A number of research assistantships at Maltco Lotteries are being made available to students at the University's Institute of Digital Games.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, 24 February at the University of Malta's Msida campus, Maltco Lotteries and the Institute of Digital Games signed a collaboration agreement valid for a minimum of 3 years.
The cooperation was announced in the presence of University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella together with Prof. Georgios N. Yannakakis, Director of the Institute.
It is part of the company's annual Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Yannakakis highlighted that this support by entities such as Maltco provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in innovative games research and develop new playful and generative possibilities in game design and technology.
The Rector chimed in and showed his gratitude towards the Maltco Lotteries collaboration, saying "I welcome this sponsorship as it will contribute to the expansion of more programmes at the Institute and provide the skills and knowledge needed in the industry".
Maltco Lotteries CEO Vasileios Kasiotakis expressed his appreciation towards this collaboration as it will provide an opportunity for the institute to research, teach and transfer knowledge to UM students. “Maltco Lotteries strongly supports innovation in digital game, design and technology in Malta. This bursary of studies will further encourage more students, both nationally and internationally, to develop games at the Maltese university.” commented Maltco Lotteries CEO Vasileios Kasiotakis.
In the closing speech, Minister for Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri commended MALTCO for this initiative aimed at enhancing students’ skills in digital games for enhanced preparation to succeed in the growing career opportunities being offered in this field. He remarked that education is at the core of Malta’s strategic execution for the growth of the local Digital Games Sector. “The industry has a thirst for the best of talents, and I will continue to ensure that all educational stakeholders spearheaded by the Gaming Malta Foundation continue to work hand -in-hand ensuring that Malta has a strong talent pipeline feeding into the industry” said Schembri.
He recalled how in recent years, the expansion of the Institute for Digital Games to a new building was a step in the right direction for the University of Malta to continue to excel in the educational programmes provided at Post Grad M.Sc. and Doctorate levels. He added that the Institute of Digital Games research is at the crossroads of two of government’s strategies launched in recent years - the National AI Strategy and the Video Games and e-sports Strategy.
