Malaysia – Payment Networks Malaysia, a financial services firm, has recently announced the launch of its new programme aimed at addressing the digital talent gap in financial services amongst workers in Malaysia.
Titled Project Akar, this programme will be powered by AWS re/Start, pioneering a cloud initiative that intends to equip the country with essential digital skills and delivered through World Education Placement Services (WEPS). This will offer free digital skills training that is accessible and inclusive for all participants.
AWS, on this end, will provide the required training resources, cloud services, and technical expertise, while PayNet will fund the programme and advocate for the integration of skills relevant to the industry. The WEPS will also ensure the curriculum is up-to-date and industry-focused and will manage the programme from start to finish.
Under the initial agreement, participating partners have also pledged to launch the programme with 100 students in 2024.
The first set of 50 students will provide valuable feedback to enhance the programme for future groups. They will participate in an intensive 47-day training course designed by AWS and PayNet, covering key areas such as programming, networking, security, and databases related to cloud skills and digital payments.
Graduates will also take the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam to validate their abilities. They will likewise be supported in securing internships and job placements within the country’s financial services sector.
PayNet and WEPS will facilitate connections to roles in cloud operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and technical business support functions.
Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, senior director at PayNet Akar, said, “At PayNet, we recognise the pressing talent shortage in Malaysia’s tech-driven sectors. Our collaboration with AWS through Programme Akar aims to bridge this gap by equipping early talent with essential cloud skills.”
Pete Murray, Malaysia country manager at AWS, also said, “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 modernization.”
Also talking about the initiative, Mughilen Rathakrishnan, chief executive officer at WEPS, stated, “We are happy to collaborate with AWS and PayNet to deliver Programme Akar. This initiative addresses the shortage of skilled professionals in Malaysia and builds a diverse pipeline of cloud talent.”
