Cyborg OE

Old Edwardian

By Sylvana Debono This Old Edwardian does not need to remember his credit cards—he’s got them implanted in his arm. And, for a trypanophobe (one who fears needles) this was a major achievement. For Ian Busuttil Naudi, former Edwardian student and current Edwardian father, technology is a lifetime passion and fascination. “Many years have passed since Mr Sultana used to teach me computers. I remember we used to have a BBC Micro Computer and our lessons were where we would learn how to type and

Mr Ian Busuttil Naudi : interest in technology sparked at St Edward’s College

“I saw what their reaction what the reaction was and their testing. Then I said “Let’s go for it!”,

Ian Busuttil Naudi

use this computer,” reminisced Mr Busuttil Naudi. Describing it as ‘an amazing time, the Old Edwardian said that he was lucky to be at college at a time when computers started, evolved and grew. “I was lucky to live through it,” said Mr Busuttil Naudi, adding that this is the reason technology is such a big part of his life. Following this early induction into the world of digital technology, Mr Busuttil Naudi developed his passion. Indeed, today he is a mover and shaker in the sector, mostly known as Mr Gadgets, a moniker obtained for his ground breaking TV program which brought technology to the grasp of those who struggle to understand the developments. For the past few years, explained Mr Busuttil Naudi, he had been following the development in the microchipping sector. “It was getting better and better and better. Finally this company launched a human microchip which seemed to be good enough. I gave it some months for people to try it . I saw what their reaction what the reaction was and their testing. Then I said “Let’s go for it!”, said Mr Busuttil Naudi. Taking the plunge Mr Busuttil Naudi installed a microchip in his hand, which allows him to make financial transactions with his own body. He is reported to be getting used to bewildered expressions from cashiers when he swipes his hand over a contactless card reader.

The chip uses the same technology that is found in bank cards and smartphones so Busuttil Naudi can simply wave his left hand over a contactless card reader. Finally, why cyborg? Well, he’s got technology in his body, no?

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