Youth minister visits HSBC-sponsored Young Enterprise

Youth and the Arts Minister Jesmond Mugliett recently paid an official visit to Young Enterprise Malta (YEM) on their 15th anniversary. Minister Mugliett met the new YEM team led by Michael Cutugno and presented YEM with a cheque for Lm2,000.

"It is very encouraging to see that through the significant support being extended by the Government and, not least, HSBC Bank Malta plc, YEM succeeded in attracting to Malta the European finals of Young Enterprise for the second time in a short time. These will be held next July. They will serve to give a clear message that Maltese youth are prepared to compete successfully even on a European scale," the minister said.

Mr Cutugno thanked Minister Mugliett for the support extended by Government to YEM, not only financially but also in kind. "This support, which includes the central premises offered at Old Mint Street, Valletta, is enabling Young Enterprise Malta to assist students carry out more ambitious and improved projects from year to year. Our Maltese teams have been extremely successful, winning the European Company of the Year twice and other international awards on several occasions. We have a record that every country would be proud of."

HSBC Bank Malta plc is the other main sponsor of Young Enterprise Malta. The bank's PR manager, Josef Camilleri, who is also a director of YEM, said:

"Through this competition students are exposed to business concepts. As a result, they are gaining confidence and developing business skills that will serve them in good stead in the future. HSBC has a strong international relationship with Young Enterprise being the main sponsor in the UK and is particularly pleased to be associated with Young Enterprise Malta."

Young Enterprise Malta, which involves sixth form students, aims to bridge the gap between classroom and workplace. By providing hands-on experience in running their own businesses, this programme gives students the opportunity to enhance their leadership, co-operation, communication, marketing, budgeting and organisational skills.

"Small enterprises play a crucial role in the Maltese economy. Our youth has to take such opportunities like Young Enterprise competition to enrich their personal development through commitment in a business-like environment. From such experiences our youths can gain not only the basic experience of putting theory into practice, but they can also start developing an enterprise culture of their own," concluded Minister Mugliett.