From St. Julian’s to the Boardroom: My Master’s in Business Ethics Journey

Picture this: I’m sitting in a bustling café in St. Julian’s, my laptop open, trying to make sense of a complex business ethics case study. Around me, the usual Malta scene unfolds – tourists sipping lattes, locals chatting in Maltese, and the ever-present hum of scooters. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my journey into the intricate world of business ethics.

Why Business Ethics? Why Malta?

After years in the local journalism scene, I yearned for a deeper understanding of the business world that I was covering. I wanted to understand the ‘why’ behind the decisions, the moral dilemmas, and the ethical implications. And where better to study this than in my home, Malta? With its unique blend of cultures, history, and emerging business scene, Malta was the perfect place to explore these concepts.

I enrolled in the University of Malta’s Master’s in Business Ethics, a programme that promised to equip me with the tools to navigate the complex moral terrain of business. Little did I know, it would transform not just my career, but my perspective on life.

Navigating the Ethical Maze

My first encounter with the ethical maze was through the lens of philosophy. We delved into the works of Kant, Aristotle, and Rawls, their theories providing a solid foundation for ethical decision-making. But it was when we applied these theories to real-world cases that the learning truly began.

We analysed the Volkswagen emissions scandal, the Enron collapse, and the more recent Wirecard saga. Each case was a labyrinth of poor decisions, lack of accountability, and moral failure. But they also highlighted the power of ethical leadership, , and the role of regulation.

One case that struck a chord was that of the Maltese bank Pilatus Bank. Its collapse due to money laundering allegations brought the issue of ethical banking right to our doorstep. Discussing this case in class, I realised the gravity of our studies. We weren’t just discussing abstract theories; we were discussing our reality.

From Theory to Practice

But the programme wasn’t all about theory. We had practical sessions with local business leaders, visits to companies like Microsoft Malta and the Malta Financial Services Authority, and a capstone project where we had to apply our learning to a real-world issue.

For my project, I chose to explore the ethical implications of Malta’s iGaming industry. I interviewed industry professionals, regulators, and even players. I discovered a complex web of ethical dilemmas – from responsible gambling to data privacy, and from tax evasion to money laundering.

My findings were sobering. But they also highlighted the power of ethics in driving positive change. I saw companies striving to do better, to be more transparent, more responsible. I saw regulators grappling with the challenges, learning, and adapting. I saw a industry at a crossroads, a moment of truth.

And I realised, this was my role too. As a journalist, I could shine a light on these issues, spark conversations, challenge the status quo. My Master’s had given me not just knowledge, but purpose.

As I sit here, back in that same café in St. Julian’s, I look at my laptop screen and see not a complex case study, but a challenge. A challenge to use my learning, to ask the tough questions, to drive ethical change. Because in Malta, as in the rest of the world, business ethics isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have.

So, if you’re considering a Master’s in Business Ethics, I say go for it. It’s not just about learning; it’s about growing. It’s not just about theory; it’s about practice. It’s not just about you; it’s about making a difference. And who knows, you might just find your purpose, right here in Malta.