the employee must show that the communication impugned the employee’s reputation. To understand what types of conduct result in actionable and defamatory conduct, it is essential to understand that “communication” has been used to “denote the fact that one person has brought an idea to the perception of another.” Additionally, communication can be understood as “written, spoken, or otherwise” as long as the recipient understands what it is trying to convey. In order to establish the defamatory meaning required to prove defamation, courts typically require that the plaintiff show that a third person (possibly a coworker) understood the significance of the conduct as defamatory, i.e., injurious to the employee’s reputation.

If the employees can show the above elements, then the employer can still prevail in the case if it can demonstrate the truth of the statement (which is a defense to defamation so long as the true statement is not misleading), or show that it obtained the employee’s consent (which typically involves defamatory references), or establish that it was privileged in making the statement, i.e., that it made the statement for a legitimate business reason to a person or persons with a legitimate business reason for receiving such statement.

II. WHAT TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONS RESULT IN ACTIONABLE CONDUCT? Any conduct that could impute incompetence, stupidity, unworthiness of continued employment, or dishonesty to the employee might be considered defamatory. Reviewing recent cases in several state courts indicates that defamatory conduct may include the way in which an employee is terminated during an on-going investigation or the way in which an employee is escorted around a building during an investigation. Courts also have found that when an employee was iven a polygraph test and then discharged, the employer’s conduct gave other employees the belief that the discharged employee had engaged in wrongful activity. Other cases addressing whether an employer’s conduct could constitute defamation include the following: searching or packing up an employee’s office, deactivation of a key card,interrogations or drug tests witnessed by other employees, and demotions or terminations. Although each case dealing with defamation by conduct is fact-specific, the purpose of this article is to alert HR professionals to certain actions that could lead to possible defamation by conduct suits if coworkers observe the employer’s actions and conclude from these actions that the disciplined or terminated employee had done something disgraceful or wrongful.

The following lessons derived from the reported cases may help HR professionals minimize the possibility of an employee bringing a successful defamation by conduct suit. In addition to understanding the lessons that follow, one of the first steps that HR professionals should take is to determine whether their state courts recognize defamation by conduct. While some states including Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have shown a willingness to adapt their states’ defamation law to non-verbal conduct, many other states, including New Jersey and Minnesota, have explicitly rejected a cause of action based upon defamatory conduct. Moreover, HR professionals should be aware that some states that have previously avoided deciding whether to recognize a specific cause of action for defamatory conduct are now addressing the issue.

Continues on pg 18

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Malta-tunisia-libya b2b networking ForuM 2014

Huge Success for

the Malta-tunisia-libya b2b networking ForuM

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Malta-tunisia-libya b2b networking ForuM 2014

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

ISSUE 7 | PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

HuMAn RESOuRcES

III. LESSONS FOR HR PROFESSIONALS Lesson One: HR Professionals should always plan and prepare before taking any action concerning investigations, suspensions, discipline, and terminations. Although it seems obvious, rash and hurried decisions could result in conduct that might be regarded as defamatory. For example, having security remove an employee from the shop floor and escort him or her out of the building while an investigation is pending or telling witnesses in an investigation that the company believes an employee has been stealing from the company before it establishes that this theft occurred might be understood by coworkers as a statement that the employee participated in a wrongful action. Such conduct by an employer coupled with coworkers’ perceptions of the conduct as communicating wrongful action by the employee could result in a finding that the employer engaged in defamation by conduct.

Lesson Two: Depending on whether the HR

professional is dealing with an investigation, discharge, or both, the HR professional should analyze when and if the employee’s access to buildings and computer systems should be terminated. When dealing with investigations or discharges, HR professionals should generally not deactivate the employee’s access to the buildings or the computer systems before meeting with the employee to discuss the situation unless there is concern that confidential business information will be compromised. The reason for waiting to end the employee’s access to buildings and computers systems until during or immediately after meeting with the employee is due to the possibility of an employee being locked out of a building or a computer system and his or her coworkers observing the employee’s inability to enter or gain access. If the coworkers observe this action and view it as defamatory, then the locking out or deactivation could be actionable. One approach to this tricky timing issue is to instruct the security and intellectual technology (IT) departments to deactivate these means of access at a specific time when the employee in question will be meeting with the HR professional. Then, if the employee requests to download certain personal files from the computer, have the computer moved to a private area and instruct the IT employee to download the files for the employee in his or her presence.

Lesson Three: Try not to conduct the disciplinary

or termination meetings or searches employees’ offices in locations where coworkers could view the conduct, which includes keeping doors open when searching an employee’s office. Instead, limit the number of coworkers who can observe the company’s conduct and interpret that conduct as communicating a defamatory statement. HR professionals can achieve this goal by finding a private room outside of the earshot and sight of 18

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coworkers when discussing the disciplinary action or termination or inspecting the employee’s office with the door shut.

Embedded in this issue of location is the element of publication. Publication occurs when the company or a representative of the company communicates to a third person, i.e., at least one coworker, a statement about the employee that could be harmful to the employee’s reputation, which in an increasing number of jurisdictions includes communication through conduct. To limit publication and exposure to defamation by conduct, discussions concerning discipline or termination, interrogations, polygraph tests, and searches should be conducted in private areas.

Being discrete and respectful when conducting discipline, termination, demotions, interrogations, investigations, and searches can diminish the possibility of successful defamation by conduct causes of action.

“

An employer may lose the conditional privilege based on a legitimate business interest if the employer recklessly over-publishes the information

”

Lesson Four: HR professionals should train the

company’s supervisors and managers how and why to avoid grabbing, chasing, or restraining employees; especially in front of his or her fellow coworkers, unless such conduct is unavoidable.

Moreover, HR professionals should instruct supervisors and managers that if a physical confrontation is likely, alert security, but with discretion; do not attempt to handle those situations themselves. Part of the training should include how to avoid any extreme conduct that conveys a clear and unambiguous message that the employee engaged in criminal wrongdoing.

By avoiding specific and obvious conduct that demonstrates that the employee may have engaged in criminal wrongdoing and any chasing, grabbing, or restraining, the employer avoids exhibiting conduct that tends to create a belief in coworkers that the employee was doing something illegal or wrongful, which in turn decreases the chances of a court finding the conduct defamatory.

Lesson Five: HR Professionals should consider

whether certain communications are protected by an employer’s legitimate business interest, the so-called “conditional privilege.” In general, the alleged defamatory conduct may be protected

by an employer’s conditional privilege to publish defamatory material if the publication was reasonably necessary to the protection of a legitimate business interest, so long as that privilege is not abused. That is, an employer may lose the conditional privilege based on a legitimate business interest if the employer recklessly overpublishes the information by exhibiting the defamatory conduct to an excessive number of coworkers or if the context of the conduct is such that it destroys the privilege entirely, i.e., a showing of actual malice toward the employee.

IV. RESULT OF DEFAMATORY CONDUCT: DAMAGES Defamatory conduct could open the company up to damages for defamatory communication for harm caused to the reputation of the person defamed. In general, damages for defamatory actions are imposed for the purpose of compensating the employee for the harm that the publication caused to his or her reputation.

If the defamatory conduct imputes a serious crime or discredits a person in his or her trade or profession, the plaintiff may receive damages for lost earnings and emotional distress. Also, if the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious, then, depending on the jurisdiction, the plaintiff may receive punitive damages.

The result of defamatory conduct by HR professionals or other representatives of a company could lead to substantial monetary repercussions for the company as well as a decreased reputation and standing amongst other employees. HR professionals must realize that their conduct reflects upon the well-being of the company and should, therefore, attempt to act accordingly. The company’s general training for managers and supervisors should include a component addressing defamation of all types: what it is, how to avoid it, and its consequences.

V. CONCLUSION In some states, defamation is no longer merely oral or written statements, but now includes conduct.

A recent trend in state courts has been to find that mere conduct alone could support a claim of defamation: an employer may be held liable for defamatory “statements” either orally (slander) or through written words (libel) or conduct.

In general, an HR professional who considers timing, preparation and planning, location, and discretion before acting will be better equipped to help the company avoid conduct that could be considered defamatory. Moreover, if the company’s general training for managers and supervisors addresses all kinds of defamation, verbal, written, and non-verbal, then the company will be better protected from the risk of defamation by conduct suits.

Source: HR ADVISOR

tavel / it

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

save Money and tiMe With the Best travel apps Compiled and Edited by Lorna Diep

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hether you travel regularly for business or sporadically for pleasure, using your computer to book travel is almost as antiquated as calling up a travel agent. Everything’s gone mobile these days. So while you’re thinking about hitting the road, access these travel applications from your phone, and in mere moments, you could be on your way to an exotic locale. Based on the iTunes store’s top downloaded travel apps, here’s what consumers are finding most helpful as they plan their next getaway.

Best for finding the Cheapest flights: KayaK

Kayak is a one-stop price-comparison website. in other words, instead of checking expedia, travelocity, Orbitz, and then the airline’s website directly, Kayak will let you know what they’re all offering. its mobile app is easy to use, self-explanatory, and seemingly bugfree, at least in our testing experience. Once you choose the flight you want, the app takes you to the selected company’s website to purchase. You can also set up a price alert, should you want to book as soon as the price drops below a specific amount. The app breaks down the airline fees, lets you know about flight-search trends (everyone’s going to Bali, you should, too!), and includes a currency convertor.

