‘While COVID-19 still dominated 2021, 2022 saw a decisive shift in finding ways to thrive’ – MCA CEO

MCA CEO and Acting Chairperson Jesmond Bugeja acknowledged that 2022 saw a significant shift in business mentality as companies did their utmost to “find ways to thrive.” He said this as he spoke of the MCA’s 2021 Annual Report and Financial Statements in which the organisation’s activity and key market developments throughout the past year were highlighted.

In his foreword to the 2021 report Mr Bugeja states that “2021 was certainly a defining year for the MCA, notably marking 20 years since the Authority was first established.” He added that this milestone was marked by means of a hybrid day-conference in November 2021, bringing together local and international industry leaders on the theme of “Unlocking Digital Value for Society”.

“The conference served as an excellent platform for industry experts with a wide range of backgrounds to discuss the future of connectivity and digital services, as well as the underpinning policy and regulatory approaches,” the CEO added. One of the main discussion points during the conference was to “safeguard the sustainability of the postal sector and adapt to global shifts in consumption patterns.”

In this regard, Mr Bugeja stated that “while COVID-19 still very much dominated the global narrative in 2021, there was a decisive shift in the past year to seek ways to thrive and make the most of this enhanced digital environment moving forward. In light of this, efficiency, robustness, ubiquity and future-proofing have taken on renewed importance across all industries under our purview.”

In his foreword, the CEO highlighted the achievements of the MCA and of Malta especially in the areas of telecommunications and digital services.

“In 2021, the MCA was designated as the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) for the Digital Services Act (DSA) by the Maltese government, following our active advisory role at EU-level interactions. This, among other new responsibilities, is indicative of the MCA’s growing profile in digital services regulation and calls for due attention and continuing investment in the necessary internal expertise,” Mr Bugeja affirmed.

“As we are operating within an increasingly globalised and complex environment, consistent cooperation across national borders is essential,” the CEO asserted, adding that this allows us to share and learn from individual country insights, establish global standards, and forge a harmonised path ahead. This ties into what we see as a definitive way forward to effectively address new challenges and harness opportunities emerging from this digital transformation-collaboration.”

Insisting on the importance of collaboration, Mr Bugeja said that “Going at it alone is not an option. In the same way the impact of digitalisation is felt across all sectors of the economy, we need to work together and promote a holistic multi-sectoral regulatory approach to ensure consistent and aligned outcomes.”

“Simply put, connectivity is the linchpin for the ongoing digital transformation. It is our duty as the MCA to continue building sound, future-proof regulation to maximise the benefits for end-users, markets, and society as a whole,” the CEO concluded.