The launch of the European Gaming Institute of Malta, EGIM, in November, was a priority from the very start of this legislature. Discussions with the authorities involved and educational institutions, paved the way for the official launch of EGIM through an agreement between the Malta Gaming Authority and Mcast.
This significant signing represented two important things: the start of a journey which will lead to the development of new talent within the gaming sector and, most importantly, the government’s commitment to address the skills shortage in an industry that in the near future will be experiencing further exponential growth.
In fact, a few days before EGIM was launched, a report published by the Malta Gaming Authority showed that during the first half of this year, the gaming industry contributed almost 12 per cent of the total value added of the Maltese economy and over €556 million in terms of gross value – this is an increase of over 10 per cent when compared to the corresponding period in 2016.
Moreover, despite the Opposition’s malicious tactics, the number of companies licensed in Malta, till June 2017, grew by six per cent.
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These results are proof of the continued investment in the sector, which consolidated the gaming industry’s position as the third largest pillar contributing to our economy.
This initiative is the ideal model to address the skills gap in all sectors of our economy
In view of these positive results, the launch of EGIM will enhance the sustainability and growth of the workforce while providing tomorrow’s generation with the ideal tools to pursue a sustainable career within this sector.
The MGA is keeping its finger on the pulse of the gaming industry and will therefore be supporting EGIM in the development of its educational programme, therefore enabling it to reflect the industry’s needs while transferring the industry’s knowledge to Mcast.
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EGIM will offer short-term courses, diplomas and masters programmes that will help students to familiarise themselves with the gaming industry and achieve adequate knowledge and skills.
The establishment of this course shows that the government is listening to the industry’s concerns. This initiative is the ideal model to address the shortage of labour supply and skills gap in all sectors of our economy. EGIM will align the gaming and digital sector and education with the industry needs.
It will serve as a medium to prepare tomorrow’s generation on future technology. Up to 8,000 individuals work within the gaming industry, of who 6,000 are foreign.
While foreign workers are essential to Malta’s economic success, a few months ago, I had the opportunity to attend an event that rewarded those individuals whose ideas made an impact on the gaming company.
And what struck me most was that the majority of the winners were Maltese.
With this in mind, I look forward to see more Maltese students pursuing a career in such an exciting industry and be greater contributors towards its growth.
As a government, we are looking at exploring new niches within the industry such as that of fantasy sports.
A number of companies within this sector have already chosen Malta as the ideal place from where to operate and others will follow suit.
EGIM was one of my dreams since the day I took office. Now that it is a reality, I look forward to seeing students benefitting from the fruit the gaming industry is bearing. EGIM will guarantee the creation of sustainable careers in the gaming industry.
We’re anticipating what the digital economy may bring about and we’re exploring all opportunities.
Silvio Schembri is Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation.