Sem Ponnambalam

Sem Ponnambalam has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. Most recently, they have been a Board Member at MAPLE Business Council® since 2020. Prior to that, they were the President and Co-Founder of Xahive Corporation from 2013, where they accumulated over 18 years of experience in the private and public sectors, including working as a senior trade policy advisor for both Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau. Sem has also held roles such as Senior Market Development Advisor and Trade Policy Analyst at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada from 2009 to 2016. Sem Ponnambalam has also worked in various capacities for organizations such as Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, House of Commons-Canadian Parliament, Amnesty International-United States, and US Senator Dianne Feinstein. Sem'sexperience includes policy analysis, international relations, legislative program assistance, and being selected as a cyber panelist representing Canada at international forums.

Sem Ponnambalam completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science: International Relations from Carleton University, with a duration from 1997 to 2002. They later pursued a Master of Arts degree in Legal Studies at Carleton University, completing it from 2002 to 2006. Prior to their university education, Sem attended Colonel By Secondary School, although no specific degree or field of study is mentioned. Additionally, Sem obtained several certifications related to cloud computing and IT management, including certifications from IBM and Red Hat.