Best for saving Money on hotels: expedia

expedia promises to save you up to 60 percent on hotel prices. The app is full with enticing photography and quirky graphics, making it fun to interact with. (Our reporter admits getting a bit caught up in perusing the photos from Dubai.) The majority of reviewers seem to agree, calling the app user-friendly and intuitive. For apple fans, you can book flights on the iPhone version but not on the iPad version.

Best for getting a seCond opinion: tripadvisor

We’ve all been fooled by the professional photos before – the resort looks picturesque, but when we arrive, it appears as if the pics haven’t been updated since 1972. Don’t take chances. Get fellow consumers to weigh in on tripadvisor’s app by searching a hotel or restaurant and reading what others who have been there have to say. Or click “Near Me Now,” which sounds like a cheesy ‘80s love ballad but is actually a handy tool to see what restaurants and hotels are in your vicinity and how they’re rated – helpful when you’re in an unfamiliar place and want to quickly find a lunch spot.

Best for Creating organized itineraries: tripit

Finding confirmation emails in the mess of our inboxes is a headache, and we sense we’re not alone because someone invented this app that will organize your travel plans for you. as soon as you get a confirmation email from an airline or hotel, forward it to this app (via an email address), and it’ll create an itinerary that you can access from your phone or share with others in your address book or through Facebook. Reviewers say it not only saves stress and time, but it’s gotten more than one person out of a scheduling snafu on the road.

Sources: Moneynews.com; The Franklin Prosperity Report

ISSUE 7 | PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

T

MIGS 2014

The Malta iGaming Seminar (MiGS)

HE MALTA IGAMING SEMINAR partners are in the process of organising it sixth and biggest edition, kicking off on the 11th of November 2014 at the Hilton Malta with The Hon. Chris Cardona, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business delivering the opening speech and concluding on the 12th November at 6pm with a Harbour Cruise, the fitting end to a close knit networking seminar which is all about the quality of people.

Martin Vella, Editor of the Property & Life Magazine speaks to the founding partners, their sponsors as well as their key note speakers to understand why MIGS14 is the iGaming event of the year to attend in Malta and why no one should confuse it with any other seminar.

The Malta iGaming Seminar was established in 2008 by six entrepreneurs that serviced the iGaming Industry.

These entrepreneurs saw a lack of opportunities to exchange information and network amongst C-level management and decided to fill that gap by creating Malta’s first seminar totally focused on the gaming sector, which is known today as MIGS. MIGS was originally targeted to the local service providers and operators in Malta, with a predominant mandate to attract more business to Malta until the bold decision was made in 2010 to refocus the event and open its doors to the International Gaming community. The seminar was reborn, and has consistently attracted over 250 delegates per year, of which 70% have been foreign and 30% have been delegates based in Malta.

The overwhelming success of MIGS 13 has provided the partners further passion and drive to make MIGS14 an even larger success and to bury all their attendance records. Their main objective is to keep their event focused on the quality of content, the quality of their speakers and to provide extra value to their delegates, which has been their Success formula.

With the above objective in mind, MIGS have recently joined forces with two solid partners in Sue Schneider, a Veteran Gaming Event 20

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organiser, from E-Gaming Brokerage and Andy Jones, another veteran from the Gaming Industry, from Aliquantum Gaming and Plus 5 Gaming. The other companies that make up this formidable MIGS team are BMIT, RE/MAX Malta and Capstone.

“

The MIGS conference is important to the Gaming Industry in Malta. It provides excellent content in a close knit environment where delegates may network and further understand the Industry. The MIGS track record has strengthened our position as a top International Gaming jurisdiction; and just like previous years, LGA is very happy to show its full support - Mr. Joseph Cuschieri

”

Jeff Buttigieg, Chief Operating Officer of RE/MAX Malta explained the synergy of the newly formed MIGS Partnership team “In Sue and Andy we have teamed up with the probably the best people I know

migs 2014

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

The Malta iGaming Seminar (MiGS) has now established itself as a must-attend event among the international iGaming community, with key participation from leading players in this annual informative and networking event held in Malta. MiGS 2014 will be the sixth edition of this annual event.

The past five editions were successful in delivering key topics to decision makers, executives and key players in their respective line of business. They were also successful in bringing a host of important speakers to Malta to give their views on this ever-growing industry.

This year’s edition will be held on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November at the Hilton Hotel, in St Julians, Malta. The seminar will feature a host of international speakers, a different, exciting and revamped agenda and a tweaked format that will make it more interactive, interesting and promises to be full of debate. MiGS 2014 has two full days of talks, panels, keynotes, meetings and networking events planned.

that will assist us in taking our event to the next level. sue schneider has the amazing background and years of experience of organising igaming events whereas Andy Jones is a wealth of knowledge of the industry not to mention his ties to malta.” “Together, migs has immediately become a better event and everyone will see this in November this year” The malta igaming seminar has been supported by the Lotteries and gaming Authority since its infancy and we caught up with no other than the Executive Chairman, mr. Joseph Cuschieri. “The migs conference is important to the gaming industry in malta. it provides excellent content in a close knit environment where delegates may network and further understand the industry. The migs track record has strengthened our position as a top international gaming

jurisdiction; and just like previous years, LgA is very happy to show its full support”.

The November seminar will indeed be a seminar not to miss. Besides the excellent line up of speakers which includes the LgA Executive Chairman himself, the organisers are bringing to malta Declan Hill as a Keynote speaker. mr Hill is an investigative journalist, documentary maker and academic. He specializes in the study of organized crime and international issues. He broke the story of match-fixing gangs destroying international football in his book ‘The Fix: soccer & Organized Crime’. it has now become a best-seller in 20 languages. He has won a number of national and international awards from organizations such as Amnesty international, the Canadian Association of Journalists and Play the game. His latest book, “The insider’s guide to Football Corruption” was released last November.

what theY Christopher Vella Global Managing Director, Pentasia Group

Say

Pentasia has been attending The Malta iGaming seminar for the last 5 years and the event has matured not only into a strong local gaming seminar but has also in the last two editions has attracted a predominant International target audience. This has been achieved due to the fact that MIGS offers valuable content, relevant speakers related to the topics which are well planned and trending. Our decision to sponsor this year’s edition was a natural decision, in that we feel that as the world’s leading iGaming Recruitment business, the Event will offer us tremendous value in terms of exposure to the local Maltese Gaming industry as well as to those international delegates that will eventually set up in Malta or elsewhere around the globe.

what theY MiChael Caselli Managing Editor, iGaming Business

Say

We have supported the Malta iGaming Seminar since its humble beginnings because we believe in this project and in Malta as a jurisdiction of excellence. The organisers have a talent of bringing out the right content at the right time and choosing the right speakers. I have seen MIGS grow from strength to strength and we will to continue to align ourselves with this event because it is a unique quality seminar located in the Mediterranean

what theY erik angelow CEO, Forty Two Telecom

Say

Fortytwo Telecom is proud to be sponsoring the Malta iGaming seminar, a top event for the international iGaming community. As a telecommunications provider, specialising in mobile messaging solutions we look forward to bringing to the table our services, in particular our International SMS Gateway as well as our ideas as to how we can support the iGaming community.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

MIGS 2014

ISSUE 7

migs 2014: ConferenCe sChedule Tuesday 11Th november 2014

Wednesday 12Th november 2014

9:00AM to 9:45AM

RegistRation

9:00AM to 9:45AM

RegistRation

9:45AM to 10:00AM

Welcome speech from: The Maltese Gaming Minister

9:45AM to 10:00AM

exploring new Markets: A Look at Rollout Of Regulated iGaming in Africa and Latin America

speaker: Hon. Dr. Christian Cardona Minister for the Economy,Investment and Small Business 10:00AM to 10:45AM

Regulated internet gambling is finally gaining some steam in Latin America and on the African continent. Experts will give attendees the latest on jurisdictions that are opening up and which products they’ll allow. Find out whether your company (whether supplier or operator) will be allowed to participate and get a sense of the market potential.

Malta Update: Scale Up, Scale Out Follow Up The Maltese government spoke at MiGS ’13 and noted some improvements that they anticipated making to their regulatory scheme. Hear what changes have been implemented and why. The impacts this will have on the industry will be addressed.

Moderators: Graham White, Chairman, Jersey Gambling Commission

speaker: Joseph Cuschieri, Executive Chairman LGA 10:45AM to 11:30AM

netWoRking BReak

11:30AM to 12:15PM

innovations in Payment options: Virtual Currencies, Prepaid and Mobile Payments Enter the Scene

speakers: Cristina Romera de Alba, Partner, Loyra Abrogados; Garron Whiteman, Whitesmans Attorneys 10:30AM to 11:15AM

We’re all familiar with the 80/20 rule. So how do you keep that small percentage of players happy and coming back?

Learn some of the best practices in the industry and how you can incorporate them into your marketing and loyalty regimes.

While credit cards, e-wallets and ACH have been mainstays of i-gaming in the past, newer systems are gaining market share. How do they work, are they reliable and will players adopt them?

Moderator: Joseph Borg, Senior Advisor, WH Partners speaker: Ian Pelicano, Owner, Apco Ltd., Alan Alden, Director, Kyte Consultants and General Secretary, Malta Remote Gaming Council 12:15AM to 13:00PM

11:15AM to 12:00PM 12:00AM to 12:45PM

It’s more than just a catch phrase. Responsible gaming is a concept which governments extol and commercial interests have a social responsibility to incorporate into their businesses. There are now some exemplary partnerships to draw from on how regulators and the private sector can work together toward this goal.

