HSBC Malta introduced a special offer on Flexicredit loans with discounted rates and a full waiver of processing fees for all customers who take a Flexicredit loan by the end of June 2013.

“HSBC Flexicredit loans provide quick, secure, and affordable short-term financing to help our customers make their ambitions a reality without delay,” said Paul Steel, HSBC Malta’s Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management. “These latest offers on Flexicredit Loans present a unique solution, making loans ever more affordable while waiving all processing fees, including those under the Employees Scheme and Green Loans.”

All customers benefit from the full waiver of the processing fee.  However, the discounted rates vary depending on customer specifics. Taking an HSBC Advance Customer example, a Flexicredit loan of €10,000 will have a variable borrowing interest rate of 5.5% p.a. (APRC 5.7% p.a.). This is repayable in 59 equal monthly installments of €191.38 and one final repayment of €191.78 over a term of 5 years. In such a scenario, the total sum payable throughout the term of the loan assuming the interest rate remains unchanged will be €11,483.20. Terms and conditions apply.

More information about HSBC Flexicredit loans is available online on the latest offers page of the bank’s website www.hsbc.com.mt, by calling HSBC’s Customer Service on 2380 2380, or by visiting any of HSBC’s branches in Malta and Gozo.

Such performance statistics were among the many other topical issues discussed during the latest Malta Spring Fund Conference, organised by ESAFON – The European & Swiss Network of Asset and Fund Managers, Family Offices and Strategic Advisers, with support from HSBC Malta.

HSBC Malta’s Chris Bond (pictured above) teamed up with Will Nicholas of Oceanwood Capital Management to highlight Malta’s strong attraction as a location for fund management companies. “We are seeing exciting growth in Malta’s fund management industry.  As the leading international bank in Malta, HSBC is able to offer local banking services, as well as global solutions from our major dealing centres, such as prime services from London,” said Mr Bond.

More than 200 delegates from all over Europe attended the event which focused on the factors impacting the fund industry and the resultant implications for funds, managers, and service providers operating in Europe. Key issues included an overview of MFSA’s vision for the fund and asset management industry, a review of recent EU regulatory developments, the implementation of risk based supervision, and key considerations to the set-up of private equity funds.

One of the innovative things that communters will immediately benfit from is that services are operating at different times. This is the result of one of the exercises Arriva embarked upon which was aimed at recalculating the journey times for all routes while taking into account variables such as traffic conditions on our roads at various hours and various locations during the day.

The major public transport summer services will also start operating from the 2^nd June 2013. These include direct buses to Malta’s most popular beaches such as Route 225 which provides a direct service from Sliema to Għajn Tuffieħa, while one journey an hour on Route 71 will be extended to Blue Grotto and Għar Lapsi, which is also served by Route 109.

Route 101 and 102 will be serving Ġnejna Bay, Għadira Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. Route 237 will be providing a connection between Għadira, Anchor Bay (Popeye Village), Paradise Bay and Ċirkewwa. The full summer schedule will be launched in the coming days and come into effect on the 2nd June 2013.

Over the last few years, press photography in Malta has come a very long way. Today, notwithstanding the limitations, Maltese press photographers enhance the media. Their images not only are worth a thousand words, but also hold their own internationally.

This was stated by Mr Bryan A. Gera, Chairman of The Farsons Foundation which, for the 12th year in succession, is sponsoring the Malta Journalism Awards’ Press Photography category. “The Foundation notes the constant progress of Maltese press photography as, year on year, press photographers endeavour to set a higher benchmark,” he said.

“Capturing and presenting news images in an informative, imaginative and visually stimulating way not only updates the public but increases the credibility of the media as a reflection of society,” said Malcolm J. Naudi, Chairman of The Institute of Maltese Journalists.

“Through their respective submissions in this category, Maltese press photographers are showing how, in an impactful manner, they are mastering the capability to capture strong journalistic contents that reflect the news events, personalities and social issues.” The Malta Journalism Awards comprise 16 categories in print, broadcasting, electronic and general.

The awards ceremony will be held at The Palace Hotel, Sliema, next month.

Known as the poet ‘of smallness and simplicity’, Briffa once said that “poetry should only aim to reach the heart of the heart of a human being, and even if it arrives at it just once, then poetry would have reached its climax”.

Dr Briffa completed his studies in venereology and dermatology in London. In 1932, he became a specialist in skin diseases. He was known for his humility and his great hearted approach in dealing with patients, especially those suffering from leprosy. According to his wife Louisette, he dreamt of beautifying disfigured and suffering patients through his medical work.

In May 1998, Mrs Briffa generously donated the original manuscripts of most of his verse compositions to the University of Malta. The Rużar Briffa poetry collection now forms part of the library’s legacy collections. In 2009, the University launched a CD-Rom featuring a digitised version of Rużar Briffa’s poetic writings, consisting of over 240 of the poet’s original inspirations and subsequent refinements, jotted down on whatever paper he had at hand.

