Watch: Stephen Vella, CEO of MCAST on shaping Malta’s future in gaming, tech & AI
As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, vocational education is emerging as a cornerstone for workforce readiness. In a recent episode of SiGMA’s B2G series, Stephen Vella, CEO at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) unpacks how the college plays a critical role in developing talent for industries such as gaming, AI and the broader tech ecosystem..
Shaping talent for the gaming and tech sectors
“MCAST has been the cornerstone of Malta’s digital and gaming landscape for the past 25 years,” said Vella. “We offer a wide range of courses in IT, software development, marketing and creative industries, all designed with hands-on learning in mind.”
This hands-on philosophy is vital in industries like iGaming, where the pace of innovation often outstrips traditional academic cycles. “Our students don’t just learn in classrooms, they’re working while they study. Around 65% of students from Level 3 upwards are engaged in work-based learning. That gives them a passport to employability.” Vella explained
Responding to an AI-driven world
As AI technologies redefine entire industries, Vella stresses that education must adapt in real time. “We’re seeing drastic changes in education. AI is changing practically what we’re doing right now, not in two years’ time. Now.”
For the gaming, tech and AI sectors this alignment ensures a steady pipeline of talent trained in theory as well as in the tools and challenges shaping the real world. As companies seek employees who are AI-literate, adaptable and job-ready, education systems become essential infrastructure for long-term industry resilience and competitiveness.
Asking the industry
One of MCAST’s core strategies is collaboration with employers during the whole process, starting with course design. “We don’t guess what industry needs, we ask. Every new study program is built with feedback from companies,” said Vella. “Whether it’s aviation, gaming or engineering, industry tells us what skills they want. They even participate in curriculum planning.”
“Our graduates don’t need to switch careers after they graduate. They find jobs directly related to what they’ve studied.” This approach ensures that education isn’t operating in isolation but in direct response to real workforce demands. This model delivers graduates who are already aligned with sector-specific needs. By eliminating the disconnect between education and employment, companies benefit from a workforce that’s job-ready from day one, reducing onboarding time and training costs while improving overall productivity.
Global reach, local relevance
With over 1,300 international students representing more than 90 nationalities, MCAST is also contributing to Malta’s global talent pipeline. “Eight years ago, we had just 200 international students. Now it’s 18% of our student body. That’s a clear sign we’re doing something right,” Vella noted.
The international nature of the college benefits both students and Malta’s tech ecosystem. “These learners go back to their countries or stay and contribute to our industries, gaming, AI, fintech. Either way, it creates value.” For Malta, this steady flow of skilled, globally minded graduates strengthens its reputation as a competitive hub for digital industries. It also supports companies operating in high-growth sectors that require culturally fluent, technically trained professionals to scale effectively in international markets.
A new model of lifelong learning
To serve professionals already in the workforce, MCAST is launching short, stackable courses, part of a growing movement across the EU. “Micro-credentials are the future. You don’t always need a three-year degree. You need the right skills now,” said Vella.
For Malta’s digital economy to remain competitive, Vella believes that education must remain agile, inclusive, and connected. “There may be automation, but people will still manage the systems. The human factor will remain. We need people who are skilled, engaged hands-on and job-ready from day one.” he said.
As Malta positions itself as a leader in gaming, tech and AI, education and industry collaboration have never been more important. Don’t miss the chance to engage with policymakers, educators and innovators driving the region’s digital transformation. Join us at the SiGMA Euro-Med Summit in Malta, 01-03 September 2025 and help shape the future of the workforce.