Moderator: Lee Richardson, CEO, Gaming Economics speakers: Khalid Ali, Secretary General of European Sports Security; Franz Tabone, Integrity Officer, Malta Football Association 12:45PM to 13:30PM

speakers: Stella Dalton, Head of Education and Prevention, Gamcare; Silvio Schembri Chairman of The Responsible Gaming Foundation; Julian Borg, Business Development Manager, NMi LUnch

14:45PM to 15:30PM

channel agnostic: Analytics across the Player Ecosystem

13:30PM to 14:45PM

LUnch

14:45PM to 15:45PM

Regulatory Updates: Keep Up with Regulatory Changes and Emerging Jurisdictions There are a lot of changes in European i-gaming jurisdictions with radical changes in some countries and new licensing regimes coming online in others. MiGS explores these changes with experts from their respective countries. See what’s coming on the horizon with these and other countries.

Moderator: Wes Himes, Partner, Instinctif Partners. speaker: Francesco Rodano, Head of Remote Gaming, AAMS Italy; Peter Naessens, Director, Belgian Gaming Commission; Stephen Ketteley, Partner, DLA Piper UK.

speaker: Angelo Dali, CEO, Bit8 coffee BReak

16:00PM to 17:00PM

Poker: Is it dead or meeting it’s full potential?

A European regulator recently made waves by saying that poker was dead. This panel will take a look at the numbers to see what’s real and discuss how best to keep this dynamic product alive and well. Taking full advantage of retaining players and cross marketing between online and terrestrial venues will be discussed. speaker: Warwick Bartlett, CEO, GBGC; Nicholas Levi, Board Member, RankingHero; David Jung, CEO, HeroPoker; Nicolas Levi, CCO, RankingHero.com;

17:00PM to 19:00PM

cocktails at spinola sponsored by: The LGA

19:30PM to 22:30PM

Poker tournament and Drinks At the Portomaso Casino

22:30PM to late

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networking Party hosted by: AliQuantum-Gaming & Plus-Five Gaming

www.propertyandlifemagazine.com

handhelds: Shifts in Delivery Mechanisms Mean Changes for Developers and Operators As more people make use of smart phones and tablets to gamble, the specifics of designing for the small screen. Hear how suppliers and operators are adapting their technology to appeal to audiences who use these tools.

Data is critical to attracting and retaining players. As you add more distribution channels and products to your suite of offerings, analytics become even more crucial to guide how you budget for marketing and retention. Managing the lifecycle of the player and the value they bring to your operation takes knowledge and expertise. Gaining a familiarity with these issues will help you maximize the efforts of your staff and financial resources.

15:30PM to 16:00PM

Match-fixing If betting on sports is to remain a viable business, the gaming industry and the leagues will need to work together to keep scandals to a minimum. We’ll explore the scope of the problem and efforts to cooperatively share information and educate athletes about the risks.

We’re all in this together

13:00PM to 14:45PM

coffee BReak Keeping Sport and Wagering Scandal Free

Responsible gaming

Moderator: Andre Wilsenach, Executive Director, Alderney Gambling Control Commission

The Care and Feeding of VIP Players

15:45PM to 17:45PM

harbour cruise/networking Reception

20:00PM to late

cLosing PaRty

science research

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Public-Private PartnershiPs under horizon 2020

launched First calls on 9 July 2014

Public-private partnerships set up under the eU’s new research and innovation programme horizon 2020 have launched their first calls on 9 July 2014 in Brussels. The partnerships work in strategic areas such as medicines, fuel cells, air and rail transport or electronics. They represent an essential investment into europe’s economy and in a better quality of life.

They will launch calls for projects and partners at a stakeholder event in Brussels, which will be attended by the President of the european commission José Manuel Barroso along with the commissioner for research, innovation and science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as well as commission Vice-Presidents siim Kallas, responsible for mobility and transport, and neelie Kroes, responsible for the digital agenda.

The proceedings will be web streamed live.

The stakeholder event took place in the Thon hotel, rue de la Loi 75, 1040 Brussels. capacity at the event was limited, but a number of registrations have been set aside for the media. i

interview opportunities: The event involved seven public-private partnerships that work in a variety of areas crucial for europe. The private partners will be represented by ceOs of companies involved in the joint undertakings.

The ceOs will be available for interviews, which can be arranged with the respective press contacts below: •

Innovative Medicines 2 (IMI2): to develop next generation vaccines, medicines and treatments, such as new antibiotics (website | factsheet).

Represented by Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB. Interview requests should be directed to: catherine Brett, iMi JU. Tel.: +32 541 8214, e-mail: catherine.brett@imi.europa.eu.

•

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 (FCH2): to expand the use of clean and efficient technologies in transport, industry and energy (website | factsheet).

represented by henri Winand, ceO of intelligent energy. interview requests should be directed to: Luciano Gaudio, FCH JU. Tel.: +32 02 221 81 30, e-mail: luciano.gaudio@fch.europa.eu.

•

Clean Sky 2 (CS2): to develop cleaner, quieter aircraft with significantly less CO2 emissions (website | factsheet).

represented by Jean-Paul herteman, chairman and ceO of the safran Group. Interview requests should be directed to: Maria-Fernanda Fau, clean sky JU. Tel.: +32 2 221 8159, e-mail: info@cleansky.eu.

•

Bio-based Industries (BBI): to use renewable natural resources and innovative technologies for greener everyday products (website | factsheet).

represented by Peder holk nielsen, ceO of novozymes. interview requests should be directed to: Patrick van Leeuwen, Bio-based industries consortium. Tel.: +32 475 964 772, e-mail: patrick. vanleeuwen@biconsortium.eu.

•

Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL): to boost Europe’s electronics manufacturing capabilities (website | factsheet).

represented by Jean-Marc chery, chief Operating Officer of STMicroelectronics. Interview requests should be directed to: Alexis Breton, STMicroelectronics. Tel.: +336 5916 7908, e-mail: alexis. breton@st.com.

•

Shift2Rail: to develop better trains and railway infrastructure that will drastically reduce costs and improve capacity, reliability and punctuality (website | factsheet).

represented by Jochen eickholt, ceO of rail systems Division, siemens aG, infrastructure & cities sector. interview requests should be directed to: Michaela rossteuscher, siemens aG. Tel.: +49 30 386 30003, e-mail: michaela.rossteuscher@siemens.com.

•

SESAR 2020: to advance the technology needed to reform Europe’s airspace (website | factsheet).

Represented by Massimo Garbini, Chief Executive Officer of ENAV. interview requests should be directed to: christine stewart, sesar JU. Tel.: +32 2 507 80 30, e-mail: christine.stewart@sesarju.eu.

Courtesy: DG RTD Communication Team, European Commission

Background Eleven partnerships with industry (public-private) and Member States (public-public) are being launched under Horizon 2020. The overall investment over the next seven years as part of the Innovation Investment Package is worth nearly €23 billion, where the EU’s contribution of €9 billion will secure a €10 billion investment from the private sector and €4 billion from Member States.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

ANNIvERSARy

MALTCO LOTTERIES CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY IN MALTA

Dr Iannis Katakis, Maltco’s C.E.O with Dr. Jose Herrera Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Growth

I

t was in 2004 when Maltco Lotteries started its operations in Malta. The company which is a subsidiary of the global leader gaming company INTRALOT, organized a reception for all its agents, employees and stakeholders to mark its 10th anniversary celebrations.

The event which was held in a local Hotel in St. Julian’s was attended also by Edward Scicluna, Minister of Finance, Jose Herrera Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Growth, Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition, other members of Parliament, representatives from the INTRALOT Group and other distinguished guests.

On this special occasion, the company produced an audiovisual production which portrayed the 10 historical years of Maltco Lotteries since its inception. The feature included interesting information on statistics, launch of games, information on the two licences awarded to the company and other important events that marked the company’s successful years.

In his welcoming speech, Maltco’s C.E.O, Dr Ioannis Katakis said that the company immediately thought of Malta as being an exciting and challenging opportunity, since it was the 1st ever experience that the national lottery in Malta was going to be privatised.

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Dr Katakis said that over the years, the company has created jobs and invested more than €70 million over the years, thus helping the Maltese economy to strengthen further.

to work close with the agents and sellers to establish an ongoing, stable and healthy relationship with them, thus creating together more successes for the company.

“Over the years, we have been offering a wide spectrum of games based on Responsible Gaming principles, in which players have the choice to play various exciting games at the leisure of our Points of Sale.” commented Dr Katakis.

Jose Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Growth, on behalf of the Maltese Government praised Maltco Lotteries for their 10 successful years. He said that since its launch, the company succeeded in increasing both revenues and winning opportunities.

He also referred to Maltco as an important reference in the gaming industry for the world; “Being an active member of the World Lotteries Association and the European Lotteries, Malta through Maltco has indeed become one of the pioneer lotteries in the world.”

Dr Katakis thanked all the agents and employees who have been working within the company since its inception and wished all the best of luck to the newcomers. He said that the company’s main aim is to continue

He also spoke about the dangers of illegal gaming and gambling addiction: “Illegal gambling is a scourge that affects not only punters who may end up victims of usury, but also the gaming industry and other sectors including sports.”

He also stated that the Foundation for Responsible Gaming has been established to prevent and avoid illegal gaming.

