How Malta’s business leaders are harnessing AI to work smarter, not harder

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for Silicon Valley or tech startups – it has rapidly become an indispensable tool for Malta’s business leaders.

From data analysis to email writing and business development, CEOs and executives are integrating AI into their everyday workflows to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and stay competitive in a fast-evolving business landscape.

Here’s what they told MaltaCEOS.mt:

“Human + AI will always outperform either of them separately”

Nathan Farrugia, Founder and Chief Executive at VISTAGE, is a strong advocate for the human-AI partnership. He relies on AI daily, leveraging paid versions of ChatGPT and Perplexity for everything from research and troubleshooting to brainstorming content for VISTAGE’s programmes and publications.

AI also plays a crucial role in his advisory work, particularly when it comes to building business plans and analysing datasets. “We use AI inbuilt in our CRM to manage lead generation, tasks and even contracts and documentation,” he tells MaltaCEOs.mt. He further adds that Apple Mail’s AI capabilities help him summarise emails and manage his inbox more effectively.

Mr Farrugia’s company also integrates AI into its learning platform, Growy.App, using it for course post-production, voiceovers, and content management. Personally, he utilises AI tools like the WHOOP coach to monitor health metrics, and Plaud’s AI device to transcribe and summarise business coaching sessions.

Despite the extensive use of AI, Mr Farrugia maintains a forward-looking perspective. “I am more keen to look at AI agents to help scale our productivity, improve business development and even, perhaps, build AI Coaches that can help employees with simple problems and decision making,” he says. He’s experimented with early versions of such agents and is “amazed at how quickly things are progressing.”

He remains optimistic about the future of AI in business, noting that while some industries may see workforce disruption, the key to staying relevant lies in human-centric skills. “Critical thinking, emotional and social intelligence, leadership and human-centric activities, such as creativity and storytelling are safe bets to future-proof our relevance in a fast-changing world – at least for the next five years,” he advises.

From code to commuters

At ADI Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd, Managing Director Adrian Mallia has also embraced AI across various aspects of his work. He uses ChatGPT and similar large language models (LLMs) for an array of tasks, including writing Python code, conducting research, drafting Excel formulas, and improving text structure in reports.

“These tools are a faster alternative to traditional search engines, especially when querying data analysis functions or coding help,” he points out. With the right prompts, LLMs provide highly relevant answers almost instantly.

He also uses Goodvision, an AI platform that extracts traffic and pedestrian data from video footage. This tool enables ADI Associates to capture insights like vehicle speed and pedestrian movement patterns – information that would be difficult and time-consuming to obtain manually.

AI as a second language – and a second brain

For Aurelia Ferreira, Founder and Director of Aura Projects, AI has been instrumental in elevating communication and enhancing productivity. “I am using AI at work to review emails. As English is not my first language, it helps me ensure my emails are correct and professional,” she explains.

AI also assists her team in summarising meeting minutes and preparing documents for presentations and market research. Currently, ChatGPT is her platform of choice.

From corporate boardrooms to consultancy offices, AI is no longer just an add-on – it’s becoming a critical partner in decision-making, creativity, and communication. As these business leaders show, embracing AI isn’t about replacing people. It’s about empowering them to do their best work, faster and more effectively.