This three-day event brought brilliant individuals from around the globe, providing a platform for youth mirroring the experience in debating at the United Nations. Friday ignited some compelling debates for all committees. Saturday and Sunday unfolded conclusions to the debates resulting into the creation of resolution documents so delegates commit to what they previously advocated for.

That’s definitely not the end of it! MaltMUN facilitated the creation of connections with two Socials on Friday and Saturday night, where delegates had the chance to build lasting friendships.

Theme: Will Peace in the Balkans be finally achieved?

Serbia still recognises Kosovo as being part of it, rendering Kosovo short of sovereignty. Discussions amongst the the UN Security Council delegates denoted the possibility of holding (enforced) referendums . However, other delegates opposed the enforcement of referendums arguing it is unfair and would need to be applied to other states facing a similar challenge.

An alternative as put forward by the Serbian delegate was that states made up of a Serbian majority should rejoin Serbia, but the Albanian delegate counteracted this claiming member states should be entitled to sovereignty. The Turkish advocated this view mentioning that a state shouldn’t be restricted to one ethnicity, especially for the Balkans which are characterised by multi-cultural identities and freedom of movement.

Theme: Going Nuclear?

The Intermediate Committee opened up to the possibility of nuclear energy being a solution to increasing energy demand and addressing climate change, bearing in mind a volatile environment.

Advocates argued that as one of the best available power source, nuclear energy can support growing energy demand while producing relatively low emissions. However, other delegates raised concerns about immediate risks, like radiation sickness and nuclear explosions, as well as the issue of handling nuclear waste.

A prominent point which two delegates she light on is the need for setting of deadlines, a crucial component to ensure that ideas they advocated for are translated into actions.

Q: What unique experiences did you encounter in the Maltese conference that wasn’t offered elsewhere?

A: Meeting the president of Malta and having the committee sessions being held in the parliament created a very professional setting, mirroring the experience of being a professional diplomat. Mixing this with the quick friendships that I made it definitely an amazing experience!

Gordy Morozov, delegate from MUN on the Rhine

Theme: Space Exploration

Outer space’s untapped potential affixed with emerging cutting-edge technology could offer solutions for contemporary challenges, such as climate change and even overpopulation! But how do you regulate such a complex industry?

Space being a common heritage for the nations, can easily render issues like rapid commercialisation and misuse of resources. From regulating commercial activity to imposing quotas, the Beginner Committee proved to have a comprehensive outlook by addressing several elements in the resolution document.

Q: You were amongst the youngest delegates at the conference and you still received an award, congratulations! How did participating in the conference impact your growth within this field? Could you also describe some memorable moments from the event that stood out to you?

A: Partaking in this conference helped me develop diplomacy skills, such as negotiating, collaborating and debating. However, it also honed general skills, notably adaptability as I was quite unfamiliar with the topic of my committee, but contributed considerably to the discussions. The most memorable moment where finishing our resolution paper in a constrained time and hearing my name for Honourable Mention. It was an overall amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone!

Illenia Debono

Awards and Farewells – The Closing Ceremony

The incredible MaltMUN 2023 Annual Conference closed off by celebrating the skills and contributions of the best delegates at the National Library of Malta! However, a well-deserved certificate of participation was distributed amongst all delegates to account for the effort and time they put in.

Ready to explore the world of international relations and diplomacy? Visit MaltMUN’s website here to discover what it offers!

Any other questions? Feel free to reach out to them through their Instagram or Facebook page.

The post A Glimpse into MaltMUN’s 2023 Annual Conference appeared first on The Third Eye.

Traditionally, the academic rulebook often advised to put work off until you secure your degree, with lecturers advocating that studies should be prioritised since the working realm awaits us for the decades to come. However, in today’s dynamic landscape, the shifting socio-economic factors are making it challenging to adopt this lifestyle. Why do students embrace this dual journey? Explore these reasons below!

Benefits of Working During Your Studies

This study dives into the benefits, as well as motivations behind this dual-life of studying and working simultaneously. I’ve taken the effort to select the most relevant ones and provided my thoughts on each factor.

• Monetary Autonomy. Despite not being burdened by tuition costs domestially, the allure of monetary autonomy still materialises. Propelling early adulthood, the need to become financially independent is set in motion. Income instills the power of relying less upon our parents and learn the pivotal skill of budgeting. As Malta still maintains a relatively high inflation rate and floats above the 2% desirable margin, higher costs of living propagate income as a necessity.
  