Source: TMID

Business intelligence

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Protecting your revenue and controlling your costs

W

hilst a Business Intelligence Strategy contains obtaining information from as many data sources as possible in an organisation, most organisations use this information to measure performance, identify cost surplus and reduce the costs, whether these are operational or administrative. This only addresses a fraction of the full revenue potential.

Revenue leakage is the difference between the revenue an organisation is entitled to and the amount of revenue actually received, which could be significant. inaccurate pricing, charging and recording of activities are usually the main culprits of this daily loss. typically internal revenue audits can identify revenue leakage; however manual audits are very expensive and can only be carried out on samples of the organisation’s activity. The data warehousing aspect of Business intelligence can be used to support automated tools and processed to help you identify the issues that are causing revenue leakage and areas where revenue is being lost. This is normally caused by incorrect recording of information due to human error, whether due to complexity or accidental erroneous entry or fraudulent activity. Once identified action can be taken to attempt to recover the lost revenue. The rules can then be applied daily to help you prevent future loss from happening and stopping the problem at source. it is not always possible to automatically identify the lost revenue; however at a minimum the solution can produce a targeted work list of activities that have a high probability of resulting in revenue loss. The manual audit can now be carried out on an identified subset of the data thus resulting in more focused auditing which will

result in a higher return on investment of your spend on manual auditing.

“

it is not always possible to automatically identify the lost revenue; however at a minimum the solution can produce a targeted work list of activities that have a high probability of resulting in revenue loss

�

Once the revenue loss is identified and secured you can then use Business intelligence to help you identify the costs of obtaining that revenue. By obtaining as much data as you can from the variety of data sources you can build an accurate figure of the cost the organisation is absorbing, from HR costs to material costs and overheads, at every step of the cycle that is required to obtain the revenue. This will allow the organisation to compare the totals to industry benchmarks

and identify areas where costs can be reduced and/or controlled in order to maximise the gross profitability. A properly structured Business intelligence strategy and Roadmap will allow you to not only identify particular areas that are causing cost problems, but once addressed, it will allow you via the use of management dashboards, to monitor the cost variance over time to prevent the cost from increasing again to uncontrolled levels.

Business intelligence can help your organisation identify loss of revenue, prevent future loss, identify cost problem areas and monitor and control your costs, however this can only be achieved through a formulated Business intelligence strategy and implementation Roadmap.

6PM has been conducting projects successfully in the Business intelligence (Bi) sphere for the last 10 years. Our projects range from Bi reporting solutions for universities using Business Objects to full blown Bi data warehouses for the nHs and telecoms industry. Besides the technical solutions 6PM also provides Bi strategy consultancy to help you define your Bi strategy and your Bi Roadmap and Framework in order to enable you to achieve that strategy.

For more information visit www.6pmsolutions.com

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

REAL EStAtE

Sotheby’S InternatIonal realty Survey ShowS wealthy DeSIre waterfront, hIStorIc anD Smart homeS

I

f the top wishes of wealthy Americans could be expressed in a single dream home, it would be a “lifestyle property” on the waterfront with a multicar collector’s garage, which they designed themselves, according to the just-released Sotheby’s International Realty® Luxury Lifestyle Report.

Wealthy Brits particularly value homes with historic significance. Chinese wish for space to display their art collections and Brazilians harbor a desire for a “smart” home, the Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC research found. The survey, which focused on the purchasing behavior of high net-worth consumers, determined that buyers in each country made similar decisions based on lifestyle, family needs and return on investment.

A search of the Sotheby’s International Realty inventory identified homes that meet many of the criteria expressed in the survey, which should reassure high-net-worth buyers that if they can afford such a house, they can turn their dreams into reality. Examples include a Water Mill, N.Y., waterfront home with three-car garage, a first floor apartment in England overlooking the River Thames that was built in 1894, a smart home in Arizona and a Hong Kong home with space to display art. The “Sotheby’s International Realty Luxury Lifestyle Report” surveyed affluent consumers in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil and China and found that the majority in all four countries are more likely to purchase a lifestyle property now than they were five years ago and to make a lifestyle property their primary residence. A waterfront property was the top choice for what they would consider purchasing next. A concurrent study of lifestyle search activity on sothebysrealty.com shows “waterfront” was the top lifestyle search on the website in 2013 at 42 percent. The majority of affluent consumers in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil and China also were likely to make a legacy home purchase, which is a property intended to remain in the family or be gifted to children, with the highest percentages in China (93 percent) and Brazil (92 percent). A survey of Sotheby’s International Realty network members revealed that more than half of respondents say their clients spend between $1 and $3 million for a legacy home. In addition, the “Sotheby’s International Realty Luxury Lifestyle Report” showed that earning a return on investment was a key driver for clients when purchasing a property. Compared with five years ago, a majority of affluent consumers are more confident in the strength of the housing market 26

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in their country of primary residence, which they believe offers the best real estate value right now.

“Last year, we observed that the luxury sector led the overall market recovery, making insights into the purchasing behavior of high net worth consumers critically important,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our findings confirmed what we have known to be true when it comes to the motivations and desires of these consumers: they are looking for homes that meet the needs of their varied lifestyles and that support their most precious asset, their family. These consumers also recognize the important role real estate plays in building wealth, and they expect to yield a return on their investment. In a testament to the health of the luxury market, they are more confident in their property’s ability to grow their overall net worth.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 15,000 independent sales associates located in approximately 700 offices in 54 countries and territories worldwide.

Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the network’s brokers and clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

MEtHOdOLOgICAL NOtES: The Sotheby’s International Realty Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among affluent consumers ages 25 and older with 401 interviews conducted in the U.S., and 100 interviews conducted in the UK, 101 interviews conducted in Brazil, and 102 interviews conducted in China, between January 28 and February 18, 2014, using an email invitation and an online survey.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 4.9 percentage points for the U.S. sample, and 9.8 percentage points in the UK and Brazil sample and 9.7 among the China sample, from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

about

affIlIateS llc

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources.

Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www. sothebysrealty.com.

Malta Sotheby’s International Realty is operated by CSB Real Estate Ltd – forming part of CSB Group (est 1987).

Visit CSBGROUP.COM. CSB Group was established in Malta in 1987, having celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2012. CSB offers a spectrum of specialised business and commercial services to its clients wishing to set-up or relocate their businesses to Malta. It is involved in Corporate & Trust Services, Advisory, Legal, Tax, Accounting, Recruitment & HR, Credit Risk, Relocation & Real Estate.

PRESS CONTACT Diane Borg Bascetta Marketing Executive Malta Sotheby’s International Realty +356 2010 8070 diane.borg@maltasothebysrealty.com

eveNTS

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Networking during the TAP-K B2B networking event orgnisde by Property and Life Events

TAP Knowledge neTworK lAunches new informATion PorTAl

Another site designed And developed At the ConCept stAdium

T

AP Knowledge Network, the open-architecture collaborative network of independent professionals, is enjoying a new presentation and communication interface - www. tapknowledge.net - designed and launched by the Concept Stadium.

The new TAP Knowledge Network website showcases the collaborative platform for professional service providers and their proposition of an integrated, client customised offering. Moreover, to facilitate easy access and clarity of information, it presents its members’ services along their various centres of expertise that can be availed of by the clients in a modular integrated approach.

through the integrated application of specialist knowledge” said Dr. Tonio Fenech, Chairman of TAP Knowledge Network. “In a world where the requirements of and for professional services are becoming simultaneously more complex, borderless and specialized, there is an increasing need to provide solutions that are responsive, highly tailored and yet tightly integrated across domain expertise, industry and geography.”

“The mission behind the TAP Knowledge Network is to contribute to the development of a smarter, more sustainable and inclusive global society

Jonathan Dalli, Founder & Managing Director at the Concept Stadium, added that, “As the Communication Partners of TAP Knowledge

Network, we understand the core philosophy behind the network and we wanted to ensure that this is demonstrated in the new website.

Furthermore, to stay true to the brand, we believe that this would give TAP Knowledge Network an e-platform vis-à-vis its communication efforts with the wider community.”

The TAP Knowledge Network now has a website that closely reflects its approach to doing business – delivering value to its clients through a clear purpose and integrated application of multidisciplinary knowledge.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

HSBC CaSe Study: ParentS’ exPeCtationS from tHeir inveStment in eduCation

Education must pay, say parents -

Parents want value for money from their child’s education

P

arents increasingly expect a good return on investment from sending their child to university according to a new report from HSBC, “The Value of Education: Springboard for success.”

The report, which surveyed over 4,500 parents in 15 countries, found that parents expect a university education to prepare their child for a successful career.

Globally, more than two in five parents (43%) say the ability to compete in the workplace is a key expectation of a good university education. This is most important to parents in mexico (57%) and malaysia (52%), while income-earning potential tops the list of requirements from parents in india (41%). more than a third (37%) of parents believe that university degrees should contribute to income-earning potential in adult life, and a similar proportion believe that university should provide vocational or professional training (34%) and access to opportunities in life (34%). more specifically, parents in australia (43%), turkey (43%) and france (33%) believe vocational or professional training is the top requirement of a good university education.

Parents around the world are united in having high aspirations for their children when it comes to education. nearly nine in 10 (89%) parents want their children to go to university and 62% want their child to go on to study at a postgraduate level malaysia (91%), turkey (86%), Brazil (84%) and india (83%).

