Debate 1: Exec Showdown
Panel: Secretary Generals Julian Guillaumier (Pulse) and Neil Smart Costantino (SDM), Vice Presidents Ayrton Mifsud (Pulse) ad Gabriel Micallef (SDM), Presidents Wayne Sammut (Pulse) and Ian Zahra (SDM).
Moderator: Matthew Charles Zammit (Insite Malta CEO)
Highlights of the debate
Interestingly, both SDM and Pulse representatives were in agreement on various topics. They both noted that KSU’s Car Pooling System was a great achievement while the Solidaritree Campaign needs to be worked upon and improved. The air did get tense however when the topic of electoral system reform was brought forward. Personal attacks were thrown around and at this point there was no chance of reconciliation or agreement on any other point of discussion except for the fact that debates like this one are a crucial tool against student apathy. They are a platform for better informed students, right in the heart of quadrangle.
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Debate 2: Old vs. New – The merits of KSU elections
Speakers: Becky Micallef and Steph Dalli (Outgoing and incoming KSU presidents)
Moderator: Johann Agius (Insite Malta Deputy CEO)
Highlights of the debate
The main points tackled throughout this debate were the issues that KSU faces regularly and the proposals being brought forward. Becky Micallef started off by highlighting the strengths of the previous year’s KSU. One of their greatest achievements was the success of the KSU transport fund, where students had to give up their permit for a period of time and use other means of transport. Another success was that of the research fund and how this gave a much-needed boost to the cultural aspect both on campus and on a national level. She admitted that had time been permitting, more work could have been done at post-secondary schools to encourage student activism. She strongly believes that throughout the year, KSU kept in mind the perspective of all of the students especially with regards to topics such as Spring Hunting.
Steph Dalli started off by explaining further the proposal of a revamped campus fest and how events like this bring students together and garner a sense of belonging. She pointed out how this year’s KSU wants to increase funding and plans to do this by accessing funds by the Malta Arts Fund amongst others. She pointed out how having less proposals than the previous year does in no way imply that less work will be done, but rather that the organisation’s main aim is that of giving the necessary attention to the main incentives and reaching full potential.
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Debate 3: KE/KPS
Speakers: KSU Social Policy Commissioner candidates Kayrin Gauci, Alexander Hili and Steve Borg, KE candidates Gilian Asciak, Denise Balzan, Clayton Axisa and Tina Miggiani
Moderator: Matthew Charles Zammit (Insite Malta CEO)
Highlights of the debate
KSU Social Policy Commissioner Candidates discussed their proposals and the areas they want to work on the most. Steve Borg strongly emphasised how important it is to empower students to speak up and make their voice heard. Controversial topics such as sexual consent are not ones to shy away from. Kayrin Gauci highlighted how Public Speaking Skills and Presentation Skills are an elemental tool for any university student and how she would like to ensure that there’s access to such training. She also spoke about the importance of understanding the rector’s vision and finding a way to work together rather than from different angles. Alexander Hili pointed out how collaboration is the best way forward. He would like to work on topics such as Digital Data Protection and LGBT by putting the stakeholders on campus around a table and hold much needed discussions. They all agreed that enthusiasm, thinking outside the box and team work are crucial characteristics for this role.
KE candidates highlighted how they want to work on subcommittees within the KSU to improve the function of the organisation. Clayton Axisa mentioned how Social Media can be a well-functioning motor that links organisations and allows them to work together. They all agreed that the creation of funds will be a principal objective for the year. Denise Balzan underlined the importance of a contribution scheme for research and an entire campaign dedicated to it to increase funds. She didn’t want to fail to mention the Digital Learning Proposal, something that she believes is crucial in today’s day and age. Faculty of Arts student Gilian Axiaq strongly believes that a scholarship portal makes the process of furthering studies abroad much easier and encourages students to grasp such opportunities. Tina Miggiani emphasised how more events should be organised at Mater Dei for those students whose campus is at hospital.
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