PayNet launches Program Akar for needs of digitally skilled workers

KUALA LUMPUR – Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) today launched Program Akar, a new programme designed to address the urgent need for digitally skilled workers in Malaysia. Powered by AWS re/Start, this pioneering cloud skills initiative is set to transform the financial services industry by equipping Malaysia’s next-generation talent with essential digital skills, and will be delivered through World Education Placement Services Sdn Bhd (WEPS).

With 78% of Malaysian employers seeking digitally skilled workers in the next five years, the demand for digital talent has never been higher. However, research by Gallup and AWS found that access to affordable digital skill training remains a challenge for almost half of all Malaysians surveyed, despite over 80% of them expressing high levels of interest in such programmes.

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Program Akar aims to address these challenges by providing an accessible and inclusive digital skills programme at no cost to participants. Applicants need not have a prior technical background. AWS will provide training resources, cloud services, and technical expertise, while PayNet will fund the programme and advocate for the integration of industry-relevant skills. WEPS will ensure the curriculum is up-to-date and industry-focused, and deliver the programme end-to-end.

PayNet and Program Akar

As part of this initial collaboration, PayNet, AWS re/Start, and WEPS have committed to starting the programme with 100 students in 2024. The first cohort of 50 students will serve as a pilot to gather insights and refine the programme for future cohorts.

“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,” said PayNet Akar senior director, Jun Maria Tan Abdullah. “This initiative ensures students receive relevant skills and experiential learning, preparing them effectively for the workforce.”

“Malaysia’s digital economy and digital inclusion goals are dependent on talent who have the skills and mindset to drive this change,” said Pete Murray, Malaysia Country Manager, AWS. “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.”