HSBC Bank Malta’s first ever High Achievers Awards have been presented to five outstanding HSBC employees, who have achieved personal success in the fields of culture and sport, both in Malta and abroad. HSBC Malta chairman Albert Mizzi, in the presence of the bank’s board of directors, presented the awards at the Chamber of Commerce last week.

“Our congratulations go to the winners of these awards who have distinguished themselves with personal attainments, away from their world of work,” said HSBC Malta chief operating officer Sally Robson.

Ray Micallef’s award was for his contribution as an international hockey umpire, and coach to the Rabat Depiro Hockey team which, by winning the Euro Club Champion challenge in Athens, became the only Maltese club ever to have achieved this result.

Richard Bugeja was awarded a gold medal for music composition. Richard presented his work to the Victoria College of Music in London and was granted a fellowship by the college. He is the conductor of St Mary’s Band in Dingli and of St Philip’s Band in Zebbug. Richard is also assistant conductor of the L’Isle Adam Band, Rabat.

Ingmar Spiteri is an assistant referee on the FIFA panel. Appointed for the FA Trophy Final between Floriana and Hibernians, Ingmar was also the referee for the friendly under-21 match in Reading between England and Norway and the UEFA Cup match in Slovenia between Kper (Slovenia) and Litex (Bulgaria).

Emmanuel Sammut set up the Friends of St Helen’s Association. This association is involved in the promotion and preservation of the cultural and artistic heritage of St Helen’s Basilica. Emmanuel is also the first layman to occupy the post of Procurator of St Helen’s.

Charmaine Parnis is now established as one of the major actresses on television and on stage, with participation in the Maltese television serial Santa Monica and in the play The Pillow Man.