Spotlight on tech influence on NMI workforce

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce was able to get a first taste of the Early Adoption Technology Conference when panelists served as guests at a pre-event luncheon yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

The 2018 EATC, which starts today at the Saipan World Resort up to Saturday, would touch on technology’s influence on the CNMI’s workforce and would touch on topics such as artificial intelligence, inclusive entrepreneurship, and sustainable technology ecosystems, among other topics.

According to HCR Consulting chief executive officer David Rixter, who would be speaking today about inclusive entrepreneurship, technology is a possible medium of globalization for the CNMI and other remote areas.

“Technology is exponential. It is moving faster. If we leverage technology where it benefits society, I believe it would benefit all of the world,” Rixter said in an interview.

“It’s about workplace and jobs,” he said. “We need to make sure that underserved communities, isolated communities, have access to these resources—that’s why we are here,” he added. “Allowing the CNMI to leap ahead and participate in this opportunity gives [the NMI] a unique place in time, where the community [wants to participate].”

According to Commonwealth Development Authority economic development analyst Oscar Camacho, the agency invited Rixter, along with several other individuals from across the nation, for the conference in the CNMI.

“We need to start thinking of a technology-based industry,” Camacho said.

Chamber executive director Maxine Laszlo told Saipan Tribune yesterday that she believes technology would eventually reach all corners of the world.

“…This industry would come whether we like it or not,” she said. “If members of the business community or if the SCC could be at the forefront of understanding how to enter these markets and provide it for local students to be able to bring goods to the market as well as how existing businesses could already profit, I bet that is a win-win for everybody.”

“…At the end of the day, we can make this work for our island[s] in a way that it could benefit everybody,” Laszlo said.

The EATC 2018 conference would be convening at the Saipan World Resort from 9am to 5pm. For Oct. 19, 2018, the conference would continue from 10am to 2pm at the American Memorial Theater and would conclude at same venue the following day from 11am to 12pm.