Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has introduced Programme Akar, a new initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills in Malaysia’s financial services industry.
The programme, powered by AWS re/Start and facilitated by World Education Placement Services Sdn. Bhd. (WEPS), will offer free training on AWS Cloud services.
With a high demand for digitally skilled workers, Programme Akar seeks to bridge the talent gap in Malaysia.
Research by Gallup and AWS indicates that 78% of Malaysian employers will need digitally skilled workers in the next five years, yet many Malaysians lack access to affordable training.
The programme will help address this by providing accessible and inclusive training without requiring prior technical experience at no cost to participants.
AWS will supply training resources, cloud services, and technical expertise, while PayNet will fund the programme and promote industry-relevant skills.
WEPS will manage the curriculum and deliver the programme.
The initiative will start with 100 students in 2024, beginning with an initial pilot cohort of 50 students to gather insights and refine the programme for future cohorts.
Participants will undergo a 47-day training course designed by AWS and PayNet covering foundational cloud skills, programming, networking, security, and databases.
Graduates will earn the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification and receive support in securing internships and job placements in the financial services sector.
The first training cohort, starting in July 2024, includes students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU).
Financial institutions like Bank Negara, Maybank, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, and Bank Islam have shown interest in providing internships.
PayNet and WEPS will connect candidates with roles such as cloud operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and technical business support functions.
The AWS re/Start programme, available in over 60 countries, has successfully connected 98% of its graduates with job opportunities.
“At PayNet, we recognise the pressing talent shortage in Malaysia’s tech-driven sectors. Our collaboration with AWS through Program Akar aims to bridge this gap by equipping early talent with essential cloud skills.
This initiative ensures students receive relevant skills and experiential learning, preparing them effectively for the workforce.”
said Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Senior Director of PayNet Akar.
“Malaysia’s digital economy and digital inclusion goals are dependent on talent who have the skills and mindset to drive this change.
PayNet’s inspirational vision has resulted in this first-of-its-kind collaboration with AWS and WEPS to empower the next generation of financial services talent in Malaysia with foundational skills in Cloud Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Application Modernisation.”
said Pete Murray, Malaysia Country Manager, AWS.
Featured image: (From left to right) Dato’ V Rathakrishnan, Managing Director, WEPS; Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Senior Director, PayNet AKAR; Peter Murray, Country GM, AWS; Farhan Ahmad, GCEO, PayNet; Professor Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor, APU & Mughilen Rathakrishnan, CEO, WEPS
