Close to 60 HSBC-sponsored students are currently gearing up for the European Symposium of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) 2008 to be held in London on September 15 and 16.

The students are striving to get a third winning title to the University of Malta, following the awards of the Spirit of SIFE in 2006 and third place in last year's symposium.

SIFE is an international organisation that mobilises university students around the world to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. The University of Malta started participating in SIFE in 2005. This year, students from different courses will be presenting five projects under the umbrella of the University.

One project is Artists Wantit that focuses on entrepreneurial skills to bridge the artist with the business world for profitable returns. Another project, Green Office, targets SMEs and the public in general with an informative DVD for greener practices at the place of work and in the community.

Today's Student, Tomorrow's Performer is a third project which created an interactive CD entitled A Guide To The Working Environment, tapping areas like personal finance, entrepreneurship and how to prepare for a job interview.

The Kite Factory project incorporates higher education policies and innovative ideas to address the lack of active citizenship among young people. The Women Entrepreneurs project is designed to empower women to be financially literate and independent through entrepreneurship, business ethics and skills for personal success.