The Minister of Economy and Labour announced a new free online digital skills programme that was made possible through Bermuda’s strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

Jason Hayward described the Bermuda Coders Initiative as “a groundbreaking digital skills education programme”, which is part of the UAE’s Government Experience Exchange Office.

He said the programme came at no financial cost to the Government but as part of the partnership, Bermuda would look to assist the UAE in financial services.

Abdulla Nasser Lootah, the director-general of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, a UAE federal government entity, gave a video address speaking about the benefits of the programme.

Mr Hayward said: “This initiative will provide every Bermudian and Bermuda-based learner with free access, through any internet-enabled device, to world-class digital technology courses and certifications. These will be delivered by some of the best educators in the field.

“The programme was developed by Udacity, a global leader in digital education, and Microsoft, a name synonymous with technological advancement.

“This opportunity is launched today and will be available for the entire year.

“The course will equip participants with cutting-edge coding, data science, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Emerging technology is, as we speak, changing how we live, work and play, and connect as a society.

“Our ability to harness it will define Bermuda’s future over the next decade and shape the island’s success for generations to come.

“This initiative transcends education. It is about empowering every Bermudian with the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

The courses include fundamentals in data science, AI, Android Kotlin development [development of phone apps] and programming.

While Mr Hayward said the Government was committed to integrating the programme across the public service, he encouraged all to seize the opportunity.

He called on employers to encourage their work force to participate and educators to integrate the courses into their curriculums.

“We are privileged to collaborate with the UAE, one of the world’s most technologically-advanced nations, as we strengthen our economic ties.”

Mr Nasser Lootah said in his video address: “Although we are physically apart, we are united in our purpose as we celebrate the launch of the Bermuda Coders Initiative.

“Today, we will join hands virtually to empower the youth of Bermuda with the digital skills necessary for the future.

“This event marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral co-operation between the UAE and Bermuda.

“We are keen on addressing the following four areas of co-operation — programming, government excellence, government accelerator and government performance.”

Speaking directly to the young people of Bermuda, Mr Nasser Lootah added: “Today isn’t just about launching a programme, it is about launching a future.

“To each one of you stepping into the Bermuda Coders programme, know that you are stepping into something very powerful.

“The skills you will gain here aren’t just about coding or technology. They are about opening doors and unlocking a world of opportunity.

“Embrace the journey with excitement and passion because you have so much to give, because your country deserves the best, and the future is ready for your ideas and energy.”

The programme is part of the UAE’s Million Arab Coders Initiative and Mr Hayward said it has transformed lives across the globe.

Mr Hayward added: “It will harness the island’s unique spirit of innovation, helping us to lead on the global stage.”

Mr Hayward added that as part of the UAE’s Government Exchange Experience Programme, Bermuda will be looking to use the country’s best practice service deliveries to integrate into some of its own government departments.

He said: “This is part of our ongoing partnership and we will see more programmes and initiatives.

“Bermuda is first in class in financial services and we have a world-class regulator. We can have strategic meetings as to how they can develop their financial industry in the UAE.

“We have certain initiatives that we will embark on in terms of the blue economy, the green economy and expanding our digital economy.

“We can leverage information and knowledge back and forth between the two parties as well as when we start to talk about certain investment initiatives that are available in the Bermuda economy, whether that be the expansion of high net worth services such as Family Offices and things of that nature, investment in ILS [insurance-linked securities] and other funds.

“When we talk about economic co-operation, we determine what areas of interest the UAE can assist us with and the UAE will look to see what areas of interest Bermuda can assist them with.”

He said the Bermuda Coders Initiative was open to all age groups and would result in certification.

The programme is available at www.bermudacoders.com, with details on the courses.

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