The launch of “Karba’ coincides with Briffa’s 50^th anniversary of his death on 22 February 1963 and with the 10^th anniversary of Heritage Records label. The album includes a 16-page booklet with an introduction by Professor Oliver Friggieri, who in 1984 released Rużar Briffa’s biography.

‘Karba’ was recorded ‘live’ at Manolito Galea’s Lito’s Place in Floriana by various musicians including a string quartet led by Tatjana Chircop. The album was produced by Dominic and Manolito Galea together with researcher Steve Borg.

Supported by the Malta Arts Fund, “Il-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti” and “L-Akkademja tal-Malti”, the album includes 12 songs performed by Paul Giordimaina, Dorothy Bezzina, Ludwig Galea, Doreen Galea and tenor Joseph Aquilina.

While Dun Karm’s ‘Għanja’ and Karmenu Vassallo’s ‘Nirien’ albums are available from leading record shops, ‘Karba’ will hit the record shops during the last week of this month. An earlier album called “Ommi”, including lyrics by various poets performed by singer Doreen Galea, was launched in 2009.

Scientist Owen Falzon was named the national winner of the FameLab competition and will represent Malta at the International Final at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK nextg month. Supported by the British Council, FameLab is providing this young biomedical engineer with the skills to share his research with a wider audience.

Did you know that there are novel ways for analysing brain signals in order to enhance the performance of brain-computer interfaces?  Biomedical engineer Owen Falzon won the national FameLab final by explaining how this project can improve the lives of disabled people.

Owen is currently working at the Centre for Biomedical Cybernetics at the University of Malta where he lectures and carries out research on the analysis and processing of biomedical signals and images.  He has recently completed his PhD studies, where he explored and developed novel ways for analysing brain signals in order to enhance the performance of brain-computer interfaces.  He is keen on transmitting his passion for science and how it can transform ideas that were once restricted to science fiction into real technologies that can improve our lives.

Communicating science accessibly and attractively is an ever-growing priority for researchers worldwide. Organised by the British Council Malta in partnership with University of Malta, Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), and with the support of Actavis, Microsoft Innovation Centre, Vodafone, Teatru Manoel, Malta Chamber of Scientists and St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, FameLab helps young scientists acquire valuable skills to communicate their work to a non-scientific audience. By doing so, researchers not only change the common stereotype of the scientist as “the geek in the white lab coat busy doing strange things”, but also justify public funding for their research.

“FameLab aims to discover charismatic, up-and-coming scientists who inspire people to see the world from a new perspective…in just three minutes. This is directly linked to the British Council’s aim to offer young people learning opportunities, help improve the quality of education and bring together current and future leaders to tackle issues facing society,” said Martha-Marie Gauci (British Council).

This was the first time that Malta participated in FameLab. The finalists had chosen a mind-expanding selection of topics to bring under the microscope – from the brain research through molecules that light up when they detect certain chemicals like sugar to more environmentally-friendly conditions that the industry can make use of by using lower quantities of solvents and more efficient catalysts to reduce quantities of waste generated.

The three-minute presentations were judged by a panel of scientists and communication experts according to FameLab’s golden rule – the 3C’s: Content, Clarity and Charisma. The judging panel consisted of Ecologist Dr Sandro Lanfranco, writer Malcolm Galea and lecturer Dr Kenneth Scerri. One of the biggest prizes for all finalists is the opportunity to attend a science communication master class led by the best UK trainers in this area.

The FameLab Malta initiative is in line with the University’s Trust, RIDT, highlighting the value and usefulness of science and research. RIDT actively seeks additional funds to expand the University’s research studies.

The FameLab winners from all participating countries will compete in June at the International Final at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK . FameLab is an initiative of the Cheltenham Festivals started in 2005 in partnership with NESTA and has quickly grown into arguably the world’s leading science communication competition. A partnership with the British Council since 2007 has seen the competition go global with more than 5,000 young scientists and engineers participating in over 23 different countries. NASA has license to deliver the competition in the USA . For more information about FameLab, please visit: http://www.famelab.org/ and www.britishcouncil.org/malta-science-famelab.

Phase 1 of Pendergardens is made up of 150 apartments built around a spacious, landscaped, private, central ‘Piazza’ with 2 floors of residential car parking below. With all these apartments sold, Pendergardens is already a vibrant neighbourhood and together with the local community it boasts of purchasers from a further 18 different nationalities. These are also complemented by a number of tenants who rent apartments at Pendergardens.

Block 16 will complete the development around the ‘Piazza’ and the 46 apartments will be of varying sizes and outlook.  There are 10 one bedroom apartments of between  63 and 95 square metres,  18 attractive two bedroom, of which 2 are duplexes, and 18 three bedroom units of which 16 are innovative duplexes, and include 2 very well appointed penthouses with south facing terraces with pools. Michael De Maria the Sales and Marketing Manager confirmed that “All apartments will be sold finished to the same high level now expected at Pendergardens, and all units will have the choice of using either electricity or gas for cooking and water heating. On site LPG storage tanks will feed the respective units that opt for the alternative green energy.”

