The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has brought together representatives from seven European countries to discuss how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the workplace. The event, held under the TransFormWork 2 project in collaboration with the GWU and the Malta Business Bureau, explored both the opportunities and risks of AI adoption.

Jack Mizzi, Deputy Chairperson of The Malta Chamber’s Tech Businesses Section, said Malta must urgently move from “policy to action” on digital transformation. He stressed that AI should be adopted responsibly and with people at the centre, while highlighting the role of partnerships between policymakers, businesses, educators and social partners.

From the workers’ perspective, GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja cautioned that AI could threaten rights and job security if not managed carefully. He said the transition must remain “fair, inclusive and people-focused,” with technology used to boost dignity and human work rather than undermine it.

MBB’s Gabriel Cassar noted that EU policy should ensure AI supports decision-making rather than replaces it, helping businesses to innovate while also building trust.

The roundtable also featured insights from local and international experts. Parliamentary Ombudsman Joseph Zammit McKeon underlined the importance of human rights safeguards, particularly privacy and protection against discrimination. Former IMF Mission Chief for Malta Kontaro Ishi and IMF Senior Economist Thomas Pihl Gade warned that as many as two-thirds of jobs in Malta could be affected by AI, with one-third at risk, urging education reforms and continuous upskilling.

Experts from across Europe pointed to uneven adoption of digital technologies but agreed on the need for proactive strategies. Local contributors included MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat, Prof. Alexiei Dingli, Dr Conrad Attard and Dr Patrick Massa, with international input from EuroFound, EU-OSHA, BusinessEurope and the ETUC.

The event underscored that while AI brings real risks of job displacement, it also creates opportunities. Malta’s experience, organisers said, shows the value of coordinated dialogue to ensure AI contributes to growth, competitiveness and social wellbeing.