Transforming Governance Transparency through Blockchain
Malta continues to strengthen its position as a global thought leader in blockchain, digital governance and emerging technologies.
This pre-lunch conference gathers distinguished experts to explore how AI, blockchain and quantum technologies are enhancing transparency, resilience and innovation across governance, the economy and art industry.
The event will highlight how these transformative technologies can promote trust, integrity and accountability. Shaping the future of digital governance and the creative economy.
Featured guest speaker
His Excellency & Professor Stephen Montefort - The High Commissioner of Malta
Professor Montefort: From Medicine to Diplomacy
After a distinguished medical career, Professor Montefort now serves as Malta’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, channelling decades of leadership and public service into diplomacy.
“London is a global centre of excellence — in medicine, diplomacy and beyond,” he says. “With the UK and EU pursuing closer cooperation, this is the place to be.”
A former respiratory specialist, he volunteered on the frontline during COVID-19, advising Malta’s government and helping achieve one of the world’s lowest mortality rates. “That experience inspired me to serve in a new way,” he reflects.
An academic and researcher, he served as Head of Medicine and Vice Dean at the University of Malta, and his work on the ISAAC global asthma study shaped international policy. A Commonwealth Scholar and Order of Merit recipient, he continues to mentor students and promote medical collaboration.
Now focused on Malta–UK relations, Professor Montefort promotes trade, healthcare links and cultural exchange. “Over 70,000 people of Maltese descent live in the UK — we want to keep our language and heritage alive,” he notes.
He also champions climate cooperation, highlighting Malta’s role as an EU–Commonwealth bridge and trusted international mediator. Presenting his credentials to King Charles III was, he says, “an unforgettable honour.” Outside work, he and his wife Anna enjoy exploring the UK and spending time with their family. “This is a great country with great people - we feel very much at home.”
Mr. Peter Meli, Economic Attaché - The Malta High Commission
Mr. Peter P. Meli, currently serves as the Economic Attaché at the Malta High Commission in London and Director of the Malta Enterprise Office in the United Kingdom. Prior to this appointment, he held several senior positions within Malta Enterprise, most recently overseeing the business development of the Malta Life Sciences Park, which encompasses both the Malta Life Sciences Centre and the Malta Digital Hub.
In his current role, Mr. Meli actively promotes Malta as a leading centre for the digital economy, with a particular focus on blockchain technologies, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning. He also plays a key role in positioning Malta as a jurisdiction of choice for foreign direct investment in high value-added and niche sectors.
Mr. Meli was previously the Head of Foreign Investment Promotion at Malta Enterprise from its inception in 2004 until 2011. Before that, he held senior management positions within the Malta Development Corporation and served as a Director on the Maltese Board for the Promotion of Local Industry from 1991 to 2001. Throughout his career, he has represented the Government of Malta in various strategic assignments and business development initiatives.
Addionally, Mr. Meli played a pivotal role in the negotiation and administration of an EU-sponsored aid programme designed to support enterprises and promote joint ventures between Maltese and European partners.
Professor Daniel Broby - Asian Institute of Management
Professor Broby, who joins us from the Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines, ranked among the leading graduate business schools in South-East Asia. He will present his latest research on how blockchain can enhance transparency, accountability and trust in public administration. His talk introduces the Digital Public Asset (DPA) framework, a design that integrates verifiable record keeping into procurement workflows, addressing gaps in auditability and citizen verification.
The discussion is particularly timely given current global concerns about corruption and governance reform. Drawing on the forthcoming Philippine Blockchain Bill (the first of its kind in the world), Professor Broby will demonstrate how distributed ledger systems can strengthen institutional legitimacy and public confidence.
Ms. Alethea Zhang - Founder & Managing Director of Aleah
Ms Alethea Zhang is the Founder and Managing Director of Aleah, established in 2023 with offices in London, Malta and Shanghai. With over a decade of experience in research and development, she has led large cross-functional teams to deliver multi-layered technological and creative solutions for both international and domestic clients, including HSBC, Coca-Cola, Lily & Beauty, Shiseido and Popcap Games.
She also serves as a Senior Advisor in technology and education, with a focus on integrating innovation, governance and cultural development.
Since August 2023, Ms Zhang has served as a Representative of the UK and Honorary Ambassador for Education Malta, promoting academic and technological collaboration between Europe and Asia. In addition, she has organised a series of high-level initiatives to strengthen ties between Malta and China, fostering dialogue along the modern Silk Road.
As a guest lecturer and keynote speaker, Ms Zhang has delivered talks on innovation and emerging technologies at leading institutions including the University of Strathclyde, SOAS University of London, the University of Manchester and Queen Mary University of London. She was also an invited speaker at FinTech Scotland’s 6th Annual Financial Technology Summit & Awards and has been invited as a panellist at the House of Lords, contributing to discussions on female leadership and technological innovation.
Having visited over 30 countries, Ms Zhang brings a deep understanding of multicultural perspectives, global innovation ecosystems and the evolving dialogue between technology, governance and the arts. Her vision is to bridge the gap between creativity and technology, fostering a more transparent and inclusive digital future, especially in the art world.
Agenda
10:00 – 10:25 Registration
10:30 – 10:35 Opening Speech
Ms. Alethea Zhang - Founder, Aleah ARTVERSE
10:35 – 10:45 Welcome Address
HE. Stephen Montefort - Malta High Commissioner
10:45 - 11:10 Malta’s Resilience with Next-Gen Technologies: AI, Blockchain, Quantum and the Digital Economy
Mr. Peter Meli - Economic Attaché, Malta High Commission
11:10 – 11:50 Transforming Government Transparency through Blockchain-Enabled Public Record Systems
Prof. Daniel Broby - Asian Institute of Management
11:50 – 12:20 Cultural Transparency and the Digital Economy: Blockchain & Quantum in the Art and Culture Ecosystem
Ms Alethea Zhang - Founder, Aleah ARTVERSE
12:20 – 12:30 Closing Remarks
Mr Peter Meli - Economic Attaché, Malta High Commission
12:45 – 14:00 VIP Business Networking Lunch (By invitation only; lunch is pre-booked)