MCAST Link #69

October 21, 2024 Admin

Welcome to this exciting edition, one of the most enjoyable I’ve had the pleasure of working on. Themed “Creativity and Innovation,” this edition highlights the remarkable talent flourishing at MCAST, a true hub of creativity. We begin by highlighting the successes of the Creative Arts Festival, featuring the work of four talented students. Their projects range from an interactive animated sci-fi series about Artificial Intelligence to a set of anthropomorphic characters adorned with items from their local regions. Another fascinating article focuses on a dissertation that merges yoga practices with dance, breaking new ground in the performing arts and paving the way for innovative approaches in movement and expression. An exciting piece by ICT student Mac Patrick Gauci details his journey to revolutionise communication accessibility for the Maltese deaf community. He has developed AI-powered assistive technology designed to translate spoken English into Maltese Sign Language (LSM) through a digital avatar. This marks an important milestone in bridging communication gaps. This edition also celebrates students who have excelled at prestigious local awards. Fashion student Isaac Farrugia received the top award at the Malta Fashion Awards for his innovative and skillfully crafted collection. Nico Conti, an MCAST assistant lecturer and alumnus, and Federica Zahra, an alumna, received awards in the Glass Works and Ceramics category and Student Maker of the Year, respectively, at the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti. The EXCEL Winter School provided a valuable opportunity for students to develop creative solutions for tomorrow’s urban mobility. It was an enriching educational experience, immersing participants in the realm of sustainable urban transport. By empowering students to influence the future of transportation, the programme served to bridge knowledge gaps and foster transformative experiences. Another article highlights the transformative impact of MCAST’s sports courses in supporting creativity among students. From technical programs to hands-on experiences, Dr. Caruana Bonnici shares how MCAST’s dynamic sports curriculum empowers students to think outside the box and get creative in the sports sector. We hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together, and that you find inspiration in the remarkable achievements of our students and members of staff.