  
• Gaining Experience. Your part-time job isn’t just about the money, it involves unique experiences, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This is also a reciprocal relation as your work deepens the knowledge about your field. Plus, with the Eu facilitating labour mobility, industries are evolving into fierce competition. Thus, any valuable experience can be a game-changer, unlocking career opportunities and even lead to a full-time offer if your work is outstanding.
  
  
• Developing soft skills, while displaying hard work & determination. Mastering team cooperation, honing communication skills and becoming a decision-making expert. These are pertinent skills that recruiters are constantly riffling for when choosing talent. Getting a head-start can set you ahead of the curve, showcasing your determination.

Those are the usual points that center the stage, but there’s more! This LinkedIn post illuminates further benefits that are lesser-known but equally impactful.

• Learning Time Management. Crucially time management is a life-long skill, entitling you with the key to optimise your invaluable time. The art of prioritisation could be the make-or-break factor, particularly due our thrilling lives as students. Consult with your mentor or boss and work together to unlock the needed flexibility.

• Networking. Fostering connections with essential contacts can be paramount for your future career, hitting the nail on the head by providing advise and supporting your career goals.
  
  
• Increasing Your Marketability. This part-time isn’t just to get by, but hopefully a platform for you to shine. Displaying outstanding work is a stepping stone to a future recommendation, accentuating your values and experience.

The Lows of This Lifestyle

Transparency is important to reveal potential pitfalls for this journey. Sure, there are some obstacles, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t methods to conquer them. We’ve reached out to some students who’ve been navigated this path and drawn on advice of my personal favourite educational YouTuber, Jade Bowler. We’ve conjured a number of suggestions hopefully aiding you to entre your thrive era.

Bonus: Refer to our Mental Health Article for an insight on guidance concerning mental health and facilities that are specifically tailored for students like us.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters of Paving Way Through Academics to learn about other insightful recommendations and ways to optimise your academic career to get the full experience.

The post Paving Way Through Academics | Chapter 3 – Juggling Studies and Work appeared first on The Third Eye.

Morning Routines

Morning routines are different for every individual, especially during the summer period when our lives are less restrained. Despite the holidays being the perfect time to allow for spontaneity and flexible schedules, it can also be the ideal time to foster healthy practices provided there’s more time. Building stable habits, including morning routines, is one one example we discuss today.

Planning The Routine and Keeping A Habit Tracker

Prior to the execution of a routine, or any other major project, there is one massive step that can easily be overlooked- planning a system. A well detailed plan enlists all the steps you need to follow, beforehand. In turn, a rigid system mitigates friction and uncertainness which can arise, such as deciding on what factors to include in the routine. Simultaneously, observing a tangible plan can spur motivation, particularly at the beginning.

In the interim, a habit tracker is highly suggested. Firstly, keeping track of how far you’ve come can instigate more confidence. Secondly, for those odd (hopefully few) days where you didn’t follow the routine, recording why you didn’t follow it can help to develop the necessary amendments and continue maintaining the routine regularly in future periods. The last thing you’d want is to see a routine dissolve because of a few disturbances. It can be difficult at first, but stick through it!

Once the routine has essentially become ingrained in your life, you can resort to the tangible plan less frequently. That said, I’d suggest to retain it since it is still forms the foundation and can act as a reinforcement on more difficult days. Recognising that you’ve reached this stage may be ambiguous, but realising you subconsciously follow the steps is a good indicator.

How Should A Morning Routine Look Like?

There isn’t a definitive answer since everyone has different priorities. Down below are some pointers which I use that may be helpful. A paramount note: whichever of these points you wish to apply ensure they’re tailored to specifically yourself, otherwise it’ll be very difficult consistently.

• Waking up earlier. A solid morning routine requires some time to undertake all the relevant steps. Essentially this requires you waking up earlier to some form of degree regardless how much we may resent it. Gradually sleeping earlier the night before and setting multiple alarms (if necessary) can be pivotal in order to rack up the needed hours of sleep without oversleeping.
  
• Stray away from your phone, unless it’s necessary. I try my best not to use social media platforms for a good portion of the day, particularly in the morning. In my view the morning sets the tone for the day. So, unnecessarily using my phone causes my day to become sluggish,w which likely permeates throughout the rest of the day. Finding substitutes, such as reading, are highly recommended as they’ll keep your brain occupied.
  
