Microsoft Malta has inaugurated its Microsoft Innovation Centre. Located at Skyparks in Luqa, the MIC, of which Microsoft only has around 110 in around 40 countries round the world, will be providing access to world-class resources for software developers, IT professionals, university students, academic faculties and entrepreneurs.
The MIC was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in the presence of Takuya Hirano, Microsoft multi-country general manager for central and Eastern Europe who was in Malta purposely for the event.
Dr Gonzi said that the Microsoft Innovation Centre is yet another concrete step towards the creation of an innovative culture among youth and IT professionals in Malta. He said that for Malta to continue succeeding in attracting investment and create jobs in today’s new knowledge-based economy, it needs to capitalise on its existing strength, amplify the education capital and continue investing in its human resources.
Adrianna Zammit, Microsoft Malta’s country manager described the MIC as the realisation of yet another dream by Microsoft in Malta and a tangible project by Microsoft to support Malta’s drive towards establishing itself as an IT force and to further encourage the thriving entrepreneurial spirit among youths.
“Everybody knows the giant leaps and advances that Malta has attained over the past few years, establishing itself as a centre of IT excellence and this was one of the reasons that led to Microsoft’s decision to establish an MIC in Malta – an MIC with clear and defined targets, namely that of training individuals in the latest technology and business skills, enhancing their employability prospects within the sector and to incubate new start-ups that will give life to new and exciting ideas,” she said.
Mr Hirano said: “Microsoft Innovation Centres are a very special place to be especially if you happen to have a great idea, have a budding entrepreneurial spirit and want to be guided by those who have already treaded the same path before you and reached a high level of success.”