The biennial report for 2007/2008 of the Centre of Labour Studies (CLS) at the University of Malta has just been published. The Centre for Labour Studies (CLS) is an education and research centre located at the University of Malta specialising in industrial and employment relations. As Malta's main research and monitoring agency on labour relations for European institutions, the Centre has continued in its work of reporting the main events that have occurred in the field of Maltese Industrial and Employment Relations throughout the years under review.

This biennial report covering the activities of the Centre for the period 2007 and 2008 provides an opportunity for the reader to reflect on some of the contemporary issues in labour and employment relations. It includes five articles written by the academic staff of the Centre. While dwelling on different themes, these articles stress the key point that in dealing with issues in the labour market one has to navigate between the ideals of the past and harsh realities of the present and maybe of the future. Some of the key elements that need to be addressed are also highlighted.

A copy of the Biennial Report 2007/2008 can be obtained from the Executive Officer in Rm 209 New Humanities Building Block B; by phoning on 2340 2731 or by sending an email.

The Malta University History Society (MUHS) is organising a photographic competition to commemorate the International Sites and Monuments Day. All registered University of Malta students are invited to participate.

An opening ceremony is being held on the 13 April followed by a reception and a prize giving ceremony. The exhibition shall be open from 13 April to 19 April.

A panel shall judge entries on artistic expression, creativity, originality and quality of photography.
The aim behind the competition is to raise awareness and to provide an innovative viewpoint of our heritage.

Persons wishing to take part in this competition may download the rules and application form from here.

Registered students may submit up to 3 photographs and have a chance of winning one of the prizes. All participants will receive a certificate of participation and shall be invited to the exhibition opening ceremony. Deadline for the submissions is 3 April 2009.

For more information click here to send an email or send an email to the MUHS PRO.

On 12 March, the University of Malta and the Embassy of the United States of America signed a memorandum of understanding for Malta’s participation in the new Ambassador’s Scholar programme. The agreement was signed by University Rector Juanito Camilleri and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Jason Davis in a ceremony held in the Rector's office at the University of Malta in Msida.
 
This "Ambassador’s Scholar" memorandum, modeled on the US Government’s flagship Fulbright academic exchange programme, was signed by the University and the Embassy to widen mutual exchange of knowledge and professional talent through academic diplomacy. The programme is the first of its kind and is available for a variety of disciplines.

Under the programme, the University of Malta nominates one US academic from a US educational institution to serve as "Ambassador’s Scholar," an expert consultant on curriculum development, programme design, continuing professional education, and/or a special project to the University of Malta’s various faculties and departments upon request. The period of the US academic's assignment at the University of Malta varies as agreed upon by the academic, the University of Malta, and the U.S. Embassy.

Congratulating the University and Embassy officials who worked so hard to get the programme to this important milestone, Mr Davis praised their "dedicated efforts to bring this original and innovative programme to fruition."  He added that "supporting linkages between US educational institutions and the University of Malta has been one of the Embassy's most important goals."

In his remarks, Rector Camilleri highlighted the importance of this significant event, considering that academic exchanges have been a high priority objective for the University for many years. Rector Camilleri added that "This programme serves to strengthen the already sound relationship between the University of Malta and US institutions and academics."

In the coming months, University and Embassy officials will work together with US academic institutions to ensure that the first Ambassador's Scholar arrives in Malta no later than October 2009.

One World Week Promoting Cultural Integration at the University of Malta

On the 26 February H.E. the Chinese Ambassador Mr Chai Xi, the Director of the Chinese Culture Centre Mr Zheng Hao and University of Malta Rector Professor Juanito Camilleri visited the cultural stand set up by Chinese University of Malta students, for the KSU’s One World Week event on Campus.

The aim of the event was to enhance international understanding, to promote cultural integration and diversity amongst university students from nearly 80 countries. The Chinese stand displayed crafts, a tea ceremony, origami, calligraphy, embroidery and traditional costumes. The Malta Tai Chi Club members were invited to give a performance and the Chinese Ambassador happily joined in.  A Maltese student who dressed up in a panda costume enhanced the Chinese setting.

The Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy of the University of Malta, in collaboration with Deloitte & Touche and the Central Bank of Malta gave recognition to outstanding students who in academic year 2007-2008 were top of the class in different course groups within the Faculty.

The ceremony was held on 5th March 2009, on Campus.

Mr Paul Darmanin representing Deloitte & Touche presented the awards to:

Two top first year Bachelor of Commerce students:
Ms Sasha Gauci and
Ms Joanna Zammit

One top third year student in Accountancy and Management:
Ms Miriam Attard

One top fourth year student in Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with Banking and Finance as an area of specialisation:
Mr Luke Calleja (in absentia)

whilst Mr David Pullicino representing the Central Bank of Malta presented the awards to:
Two top fourth year students in Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with Economics as an area of specialisation:
Ms Joanne Spiteri and
Mr Jonathan Spiteri

During this event Mr Roderick Chalmers, Chairman of Bank of Valletta plc delivered a talk entitled ‘The Current International Financial Situation – Its Effects on the Maltese Economy’.  Mr Chalmers said that the current financial crisis saw the global economy turn from the perfect calm into the perfect storm over a relatively short period of time.  He added that we are at the third phase of the crisis, with every major economy grapping with an unprecedented recession and the global financial system under siege.  He said that it was natural to wonder whether Malta could escape the downturn.  However, Mr Chalmers concluded that while it is unlikely that Malta will escape from the crises unscathed – due to the open nature of our economy – Malta’s economy remains resilient, and a number of special factors could work in Malta’s favour.  He emphasized that the banks in Malta are healthy and continue to extend credit to the economy – a vital factor in any economic downturn.

The Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, Dr Saviour Gauci, announced the names of six top first year students who have been included in the Dean's List.  These are:

Mr Christopher Bugeja
Ms Noeleen Camilleri
Ms Sasha Gauci
Mr Warren Saliba
Mr Joseph Tabone
Ms Joanna Zammit

The Dean congratulated the students who received the awards and encouraged them to continue with their studies "as our country can only grow when our human resources continue to progress in their studies", he said.

Mr Roderick Chalmers, Chariman BOV, delivering his keynote speech during the FEMA award ceremony

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