6 - 12 April 2000

2000 - Young Enterprise Malta's presidential year

by John Harper

During the 12th European Trade Fair, Young Enterprise Malta succeeded to the Presidency of Young Enterprise Europe, an organisation of 26 countries and some 500,000 young people (not including the 1.3 million Russian youngsters who as members of Junior Achievement International, are by association also YEE members). Twenty-two countries were represented by over 800 achievers, advisors and link teachers at the Trade Fair which took place last week in the Opera House site in Valletta. These were, of course, swelled by a large number of Maltese shoppers.

The extent and variety of products amazed all visitors; these are, after all, just high school seniors, and many companies sold out. The visitors, from a broad spectrum of cultures, were impressed by the clockwork organisation and the high standard of their surroundings. Young Enterprise Malta scored once more as an outstanding venue for YE events. Technologically enhanced by Swatch access watches, we were able to score a marked hit with young citizens from richer northern states more familiar than our own with state-of-the-art wizardry.

This is not an isolated case, YEM have consistently staged successful European events, and full credit must go to YEM vice-chairman, Michael Cutugno and his Organising Committee. When you realise that most of these are volunteers and past Young Enterprisers, then the success is even more praiseworthy. More remarkable is the support-in-kind freely given by a group of service providers who do it for love of the scheme - one of whom went out of his way to thank us for the privilege of working with the event.

The secret of this whole scheme is a remarkable generosity of spirit which permeates all of YE activities, and commented upon by the visiting Rai TV crew filming the event. From where or what does this spring? An excellent and very practical learning concept, professionally delivered and containing a high degree of fun, something which lightens the load of academic drudgery typical of conventional schooling; and which also provides lasting lifeskills. The scheme also delivers entrepreneurs!

What of Malta's European presidency then? It was noticeable that this item in the proceedings was passed over rather too easily by the media. How many Maltese organisations can claim to have succeeded to such a significant European role in their lifetime? If you make comparisons of total populations represented, then this is a larger community than the EU itself. Is this not a supreme example of social diplomacy?

As a founder member of Young Enterprise Europe, YE Malta is well equipped to fill the role of formal leader of a Europe-wide organisation. With 12 years of experience in running its national programme; with one of the best records in Europe of schools penetration; having pioneered TQM audits among mini companies; with three wins in nine years of European competition; retained by YE Italy to advise them on start-up and commissioning; we can claim to be well qualified for leading international standards.

And to underline our credibility, we have managed to engage Dr Edward de Bono, a towering world figure in econo-politics, as chairman of the Council of National Chairmen. Looking at our presidential plan-of-work, we can look forward to significant outcomes from this unique dual leadership. Notwithstanding President De Marco's blessings and parliamentary secretary Jesmond Mugliette's supportive words, I do not sense that the Maltese public appreciate the significance of this achievement. What we do is for Malta and Maltese youth, a deserving case if ever there was. All that is expected in return is encouragement from her citizens.