EDITOR’S NOTE

The curse of the second novel is something that all authors must survive if they are to make it in the literary world. If creating a magazine is hard, creating a successful one is harder still. The noise surrounding a triumphant first issue can be deafening and the pressure to replicate that success can be a tall order indeed. But as the previous editor, Ivan Borg, used to say: get it together Katy. And I hope I have.

Our aim was to bring the very best of the industry to this magazine and so we’re excited to feature a piece with Scott Stornetta, widely considered to be the founding father of blockchain and a respected leader in the tech industry.

Following the 2018 legislation of the DLT landscape, the emergence of a fourth bill puts forward a proposal to grant legal personality to technological arrangements – Dr. Max Ganado guides us through the liability maze in an in-depth interview. In addition to other prominent speakers such as Tone Vays and Roger Ver, Dr. Ganado can also be found on the conference stage at the second edition of the AIBC Summit, which runs from the 23rd to the 24th of May.

Almost a year on the hype is still palpable and alongside an innovation-ready government we hope to maintain that momentum. While Malta will always be home, SiGMA is expanding its vision with a string of events far outside Europe. In Q2 of 2019, the company will open offices in Dubai, laying the foundations for the Emirates AIBC Summit, and launch SiGMA Manila in 2020. Read more about this on pages 10 and 11.

Finally the most important part of any editorial, the thank-yous. The success of this company owes a great deal to CEO, Eman Pulis - his unique brand of enthusiasm has spurred us all onwards and upwards. Thanks also to Aleksey Leonov, for his stunning photography – always a treat, and to Jessica Camilleri, not just for elevating the design of this magazine to something truly special but for her patience with troublesome editors.

I also can’t help but mention the people sitting alongside me in the content room – this magazine is a sum of its parts and the result is nothing short of transformative. I am grateful to Christopher Attard, for countering my doubt with his good advice, Julian Moore for his canny instincts, and Sandeep Haer, for filling these pages with the very best companies and brands.

Enjoy the issue!

Read more about how the medical cannabis industry is taking advantage of seed-to-sale tracking to improve the quality of their product.

A.I. START-UP PITCH AND STO BATTLE FEATURE

What To Expect

The most promising projects battle it out in one of the most keenly anticipated moments of the Malta A.I. and Blockchain Summit.

Feature The Liability Maze

Dr. Max Ganado offers his take on the recent government proposal to grant legal personality to technology arrangements.

Cover Story

MARRYING FIAT AND CRYPTO

Oliver Marco La Rosa gives an exclusive interview about the value of creating synergy between fiat and crypto.

Béatrice Collet sheds some light on the concept behind the chiliz Blockchain Campus and how it’s bringing the blockchain community closer.

Katy Micallef writes about machine learning and the advance of technological singularity.

Jovan Gavrilovic sheds some light on Malta’s evolution into a blockchain jurisdiction of choice.

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Q&A TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN

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GALLERY RELIVE THE MOMENTS

A highlight reel of some of the best moments from blockchain events held throughout the year.

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OPINION

COMING FULL CIRCLE the role has

FEATURE HARNESSING A.I. POWER

Alexiei Dingli, Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence at the UoM, offers his insight on the power of A.I. to transform businesses.

FEATURE EXPERTISE AND THE POWER OF TOKENISATION WHO’S WHO IN MALTA’S A.I. & BLOCKCHAIN ECOSYSTEM

E&S Group share their thoughts on a shifting digital landscape as they delve into what that means for their company.

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Get to know some of the key figures on the blockchain scene, all well worth meeting.

The BLOCK - Blockchain Island is published by Viking PC Health Ltd., Gaming Hub, Judge Paolo Debono Str., Msida Skate Park, Msida. MSD2032, Malta.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior consent in writing. Opinions expressed in the BLOCK are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations.

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For more information regarding advertising opportunities kindly call Sandeep Haer on (+356) 79773094 or email sandeep@sigma.com.mt. www.maltablockchainsummit.com