The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) hosted its third edition of the eBusiness awards where 12 enterprises which successfully implemented or developed innovative ICT solutions were identified. 

These awards have become an important showcase for local entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and business acumen in the eBusiness field. 

Parliamentary Secretary Edward Zammit Lewis explained that events like this should serve to spur other businesses to follow suit, to learn from these successes and strive to keep up with the pace of technology; today no business can afford to ignore technology.

“Malta has managed to establish a strong ICT industry and undoubtedly, your drive to reach such high levels of excellence in the area, helps put Malta on the global ICT map.  The message you are sending beyond our shores augurs well for a strong Maltese digital economy in years to come.”

He added that the government’s mission in this regard is very clear. 

“We aim to push Malta to the forefront of technological development and innovation. 

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

“The MCA has been carefully implementing a strategy that will ensure the rollout of such technologies in Malta. 

“The recent launch of 4G is an important result in this regard.   FTTH remains a top priority for Malta’s digital economy and the MCA is working together with other entities to facilitate roll-out.  

“Having said this, it is you, the business community that must build and sustain the digital economy.

“This government is committed to giving you the space, the opportunity, the support, and the regulatory stability you need to succeed,” Dr Zammit Lewis highlighted.

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

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

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

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