In a stunning victory that spotlights Malta’s thriving business scene, SiGMA Group grabbed the SME of the Year title at the 2025 Malta Business Awards, proving local startups can conquer global stages. This win, along with a silver nod for social impact, raises big questions about how one company turned gaming events into an international powerhouse. What’s next for this Maltese success story?
SiGMA Group took home the top prize for SMEs with 26 to 250 employees during the fourth annual Malta Business Awards on Friday at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. The event, organized by the Malta Chamber of SMEs and Malta Enterprise, drew hundreds of business leaders to celebrate standout companies driving growth and innovation.
This award highlights SiGMA’s excellence in business expansion, digital tools, green practices, and employee well-being. Judges picked SiGMA from a shortlist that included AquaBioTech Group and 4JM Solutions, focusing on how these firms boost Malta’s economy.
Eman Pulis, the founder, shared his excitement right after the announcement. He stressed that SiGMA started right here in Malta and plans to stay rooted while inspiring others to chase big dreams.
The night also brought SiGMA a silver award for social impact, recognizing their work through the SiGMA Foundation. This group supports education for kids and women’s empowerment projects worldwide, showing how business can make a real difference.
From Local Startup to Global Player
SiGMA Group began as a small venture in Malta over a decade ago, zeroing in on gaming and tech events. Today, it hosts massive summits across Europe, Asia, and beyond, pulling in thousands of attendees and big-name sponsors.
What started with one event in Malta has grown into a series of global gatherings like SiGMA Central Europe and SiGMA Euro-Med. Recent data from the company’s reports shows they’ve expanded to over 20 countries, creating jobs and partnerships that pump millions into local economies.
Pulis built the company on bold ideas and smart risks. Early on, SiGMA tapped into Malta’s strong gaming regulations, which attract international firms. A 2024 study by Malta Enterprise noted that the gaming sector alone contributes about 12% to the island’s GDP, with companies like SiGMA leading the charge.
Their digital push has been key too. By using online platforms for virtual events during the pandemic, SiGMA kept growing when others stalled. Now, they blend live and digital experiences, reaching audiences that traditional events miss.
One standout move was launching documentaries and retreats, like the exclusive affiliate event in Gozo this year. These efforts not only build networks but also spotlight Malta as a hub for innovation.
Boosting Malta’s Economy and Beyond
SiGMA’s success ripples through Malta’s business world, creating jobs and drawing foreign investment. With over 200 employees, the company has become a major employer, offering roles in marketing, tech, and event planning.
Beyond jobs, SiGMA drives tourism and spending. Their events bring in visitors who stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, and explore the island. A report from the Malta Tourism Authority in 2025 estimates that business events like SiGMA add over 50 million euros to the economy each year.
Here’s how SiGMA stands out in key areas:
- Growth: Revenue jumped 30% in the last fiscal year, per internal figures shared at the awards.
- Innovation: They pioneered hybrid events that mix in-person and online elements.
- Sustainability: Initiatives cut event waste by 40%, according to their 2024 ESG report.
- Community: The foundation has funded projects in Africa and Asia, impacting thousands.
This win could inspire more startups. Malta’s government has pushed policies to support SMEs, with tax breaks and grants that helped SiGMA scale up. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, speaking at a recent SiGMA event, praised the sector for its role in making Malta a leader in gaming regulation.
On a global scale, SiGMA’s model shows how niche events can go big. Competitors in places like Las Vegas or London watch closely, as SiGMA’s focus on emerging markets sets it apart.
Challenges and Future Horizons
No success comes without hurdles. SiGMA has faced competition from larger event giants and navigated regulatory changes in gaming laws across Europe. Yet, they’ve adapted by diversifying into areas like medtech through events such as MedTech Malta 2025.
Looking ahead, Pulis hints at more expansions, possibly into new continents. With the SME award as a badge of honor, SiGMA aims to double its event lineup by 2027, based on plans outlined in their latest strategy update.
Critics sometimes question the gaming industry’s social effects, but SiGMA counters with strong responsible gaming programs. Their foundation’s work, like auctions that raised funds for education, helps balance profits with purpose.
In one recent push, SiGMA partnered with local groups to train young Maltese in digital skills, addressing a skills gap noted in a 2025 EU report on workforce needs.
This forward-thinking approach keeps SiGMA relevant in a fast-changing world.
SiGMA Group’s double win at the 2025 Malta Business Awards cements its place as a beacon of Maltese ingenuity, blending bold growth with heartfelt social efforts that touch lives far beyond the island’s shores. As this homegrown giant continues to expand, it reminds us that starting small doesn’t mean dreaming small, offering hope for entrepreneurs everywhere in a competitive global market.
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