CMBS becomes Knights in strategic rebrand aimed at global education markets

The Central Mediterranean Business School (CMBS), a leading higher education institution in Malta, has rebranded to Knights, as it eyes significant international expansion in the coming months.

At a brand launch event held on Monday evening, Knights CEO Morgan Parnis officially unveiled the rebrand, which he said marks a bold new chapter in the institution’s evolution.

Knights is Malta’s leading, internationally harmonised, private higher education brand, offering courses from tertiary level, through to undergraduate, masters, and even doctorate degrees.

As part of an internationalisation strategy, Knights will be launching educational institutes in a number of jurisdictions in the coming months, partnering up with leading stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge, work-based, and industry-focused courses at a variety of levels and covering areas from business to emerging technology.  

“Knights reflects a renewed vision rooted in global relevance, innovation in learning, and strategic international growth. We’re not just rebranding,” said Parnis.

“We’re reimagining what a Maltese education institution can do on the world stage,” he added.

“Knights will be a vehicle for international collaboration, digital innovation, and meaningful learning outcomes across borders.”

The launch event also featured remarks by Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, who praised Knights for exporting Maltese excellence in education across the globe.

“This strategy aligns seamlessly with the vision the government has for this sector and it is wonderful to see Knights making it a reality,” he said.

The minister was followed by Peter-Jan Grech of BRND WGN, the agency behind the brand transformation, who walked guests through the process of building the new brand identity.

Strong brand principles, Grech explained, ensure that whether a Knights campus is in Asia, Africa, or Europe, it will feel unmistakably part of the same global Knights family, unified in purpose, quality, and experience.

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International growth and innovation

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Knights is pursuing an ambitious international agenda, currently exploring education partnerships and different models in the UAE, Australia, Canada, the UK, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Japan.

In collaboration with Trade Malta and various embassies, Knights is also assessing franchising options and adapting its offerings to suit the specific needs of each market.

“Each jurisdiction presents unique opportunities,” Parnis explained.

“We’re not applying a one-size-fits-all model. We’re working directly with governments and local industry to build education models that are relevant, responsive, and scalable.”

What does this collaboration look like? In Ethiopia, Knights recently engaged with over 30 local industry leaders to understand market needs and will be hosting an education-focused conference in the region this June.

In Rwanda, Knights is leading the development of a new AI project aimed at launching a tech company designed to support local innovation.

Parnis said more information would be rolled out on this development in the coming weeks.

Future-ready learning

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At the core of Knights is a commitment to practical, future-ready education.

Its curriculum integrates embedded certifications and industry-driven content, developed in partnership with global institutions like Coventry University and ACCA, as well as local industry leaders.

Cutting-edge mentorship tools, powered by proprietary AI platforms, support personalised learning experiences, while a blended delivery model combines flexibility with hands-on applied research.

With an active international campus in the UAE and strategic engagement across Africa, Canada, Australia, and the UK, Knights ensures its global presence is anchored by a strong academic and quality assurance hub in Malta.

Every international programme remains Malta-accredited and reflects the educational values and standards of its origin.

Aligned with Malta Vision 2050

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Knights stands as a direct contributor to the national goals outlined in Malta’s Vision 2050.

Through the integration of AI-powered tutors, alongside an industry-driven curriculum and digitally enabled campuses, the institution is advancing innovation and digital transformation.

Its commitment to quality education and lifelong learning is reflected in qualifications grounded in real-world certifications, employer-led design, and a strong focus on applied research.

As Malta remains the academic and governance hub, Knights is actively exporting knowledge and services through Malta-accredited programmes and international partnerships.

Beyond academic credentials, the institution also prioritises human-centric development, placing mentoring, leadership, ethics, and meaningful impact at the core of its learning experience.

With a growing global footprint across Africa, the Middle East, and the UK, Knights is strengthening Malta’s role in fostering global connectivity through strategic educational collaborations.

In his address Minister Grima also highlighted how Knights’ internationalisation strategy aligns with the government’s own vision for this sector.  

“Knights represents the kind of forward-looking, values-driven institution we need to realise Malta’s Vision 2050,” he said.

“By combining technological innovation with human-centred education, and exporting our academic standards abroad, Knights is positioning Malta not only as a hub for quality learning, but as a contributor to global educational transformation.”

This model aligns with Malta’s Vision 2050, particularly in advancing innovation and digital transformation through AI-integrated learning systems and modern pedagogical approaches.

Knights also champions quality education and lifelong learning by offering practical qualifications and research opportunities that address real-world challenges.

Through its expanding international footprint, the college exports Maltese expertise, academic rigour, and values abroad, supporting a broader strategy to build global knowledge networks.

Its human-centric approach emphasises ethical leadership, mentorship, and impact, while fostering deep cross-continental collaboration in line with Malta’s ambition for global connectivity

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