Prof Maurice Grech studied at the University of Malta and Birmingham, UK. During his distinguished career he worked at TeleMalta Corporation and Malta Development Corporation, now Malta Enterprise. He is a full professor at the University of Malta and has for the 30 years occupied various positions at the University of Malta including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. Between 2007-2012 he was Principal of the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology (MCAST), Malta's Vocational College with over 6000 full time students. His major contribution during this period included the introduction of degree programmes and the acquisition of parity of esteem between vocational and traditional qualifications. His contributions in the field of education have been acknowledged both nationally through the Lifetime Excellence Award bestowed by the Malta Chamber of Professional Engineers and internationally through a number of awards including the FCGI Fellowship. The latter is a prestigious honorary qualification with a UK higher doctorate standing, bestowed by the City and Guilds Of London Institute ‘upon exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field, gained the respect of their peers and can be considered role models for their profession’ and particularly ‘in recognition of his ability to manage people, information and operations in complex professional or technical situations and to formulate and implement strategies at the highest levels of responsibility’.