Malta Employers Association Wins first prize during the National Support Business Awards 2025 – Second Consecutive Annual Achievement for the Association

The Malta Employers’ Association was once again awarded First Prize during this year’s National Supporting Business Awards (NSBA) – an initiative organized by the Ministry for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects in collaboration with the Commerce Department and the European Commission, to recognize and award those organisations that have made exceptional efforts to assist SMEs.

Malta Employers was awarded for its Project entitled “Compass” which was implemented over the past years in an effort to assist employers adapt to demographic developments in the country and to an ageing workforce.

“This award affirms our strategic vision to approach demographic challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for transformation and innovation,” said Mr. Ivan Refalo, President of the Malta Employers’ Association. “COMPASS is a testament to the power of sustained collaboration between business, government, and civil society. It also reflects MEA’s deep commitment to safeguarding Malta’s competitiveness by adapting our economic model to demographic realities.”

Launched in 2017, COMPASS is a multi-phase project that focuses on the implications of declining birth rates, population ageing, and Malta’s increasing reliance on foreign labour. Through data-driven research, high-level stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and practical reform proposals, Malta Employers has not only raised awareness about Malta’s demographic vulnerabilities but actively worked to convert these challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. The project has successfully shaped national dialogue and promoted forward-looking strategies to strengthen Malta’s business environment in the face of labour and skills shortages.

Upon accepting the prize from Minister Silvio Schembri, MEA Director General, Kevin J Borg said that “the award is not just recognition of past work — it’s a call to action,” He continued:
“We accept this award with great pride as it gives official recognition to the fact that the Malta Employers are leaders in the support of entrepreneurs – both large and small. This award gives us added impetus for the future in ensuring continuous improvement and the creation of further value-added services for our members.”

Further details on the project are available on this link: https://maltaemployers.com/project/compass/

Contact details – Mr Anton Vella, SME Helpdesk Executive, Malta Employers’ Association

35/1 South Street, Valletta, VLT 1100.
t: +356 21222992, 21237585
e: anton.vella@maltaemployers.com

ENDS