The University of Malta's Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its highly anticipated annual exhibition, Chat with FICT.

The exhibition, held both virtually and in person at the University of Malta from 7 to 9 July, captivated attendees with a remarkable display of 106 final year student projects, showcasing the University's brightest minds in the field of information and communication technology.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore diverse topics such as blockchain, audio speech and data science through engaging discussion panels, informative walkthroughs and interactive meet-ups with students. The exhibition also featured an award ceremony, recognising the achievements of the students.

Renowned industry experts and thought leaders, along with students and recent graduates, took part in four thought-provoking discussion panels during the event. The panels titled Impact of ICTSA beyond Student Life, Unconventional Career Opportunities in ICT, Challenges to Nurture the Future ICT Graduates and Chat with FICT fostered stimulating conversations on various aspects of information and communication technology.

The awards ceremony featured speeches by Prof. Ing. Carl James Debono, Dean of the Faculty of ICT and Keith Azzopardi Tanti, parliamentary secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation.

Prof. Debono emphasised the faculty's commitment to collaboration and encouraged attendees to explore the vast opportunities available in ICT by engaging with FICT.

Azzopardi Tanti expressed his hopes for more young talents to choose ICT as a career path and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the students.

Other speakers included Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri, pro-rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Edward Gatt IEEE, Ing. Malcolm Zammit, president Chamber of Engineers and Adam Ryan Ali Farag, B.Sc. IT (Hons.) Software Development student. The evening was compered by well-known broadcaster Keith Demicoli.

The exhibition's highlights included the prestigious Dean's List awards, recognising students who demonstrated exemplary academic achievements and disciplinary conduct throughout their studies. The awardees were Kyle Agius, Jonathan Attard, Max Matthew Camilleri, Gillian Anne Gatt, Joseph Grech, Gabriel Hili, Jean Claude Sacco and Mariah Zammit.

The Best Final Year Project awards recognised the top three projects based on merit, as determined by external examiners. The winners were Michael Vella, Benjamin Borg and Gabriel Vella.

The Best ICT Projects with Social Impact awards were presented to Jonathan Attard, Mariah Balzan and Rubi Ai Young.

On Saturday students were present at the Faculty, allowing visitors to engage directly with their ground-breaking work. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to witness first-hand the cutting-edge advancements and research conducted by the Faculty of ICT.

The Faculty of ICT would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors. Main sponsor: Malta Information Technology Agency. Gold: Ascent, Tipico, GO, ICT Solutions and CCBill. Silver: MDIA, APS Bank and CrabNebula. Event Sponsors: Leo Vegas Gaming plc, eSkills, PwC, Exigy, COE, Map IT Ltd, MCA and RS2 Gaming Malta.

Information about the impressive projects showcased at Chat with FICT can be found online.