EY (formerly known as Ernst and Young) has signed a collaboration agreement with the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology to collaborate on the Supporting Entrepreneurship programme. Through this partnership, EY will be taking an active role in supporting MEC in its mission to nurture young entrepreneurs who are willing to explore the idea of starting up their own business.The official signing of the MoU was signed by Dr Silvio De Bono, president MCAST Board of Governors and Ronald Attard, Country managing partner EY, on 5 January at MCAST. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, was present for the signing.Dr De Bono in his address, emphasised the importance of working with companies like EY Malta, who are leading professionals both on a local and international scale, and who are offering students their services and training in Entrepreneurship. Notwithstanding that MEC is in its embryonic stages, this is a step further towards enriching MCAST students by helping set up their own businesses. Dr De Bono announced that he is proud that such a leading company has come on board with MCAST in this Memorandum of Understanding.Mr Attard, EY's Country managing partner said: "The purpose of this collaboration is for our entities to maximise on our respective strengths, experiences, technologies, methodologies and resources to offer a holistic service to the students. As market leaders in accounting and legislation, EY is committed to offer mentoring service through a small panel of mentors aimed to assist the students at MEC and help them develop innovative industrial projects."The minister thanked EY who are exemplary in using their corporate social responsibility to help foster the values of active citizenship, entrepreneurship and employability among students and teachers.Over the coming year the ministry will be forging stronger links with business organisations and civil society to make the educational experience more dynamic, relevant and connected to the real world to empower students to acquire and develop the skills, attitudes and values they need for a prosperous, just, democratic and inclusive society.