US Ambassador G. Kathleen Hill welcomed Maltese officials, diplomatic colleagues and friends of the Embassy at a reception to mark the 242nd anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.
This year's theme was Innovation and Diversity, with an emphasis on how diversity is a key driver of innovation and is a critical component of success on a global scale. Ambassador Hill spoke about the importance of global cooperation on technological advances to address some of the planet's most enduring problems.
Guests were treated to a display of innovative projects designed by Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology graduates. In a case study from Kirkop, graduates focused on the elimination of wall ventilators from traditional Maltese townhouses. Another project showcased the Artificial Neural Network: Generating, Analyzing and Playing Piano Pieces, while the third project was a study into Corrugated Fibre Board Case designs and its effect on the final Edge Crush Test Values. The fourth project featured the Design and Implementation of an Electronic Speed Controller for Brushless Electric Motors.
Throughout the past year, MCAST and the US Embassy have collaborated on a number of educational exchanges. In an effort to promote media literacy, journalism and media, students participated in the US Department of State's Virtual Dialogue on Media Literacy and Tackling Fake News. Students' questions focused on how to recognise fake news, how to stop fake news without compromising freedom of speech and how to identify resources to fact-check news. The exchange linked the students with the Newseum in Washington, DC, and its vast educational resources. Students also participated in the US Department of State's massive open online courses on countering violent extremism, discerning fake news, editorial independence and journalistic ethics.
MCAST journalism lecturer Rosemarie Calleja is currently participating in the 2018 Study of the US Institute on Journalism and the Media at Ohio University. In May, MSNBC journalist Richard Lui gave presentations to students on journalistic ethics and the impact of disinformation and misinformation on press freedom.
During the past two years, MCAST has also been the beneficiary of the US Fulbright Scholar Programme. Professor Fredric Kropp, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, worked with the Institute of Business Management and Commerce to develop an undergraduate programme in entrepreneurship. Professor Charles Matthews, University of Cincinnati, delivered lectures and workshops on research methods and design and entrepreneurial skills.