• Setting your to-do list. University has its shortcomings, but it’s flexibility denotes that we have to articulate a system which works for ourselves. A to-do list should evidently allow for prioritisation of tasks, but provide a scope for your day. What do you want your highlight of your day to be? Ideally you have something beyond lectures or work to safeguard your personal wellbeing.
  
• Performing simple physical exercises. Bearing in mind we spend a huge portion of the day sitting down, physical strains can easily materialise. Moving the body, be it through gym sessions, a walk or yoga, can go a long way in keeping your body in a better shape. Simultaneously, undertaking physical exercises correctly can instigate higher energy levels.
  
• Standardising hygienic care. Basic hygiene can easily overlooked sometimes, especially if you’re in a rush. However, simple personal care including washing your face and brushing your teeth can leave you more refreshed, besides the cleanliness.

Thanks for tuning in for the first chapter of Paving Way Through Academics! Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters to learn about other insightful recommendations and ways to optimise your academic career to get the full experience.

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Who is MaltMUN?

The Malta Model United Nations Society is a non-profit organisation, seeking to set up debating simulations based on existing committees within the United Nations. One of its forefront objectives is to aid individuals in matters pertaining to public speaking, negotiation and diplomatic. As such, this is achieved by setting numerous seminars, discussions and social events on an annual basis.

The Annual Conference

The Annual Conference is an event acting as a simulation model of the United Nation’s system. Ardent about paving way for individuals who wish to pursue related careers, the MaltaMUN provides a structure of the UN’s working bodies and engages young people (on both a local and international level) in discussions about global affairs.

This year’s Conference theme is Prioritising Progress: Securing a Fairer Future, which is all about securing a fair and sustainable future for on a global scale. The Conference is targeted towards individuals ranging from 18-30 years of age wishing to improve their public speaking skills and build connections with other young adults from around the world. Not only will participants have the opportunity to take part in the committee sessions, but there will also be two socials, ensuring that this would be a memorable experience.

The committee sessions are split three-fold, each one tackling a different topic and has a different level of difficulty:

Delegate Fee

The General Delegate fee costs 60 euro. However, Maltese delegates who share their application on their story and refer a friend to apply, can secure a discount of a staggering 20 euro to drive down the revised cost to only 40 euro.

With the payment of the fee, delegates secure the following perks:

• Training sessions
• Conference materials
• Two unforgettable socials on Friday and Saturday night
• Prizes for those with outstanding contribution
• Certificate of participation
• Support from our team before and during the conference

If you have any questions regarding the conference or application process, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to MaltaMUN’s Facebook Page.

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The MHSA Team for 2023/2024

The MHSA Team which is segmented into two, Administrative and Executive, is as follows:

Presidential Comment

I am beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity to lead such a wonderful team. At the core of MHSA’s beliefs, there is rooted the representation of the students within the Faculty of Health Sciences as well as raising and promoting health awareness. Having formed last year’s executive team, together with the wisdom endowed from the previous administrative team, I am confident that I will direct MHSA into further success.

Hugh Portanier Mifsud – MHSA President

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck!

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Machinery/technology has improved tremendously over the past century. Firms have increasingly adopted physical capital, particularly in certain sectors which require mass production of homogenous or near-identical goods. From initial glance you would look at the efficacy of these capital as they can lower costs for firms, meaning more profits for them, and potentially more inexpensive commodities for us. But if you take a step backwards, this came at the expense of those workers who were performing repetitive tasks and became replaced with more efficient equipment. Most do not see this as an issue since such jobs were perceived to be of a low-skilled nature and mundane, so this barely flinched younger generations whose jobs are thought of to be of more skilled and/or secure.

As time progressed AI has gradually become commensurate with higher-skilled jobs as we move towards a more technologically-oriented society. Take into account, for instance, less ‘rigid’ jobs which entail a degree of creativity or freedom, such as artists and writers. There are an increasing number of programs, like the increasingly trending Chat-GPT, which can generate similar and good work, be it an intricate article or visually appealing artworks. Although this is a relatively new phenomenon, in the sense that this hasn’t been standardised in most businesses domestically, such jobs could be easily at risk in a few years’ time if entrepreneurs opt for such programs. The likelihood is that AI won’t regress i.e., it will only keep enhancing, with its quality and output following suit. The degree to which occupations become insecure depends evidently on the degree of technology advancement and how responsive firms would be in adopting such new changes, but given Malta’s lagging when it comes to technological dimensions and novel procedures, such consequences are likely to take longer in materialising.

