Technology expert Chok Ooi will be in Bermuda next week for two days of outreach and meetings.

A study by Executive MBA students of Cornell University in the US, and Queen’s University in Canada, has highlighted the role technology plays in the economic diversification and future prosperity of our economy, and the critical need for a highly educated and technologically literate workforce.

Mr Ooi is an industry expert in this field and most recently started the Kenzie Academy — a technology apprenticeship school which has developed a new model in education in the United States.

The Kenzie Academy aims to empower individuals by providing them with access to the skills and opportunities to build their future in technology. Its mission is to develop talent pools and attract new technology jobs and other opportunities within communities around the globe.

The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce commissioned the study carried out by the students at Cornell and Queen’s universities. The Chamber has partnered with the US Consul General to bring Mr Ooi to the island.

Constance Dierman, US Consul General, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Chamber of Commerce in bringing Chok to Bermuda. We understand the impact his academy has had on other communities and would be thrilled if this visit assisted with the increase in technology based education on the island.”

Kendaree Burgess, chief executive officer of the Chamber, said: “We jumped at the idea of hosting Chok Ooi after reading about the Kenzie Academy, it dovetailed perfectly with the recommendations of our Cornell/Queen’s study and is the next step in moving Bermuda towards becoming a place for technology”

Mr Ooi will speak at a lunch session held at the Chamber on Monday. The session is focused on the impact technology education has had on communities. The public is invited to attend.

Ms Burgess said: “There are many groups in Bermuda focused on technology, whether it be fintech or an innovation hub. All will be dependent on having a fully trained, tech savvy workforce. So it is imperative that we have the infrastructure in place to support this strategy.”

The Chok Ooi session will be held at the Chamber on Monday at 12:30pm, registration is on line at http://www.bermudachamber.bm.