Pictured above: Alfred Mizzi Foundation Trustees Albert Petrocochino and Julian Sammut, University of Malta Head of Marketing Department Dr Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, University Rector Prof Juanito Camilleri, RIDT’s CEO Wilfred Kenely and Dean of FEMA Prof Joseph Falzon

The Alfred Mizzi Foundation has donated funds to the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta to establish a Chair in Digital Marketing.  Called “The Alfred Mizzi Foundation Chair in Digital Marketing”, the post will be set up at the Department of Marketing within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) as from 1^st October 2013.

Established by Alf. Mizzi & Sons Ltd in 2004, The Alfred Mizzi Foundation aims to promote Maltese heritage, education and social solidarity. University of Malta Rector, Professor Juanito Camilleri, and Foundation Trustee Mr Julian Sammut signed the three year agreement at the Valletta Campus. Also present for the occasion were the Foundation Trustee Mr Albert Petrocochino, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics Management and Accountancy (FEMA) Professor Joseph Falzon, the University’s Head of Marketing Dr Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, and RIDT’s CEO Wilfred Kenely.

“One of the three guiding pillars of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation has come into its own with the Foundation’s grant to FEMA within the University of Malta. This will enable this faculty to establish a chair in digital marketing as from the coming academic year. The opportunity afforded to the Foundation by the University of Malta to set up such an important chair marks a milestone for both entities,” said Mr Sammut.

This donation will strengthen the Department of Marketing’s academic programme through the engagement of an external academic expert of recognised international standing in the field of digital marketing for the duration of the agreement. The academic expert’s involvement will promote both academic and practical knowledge relevant to digital marketing within existing and future undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as through ad hoc tertiary programmes or professional training.

Professor Camilleri thanked The Alfred Mizzi Foundation for their generous initiative and contribution. “Digital marketing is the tool for next generation marketing activities. Students wishing to pursue a career in marketing using social media, online media and other digital and mobile technologies shall benefit from extended expertise,” he said.

Mr Kenely said: “The University is seeking contributors like The Alfred Mizzi Foundation who believe that for Malta to thrive and prosper, it needs the backing of a university that maintains its role as a centre for research and innovation.” The University of Malta set up RIDT in 2011 to create a supporting structure that sustains and expands the University’s research projects by providing additional funds that supplement the existing modest resources. Further information about RIDT can be obtained from www.ridt.eu