On the flip side, AI can lead to job creation particularly since it’s a growing ‘sector’, which is a viable argument if it is capable of offsetting the occupations that are made redundant. For example, UOM which is one of the main hubs in Malta which focuses on R&D projects can introduce more AI-oriented jobs which students could have the opportunity to work in. That said, this upside is discarding certain elements. Firstly, there may be people who have insufficient skills/education level to adapt to these new jobs, or realistically are outright lazy and do not have the willingness to change. Secondly, even if individuals are able to match such requirements (converging towards a more knowledge-oriented economy in which jobs could heavily center around data analysis or similar tasks) and earn potentially higher wages, this might come at the expense of doing an extremely mundane or undesirable job from the individual’s perspective. So realistically has their wellbeing improved?

Alternatively, a common ground can be reached, like most instances, where employees are paired with AI programs. A professor unravels how AI would impact society on a larger scale. From an optimist’s perspective it will be utilised when making decisions, but from a more pessimistic viewpoint, AI machines see their knowledge/optimisation increased and make most, if not all, our decisions on our behalf. Realistically we can observe both sides happening at the moment. Students are now increasingly utilising AI programs in aiding them in their studies, be it for seemingly irrelevant small tasks or for huge sections of an assignment/project.

Some argue that softwares like Chat-GTP are not sufficiently robust enough to tackle certain projects, notably those requiring exigent analysis/thinking. Although that could be true, people need to bear in mind: (i) the number of students using the program and (ii) the extent to which they are using it and (iii) the dynamic aspect to it when it draws from people’s knowledge. As the frequency of people using it rises, affixed with more intense usage, it would likely result in enhancement from the knowledge it acquires, rendering it capable of tackling more difficult issues.

I can definitely understand the former point as such tools can help students clear away from tedious tasks, prioritise life and be more productive. However, abusing from such a system could likely abstain students from the critical thinking aspect that university is meant to supplement students with. So, although AI can have positive impacts for society potentially yielding larger welfare, one should also take a holistic approach to not exclude the ‘costs’ that can materialise from it. Would companies still employ individuals if their skills can be substituted through ultra-modern technology?

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ASCS’ New Executive team

Following Monday’s contests, the official executive team for the 2023/2024 term can be found hereunder:

• McAlister Azzopardi as President
• Ingrid Ciontescu as Vice-President
• Louisa Buhagiar as Secretary General
• Jake Bezzina as Financial Controller
• Cloe Bonello as Academic Officer
• Emily Cilia as Media Officer
• Nathan Pace as Events Officer
• Julia Camilleri as Public Relations Officer
• Leanne Micallef as Industrial Relations Officer
• Elisa Calleja as International Officer
• Zack Borg as ESG Officer

Insight into the elections

For a quick summary of the roles, candidates and their respective vote count, take a look at the table below.

A big congratulations goes to the elected personnel for their efforts in taking responsibility and putting forward a number of vigourous commitments for their corresponding roles. Another praise is given to those who contested for the positions and having the necessary firmness in providing a healthy competition to push for better outcomes.

Presidential Comment

I am beyond thrilled and deeply honored to have been elected as the new president of ASCS, representing FEMA students at the University of Malta. This year will undoubtedly be challenging, but I’m excited to work hard and overcome any obstacles that come our way. I’m confident that our hard work will lead to newer and bigger opportunities, not just for ASCS but for all FEMA students. My main goal is to build a strong community amongst our students, where everyone feels welcomed and supported. I want to be someone that people can easily approach to voice their concerns and ask for help, wherever and whenever they may need it. I am excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together

McAlister Azzopardi

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck for their term!

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The New Executive

• President : Matthea Wadge
• Vice President : Giulia Vicario
• Secretary General : Mariah Sapiano
• Financial officer : Jean Carabott
• PRO : Bianca Pace
• Social Policy Officer : Cheyenne Baker Bray
• Academic Officer : Marthea Grech
• Projects Officer : Malcolm Muscat
• Introductory Officer: Cristina Borg
• Media Coordinator: Jasmin Attard
• Academic Coordinator: Martina Cortis
• Projects Coordinator: Julia Gauci

Presidential Comment

I am very thankful to have been elected as the President of the Junior Chamber of Advocates (JCA). I’m extremely excited to work with such an amazing team. Everyone is very eager to get started, make the organisation grow and continue bridging the gap for students to the legal profession.