Education is an Investment for the Future Globally, more than half (58%) of parents believe that paying for a child’s education is the best investment you can make. This

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belief is most strongly held in Brazil (79%) and China (77%). education is considered a top priority for parents all around the world. When deciding how they would allocate money to support their children financially in life, parents put education first, ideally setting aside 42% of their funds for the purpose of their child’s education. Parents in Canada would allocate the most money towards their child’s education (54%), while parents in the uK would allocate the least (24%).

While parents have high expectations of what education should provide, many feel anxious when planning their child’s education - more than a third (38%) say they find making decisions about their child’s education daunting and just over half (51%) wish they had started to plan and save earlier for their child’s education.

Simon Williams, Group Head of Wealth Management, HSBC, commented: “it is clear from the research that parents around the world still believe that a good education can improve children’s opportunities and prospects in an increasingly globalised and competitive world”. “yet parents are also aware that all of this can be put at risk by a failure to prepare adequately.

There are choices to be made and often some financial implications to these choices. These decisions weigh heavily on parents, and many regret not starting their planning sooner. it is never too early to start investing and saving for your child’s education.”

The Value of Education

A new global consumer research, this study explores parents’ attitudes and behaviours towards children’s education.

This report, Springboard for success, represents the views of 4592 parents in 15 countries around the world: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

The survey was conducted online in December 2013 and January 2014, among parents who have at least one child under the age of 23 currently (or soon to be) in education, and who are solely or partially responsible for making decisions about their child’s education.

This independent research study was commissioned by HSBC and carried out

by Ipsos MORI. The Value of Education global report is available on www.hsbc.com > Retail Banking and Wealth Management.

HSBC Group

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 6,300 offices in 75 countries and territories in Europe, Hong Kong, Rest of Asia-Pacific, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,671bn at 31 December 2013, the HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

Our Services KSi Malta is one of Malta’s leading audit, tax and advisory firms providing a wide range of services to both local and international clients.

KSi Malta is a member of KS International, an association of independent accounting firms located around the world, and Begbies Traynor Group, UK’s largest and fastest-growing independent Corporate Rescue and Recovery Specialists.

International Tax Planning The Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP) Company Formation International Business Development Ship & Yacht Registration Audit & Accountancy Logistics Aviation

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Heritage & Culture

Malta and Gozo feature proMinently in the Sun to over 650,000 readerS

Malta and Gozo were featured in Scotland’s leading tabloid newspaper The Scottish Sun last weekend reaching over 650,000 readers.

T

uesday, 24th June 2014, Malta – One of Malta’s true national symbols, the 5-star Hotel Phoenicia at the gates to Valletta was featured extensively on a double-page tabloid spread in The Scottish Sun newspaper last Saturday. Deputy News Editor and Travel Editor Heather Lowrie praised the islands saying, “Malta has culture and architecture in lorry loads.”

The Scottish Sun, printed and published in glasgow, is Scotland’s leading tabloid newspaper reaching over 650,000 readers daily. it is published by the News group Newspapers division of News uK, itself a wholly owned subsidiary of rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation..

Mrs. lowrie said Malta was “an island exploding with history, culture, and warm, friendly people” and during her trip she visited Valletta, Mdina, gozo and the Marsovin Winery, which she described as a “real must” visit, especially as the experience restored her faith in white wine, calling their la torre girgentina “a revelation”. Hotel Phoenicia’s kitchen garden and its flagship eatery Pegasus also came in for praise with Mrs. lowrie saying, “it was definitely a highlight of our week here.”

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Built in 1939, Hotel Phoenicia was Malta’s first luxury hotel, giving it a wealth of history and a unique charm standing proudly within the Valletta bastions. Most of the 136 bedrooms and suites at Phoenicia have stunning panoramic views over the harbours, and are painstakingly designed and luxuriously comfortable. The hotel’s 7.5 acre garden is unique and home to a kitchen garden that provides fresh produce for the hotel’s restaurants. a ballroom and the oak-lined Club Bar stocked with over 40 malt and grain whiskies and featuring live jazz is also part of what Mrs. lowrie called a “legendary” hotel.

Charles azzopardi, Hotel Phoenicia’s general Manager said, “We are delighted that Malta and gozo were able to benefit from this timely extra publicity, we have to be focused on maintaining visitor experiences at this level going into the peak season. Mrs. lowrie’s perception that Malta and gozo are ticking all the right boxes is comforting especially from such a seasoned and well-travelled journalist.”

For further information see www.phoeniciamalta.com or www.facebook.com/ phoeniciahotel, or call 2122 5241 to enjoy Hotel Phoenicia’s summer programme.

REAL ESTATE & FINANCE

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Modest House Price increases

H

ouse prices, as measured by the House Price Index1 (HPI), fell by 0.3% in the euro area and rose by 1% in the EU in the first quarter of 2014 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2013, house prices fell by 0.3% in the euro area and rose by 0.2% in the EU in the first quarter of 2014.

In the first quarter of 2014 Malta saw an increase in house prices of 0.3% since the last quarter, as opposed to a price reduction of -2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2014. Overall Malta saw the 13th highest house price increases from the 24 EU states for which figures were available. The largest house price increases for 2014 were seen in Estonia (4.8%), Sweden (2.4%), and the United Kingdom (2.2%). The biggest loss of house price, since the last quarter of 2013, was seen Croatia where prices fell 2.7%, then in Luxembourg (-2.3%) and then in Slovenia (-1.7%).

Now comparing the first quarter of 2014 with the first quarter of 2013 Malta had the 12th highest house price increase across the EU with an increase of 0.8%. The highest increase was experienced by Estonia which saw house prices go up by 17.5%, and then by Latvia (10.4%) and the UK (8%). Croatia also saw the biggest drop, this time compared to Q1 2013, seeing a 9.7% loss in value, followed by Slovenia (-6.6%) and then Cyprus (-5.7%).

Safe Haven Assets Boosted by Rising High Political Tensions Risk aversion is back on the market following the plane crash over Ukraine, US equity markets closed in negative territory while the VIX rose by 32%. Asian markets followed the same path closing in the red for the day.

The big winners since yesterday are safe haven assets, the combination of the events in Ukraine with the beginning of a ground attack from Israeli military forces in Gaza create strong geopolitical tensions.

Gold surged back to a high of 1324.76$ before pulling back slightly on profits taking, the Yen touched its highest level against the euro since February and EUR/CHF tested again the 1.2138 support.

EUR/USD is currently under pressure, the 1.3522 support line is being tested, a breakout of the latest would open the way for more down move to 1.35 key level during the day.

Source: TMID

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

Education & ict EvEnt of thE YEar

ShoWcaSE of KnoWLEdGE & ict SoLutionS for aLL induStriES

A

s a leading international event, Knowledge & ICT International Fest 2014 being held at SmartCity Malta, end of October, offers you a variety of educational platforms and ICT solutions to help optimise operations and enhance the efficiency of your company. The event will feature over 100 exhibitors and an expected 80,000 attendees from Malta and Gozo.

in its first edition, Knowledge and ict fest 2014 will hail another series of exciting ict and knowledge events surrounding cloud computing, startups, cyber security, mobility, internet of things, digital entertainment, e-learning and digital inclusion. Spanning a week, the Knowledge and ict fest 2014 aims at bringing together international experts to share knowledge and exchange insights in various ict domains. This mega event crystallises the joint efforts of Malta’s thriving education, language schools, hr and recruitment agencies, the ict industry and Government.

This first Knowledge & ict Week is the single most eventful week in the centre of the sizzling Maltese ict powerhouse, illuminating innovative ideas connecting the brightest minds.

Knowledge & ict Week brings together entrepreneurs, investors, it professionals, government leaders and policy-makers from all over the world.

• Smartphone & Tablet • Telecom, Network & Data Centre • Trade-related Services • Wireless Technologies network with Schools, vocational colleges, the university of Malta, McaSt, English Language Schools and ict solution providers. This event is being held under the auspices and patronage of the Minister for Education and Employment, Evarist Bartolo and in collaboration with partners such as TCTC and computer domain. a series of special activities to help connect you with quality ict solution providers include: •

international Knowledge & ict fest 2014 Knowledge & ict week is one of the signature events of the international Knowledge and ict fest 2014. organised by Property & Life Events, the first edition of the Knowledge & ict fest 2014 will herrald another series of exciting ict events. Spanning a whole week between the 20th and 25th october 2014, this event aims at bringing together leading and international experts to share latest educational developments, conduct workshops, lectures, seminars, exchange insights in various educational and ict domains, and include the host of other activities. find suitable solutions to meet your needs through special zones: • Apps Zone • Business Apps on Cloud & Mobile • Computer & Peripherals • E-Logistics & Retail Technologies • Enterprise Solutions & IT Outsourcing • Mobile & Digital Marketing

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•

• • •

• • • • •

A showcase by the Knowledge & ICT Fest Awards winners of a wide range of outstanding products and services, enabling a thorough understanding of the top schools, educational institutions, higher educational colleges, private schools, and ict solutions available in Malta; The SME IT Clinic which offers you complimentary one-on-one professional consultation services on ict systems and solutions to help enhance business efficiency and maximise cost-saving results; A close-up view of exhibitors’ latest offers at the Exhibitors’ forum; Networking events to build relationships and extend your business contacts; Informative seminars and conferences to provide market insights and an overview of product and technological trends; Mobile banks and mobile communication stands; Educational school exhibits; Information booths and e-library; Teleconferencing and media centre; and; Awards ceremony and gala dinner.

