University Engineering Student Association, UESA in collaboration with local industrial companies held an educational Conference last Monday, 3rd April at Magazino Hall. The themes discussed were R&D and Quality Control in an attempt to broaden students’ horizon and promote local engineering job opportunities.
Deputy Dean Prof. Michael Saliba gave a keynote speech to open the conference. A panel of lecturers and engineers from the industry were presented with questions by Andrew Borg (Financial Officer for UESA) and Claire Grima (Education Officer for UESA). First panel, consisted of; Dr Ing. Bertram Mallia, Dr Ing. Paul Refalo, Dr Ing. Reiko Raute, Dr Ing. Marvin Bugeja, Dr Ing. Marc Anthony Azzopardi and Mr. Joseph Grima, a Baxter representative.
The discussion included how current affairs such as Brexit and how cheaper manual labour abroad impacts local companies and how it affects the state of R&D in Malta. Students were then given the opportunity to go around the company stands. Dr.Ing. Marc Anthony Azzopardi made a remarkable statement that you don’t need a large firm to have a successful R&D company, but “..it all starts with your ideas, it all starts with YOU”
After the coffee break, Chamber of Engineers"s PRO Ing. Jason Vella addressed the audience. The second panel, made up of; Ing. Francis Farrugia, Dr Ing. Emmanuel Francalanza, Prog Ing. Michael A.Saliba, Ing. Christopher Borg, an Enemalta representative and Ing. Aaron Azzopardi De La Rue representative. The second session was concerned with Quality Engineering. The last item on the list was an MGPEI Presentation. Afterwards, refreshments were served. Onor. Ryan Callus, the first an only engineer in parliament, joined us and explained that he started his political career as soon as he became a University student and became part of UESA. He encouraged student activism in his speech.During the refreshments there were some lecturers who also participated in the social event. This event was made possible the help of the following sponsors De la Rue, Baxter, Methode, Enemalta, Trelleborg, Tektraco, University of Malta Racing, St Microelectronics, Alberta, Konnekt, MGPEI. Also special thanks to myEvent Planner and MST Audiovisuals.
Main image from Left to right: Mr. Alex Tanti (UESA President), Mr. Andrew Borg (UESA Financial Officer), Dr.Ing Marc Anthony Azzopardi, Dr.Ing. Bertram Mallia, Dr.Ing Reiko Raute, Dr. Ing. Paul Refalo, Mr. Joesph Grima, Ms. Claire Grima(UESA Education Officer)