Deloitte Annual Forum 2025: A Retrospective

Malta Vision 2050

50 years since the birth of the Republic of Malta, we stand at a crossroad which will define at least the next 25 years. The economy has undoubtedly grown significantly in recent years, as we capitalised on EU membership and transformed into a robust and resilient economy. But at what cost? What lies ahead? What are the lessons learned, mistakes made, success stories, opportunities and challenges? Rising population, immigration, quality of life, infrastructure, the environment, aesthetics, transportation, education, poverty, health – these are all impacted by Malta’s increased urbanisation. Should the pursuit of more economic growth be the sole focus of success? As the nation becomes wealthier, shouldn’t other goals become more prominent? These were just some of the questions our distinguished speakers addressed in our panel discussion on the Malta Vision 2050 moderated by Nick Captur.

Navigating digital transformation: Trust, compliance, and cybersecurity

Technology is without doubt, the single, most disruptive force in society today and a Forward-Focused event must necessarily look at things through a technology lens. The speed of technology development and the vast scope of application brings much promise, but in truth, harnessing that potential within the context of a business invariably brings challenges. The human element to the adoption and application of technology in an applied context is a significant consideration, especially when dealing with the trust issues raised by artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, Deloitte conducted a global survey on trust in AI, and we shared the highlights from that survey with our delegates, to understand the local perspective on some of the arising issues.

When assessing the application of technology to business solutions, the regulatory framework which policy makers are seeking to impose to safeguard the rights and liberties of the individual and to ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure and financial systems, also plays a material role. Understanding the EU’s digital strategy and the digital regulatory landscape is key for those looking to identify emerging strategic opportunities whilst also preparing for ongoing compliance.

With technology, vulnerability to the risks posed by others seeking to cause harm or to take advantage, increases and evolves. It is estimated that vulnerability to cybercrime will cost the global economy 20 trillion US dollars in 2026. As our deployment of (and dependence on) technology platforms increases, so does our exposure to this risk and the need for us to ensure that we place ourselves at the forefront when it comes to the tools deployed, as well as the systems and processes we introduce, to protect us and our businesses from harmful agents seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. As in all cases, prevention is the only true solution as often the damage caused by a successful cyberattack can never be truly remedied. Christos Vidakis, one of Deloitte’s leading cybercrime experts, shared with us his insights on current realities, prospective vulnerabilities, and the tools at our disposal to defend ourselves from attack.

The technology segment of the Deloitte Annual Forum 2025 closed with a fireside chat with Professor Oege de Moor, a highly distinguished figure in the field of artificial intelligence, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to software engineering and programming languages. As the Vice President of Research at Facebook and a former Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford, De Moor's work has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in AI and machine learning.

With a career spanning over three decades, De Moor has been at the forefront of developing innovative tools and methodologies that enhance software reliability and security. His research has significantly influenced the way we understand and implement AI technologies, making complex systems more robust and efficient. His leadership at Facebook's AI Research (FAIR) division has been instrumental in advancing AI applications that impact billions of users worldwide.

At the Deloitte Annual Forum 2025, Professor De Moor shared his visionary insights on the future of AI. Together we explored emerging trends, ethical considerations, and the transformative potential of AI in various industries. His expertise provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how AI can drive innovation, improve decision-making, and create new opportunities for businesses and society. It was an enlightening discussion with one of the leading minds in AI as we navigated the future of this dynamic field.

Unlocking success

Since the time of the Greeks, Olympians have been revered. Their ability to excel and to distinguish themselves from all the rest is a direct result of their talent but also of their discipline and commitment. For this reason, this year’s Deloitte Annual Forum closed with a conversation between Sarah Curmi and Daley Thompson CBE, one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Daley Thompson is a name synonymous with unparalleled success in the world of athletics. Born Francis Morgan Thompson on 30 July 1958 in Notting Hill, London, Daley Thompson's journey from a young boy with a passion for sports to becoming one of the greatest decathletes of all time is nothing short of inspirational. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that have also propelled him to success in the business world.

Thompson's athletic career is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. He won gold medals in the decathlon at the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, setting world records and becoming a household name. His dominance in the decathlon, a gruelling event that tests an athlete's versatility and endurance across ten different disciplines, earned him the title of "the world's greatest athlete". Thompson's success was not limited to the Olympics; he also secured victories at the World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games, solidifying his legacy as a sporting legend.

The qualities that made Thompson a champion on the track have seamlessly translated into his business endeavours. His transition from sports to business was driven by the same principles that guided his athletic career: a commitment to excellence, a strategic approach to challenges, and an unwavering determination to succeed. Thompson's ventures in the business world have been diverse, ranging from fitness and health to motivational speaking and corporate training. His ability to inspire and lead by example has made him a sought-after figure in the corporate arena.

During this final session, attendees heard about the parallels between Thompson's success in sport and business - whether his recipe for dealing with setbacks and the importance he gives to preparation and adaptability, whether on the track or in the boardroom - Daley Thompson's journey from Olympic champion to successful businessman is a powerful narrative of how the principles of athletic excellence can be applied to the corporate world. His story is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and business leaders alike, demonstrating that with the right mindset, dedication, and resilience, success is attainable in any arena. 

In addition to Thompson's candid approach in sharing his achievements and experiences, the content was both inspirational and entertaining. His engaging interaction with the audience truly elevated the closing session at the Deloitte Annual Forum, leaving everyone energised and inspired with valuable lessons on achieving greatness and navigating the path to success.

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Mark your calendars for 2026, and be sure to join us for what promises to be another event packed with unique insights.

Together we’ll discover the power of possibility, the impact of breaking boundaries and the importance of taking action today to ensure a sustainable future.