Malta’s first high-performance computer was officially launched on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Robert Abela saying that this underlines how Malta is placing its digital future at the forefront, the Office of the Prime Minister stated.
Abela commented that cutting-edge technology lies at the heart of this system, but said that its “real strength” lies in what it can do for the Maltese people. He said that it will empower breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate modelling, biotechnology, aerospace, financial technology, and more.
The OPM stated that Maltese investors now have access to the advanced computing power needed to bring ideas to life. It said that the Prime Minister spoke of how this new infrastructure serves as the centrepiece of Malta’s European Digital Innovation Hub, and added that Abela remarked how businesses and start-ups can now “test before they invest”.
It continued that the Prime Minister spoke of the significance of the timing of this investment due to artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation making significant impacts in every industry. “Nations that invest in digital infrastructure today will lead the industries of tomorrow. Malta’s decision to launch its first high-performance computer reflects a clear understanding of this reality, that the future belongs to those who prepare for it, and that is what we are doing as a country,” Abela said. He also commented that the government is building bridges with European networks, “ensuring that Malta contributes actively to the continent’s shared digital future.”
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that with Malta’s first high-performance computer, researchers are being given the tools needed to create, experiment, and lead in the digital age. He said that the barriers to accessing such computing power are now gone, and remarked that “this is what true progress looks like, giving our youths and researchers the freedom to imagine more and achieve more”.
European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this project, which is co-financed by European funds, represents another step towards an economy based on knowledge and digitalisation. He stated that this investment will benefit a wide range of sectors, including the public sector, and added that the project reflects the EU’s objectives in digitalisation and artificial intelligence, “where innovation goes hand in hand with ethical responsibility and the benefit of society.”