The Malta Communications Authority’s second MCA eBusiness Awards recognised eight businesses for their unique and innovative web-based solutions aimed at businesses and customers.

IT Minister Austin Gatt opened the ceremony and 18 shortlisted solutions were showcased before the winners were announced.

Best eGovernment Initiative went to myHealth Record, Best eCommerce Site (B2C) to CC Web Trader, and Best Use of Technology in the Tourism Sector to visitmalta.com. L-Istrina’s web app won Best Use of Social Media, Careerpassport.eu was named Best B2B Application, Bank of Valletta’s app won Best Mobile Application (phone and tablet), and Blockmonster.eu was named Best eBusiness Idea of the Year.

An award for the Most Innovative Solution of the Year was presented by MCA executive chairman Philip Micallef to Vodafone Malta for VoucherCloud.

This year, the MCA received 54 submissions, a 50 per cent increase on the first edition held last year.

Submissions were assessed by an independent committee made up of representatives from the industry, the Government and academia.

Mr Micallef spoke of how “today, perhaps more than ever, productivity and innovation are prerequisites for success in any business activity.

“With a mandate to encourage e-business and ICT integration among Maltese businesses, the MCA constantly strives to find new ways to assist enterprises in maximising benefit from ICTs. This year’s success is in no way coincidental and on the contrary it is the direct result of the reputation that these awards have garnered in the industry.”