Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) today celebrated 50 participants from the Akar Powered by AWS re/Start Program. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the effort to produce digital talent that can support the country’s economic growth, especially in financial services.
Participants comprised students who had undergone intensive training under the program. This ceremony was the second cohort after the success of the first cohort in 2024, which paved the way for continued efforts in building Malaysia’s digital talent pool.
The program began with the participation of 100 participants and of that number, 50 formed the pilot cohort at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). Over the course of 14 weeks, participants underwent intensive training covering the basics of cloud technology and digital payments. In addition, they were also guided through value-based development modules to equip themselves with soft skills that are essential for the world of work.
As recognition, each participant received the AWS re/Start Certificate, AWS Cloud Practitioner, Digital Payment Certificate and Value-Based Enrichment Program Certificate. With these qualifications, they are believed to be ready to join the industry and thus contribute to the development of the country's digital talent.
In essence, the Akar Program not only equips participants with cloud technology and digital payment skills. In fact, it also contributes to the development of a highly skilled workforce needed to strengthen the country's economic competitiveness in the digital era.
Apart from that, this program has attracted the attention of financial sector organizations such as Bank Negara, Maybank, Public Bank, CIMB and Bank Islam. They have expressed interest in providing industrial training opportunities and job placements for Akar graduates, thus strengthening the connection between the world of education and industry needs.
This program is implemented in partnership with World Education Placement Services Sdn Bhd (WEPS) and is PayNet's first national talent development initiative. It is designed to address the digital skills gap in Malaysia by providing participants with cloud technology and digital payment skills for free.
With the success of the second cohort, PayNet remains committed to ensuring that this program remains relevant to industry needs and is able to fill critical talent gaps. The next cohort will open on a date to be announced later.