Claudio Grech: ‘I’m the face of evolution’
PN candidate Claudio Grech spearheaded Malta’s ICT revolution and was also responsible for Smart City. He tells Christian Peregin the promised jobs were created.
Profile
Name: Claudio Grech
Age: 38
Profession: CEO of Momentum Consult
District: 1
Residence: Valletta
Status: Married
You have worked in both the public and private sectors. What would you say were your biggest achievements?
In the public sector, it was when for two consecutive years Malta ranked first in e-government services deployment and sophistication. It gives you great satisfaction to have Malta at the top of something which 10 years before was practically non-existent – and having been there throughout.
In the private sector, my greatest satisfaction was starting my own company, barely two years ago, focusing on a new niche: change management.
How many times have you offered to resign?
When I was chairman of MITTS, the whole board of directors had offered to resign in the wake of the hacking incident in 2008 because we gave IT Minister Austin Gatt incorrect information about the attack’s implications.
We had based our information on what we were told by the management but we felt we had collective responsibility.
Was that the only time you resigned?
Yes... Obviously then I resigned from Smart City in September 2009.
And again from MITA after that...
In December, but that was more a matter of a personal choice at the time.
This happened after what you called a “smear campaign”, giving the impression that politics was becoming too dirty for you. Now you have returned to politics. Do you think you have a thick enough skin or will you want to pull out again?
Whether you have a tough skin or not depends on the circumstances one is facing at any point in time.
Would you describe yourself as a new face for the Nationalists or a face of continuity?
I would say I’m the face of evolution. I cannot say I’m new to the PN, even though I was never in the hub, except during the electoral process itself.
Austin Gatt took you from the middle ranks in the public service, right to the top. Is he your mentor?
Austin did not take me to the top. I was in the public service. A post was available in his secretariat and I was engaged.
And he’s kept you close to him ever since.
I’ve obviously worked very closely with him. Time and again, through my skills and contribution, he has realised my potential in the areas I was working in.
I was entrusted with projects. And, obviously, I was in the right place at the right time.
Are you the next Austin Gatt?
Austin Gatt is Austin Gatt and Claudio Grech is Claudio Grech.
What are the differences?
Although people think we are very much alike, we’re very different.
In what way?
In the way that Austin is very, very direct. What you see is immediately what you get. I tend to be slightly more diplomatic.
Some would describe you as his puppet.
I’m neither his, nor anyone else’s. Rest assured I have my own ideas, which even politically may not be exactly in line with his ideas.
He’s not contesting the election and you are one of the frontrunners from Valletta, his hometown. Is he helping you?
Let me make it clear. If Austin Gatt was contesting I would have not have stood. If Gege, his son, had contested, I would not have stood either.
It is no secret that Austin encouraged me to contest the election and that is a significant motivator for me to work in the district. Obviously I am born and bred in Valletta, and I like the people.
You are good at reading data. We see you at counting halls, reading the statistics of what is going on. Mathematically, does the PN have a chance of winning the next election?
Theoretically it is obviously a very difficult election, more so than 2008, but I still do not feel it is impossible to win the election. The fact that Labour is leading by 10, 11 per cent is not too far away from where we were five years ago. The reality is that the PN needs to pull the team together and talk policy, substance.
I am absolutely convinced if we talk substance we are miles ahead of the Labour Party.
If George Borg Olivier strove to achieve Independence, Dom Mintoff for freedom from the British, and Fenech Adami for democracy and the EU, what is Lawrence Gonzi’s vision?
I feel today there is no big issue. There is no single issue that unites people behind a party. Today you have multiple issues.
I think in the wake of an unprecedented global economic meltdown Lawrence Gonzi managed to steer the economic ship in the right direction.
Should he provide more than that?
I think he should be more visible about it. A lot of people take that for granted. We tend to talk in complex buzzwords and complicated terms. In that way, you tend to lose people. They start feeling like statistics.
The European Commission said something different last year. It said the Government is good with strategy, documents and policies but not so good with implementation. One of the main examples it provided was Smart City, which you were responsible for, both in strategy and implementation. In this sense, are you part of a problem in government?
I think, again, Smart City is a very long term project and it would take a separate interview to explain.
But maybe you can tell us what the problems were.
The idea was to create a hub in Malta with the right infrastructure and facilities for the attraction of knowledge workers: Maltese and foreigners. The project broke ground in 2007 and there was a significant investment made by the promoters in the development of the core infrastructure.