Grasp additional business opportunities. for further information contact; propertylife2013@gmail.com or 99406743/99260162.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY COMME RCIAL PROPERTY

An exceptional building comprising over 4600m2 of well-maintained space, spread over three floors, in the heart of a commercial and industrial centre.

For more information and a private viewing: T: 21495855 (Office hours) E: propertyconcept@outlook.com M: 99420435

Centrally located in Mriehel Access from three roads with three separate entrances Ample inside and outside parking space Over 1540m2 air space with the option to build more floors

A visit to the Mediterraneo Marine Park is a great way for adults and children to experience some of the beauties of Marine life.

Through specific educational programmes, which include the interaction with different species of animals hosted at the Park, we propagate knowledge following the highest standards in both animal and personnel welfare. The animals present at the Park are cared for by a number of professionals, namely Animal Carers, Marine biologists and veterinary surgeons, who are all specialized in the various fields. Besides the bottlenose dolphins, the Park boasts a large selection of different animal species including South American Sea Lions, Parrots, Green Wing Amazons, Snakes, Tortoises, Turtles, Frogs, Toads, Spiders, Scorpions and various kinds of Lizards.

We welcome you to enjoy the wonderful diversity of these creatures that share the planet with us – thus remembering that , it is their world too!

Bahar ic-Caghaq, Malta | +356 2137 2218 | +356 2137 6519 | info@mediterraneopark.com | www.mediterraneopark.com

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

ICT

ISSUE 05

Malta perforMing ahead of other eU coUntries in a nUMber of broadband indicators

A

ccording to the Digital Agenda Scoreboard published yesterday, Malta ranks first in next generation broadband network coverage, scoring 100% in this regard. Internet infrastructures in Malta which are capable of providing broadband download speeds of 30 Mbps or more are available nationwide as opposed to 62% coverage in the EU. This is not the only area where Malta is performing better than the EU average. As at the end of 2013, 79% of Maltese households had a broadband connection, again above the EU average of 76%.

The Commission positively reports on the substantial increase in the number of broadband subscriptions to high speed connections that is, to speeds of 30 Mbps or more, from 2% in 2012 to 14% in 2013.

The MCA notes that as at the 1st Quarter of 2014, this figure is expected to have grown exponentially to around 50% as a result of the latest spate of broadband upgrades made by the local service providers. Mobile broadband take-up also increased very substantially from 50% in 2012 to 58% in 2013.

Connections providing at least 100 Mbps, remained low, at 1% of all subscriptions, however, it is fair to anticipate that this figure will improve as the majority of subscriptions move from the lower speed categories to the categories above 30 Mbps.

The Commission reported that 4G mobile technology is not available in Malta, as the cut-off date for this report was Quarter 3 of 2013. This technology was in fact launched in Malta in October 2013.

‘Broadband availability is an essential driver of the Maltese economy. It is therefore essential that we continue to perform well in this regard, both for the benefit of our

citizens but equally as important for our businesses to remain competitive in a global market. Through our collaboration with the Malta Communications Authority and the continued implementation of forward looking, investment friendly policies, we are certainly on the right track to keeping up this positive pace,’ said the Hon. Jose Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth.

will remain focused to bring this figure down as much as possible. Our ongoing projects like the Project Enter and Live ICT, which are both aimed at helping individuals understand the potential of ICT and grasp ICT skills and competences, are essential for us to reach this ambitious goal. These efforts will not, however, detract our attention from other, perhaps even more important actions, such as internet safety – an area where tangible results are essential’.

Internet usage and Digital Skills eCommerce 66% of Maltese individuals continue to access the internet on a regular basis. Whilst the number of persons accessing the internet daily has marginally increased to 59% in 2013 from 57% in 2012, 28% have never used the Internet.

“

Through our collaboration with the Malta Communications Authority and the continued implementation of forward looking, investment friendly policies, we are certainly on the right track to keeping up this positive pace

”

Commenting on this figure, Dr Woods, Chairman at the MCA said that ‘Today, we cannot afford to have individuals not using the Internet. These individuals are socially and economically disadvantaged compared to their peers who are benefitting from ICTs. We

On the eCommerce front, Malta is performing just under the EU average in terms of the number of individuals purchasing online, with 46% of the Maltese population ordering goods online compared to the EU average of 47%. On the other hand, 39% of Maltese individuals have purchased online from abroad, compared to the EU average of 12%. The report also gives indicators on large, as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) selling online, both figures suggesting that Malta is below the EU average.

However, it is pertinent to note that, in actual fact, these figures are not representative of the Maltese economy, which is made up largely of micro-enterprises, employing less than 10 persons. Moreover, Malta’s size and geographic location inevitably impinge negatively on businesses’ ability to conduct eCommerce.

The MCA will be looking further into these statistics since according to the NSO, 19.3% of enterprises using the Internet carried out sales via eCommerce. This contrasts heavily with the data published by the Commission according to which only 10% of enterprises in Malta used eCommerce in 2013.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

HealtHcare

Looking After Your Body

Inside-Out

B

By Shirley Cauchi, Macrobiotic Health Coach & Yoga Teacher, Holistic Beauty & Healing Massage Therapist

eauty is more than skin deep. Health encompasses more than medical check-ups, medications and supplements.

Looking after your health and beauty is certainly very important. So, whether you do it for prevention or to ‘nurse’ yourself back to a state of wellness and happiness, caring for yourself remains an important event. If you like it or not at some point you will have to travel the road to wellness that is if you care to live well with vigour and joy.

looking after your beauty and your health tie in very well with each other. I like to call it ‘looking after your body inside-out’. It is a total body-care investment that like any other investment requires some risk in bracketing poor habits and developing new healthy ones, some time in learning new tricks and a lot of professional assistance in managing your new life.

Here are some tips to get you started: BEAUTY & BODY CARE: • Have a daily beauty regime – cleanse, tone and moisturize twice daily – ensure you are using products like eNVIrON which are paraben, preservative and perfume-free as a percentage of what you are putting on your skin is being absorbed. This is great because eNVIrON are based on ‘advanced Vitamin Skin Therapy’ which literally feeds the skin and the difference is noticeable.

• Go for regular facials – this is both to pamper (who doesn’t like some pampering?) and to give extra care and nutrients to the skin via specialized products and/or machinery that are not available for home use. It is very important that the salon products and the homeuse products correspond so that they can complement each other.

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• Be sun-wise – here’s how: → Use an SPF and make sure that it is chemical-free and contains UVa/UVB filters plus nutrients to nourish your skin making it more resilient to the sun while still allowing the skin to form its own Vitamin D. eNVIrON have an excellent SPF25 in spray form which when applied every two hours when out and about or sunbathing should be enough. This can go both on your face (including your eye area) and your body; → Wear tight-weave clothing for the greatest protection from clothing you can get; → take care not to burn as this increases your risk for skin cancer later on in life; → Practice intelligent sun exposure by taking 5 minutes of unprotected exposure if you have pale skin and a maximum of 15 minutes if you have darker skin for your daily dose of Vitamin D as this actually protects you from Melanoma; → Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes and a widebrimmed hat to protect both your face and your neck.

HEALTHCARE

• Don’t use an anti-perspirant – perspiration is something natural and although no one likes to sweat it is a natural process and it is also the body’s way to rid itself of toxins, so suppressing this isn’t really a good idea. If your body odour is very strong or offensive you might need to look into your diet and see what you can eliminate from there. To keep yourself fresh make sure you use a deodorant immediately after you shower. Ensure you use a deodorant which is paraben, aluminium and alcohol-free. (I use and sell LAFE’s which is available both in a roll-on and a deo-stick)

“

ENVIRON have an excellent SPF25 in spray form which when applied every two hours when out and about or sunbathing should be enough

”

HEALTH & YOUR BODY:

• Maintain your healthy weight – stay within a BMI* of 19 to 24.9.

If you fall within the range of 25-29.9 you are overweight but surely still in time to take action and see results easily with the help of your MD and a Health Coach for support. At 30+ with a waist measurement above 88cm you are at a higher risk for High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Diabetes making you a ticking time bomb for Cardiovascular Disease so please ensure you take immediate action. (*BMI formula = Weight in kg divided by Height in mtr2). Also note that athletes and people exercising regularly have a greater muscle mass so the BMI formula is not the one you should be using.

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

of a large one and chewing your food thoroughly making meal times an occasion to stop whatever you are doing and just eat, savouring every bite; → Eat your ‘good fats’ – without these essential oils your skin, hair, nails and hormones will suffer. Include olive oil, oily fish, nuts or seeds daily; • Walk daily - this boosts your circulation making your lymphatic system work more efficiently in removing waste from the body.

So does any other physical activity so as long as you move, do what you love; • Do self-massage – Japanese style Do-In with or without a medium (I use ENVIRON A,C & E body oil and or BODY PROFILE which are excellent products for skin renewal) aids circulation, improves the appearance of cellulite and makes your skin radiant; • Laugh and the world will laugh with you – laughing is contagious but that’s not all; there is a link between laughter and health.

