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KUALA LUMPUR, November 29 – Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet), in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), marked the success of the inaugural cohort of Program Akar powered by AWS re/Start, an initiative equipping students with globally recognized cloud skills tailored for Malaysia’s financial services industry (FSI). The pilot program trained 50 students, culminating in AWS Cloud Practitioner Certifications, digital payments expertise, and mentorship pathways, preparing participants for high-value roles in the FSI.

The program emphasizes a holistic approach to talent development, integrating technical skills with leadership and soft skills. Partners such as World Education Placement Services (WEPS), Asia Pacific University (APU), and leading FSI organizations provided curriculum design, internships, and industry mentorship. “Today’s graduates are not just skilled professionals but future leaders poised to shape Malaysia’s fintech landscape,” said Pete Murray, AWS Malaysia Country Manager. The program will expand in 2025, continuing to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation and closing the talent gap in cloud computing and AI.

Continue read: Program Akar Powered by AWS re/Start Celebrates First Cohort of Graduates – Pocket News

Hold on to your seats, Malaysia! Our future fintech leaders are officially ready to storm the digital world, and it’s all thanks to Program Akar, powered by AWS re/Start. This innovative program, a partnership between PayNet and Amazon Web Services (AWS), just graduated its first batch of 50 students who are now armed with killer cloud skills and industry experience to take Malaysia’s financial services sector by storm.

Program Akar empowers the digital workforce

Program Akar aims to tackle Malaysia’s growing demand for digital talent in sectors like cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. With its inaugural cohort of 50 students, the program provided participants with world-class training and industry-recognized AWS Cloud Practitioner certifications. But it wasn’t just about the technical skills; students also benefited from mentorship, internship placements, and specialized pathways designed to launch their careers in financial services.

At the graduation ceremony held on 20th November 2024, distinguished guests celebrated the students’ accomplishments, including:

• Dr. Rani Sarojeni Burchmore – AWS re/Start Regional Leader
• Dato’ Mohd Izzaddin b. Idris – Chairman of PayNet
• Datuk (Dr.) Nora Abd Manaf – Former Group Chief Human Capital Officer of Maybank
• Farhan Ahmad – GCEO, PayNet
• Pete Murray – Country Manager, AWS Malaysia

Continue read: PayNet and AWS unleashes Malaysia’s new wave of fintech leaders

PayNet, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), celebrated the inaugural cohort of Program Akar powered by AWS re/Start, which equips students with globally recognized cloud skills for Malaysia’s Financial Services Industry (FSI). Launched in 2024, the program graduated its first 50 students, certified in AWS Cloud Practitioner skills, and provided internships with leading institutions like Bank Negara, Maybank, and Public Bank.

Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Senior Director of PayNet Akar, emphasized the collaborative efforts of PayNet, AWS, WEPS, APU, and the FSI in preparing talent for roles in cloud computing, AI, and data science. She highlighted the importance of combining technical skills with attributes like agility, self-direction, and relationship-building to nurture leaders for the global digital economy.

The initiative fosters technical and leadership development, aligning with Malaysia’s digital transformation goals. As part of AWS’s global training efforts, it aims to address talent gaps in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity, creating future-ready FSI leaders.

Pete Murray, AWS Malaysia Country Manager, celebrated the success of Program Akar graduates, highlighting their acquisition of valuable cloud computing skills. He emphasized the program’s role in nurturing local talent, driving Malaysia’s digital transformation, and preparing a future-ready workforce to shape the country’s fintech landscape.

Mughilen Rathakrishnan, CEO of WEPS, highlighted the critical need for skilled digital professionals amid Malaysia’s accelerating digital transformation. He emphasized that Program Akar powered by AWS re/Start equips graduates to meet current demands while shaping a tech-driven future. WEPS is proud to support this effort, fostering innovation and preparing a workforce to drive Malaysia’s digital economy.

Continue read: Program Akar Empowering Malaysia’s Digital Future with AWS re/Start – NOV 21

WEPS is thrilled and deeply honored to be recognized with the prestigious Innovation in Skilling Programs Award at the AWS Summit Jakarta 2024!

This award is a testament to the relentless dedication of our talented team, who strive to make a meaningful impact on global skilling through technology. At WEPS, we are passionate about delivering transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.

We extend our sincere thanks to AWS for this incredible honor, which reinforces our commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions for skill-building and career development. This recognition inspires us to continue innovating and creating tools that enhance opportunities for learners, educators, and businesses alike.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our learners, partners, and stakeholders—your trust and support have been crucial in this journey of growth and success.

Thank you, AWS, for this remarkable recognition. We are excited to continue driving change in education and skilling, shaping a brighter future for all!

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has launched “Program Akar”, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing Malaysia’s urgent need for digitally skilled workers. Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), renowned for its Premier Tech University status, has been selected as the first and only university to participate in this 47-day training programme, which begins in July 2024 and concludes in November.

“Program Akar” is set to revolutionise the financial services industry by equipping Malaysia’s next-generation talent with essential digital skills. According to recent research by Gallup and AWS, 78% of Malaysian employers will seek digitally skilled workers over the next five years. However, nearly half of all Malaysians surveyed face challenges in accessing affordable digital skills training. Additionally, the Accelerating AI Skills study by Access Partnership and AWS reveals that almost all financial services employers (99%) expect to use AI in the next five years.

Continue reading: APU Selected for Prestigious “Program Akar” Digital Skills Training Initiative | Asia Pacific University (APU)

Baru-baru ini, Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) telah melancarkan Program Akar yang mana bertujuan menangani keperluan desak untuk tenaga kerja digital di Malaysia.

