Maltese-owned EC English Language Centres this week hosted the long-awaited Dream big Malta, the first event of its kind created with the aim of inspiring the younger generation to pursue their lifelong dreams and become a success both locally and abroad.
On Thursday September 1st, attendees were welcomed to The Westin Dragonara in St. Julian's to enjoy a series of talks and panel discussions involving notable Maltese personalities like Ollie Mangion, Alfred Pisani, Francis Sultana, and Suzanne Sharp. Seasoned journalist and business editor for the Time of Malta, Vanessa Macdonald, expertly moderated the event throughout.
Businessman and passionate adventurer Douglas Barbaro Sant kicked off the talks with a fascinating account of the personal challenges he faced when climbing Mount Everest, before an uplifting panel discussion between Foster Clarks Managing Director Joseph Busuttil, London-based entrepreneur Suzanne Sharp, and Founder and CEO of Ultimate Performance, Nathan Farrugia, who also runs ultramarathons and inspires audiences with his approach to pushing through the limits that restrict individual potential.
Alfred Pisani, chairman and CEO of the Corinthia Group, highlighted the importance of perseverance during his talk about the luxury hotel's rise to international success. The 2nd and final panel featured a captivating discussion between budding Paralympian Ollie Mangion and internationally-recognised designer Francis Sultana. Joseph Calleja was unable to speak at the event in person, however a recorded Q&A session with the Maltese Tenor was provided for the benefit of attendees.
Kwaver, a local startup company behind an innovative music collaboration app of the same name, also spoke about their first tentative steps towards success and revealed how simply having the courage to ask the right questions can reap significant results.
EC's Executive Chairman, Andrew Mangion, closed the event with an incredible account of how daring to 'dream big' drove a single, family-run school to grow into a globally-recognised brand with 24 schools in 21 cities around the world, welcoming around 45,000 students annually. At the end of the event, Mr. Mangion revealed the winner of the Dream Big Malta competition and proud recipient of a 2-month internship abroad in any EC destination.