Matthea Wadge

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck for their term!

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Today KSU has hosted its AGM in order to appoint the new candidates for the 2023/2024 period.

KSU’s New Team 2023/24

KSU has a team composed of 12 positions. Following today’s AGM, 11 SDM candidates have been elected for the upcoming year and these are listed below:

• President: Jeremy Mifsud Bonnici
• Vice President for Internal Affairs: Zachea Scicluna
• Vice President for External Affairs: Luke Bonanno
• Secretary General: Zane Camilleri 
• Financial Officer:  Kylie Decelis
• Public Relations Officer: Matthea Borg
• Students Affairs and International Officer: Giulia Bugeja
• Social Policy Officer:  Matthias Azzopardi
• Media and Design officer: Rachel Grech Flores
• Education Officer: Daniel Zammit Lupi
• Culture and Entertainment Co-Ordinator: Amy Govus

President’s comment

The team has been working on a common vision to provide students with a university experience they deserve. The priority this year is to make all decisions with a student centric approach which prioritises the well-being of students. By the end of the term my ultimate goal is to make as many students feel involved on campus; be it voicing their opinions, being part of the decision-making process and feeling comfortable to approach any and all of us for any support they might need. This is the council for all students, from all backgrounds and I pledge that we will do our utmost to make every single effort in tackling students’ issues, irrelevant of it being an issue which affects a hundred students or one singular student.

Jeremy Mifsud Bonnici, KSU President

Election for Culture and Entertainment officer

One role is, however, still being contested for, that being the Culture and Entertainment officer. These are being contested by Krista Hili, who is part of SDM’s team, and Isaiah Riolo who is running as an independent candidate.

Statutory changes

A new Media and Design Office has been introduced so there is more importance placed on Media from KSU’s end. Meanwhile, the International Office has been augmented so it becomes Students Affairs and International Office.

The Third Eye wishes the new executive the best of luck for their term!

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Living Abroad

I’ll walk you through a preview of these benefits if you were to, say, go on a work experience abroad.

Experiencing a new culture. With an ever increasing globalisation we are now become more exposed to many different cultures, but have you ever immersed yourself in a completely discrete culture? This correlates to a number of different components, from facts about the country and its society, fun activities they undertake, different garments they wear, the food they consume, landmarks, and the whole lot. Learning a new language or enhancing a language you already use could be another outcome of this journey. Conversely, there are other more ‘natural’ elements that can be experienced abroad through the increased greenery, visually aesthetic landscapes and the like, which Malta might be deprived of due to its smallness.

Self-sufficiency. Perhaps this could be a game changer for you as an individual. Living abroad, as portrayed through social media, seems like a dream. But simultaneously you’ll also learn fundamental skills you will need as you enter your adulthood. Though they may seem mundane, such as cooking your own meals, allocating your money well and washing your own clothes, these are pivotal on a day-to-day basis. It feels great knowing you can grow as a person and become more independent.

Friends and networking opportunities. Contacts are essential in today’s age. Even the seemingly faintest contact might be the key to one of your life-long dreams, be it regarding your working career or something else. Remember to enjoy the process as well. Making new friends can be another route to an established group and fulfilling events/memories if you bond well together. Who knows it may be your life-pivoting experience you may be desiring.

Enhanced CV and differentiation from others. Competition in the labour market is becoming increasingly challenging as more qualified people are being recorded in every successive period. In most occupations work experience is either a mandate or it increases the likelihood of the individual being accepted. This is since the individual is already equipped with sufficient capabilities and other ‘soft-skills’ which are needed. Stark examples include being proactive and effective time management. A work experience abroad could act as a fundamental differentiating aspect over other applicants. It demonstrates you are capable of adapting to your environment, working well with others (despite different sets of values/norms) etc.

How you can secure an internship abroad through IAESTE Malta

In case you haven’t heard of IAESTE Malta, the organisation is an intermediary that helps local students acquire paid internships abroad corresponding to their studies. It deals with a number of different fields including Architecture, Biology, Engineering, Mathematics, and many others, to accommodate for the diverse courses in Malta. Most of these internships would take place during the summer period as employers are aware that university is a priority.

The organisation currently has a number of paid internships open which local students can apply for, where students studying in Malta will be competing only against local applicants. Interested students are recommended to have a look at their website at their earliest chance as deadlines for applications close on the 7th of March. Students who wish to know more about the process or have any queries are advised to reach out through info@iaeste.org.mt.

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