The Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) entered into a five-year collaboration agreement with HSBC Malta on Monday, 18 July, forging a new long-term strategic relationship with the bank. Thanks to this collaboration, HSBC Malta will sponsor events involving invited international speakers who can share knowledge and experiences on several themes like leadership, management, economics, international business and family business, among others. These events will target current employees in a diversity of sectors, as well as FEMA students. 

FEMA students will also benefit through paid traineeships during summer, intended to help students gain experience in real work, day-to-day settings in business areas like economics, management, marketing, risk management, banking, finance and accountancy. This agreement also sees the funding of a Week in the life of senior management that will be awarded to the best three dissertations at the end of the MSc in Strategic Management and Marketing/Digital Marketing. The top three dissertations will also see their authors working with senior managers for a week at HSBC Malta helping new graduates experience leadership at work.

"This is a first step. The Faculty is determined to develop its relationship with HSBC further so that both parties can cooperate on other future learning and research opportunities," said Dr Emmanuel Said, the Faculty Dean.

Prof. Alfred J. Vella, the University rector added: "Today we are responding to the economic sector's demands and we want to train our students with the necessary skills and competences to serve the community and country. At the University of Malta, students come first and our loyalty is towards them, therefore we believe that these experiences will enhance their future careers in so many ways."

Michel Cordina, executive director and head of Business Development at HSBC Bank Malta said: "Internships play a vital role in establishing professional aptitude, providing opportunities and improving students' personal character. Additionally, the framework of an internship helps students adapt their theoretical knowledge into practical skills via the hands-on experiences they gain in the corporate environment. HSBC Malta is enthusiastic about this collaboration with the University of Malta as it is part of our ongoing commitment to help young people acquire the skills they need to succeed."