What is also particularly interesting in the makeup of Block 16 is the availability of 5 shops of sizes varying from 30sq mt to 205 sq mt. Located on the main St. Andrews Road they offer maximum visibility and should attract a mix of retail activity that will eventually be supplemented with additional outlets in Phase 3, beneath the Towers and Block 17. Three of the shops have more than enough head room to install a mezzanine level and increase floor space. The extensive glazing to be used on the facade of the shops give them a modern feel and greater flexibility for individual interior use and design.

As with all of Pendergardens, Block 16 also falls under L.N. 210 of 2007 when it was granted ‘Special Designated Area’ status, facilitating purchase by non Maltese nationals.

For anyone  interested in viewing the plans and discussing possibilities please contact Michael De Maria at the Sales Office on 2248 8600 or at michael.demaria@penderville.com to make an appointment, Plans and further details are also be available on the website www.pendergardens.com

HSBC also installed a new cashier point in its Buġibba branch and are planning two new cashier points for its Swieqi branch.

“HSBC Malta’s recruitment of new cashiers is part of the bank’s continued investment in its Malta business. This is being done together with the modernisation of branches, the installation of next-generation ATMs in all of its branches, and an extensive upgrade of the bank’s computer systems,” said HSBC Malta’s Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Paul Steel.     

“As front line employees with considerable responsibility, HSBC’s tellers undergo extensive training and preparation to ensure that HSBC’s customers benefit from the highest levels of service,” he said.

The staff in HSBC’s branches are also trained to assist customers using the bank’s automated services such as ATMs, internet banking and phone banking. Over the past years, the bank has invested considerably in Express Banking services, which provide higher levels of customer satisfaction.

The project, which has been termed InfoNitrates is intended to bridge the gap between the Nitrates Action Plan (NAP) and the farming community by providing farmers with the necessary information and training. As part of the InfoNitrates campaign, thirty village meetings will be held in rural areas around the Maltese Islands. These village meetings will give the opportunity to famers and livestock breeders to view a presentation on the use of nitrates and exchange their views on the subject. An informative DVD and leaflet explaining the obligatory measures of the NAP will be distributed to all those attending the village meetings.

Apart from the information campaign, trainers employed through the InfoNitrates project are giving individual training to farmers and livestock breeders. During the training sessions, farmers will be introduced to soil sampling and the use of soil analysis kits, leading to the compilation of a fertilizer plan based on the crop plan for a particular year. Such a plan will also include details on the amount of fertilizers and animal manure that need to be applied to different crops in a particular year. Livestock breeders are being met on their respective farms and trained on the proper storage method of manure and nitrates management.

The motto of the InfoNitrates project says it all: “We offer assistance to farmers in applying and storing nitrates correctly, to reduce costs and to increase their profits”. By getting in line with the Nitrates Action Plan, we would be conserving farming and safeguarding the environment. A freephone with the number 80074441 was set to address queries from the farming community.

]]> http://josannecassar.com/courses/the-proper-use-and-management-of-nitrates-in-agriculture-and-livestock-breeding/feed/ 0 http://josannecassar.com/courses/university-research-trust-publishes-first-annual-report-2012/ http://josannecassar.com/courses/university-research-trust-publishes-first-annual-report-2012/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 07:11:51 +0000 Josanne http://josannecassar.com/?p=7971 The University of Malta is intensifying its efforts to raise funds for a sustainable research activity. This is featured in the first Annual Report of the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) that  can be viewed online at www.ridt.eu

During its first full year of operation, RIDT engaged with the community to attract support for research. Operating with the objective of developing a legacy of innovation, the Trust made good progress and managed to attract an encouraging number of donors and benefactors from different sectors of society – private companies, public institutions, individuals, students, alumni, foundations and organisations.

The University Rector Professor Juanito Camilleri said: “In view of the historical and current context, the University of Malta  must rapidly build a corporate research portfolio in tandem with the outreach mechanisms to contribute directly to sustainable socio-economic development.”

“The setting up of the University’s RIDT and the updating of legislation to allow tax incentives for donors have been two crucial steps forward. Investment in the University of Malta is an investment in the future of our country,” added Prof Camilleri.

Research at University spans an impressive array of areas and applications, such as medicine, energy and environment, engineering, ICT, heritage, art, economics etc…all of which will benefit the Maltese community.

Wilfred Kenely, RIDT’s Chief Executive, said: “RIDT aims to strengthen investment in high-calibre research and development across every faculty and department within the University and on a national level, and to foster the commercial exploitation of this research.”

This Annual Report highlights RIDT’s community involvement, a small selection of the University’s ongoing research projects, the results of the Trust Fund for 2011-2012, as well as gives credit to all those donors who contributed in 2012.

“Our appeal for 2013 is to take this funding to a new level by attracting even more individuals and organisations to support RIDT. By supporting research, we are fostering the next generation of researchers while we build a society that appreciates and supports their sterling work,” continued Mr Kenely.

Donations, which could be given towards specific areas of interest or to the University’s Trust in general, are tax deductible and can be donated via its online portal www.ridt.eu