Laughter releases endorphins which increase blood flow – very important for cellulite management; • Think positive – negativity never came up with happy solutions so always try to see life from the bright side. If you find this difficult stay with people who are positive so that they will help you see life through their lenses People have the capacity to choose. Do we really and deeply desire better health? If our greatest wealth is our health, the next step could be your path to wellness. Still thinking about it? Visit my website www.yourhealthybalance.net or call me on 99846603 / 27432499 or email macroyoga@onvol.net

• Mind your food and drink – here’s how: → Avoid processed carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, pastries and cakes and choose the complex ones like brown rice, millet, quinoa and kamut; → Avoid empty calories from sugars by minimizing sugar, carbonated drinks and alcohol; → Eliminate junk food and other ugly habits like smoking from your life; → Drink more water by making it more interesting – try adding mint leaves, lemon and cucumber slices; → Up your intake of vegetables and eat them how you like them – try raw, blanched, steamed, stir-fried, grilled, baked, etc → Eat fruits in moderation and always go for a whole fruit rather than just its juice; → Don’t starve yourself – ensure you are eating enough for your age, sex, career and your physical activity. Deprivation is not just depriving yourself of food but also of essential nutrients which in return will makes your cravings go haywire; → Learn to substitute food like using nuts to make cream instead of using dairy products, using fruit instead of sugar, making salad dressings using sesame seed paste, mustard and apple cider vinegar instead of mayonnaise will satisfy your need for the less healthy stuff;

Shirley Cauchi (Bhuvaneshwari) is a Holistic Beauty & Healing Massage Therapist and a Macrobiotic Practitioner with many years of experience in Macrobiotic counselling. Through her Macrobiotic Counselling programs she coaches clients for wellness and healthy living (including weight loss, weight gain, skin and digestive disorders, chronic migraines, etc). Her programs are personalized and can be varied to include Consultations, Personal Training, Yoga Therapy (using Doh-In style self-massage, postural Yoga and concentration/ visualization techniques), Relaxation techniques and Cooking classes.

As a trained ENVIRON skin-care specialist she ensures that the skin and body care products she works with and promotes are preservative, paraben and perfume-free. During her healing massage therapies she uses different techniques, including Shiatsu, Tui-na, Chinese cupping, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Crystals and Hot/Cold-stones.

Presently Shirley is working in getting across the message that food may be used to prevent and even heal some chronic health conditions. She is building a Macrobiotic community for Malta and Gozo by giving monthly lectures about the Macrobiotic philosophy and lifestyle.

→ Decrease your portion size by filling up a smaller plate instead ISSUE 7 | PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

ENERGY

ENERGY AUDIT AND ANALYSIS

By Matthew Spiteri must be implemented, and to what extent.

In addition, soft implementations such as Green Management and Procurement, Environmental ISO practices, and Training, can amplify the effects of technologies and solution, often at a minimal capital outlay.

I

n a world with escalating fuel prices and depletion of non-renewable fuel resources, our constant drive is to find more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and above all, cost-effective energy efficient technologies. Companies and homes alike strive to seek new ways of reducing their energy footprint, compelled by the positive effect such measures tendto have on the running cost of the building or organisation.

While most of the current sustainable solutions and green technologies are positive

in themselves, the priority and magnitude of implementation of such technologies is highly critical in achieving the maximum potential, and consequently the best return on investment on such systems.

Well before implementing any solution, it is highly recommended to perform an Energy Audit of the building, acting as a Gap Analysis exercise. Such audits give a clear picture of the current state of the building, what are the priority areas to tackle, and what kind of technologies and solutions

Altern Limited offers expert advice, specifically tailored to the said organisation, aiding it to apply different sustainable solutions and technologies in the most effective and financially sustainable manner. Through its years of experience, Altern acts as the informed partner, aiding the organisation in becoming more environmentally sustainable, whilst implementing cost effective solutions.

Altern today has implemented countless numbers of Energy Audits both locally and abroad, implemented industrial scale Photovoltaic projects, and designed and built LED lighting, specifically manufactured for the local market.

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SCIENtIFIC RESEARCH

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

ERC HigHligHt

T

he European Research Council (ERC) has for the fourth time took part in the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF); now with a stronger delegation than ever before, headed by ERC President Jean-Pierre Bourguignon. Under the theme ‘Science Building Bridges’, over 40 ERC grant winners presented their cutting-edge research. ESOF2014, which showcase the latest advances in science, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

On the eve of the event, ERC President Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, who spoke in a plenary session, said: “ESOF is a wonderful platform to bring science to a wider audience. I am glad that this year so many ERC grant holders can contribute to this effort and feed the forum with exciting discussions on high-level science. It is a privilege for the ERC to contribute to Europe’s rich scientific heritage with stimulating new ideas”.

Three ERC Scientific Council members - ESOF2014 Champion Prof.

Klaus Bock, Prof. Nils Chr. Stenseth and Prof. Isabelle Vernos - also fueled the debate at the event.

Some 4,500 participants attended the ESOF, Europe’s largest general science event. Nobel laureates, including ERC grantees Prof. Ada Yonath (2009 Nobel Prize for Chemistry) and Prof. Serge Haroche (2012 Nobel Prize for Physics), research leaders and innovators was presented, as were policy-makers, such as European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. This year’s edition set the spotlight on building bridges between science and society, and, in particular, engaging young people with science and innovation topics.

The ERC grant winners showcased their inspiring projects that push the frontiers of knowledge in a wide array of scientific fields; from calculating the impact of environmental changes, and creating an “ecosystems accounting”, to developing new natural resources management, and fighting against obesity. The scientists also explained e.g. how the Earth became the only habitable planet in our solar system, how to handle the risk of epidemics in a global world, or how research on cities can improve our understanding of urban social systems. (Read about some of these ERC-funded projects and watch videos with grantees –to view, click on ‘Projects’ tab.)

Background Set up in 2007 by the EU, the European Research Council (ERC) is the first pan-European funding organisation for frontier research. It aims to stimulate scientific excellence in Europe by encouraging competition for funding between the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age. The ERC also strives to attract top researchers from anywhere in the world to come to Europe.

From 2007 to 2013 under the seventh EU Research Framework Programme (FP7), the ERC’s budget was €7.5 billion. Under the new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, the ERC has a substantially increased budget of over €13 billion. Since its launch, the ERC has selected over 4,500 researchers for funding.

The ERC consists of an independent Scientific Council and an Executive Agency. The Scientific Council, the ERC’s governing body, is composed of 22 distinguished scientists and scholars, including the ERC President. They define the scientific funding strategy and methodologies, and act on behalf of the scientific community in Europe to promote creativity and innovative research. Prof. Jean-Pierre Bourguignon has been the ERC President since 1 January 2014. The ERC Executive Agency implements the ERC component of the EU Programme Horizon 2020 and is led by Director Pablo Amor.

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

MOTOrING

PEUGEOT MUSIC

Anytime, Anywhere

D

iscover, share and exchange PEUGEOT’s values through the world of music, via smartphone, tablet, in a car or in a PEUGEOT showroom.

With PEUGEOT MUSIC, the brand aims to attract customers and strengthen the links with them through the emotion and sharing of a musical experience, as well as reaching a younger customer base.

PEUGEOT MUSIC is a unique and international musical programme, which offers to everyone, wherever they are, on any type of computer, tablet or smartphone, the benefits of the PEUGEOT musical world.

www.peugeotmusic.com This digital platform comprises a website dedicated to selected local and international artists, an internet radio station and an on-line community devoted to PEUGEOT MUSIC. 42

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MBM Music, a big name in international music agencies, was chosen

by PEUGEOT. A specialist in musical design and architecture for the great luxury brands, it was able to interpret PEUGEOT’s values and express them in music, uniquely expressing the brand’s DNA.

An international & connected sound The PEUGEOT MUSIC Internet radio station offers users a customized soundtrack for their lives through PEUGEOT. Members will be able to interact with the website and benefit from exclusive content, discover new talent, live concerts, interviews with artists.

The PEUGEOT internet radio station will also be accessible wherever the brand has a presence: showrooms, motor shows, as well as in PEUGEOT vehicles, starting with the new PEUGEOT 108, via the Mirror Screen system.

Follow www.facebook.com/PeugeotMalta to discover music talent from Malta and the rest of the world!

HEalTH & FITNESS

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

do you have metabolic flexibility?

By Richard Geres

O

ur bodies predominantly use fats and carbohydrates to produce energy. In most cases we use both nutrients simultaneously to produce energy, but the ratios of carbohydrate to fat utilisation depends on fuel status, activity level, fed versus fasted state and the body’s ability to efficiently switch from one nutrient to the other. That, unfortunately doesn’t always work as well with some folks as it should, which can create a number of pretty serious health issues.

Our modern lifestyles have led us to be constantly surrounded by food –at home, at work, at social gatherings. To make matters worse, much of that food comes in the form of highly processed carbohydrates – white bread, pasta, pastries, sweets, soft drinks, ready-made meals and so on.

But our body was not designed for that environment. It was designed for the caveman lifestyle. Eating plenty when food was available, then not eating for days (they didn’t have supermarkets back then). This kind of lifestyle forced our bodies to become efficient at switching between fuel sources, and running efficiently on bodyfat for fuel when food was scarce. The ability of our body to switch between fuels is termed as ‘Metabolic Flexibility’.

However, research shows that insulin resistance, the stage that precedes type II diabetes, can have a dramatic negative effect on Metabolic Flexibility. Being metabolically inflexible can cause a number of mild to severe side-effects. When blood sugar drops, sufferers can easily become hypoglycaemic, meaning that the body is not able to elevate blood sugar sufficiently through other metabolic pathways. This can cause light-headedness and inability to perform properly. In severe cases I may lead to Diabetic Coma. The other problem is that sufferers from metabolic inflexibility may find it hard to lose weight, because their bodies cannot switch to burning fat efficiently.