So today, no one speaks of the nearly €100 million that promoters have put into the infrastructure of a site which, with all due respect, was a dump up until a few years ago.
No, they talk about the jobs that were promised but failed to materialise.
The jobs were based on the projections being planned from Mcast, the university and private training providers. In effect, those jobs have been created.
People think of Smart City as if it is going to be a large, single company employing 5,000 people, which is not the case.
So the jobs were not meant to be taken up at Smart City?
They could be, obviously...
What jobs were created?
What jobs? The IT jobs...
The ones based all over Malta?
The 1,500 graduates per annum that come out of Mcast and University in effect are finding employment.
So what was the point of Smart City?
The point was to create the centre itself, a business park. And that had to trigger a further attraction of foreign direct investment into the operation of the site.
Has it been successful?
I think to date the success cannot be seen. I think one has to assess...
Has the success not been seen because it hasn’t been successful or because no one is seeing it?
The success will be measured by the number of companies that have come to Malta and set up.
And how many have?
I’m not informed about that.
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48 Comments
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Dr Alex Bugeja
Sep 24th 2012, 17:36
I remember meeting Claudio Grech a number of times back in 2006. I came away with the impression that he was an astute and facts-driven man, and a straight-shooter. I think Malta could do with more technocrats like him in Parliament. I see the example of Singapore, and that makes me think of all the potential we could realize in Malta if we had the right people - practical and facts-driven people - in power.
Amanda Saliba
Sep 24th 2012, 12:42
can't understand all the fuss you all are making on Grech saying he's the face of evolution, since it was a mere reply to what the journalist asked and it's not self-praise as you'd like to interpret it.
the creation of jobs at smartcity is not Government's responsibility, the journalist needs to re-direct these questions to smartcity investors
what the journalist should have asked Grech is about the policies and initiatives adopted to improve ICT literacy, increase ICT-skilled professionals, integrate ICT in education over the last decade, improve public service delivery, stimulate ICT industry, etc
if anyone of you is a teacher or a student and you purchased Microsoft software at ridiculous discounted prices, or you are an old person who visits the various centres where use of computers and internet is free and ICT literacy courses are offered for free, or you are a student or a professional and received in tax credits what you paid for your ICT courses, then you may want to be more constructive in your comments. these are but a few of the initiatives of the ministry for ICT when Grech was there.
if you follow all the local tv stations/newspapers, not just one station, you'd get to know as well on these initiatives.
certainly no one is perfect, but even if you're with PL, you can't make up your own realities as if all PN or Grech have done is wrong.
1.
Victor Laiviera
Sep 24th 2012, 13:50
@ Amanda Saliba
"the creation of jobs at smartcity is not Government's responsibility, the journalist needs to re-direct these questions to smartcity investors"
Yes and no. The Government took credit for Smart City and the jobs it was supposed to provide. Now that they have failed to materialise, it ha to bear responsibility.
You cannot have your cake and eat it.
Jon Vercellono
Sep 24th 2012, 16:31
and Mr. Laiviera conveniently ignores the truly positive portions of Ms. Saliba's contribution vis Mr. Grech and the other ICT incentives he's responsible for.
Jeffrey Mallia
Sep 24th 2012, 12:15
" Face of evolution " ........Pity Charles Darwin didn't discover your ancestors !!
Victor Vella
Sep 24th 2012, 11:11
Evolution of industrial destruction a la GonziPN. Take a break. Or exactly continue with the break. You have been with the break till last January. Since then has been the break of your evolution written in cyberspace.
Eddy Privitera
Sep 24th 2012, 09:14
" I'm the face of evolution". I would put it in another way. Claudio Grech is the face of the enormous problem GonziPN finds itself in today !
Rene Farrugia
Sep 24th 2012, 09:01
Well if he's the face of evolution, I'll convince more with my decision...not to vote in the next election. 3 parties...no ideas
Brian Gatt
Sep 24th 2012, 08:59
Ohh my God no wonder this guy is said to be an expert in Change Management... he is always changing managerial posts !!!!
Failure after Failure after Failure.
Another new face brough to you by Gonzi PN
Kevin Marks
Sep 24th 2012, 08:39
What a very bad start for a face of the evolution ! He was not clear about his resignations and about Smart city. After all it was he and his Austin who promised 8000 jobs in IT as another flop before the 2008 election
j brincat
Sep 24th 2012, 08:25
Ever heard that 'Self praise is NO recommendation'
Such humility!
