FHRD conference draws 600 HR leaders as Malta’s people strategy takes centre stage
Over 600 HR professionals gathered for FHRD's annual conference, with a new report and awards highlighting the sector's growing strategic role.
The Malta Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) hosted its Annual HR Conference at the Hilton Conference Centre on October 23, drawing over 600 HR professionals for a full day of sessions and networking.
This year’s theme was ‘HR Lead: Powering Strategy Through People’, reflecting the sector’s shift from administrative support to a core driver of business direction.
In his opening address, FHRD president Noel Debono outlined the foundation’s continued commitment to professional development and excellence within Malta’s HR community.
He reported results from the inaugural edition of the ‘Malta Annual HR Report’, which provides a snapshot of where organisations stand today and where they believe the future is heading.
Debono also highlighted updates to corporate and professional membership schemes and the launch of the 10th intake of the HR Quality Mark.
The conference featured international and local thought leaders, including Jane Sparrow, Amit Grinvald, and Rosa M. Colon-Kolacko, who delivered keynote addresses on culture, leadership communication, and learning strategies.
Delegates could attend interactive workshops across morning and afternoon sessions, covering topics from AI in HR to adaptive leadership for hybrid teams.
A panel discussion titled ‘The Strategic HR Engine: Powering Business Through People, Culture & Technology’ was moderated by Vanessa Camenzuli, with panellists including Karen Spiteri Bailey from RSM Malta, Rachael Blackburn from APS Bank, and Paul Gonzi from Fenech & Fenech Advocates.
FHRD presented HR Quality Mark Certificates to 10 organisations that completed the ninth intake. CraneAuthenticationMalta Limited received a special award for achieving the highest overall score.
The event also featured an exhibition area with 27 exhibitors showcasing the latest HR technologies and services.
For Malta’s business community, the strong turnout and focus on strategic HR signals that companies are increasingly investing in people functions to drive competitiveness and navigate regulatory and talent challenges.
The conference was supported by partners including APS Bank, Attard Bros Group, Hilton Malta, MAPFRE, and Shireburn Software Ltd.