Dengan sokongan daripada AWS re/Start, program kemahiran digital yang disediakan untuk peserta awam secara percuma ini dilaksanakan bagi menangani permintaan bakat digital yang semakin meningkat di negara ini oleh 78 peratus majikan di seluruh Malaysia.

Teruskan baca: PayNet Perkenal Program Akar, Tawar Latihan AWS Cloud Percuma Untuk Generasi Muda- Wiser.my

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) today launched Program Akar, a new programme  ..

Malaysian Central Bank-owned Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has introduced Program Akar, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at meeting the urgent demand for digital skills in Malaysia. Supported by AWS re/Start, this innovative cloud skills program will revolutionize the financial services sector by providing Malaysia’s future workforce with crucial digital competencies. The program will be administered by World Education Placement Services Sdn.

With 78 percent of Malaysian employers anticipating a need for digitally skilled workers in the next five years, PayNet highlighted that the demand for digital talent is at an all-time high. However, research by Gallup and AWS indicates that nearly half of Malaysians face challenges accessing affordable digital skill training, despite over 80 percent showing strong interest in such programs. The statement also notes that cloud computing is crucial for driving AI adoption, as it underpins innovations that revolutionize various industries.

Continue reading: PayNet Unveils Cloud Skill Program to Close Malaysia’s FinTech Talent Gap | Asia Education Review

KUALA LUMPUR (July 22): Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has launched Program Akar, a new programme to address the urgent need for digitally skilled workers in the financial services industry.

The cloud skills initiative supported by Amazon Web Services’ AWS re/Start is to equip next-generation talent with essential digital skills and will be delivered through World Education Placement Services (WEPS) Sdn Bhd.

Continue reading: https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/719870

 WEPS is immensely grateful and honored to be the recipient of the prestigious ASOCIO EdTech Award 2023 in South Korea!

This recognition stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, whose passion for revolutionizing education through technology has been the driving force behind WEPS.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ASOCIO for this remarkable honor. It reaffirms our commitment to empowering learners and educators worldwide through innovative EdTech solutions. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, creating impactful tools, and fostering a brighter future for education.

Moreover, none of this would have been possible without the support of our learners, partners, and stakeholders. Your trust and belief in WEPS have been instrumental in our journey towards excellence.

Thank you, ASOCIO, for this incredible recognition, and thank you to everyone who has been a part of our WEPS family. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing our mission of transforming education through technology!

Today, World Education Placement Services Sdn Bhd (WEPS) announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, to provide free cloud computing skills and job training in Malaysia through AWS re/Start. The 12-week free workforce development program helps unemployed and underemployed individuals build entry-level cloud computing skills and connects them with job interview opportunities at local employers.

A recent Asia Pacific Digital Skills study by Gallup and AWS found 86% of male and 84% of female workers in Malaysia are “extremely” or “very interested” in digital skills training; however, 52% of male and 49% of female workers are unable to afford it. WEPS is helping Malaysians from diverse backgrounds, who might not have had access to a career in technology, get access to vital cloud skills training through the free AWS re/Start program.

With the support of accredited instructors and professional mentors, AWS re/Start participants develop skills in programming, networking, security, and relational databases through scenario-based learning, hands-on labs, and coursework. They are prepared for entry-level cloud roles, such as cloud operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and technical adjacent business support functions. By the end of the course, graduates earn their AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification, an industry-recognized credential that validates their cloud computing skills.

“WEPS, in collaboration with AWS, is delivering the AWS re/Start program to help address the shortage of skilled professionals in Malaysia’s cloud industry. The program is helping build a diverse pipeline of cloud talent for the industry, at a time when emerging technologies are being prioritized and adopted. Entry-level cloud professionals are needed to foster innovation and help accelerate the country’s ongoing digital transformation,” said Mr. Mughilen Rathakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, World Education Placement Services Sdn Bhd.

“AWS re/Start is helping individuals to launch successful cloud careers, organizations to increase their competitive edge with ‘net new’ talent, and communities to thrive and grow. The program attracts people from all walks of life and career paths who may not have considered a career in cloud computing. We are proud to be collaborating with WEPS to help grow Malaysia’s vital technology sector, in line with Malaysia’s digitalization and digital inclusion goals,” said Emmanuel Pillai, Head of AWS Training and Certification, ASEAN, Amazon Web Services Singapore Private Limited.

The first WEPS and AWS cohort successfully completed the program in March, with two other cohorts currently underway. Learners range in age from 18 to 50 years and have prior work experience in administration, banking, education, engineering, information technology, and management. Graduates from the first cohort are now certified as AWS Cloud Practitioners and some of them have been hired by Credence, a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia.

“Credence is currently establishing an internal Darwinbox delivery team, which is a human capital management solution for our clients and partners. We are excited to have hired new tech talent who are certified as AWS Cloud Practitioners from the AWS re/Start program. Credence provides technical support in configuration and troubleshooting, and we know the graduates will thrive in our innovative and fast paced environment,” said Dina Krishnan, Chief People Officer, Credence.

“As a mother and wife, I was unemployed throughout the pandemic. But in life, you’re either a dreamer or a winner. I encourage Malaysians to grasp this opportunity through the AWS re/Start program and WEPS today. Being part of the cloud industry now, I have full confidence in myself and my new career,” said Nur Shazwani binti Alidza, AWS re/Start Malaysia Graduate.

“The AWS re/Start program has opened up new career possibilities for me in the cloud industry, something I never thought I would be able to do, and for which I am grateful,” said Muhamad Zahid bin Azahar, AWS re/Start Malaysia Graduate.

The AWS re/Start program is currently available in more than 60 countries and connects over 98% of graduates with job interview opportunities. It is part of Amazon’s commitment to help 29 million people around the world grow their tech skills with free cloud computing skills training by 2025.