(jb)
Paul Bajada
Sep 24th 2012, 08:04
You are not informed Claudio? Let's start with Hewlett Packard who got so much coverage from TOM that is was opening offices in Malta in 2011. Where is HP now? Nowhere!
Ben Agius
Sep 24th 2012, 04:01
No no - he's not a puppet!! He wouldn't have contested if Austin and/or his son did so. So much for his own ideas and being his own man. What conviction. It is true that many students come out of MCAST with quals! That's good. But where are the stats that show they actually work in Industries that they were trained for? Maybe many of them work as waiters or salesman!! Smart City - so far- has been a failure. But full marks for the beautiful concept plans and pictures! Something the PN Govt is very good at. Plans and pictures for everything. People forget what's promised most times so all you have to do, to show you're active, is to produce more plans and pictures of ideas that never materialise.
Joe Fenech
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:45
So what was the point of Smart City?....
Has it been successful?
I think to date the success cannot be seen. I think one has to assess...
Has the success not been seen because it hasn’t been successful or because no one is seeing it?
The success will be measured by the number of companies that have come to Malta and set up.
And how many have?
I’m not informed about that.
Claudio Grech is a joke!!!
Joseph Arpa
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:11
ummmmm nope dont think so Claudio.................you might be the new fave of Revlon though!!!!
Paul Borg
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:53
I'veen waiting years to see Smart City flourish....is there a time frame , is it a white elephant, or is Claudio Grech one of those who laughs at his jokes even if they're not funny ?
Joe Fenech
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:44
Only Malta has thirty year olds heading the country's most important project. Grech must be a real genius. In Malta talent gets you very far!
Dr Alex Bugeja
Sep 24th 2012, 16:10
Is his youngish age a problem to you? Younger people tend to be far more in tune with the latest technology anywhere. Are you aware of the ages of the CEOs of Google or Facebook - and the ages when they founded their companies?
c vassallo
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:40
"The 1,500 graduates per annum that come out of Mcast and University in effect are finding employment."
Claudio Grech should check out the facts before making any such statements. This statement can make you think that all graduates have a job ready for them but only the graduates looking for a job can actually tell how hard it is to find employment!!
Amante Reale
Sep 24th 2012, 09:24
Yes, because, those that aren't looking for a job won't find it.
I don't see how this is so hard to understand. Those who look for a job, and those who worked hard during their education, find a job. The others, well, they deserve what they get.
Mr Eric Camilleri
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:35
The PN is presenting candidates that where a total disaster in their previous jobs.
Claudio is one of them. Good job Gonzi!
A Micallef
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:24
resigned from Smart City.. was there ever a smart city?
Paul Bajada
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:20
we judge by results and achievements and not bluff. What achievements can Claudio Grech take credit for? for jumping ship at Smart City and MITA?
Noel Galea debono
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:20
Top performer ?? Can Mr Grech advise if according to him there was any conflict of interest when after negotiating with smart city on behalf of the government he became CEO of the same, and also how come a 10 million piece of land was forgotten in the process? Can he explain reasons behind his resignation from smart city ?
John Azzopoardi
Sep 23rd 2012, 20:37
Miskin Franco. He has been quickly replaced eh. Franco chose to not play by the rules and suffered immensely. His political career is kaput
Shaun Anthony Camilleri
Sep 23rd 2012, 20:26
'PN candidate Claudio Grech ...responsible for Smart City.' What Smart City? It does not exist! These people are living in their own fantasy world.
Mr Paul Borg
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:18
Mr Claudio Grech seem that he is a very qualified person. Its a pity that if elected he will be on the Opposition Side.
Peter Shaw
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:11
Qualified yes and also having the right contacts :))
Joe Fenech
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:33
Qualified? With a master's degree! He has no track record apart the post to which he was appointed to by his party friends.
J Micallef
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:09
"I'm the face of evolution"....Microsoft Windows 8 on the horizon... Ha! Ha! Ha!
A. Schembri
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:07
more like the face of failure...
J Micallef
Sep 23rd 2012, 18:48
despite bmy beleif that the PN remains the winnin team with the best resources, there are some people within who just cannot get my trust.
Claudio Grech is one of them.
