Malta’s AI Boom: 6,000 Users in 48 Hours
Malta’s AI Revolution: 6,000 Users in 48 Hours
Imagine standing in the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun warming the ancient cobblestones, and looking around to see thousands of Maltese, young and old, all glued to their screens, not scrolling through social media, but learning artificial intelligence. That’s the scene we’re witnessing with the AI for All programme.
An AI Boom in 48 Hours
The AI for All initiative, launched by the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) and the University of Malta, opened its virtual doors on Friday evening. By Sunday night, it had attracted a staggering 6,000 users. The programme offers free online courses in AI, data science, and machine learning, with the aim of upskilling Malta’s workforce in the digital age.
Malta’s Minister for Education and Employment, Evarist Bartolo, expressed his delight at the response. “We’re seeing a hunger for knowledge, a desire to learn and adapt,” he said. “This is what we need to drive our economy forward.”
AI for All, Literally
The programme’s popularity is no surprise. Malta, with its strategic location and strong tech sector, is eager to stay ahead in the digital race. The AI for All initiative is making that possible, literally for all. The courses are offered in both Maltese and English, ensuring no one is left behind due to language barriers.
the courses are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge in tech. “We wanted to make sure that everyone, from students to professionals looking to upskill, could join in,” said Dr. Ing. Petter N. Kolm, the programme’s coordinator.
Locals are embracing this opportunity. “I’ve always been interested in tech, but never knew where to start,” said Maria, a 35-year-old marketing professional from Birkirkara. “AI for All has made it so easy. I’ve already started my first course.”
What’s Next?
The AI for All programme is set to run until the end of the year, with new courses being added regularly. MITA and the University of Malta are also planning physical workshops and webinars to complement the online learning experience.
But the question on everyone’s mind is, what happens after the programme ends? “We’re working on that,” said Dr. Kolm. “Our goal is to create a sustainable AI ecosystem in Malta. We want to see these skills put to use, driving innovation and growth.”
As for the 6,000 users, they’re already . “I’m not just learning AI,” said Maria. “I’m learning how to shape Malta’s future.”
