Edward de Bono, one of Malta’s most prominent thinkers and a world-renowned author on creative thinking, has proposed the siting of a Palace of Thinking in Malta, a building where ideas would be generated.

The idea is to rebrand Malta as the Creative Think Tank of the world and should be done next year as part of the EU’s Year of Creativity, he says in an article appearing in The Times today (see page 13).

Prof. de Bono argues that the Maltese are a highly intelligent people and that the Year of Creativity provides a perfect and unique opportunity for Malta to become the world centre for new ideas.

He explains that the palace would be an imposing and iconic structure that would be launched to give the island the significance it deserves and attract thinkers to come up with creative ideas for public policy and other areas.

He suggests that other countries could appoint a "thinking ambassador" to stay in Malta permanently to offer their creative input.

"I have had discussions regarding the feasibility of establishing such a palace in Malta...

"If Malta does not prove possible then the palace will be located in Spain, Italy or Latvia, which has shown interest.

"It would be a pity if Malta missed out on this unique opportunity," he warns.