Who We Are

Dr Fransina Abela

Prior to branching into the legal field, Fransina had obtained diplomas in music, specializing in piano teaching, and also a bachelor’s degree in Music and Psychology.

Subsequently she set up her own Music School and introduced successful innovative teaching techniques as a result of which the School attained a high standard of piano proficiency.

Her involvement in the music field saw her setting up EPTA (MALTA) in conjunction with the late Professor Maestro Charles Camilleri and served as its President for 20 years during which a number of music events including piano recitals, National Piano Competitions and music teaching courses were organized for the benefit of Maltese teachers and students.

Fransina’s interests include reading, listening to music, and traveling.

Mr Carmel Briffa

In 2014 Carm was appointed Secretary to the Presidency of Malta. During the tenor of former President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, he was appointed on the boards of the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, The Emmanuelle Cancer Research Foundation and the Presidents Trust Foundation.

He retired from the civil service on 9th May 2022 in the grade of Director General

Mr Michael Bianchi

Michael is a founder member of the Vodafone Foundation, a founder member on the board of the President’s Trust and a founder member of the board of Administrators of the Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation as well as a Board Member on the Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. He is Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Austria and was awarded by Austria the Medal of Honour in 2008 and the Grand Decoration of Honour in 2018. In 2018 Michael was conferred as a member of the National Order of Merit by Malta

Chairperson

THE Marie Louise Coleiro Preca

Former President of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca served in politics for 45 years and was a Member of Parliament for 16 years.  She was the very first elected female General Secretary of one of the two main political parties in Malta.  Coleiro Preca also served at the Council of Europe.  As Minister for Family and Social Solidarity, she initiated numerous social reforms. The Maltese Parliament unanimously elected Ms Coleiro Preca as President of Malta in 2014.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was President of Malta between 2014 and 2019.

Coleiro Preca founded and chairs The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, The Malta Trust Foundation, The Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation Malta, and Fondazzjoni Nazareth.

President Emeritus Coleiro Preca is President of Eurochild, and the Mediterranean Children’s Movement.

She is also Member of the Council of World Women Leaders, and Member of the WPL Global Forum Advisory Board.

Marie Louise Coleiro Preca graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree, in Legal and Humanistic Studies, and a Notary Public from the University of Malta.  Ms Coleiro Preca is also an Honorary Professor of the University of Warwick, an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Leicester (UK), and an Honorary Doctor of Literature from the University of Malta.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca is deeply passionate and vociferous about improving the lives of the most vulnerable in society, continuing to be so throughout her life, Her Presidency, and beyond. She is a strong advocate, and an avid speaker on a number of social issues including social justice, equality and equity, children’s rights and gender equality.

Mr Charles Borg

He also chaired the Audit Boards of the European Investment Fund, which is a subsidiary of the European Investment Bank. Mr Borg also served as a director on the World’s Savings Bank in Brussels and was also the President of the Institute of Financial Services and the President of the Malta Bankers Association.
Mr Borg is currently the CEO of PG p.l.c. and Executive Director at PG p.l.c. and sits on the board of a number of locally listed companies.

Professor Josanne Cutajar

From 2017-2020 she acted as the coordinator for the Consultative Council for Women’s Rights within the Ministry for Justice, Equality and Governance. Between 2012-2017 she helped set up the Cottonera Resource Centre within the University of Malta as a university outreach post in a socially deprived area.

This project won the 2016 EPALE award for community engagement. Her publications focus on community development and issues relating to gender and social justice. She has also been involved in a number of EU projects, namely GEPARD (Erasmus+), GenderAction (Horizon 2020) and reSEArch-EU (Horizon 2020).

Mr Alfred Fabri

He joined Corinthia Group in 1989 and is currently Group Director and Company Secretary of the parent company CPHCL.
He was formerly chairman of the Planning Authority, a member of the Public Service Reform Commission, and a director of the Malta Development Corporation.

Professor Alexiei Dingli

Professor Alexiei Dingli, is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert and academic. His work at the University of Malta has cemented his academic reputation, establishing him as a key educator and researcher in AI. Prof. Dingli’s career is marked by his pivotal role in aiding various companies to integrate and leverage AI technologies. Internationally recognized for his work, he has received prestigious awards from organizations, including the European Space Agency, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the United Nations to name a few. These honours are a testament to his dedication to AI research and its practical applications. In addition to his extensive peer-reviewed publications, he also contributes to national AI policies. As an integral member of the Malta.AI task force, he is working hard to position Malta as a key player in the global AI arena. Prof. Dingli’s impact extends well beyond his field of study. His ten-year tenure as the Mayor of Valletta is characterized by notable accomplishments, including the establishment of the Valletta Community Network, the creation of the city’s only Youth Centre, and the Valletta Soup Kitchen. He also supports the Malta Trust Foundation in addressing ICT-related challenges. 

Ms Anne McKenna

Director of MITTS (Malta Information Technology and Training Services). Participated in the setting up of FITA – the Foundation for IT Accessibility.

Employed by Malta Enterprise to attract FDI from UK and India to Malta.

During retirement – was involved in the drafting of the Minimum Standards for Care Homes for the Elderly. Have worked as a volunteer with the Mlata Red Cross, Hospice, the Richmond Foundation, the Foodbank and currently with TMTF and the Soup Kitchen.

Mr Kevin Valenzia

Mr Winston Zahra