The hormone insulin plays a big role in all this. Insulin controls blood sugar levels, rise after we eat carbohydrate foods. Insulin’s job is to lower blood sugar by pushing glucose into liver or muscle tissue for storage or energy production. When we eat too many carbohydrates on a regular basis (think of the crackers, sandwiches, biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, ice-creams, etc) insulin levels become chronically elevated and our tissue cells become ‘insensitive’ to it, meaning that it is not able to perform the task it is supposed to. When insulin levels are chronically high, our body becomes inefficient at burning fat and the mobilisation of fat from our fat stores for energy production is put to a stop. That’s bad news for people who are trying to lose weight or even just maintain weight. If more fat is going to storage (in out fat cells) than being pulled out of storage into the blood supply for energy production, we eventually get fatter.

So how can we prevent metabolic inflexibility? regular exerciSe

Regular exercise improves glucose levels in the blood, increases insulin sensitivity and increases fat oxidation. In simple terms: lower blood sugar, less insulin, more fat burning. ‘Regular’ means several times per week, every week. With so many health benefits, no wonder exercise is called the ‘miracle pill’! If you’re fairly unfit, you’ll be best off with a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programme like walking or cycling. Relevance to the caveman: Remember, cavemen used to spend days chasing their prey!

faSting

You may have heard that to lose weight you need to eat every 2-3 hours. While that may work for some people, it is definitely not the only way to lose weight. Some research has shown that fasting for 1624 hours increases insulin sensitivity and will increase the amount of fat used for energy. That’s exactly what we want, and if it worked for the cavemen, it will work for us too!

Note: not eating for a day once in while can save you up to 20003000kal per fast!

cut down on the proceSSed carbS!

Get rid of the crap, at least for some time: white bread, pasta, pastries, sweets, soft drinks, ready-made meals. If cutting these foods from your diet for a while means the end of the world to you, it clearly demonstrates that you have distorted way of eating, and that you are controlled by food. To help you get on the track with eating a more balanced diet, get some professional help. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to change your eating habits once you have a practical plan to follow, and how helpful it is to have someone check on you from time to time.

Our modern, hectic lifestyles are making it more and more challenging to maintain good eating habits and remain physically active. You think you know what we should eat, yet you don’t eat the things you should. You know you should exercise, but you don’t. But knowing is not enough – you must apply.

With nutrition and exercise playing such a major role in maintaining good health, you simply cannot ignore that you need to change your habits. Ignoring it will cost you dearly – your health.

That’s where Richard Geres comes in. His programmes will uncover your lifestyle flaws and teach to become more balanced – nutritionally and physically.

As a certified fitness professional and nutritionist with over 20 years experience, he runs a private personal training facility at the Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay where he provides one-to-one coaching programmes.

He can be contacted for seminars and individual consultations through his website on www.richardgeres.com.

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COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

ACTU ACqUIrES NEW ASSISTIvE TECHNOLOGY WITH HSBC MALTA’S SUPPOrT - Enhancing thE wEllbEing of childrEn with languagE difficultiEs “Communication is fundamental to expression and the way we live our lives. It shapes how we experience the world and how we learn to such an extent that we tend to take communication skills for granted. However this is not so for people with communicational challenges for whom ACTU’s services are making a world of a difference”, said HSBC Malta Chief Financial Officer Josephine Magri. “The invaluable work being carried out by ACTU is an important element in a compassionate and inclusive society.”

Director General Educational Services George Borg and HSBC Malta CFO Josephine Magri during the presentation of the bank’s sponsorship of new Assistive Technology. ‘The Wombat’ activity chair is seen in the background

S

tudents using the Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU) services now have access to some of the very latest Assistive Technology. These devices were acquired with support from HSBC Malta Foundation, to help children with disabilities learn and communicate in everyday social, educational, and pre-vocational situations.

“Having access to the latest Assistive Technology is vital to the professional support ACTU offers children facing educational and communication challenges, allowing our trans-disciplinary team to address these challenges as early on and as effectively as possible,” explained George Borg, Director General Educational Services. “HSBC Malta Foundation’s support offers a prime example of how valuable corporate sustainability can be at enhancing the wellbeing of children.”

The newly acquired technology includes a sophisticated activity chair known as ‘The Wombat’ and a selection of portable, lightweight, yet powerful communicational devices such as the ‘The Accent 1000’ and the ‘Nova Chat’ range of devices which allow students with disabilities to communicate freely at home, in the classroom, and in medical environments.

“

Communication is fundamental to expression and the way we live our lives

”

ACTU Student Services Department falls under the Directorate for Educational Services, and comprises a core trans-disciplinary team of Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Learning Support Assistants with specialised training to recommend and implement augmentative communication strategies. This team is providing a service to individuals of all ages via an open referral system for parents, educators and allied professions, offering comprehensive assessments, support and intervention to help individuals express themselves as independently as possible.

Director General Educational Services George Borg demonstrating one of the newly acquired assistance technology devices to HSBC Malta’s CFO Josephine Magri and Sustainability Manager Doriette Camilleri

HSBC Malta Foundation The Foundation is committed to investing in the Maltese community and looks to bring about lasting benefit in society. The Foundation makes this happen by raising funds and supporting programmes that make a difference to disadvantaged children, the environment and heritage. The Foundation works closely with a number of highly respected local businesses and not for profit organisations. The Foundation aims to make long term social investments and form partnerships rather than simply making donations. The Foundation takes pride in HSBC staff who contribute to the charities and causes that they feel passionate about, and HSBC encourages them to take an active role in initiatives supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation. The HSBC Malta Foundation works with the wider HSBC Group and makes the most of the resources and capabilities of a global bank for the benefit of the local Maltese community ISSUE 7 | PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE

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PROPERTY & LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 7

NEWSMAKERS

6pM investing in bUsiness develOpMent in sCOtlAnd 6PM has appointed Mr. Kim Rose to head the business development unit within the Scottish market as part of its plans to increase output and enhance its sales of solutions and products in the health sector.

In a statement Ivan Bartolo, CEO of 6PM said: “Although Scotland forms part of the United Kingdom, the Scottish health market is very different to the English one. This is why 6PM is investing in Business Development within the Scottish market. Kim Rose is an experienced business consultant with a successful track record in Business Development.

“Working with Steve Wightman, 6PM’s Deputy CEO, Kim Rose is already creating opportunities in Scotland and this investment is expected to start bearing fruit in quarter three of this fiscal year.”

A business plan for Scotland has been approved by 6PM’s Executive Team and the expectation is that 6PM Scotland will be formed once the first orders start coming in. When 6PM Scotland is registered, in line with its business strategy, 6PM will retain 70% of the equity and 30% will be allocated for the local partners who will be tasked to manage the business on a day to day basis.

thOMAs sMith presented lUfthAnsA AwArd pr

Thomas Smith Group was once again presented an Award by Lufthansa Cargo Director for Italy, Malta, UK and Ireland, Thomas Egenolf, and Regional Manager North East Italy & Malta, Abré Smit. Lufthansa Cargo AG is a cargo airline part of the Lufthansa Group, operating worldwide air freight and logistics services on behalf of Lufthansa, of which it is a wholly owned subsidiary.

Founded in 1994, Lufthansa Cargo now ranks among the world’s leading cargo carriers. Mr. Bernard Muscat, Cargo Assistant General Manager, and Mr. Ramon Azzopardi, Logistics Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Thomas Smith’s Freight Forwarding division.

This is the fifth consecutive award, yet the sixth award overall that Thomas Smith achieved over the past nine years.Thomas Smith was nominated by Lufthansa Cargo in recognition to the strong support provided to the airfreight and logistics services organisation during the year 2013, as well as the growth in volume registered. An award ceremony organised by Lufthansa Cargo Forum (LCF) was held at Fortina Hotel, Sliema. Thomas Smith Group forms part of the LCF, which is made up of the top five selling agents in Malta.

Air MAltA UpgrAdes its Online And MObile CheCk-in Air Malta is upgrading its online and mobile check-in this weekend.

Together with its service provider, this new platform aims to make check-in for Air Malta flights faster, easier, and more user friendly.

Through this new upgraded service, Air Malta passengers will now be able to check-in up to one hour prior the scheduled time of departure if using their smart phones, or up to two hours if using web check-in through www.airmalta.com.

The new system will allow smart phone users to check-in more than one person using the same device and email their boarding pass to more than one email address. Web check-in users will now be able to print boarding passes on just one A4 sheet, thus reducing paper wastage.

Passengers using these services can start check-in for flights 24 hours prior departure, choose their seat on board the aircraft and receive their bar coded boarding pass immediately.

Web and mobile check-in allows passengers to save time and avoid airport queues whilst giving passengers added flexibility in being able to complete the airport formalities from the comfort of the home or office.

Air Malta offers web and mobile check-in from / to, Athens, Catania, Geneva, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Malta, Manchester, Moscow Domodedovo, Moscow Sheremetyevo, Sofia and Zurich.

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Due to this upgrade, which will take place between Saturday 10th May at 09:00pm and Sunday 11th May 1200 (noon), all passengers booked to travel on Sunday with flight departing before noon on the day will not be able to use both web and mobile check-in for Air Malta flights.

Flights departing on Sunday afternoon may also be impacted.

More information is available at http://www.airmalta.com/information/check-in

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