MITA celebrates its 25th anniversary

Last Friday MITA celebrated its 25th anniversary with an event for all employees at the Verdala Palace. The event served to look back at some of the most important milestones and successes of the past quarter of a century – collectively these have shaped MITA into what it is today.

MITA saw its inception in 1990 as the Management Systems Unit (MSU) to serve as a catalyst for change in achieving reform in the public sector. In 1997, MSU transitioned into the Malta Information Technology and Training Services Limited (MITTS) with the role of focusing its core business on information technology by providing cost effective and integrated information systems to Government. MITTS became MITA in 2009 and transformed its operations from delivering IT and training services to the public sector to an Agency focused on digital excellence on a nationwide level.

This event was presided by H. E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, The President of Malta, who pointed out that, “when we discuss technology it is important not to forget anyone. When used and applied correctly, technology can provide a lot of benefits. It’s important that as a society we strive so that these benefits are enjoyed by everyone.” The President added that we therefore need to provide help and incentives for vulnarable families and individuals and make ICT more accessible for them.

For this occasion, MITA’s Executive Chairman, Tony Sultana looked back at the Agency’s history and explained how MITA changed its core operations throughout the years. Mr Sultana said “MITA is not just a workplace for various employees - it is also a place from where, with determination, employees gave a part of their lives to provide a service to Government and citizens.” He also said that “the changes that took place, and those that are still to come, give us courage to continuously strengthen the Agency to succeed in its future.”

In his address, Hon Josè Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, thanked all the employees who contributed in the past and current successes of MITA, MITTS and MSU. Hon Herrera said “thanks to you and your professionalism, we can continue to develop and look at new horizons. MITA is assisting in the strengthening of operations within the public service as well as to further the range of services offered by Government to citizens and business with the aim of reducing bureaucracy.“

Hon Chris Cardona, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, made a reference to innovation and described it “as the key for further research to find new and innovative solutions for Government, individuals and businesses that are already using technology to at- tract more customers.” Minister Cardona concluded by saying that “Effective information systems and solutions lead to a stronger economy which in return lead to further investments and the strengthening of the local small businesses community.” For more information on MITA’s

25th Anniversary visit www.mita.gov.mt/25years. Amongst other related material you

will find a commemorative booklet and a video highlighting some of the

milestones of the past 25 years.