The others are Victor Scerri, Manuel Delia (still going to contest, no?) and Michael Axiak.
James Buhagiar
Sep 23rd 2012, 21:49
And why so J. Micallef? How have the people you mention vexed you?
Joe Fenech
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:46
Yes, PN is making a big mistake to allow Grech to run for the election.
A. Mizzi
Sep 23rd 2012, 18:43
SMART BOY , truly the face of evolution’, as ex- SMART CITY CEO, Smart City evolved into a BLOCK.... and no that smart either!
If you can't dazzle with brilliance , just try ans baffle with one material GonziPN is not short off!
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Sep 23rd 2012, 18:20
"The reality is that the PN needs to pull the team together and talk policy, substance".
Claudio Grech ghandu bzonn jitkellem ma' Dr Franco Debono rigward, 'pull the team together and talk policy'.
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
J Busuttil
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:43
@ Mr. E. Farrugia
No need to talk to Franco as it is all over for him. Looking at the two parties it already shows where the policy substance is.
Hugh Morris
Sep 23rd 2012, 17:56
I have followed Claudio's career from a distance for a long time now. He has no fear of making radical changes, but you always get the feeling that every move he makes is very carefully thought out and forms part of a larger plan. I have always seen his success measured in statistics we see from time to time. Think about it - we have a huge ICT knowledge in Malta, over 90% Internet penetration in the homes - education technology is the best there is - We have one of the best data centres in Europe, ICT job opportunities are overflowing - We have the best eGovernment system in Europe.... I believe he is more than worthy a candidate, if there ever was one. I wish you the best of luck Claudio. I am sure that you will get elected!
Joe Fenech
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:04
Are you talking of the same Malta?
Peter Shaw
Sep 23rd 2012, 17:53
Where are the Ghost...sorry I mean Smart CIty jobs??!!
A Dimech
Sep 23rd 2012, 17:47
Claudio should be honoured, because when the going got tough at SMART city, he resigned!!
that is a very good quality in deed!
Charles Micallef
Sep 23rd 2012, 17:42
Claudio Grech: ‘I’m the face of evolution’...............Is that what they call it?
We now hope that the Times will give the same publicity to ALL the other proposed candidates of both parties!
Jimmy Abela
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:12
hehe... good one..
James Buhagiar
Sep 23rd 2012, 10:51
I'm not a 'Nazzjonalist minn guf ommi' kind of person. I cast my vote to the candidates whom I believe will bring a positive change to my close environment (family & friends) and for the country in general.
Claudio Grech has been the single person who over the past years has brought around a radical change within Malta’s economic fabric. Thanks to Government’s ICT strategies – in which Mr. Grech undoubtedly had a lot of input - the ICT industry has strived. Hundreds of job directly within the ICT industry were created; and lest we forget that the radical change brought around by ICT has resulted in hundreds of other (indirect) jobs in industries such as finance, gaming, interactive media, digital games, and much, much more.
This is one guy who I believe will bring around more fruitful changes.
C Busuttil
Sep 23rd 2012, 18:07
Hallina tridx ......
dan huwa il-classic blue eyed boy u bhalu hemm hafna ohra li l-uniku mertu taghhom huwa li qeghdin hemm minhabba li min jafu.
Nies bhal dan huma wahda mir-ragunijiet li mhux ser nivvota ghall-ewwel darba, mhux hekk nibqaw nivvota l-partit u jispicca jgawdu ftit nies. Le grazzi daqshekk kont hmar x'jimpurtani jekk jitla l-labour min qed igawdi fuq li jgawdi ser ikollu problema mhux jien ghax fejn qieghed nibqa. Verament labour won't work f'hafna affarijiet imma l-aktar ghall-klikkek li ilhom snin igawdu minn xi hmar bhali li kien jivvota xemx jew xita
Ben Agius
Sep 24th 2012, 04:07
To some ( I mean "some) extent ICT strategies etc have been a success. Mainly in how many students go to MCAST. But it's hard to believe the rest of the claims. And Smart City was sold differently at the time of it's inception - and nothing happened. NOTHING much. Not even in the infrastructure let alone real jobs!
effie stafrace
Sep 23rd 2012, 09:42
smart city?were are the jobs mr.grech?
Joe Busuttil
Sep 23rd 2012, 12:00
Not informed about that ,either.
Please choose the reason of your report below: