Rooting for growth: (Second row) PayNet Akar senior director Jun Maria Abdullah Tan (fifth from left), Farhan (ninth from left) and Si (10th from left) at the launch.
TO future-proof the financial services industry, continual efforts must be made to build a pipeline of digitally skilled, industry-ready talent.
In response to this need, Program Akar – a national talent development initiative by Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) – was recently expanded with a new phase focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.
Designed around a three-pillar curriculum, the programme will welcome 100 participants in its first cohort – starting with 25 students from Multimedia University (MMU) and expanding to 75 students from other local universities by the end of the year.
The first pillar of the curriculum focuses on values-driven enrichment, which involves cultivating leadership, integrity and a future-ready mindset.
The second pillar covers digital payment knowledge, including the evolution of money, banking systems, digital payments and transaction security.
The third pillar centres on AI and data science mastery, combining foundational knowledge with critical thinking and real-world applications.
Program Akar was launched in collaboration with Amazon Web Services in July last year, with a focus on digital payments and cloud technologies.
This second instalment, which broadens the programme’s focus to include AI and data science, is powered by Microsoft as part of its “AI for Malaysia’s Future” (AIForMYFuture) skilling initiative.
The event, which kicked-off on April 25, was attended by PayNet group chief executive officer Farhan Ahmad, MMU Market Exploration, Engagement and Touchpoint vice president Prof Dr Zulfadzli Yusoff, and Microsoft Malaysia managing director Laurence Si, who shared insights into the importance of future-ready talent in Malaysia’s journey towards a digital economy.
Farhan said Program Akar is about more than preparing students for jobs – it’s about preparing them to lead Malaysia’s digital economy with purpose.
“At PayNet, we see talent development as national development. By equipping our youth with future-proof digital skills and connecting them to meaningful industry opportunities, we’re strengthening Malaysia’s financial ecosystem and building long-term economic resilience,” he said in a press release.
Si said AI is transforming every role in every industry, including financial services.
“By collaborating with PayNet through Program Akar, we’re helping to build a generation of talent equipped with the digital and AI skills to thrive, in line with Microsoft’s AIForMYFuture initiative,” he said.
MMU student Amir Hibban Amir Herman, who is part of the first cohort, said being selected for the programme “feels like a big step forward”.
“It’s not every day you get the chance to learn about AI and digital payments from real industry leaders. I’m excited to see how this can shape my future and help me find my place in Malaysia’s digital economy,” he said.
Program Akar is part of PayNet’s broader commitment to shaping a future-ready Malaysia. Through the programme, students will gain hands-on learning, mentorship and job placements within Malaysia’s leading financial institutions.
