One for the album: (Standing front row, third from left AWS re/Start regional leader Dr Rani Sarojeni Burchmore, PayNet chairman Datuk Mohd Izzaddin Idris, Maybank former group chief human capital officer Datuk Nora Abd Manaf, PayNet GCEO Farhan Ahmad, Jun Maria, and Murray.
With its first batch of 50 Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) trainees successfully completing their courses, Program Akar powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start, a free industry-first initiative designed to equip future leaders with globally recognised cloud skills, is ready to welcome its next cohort from January to April, next year.
With the newly acquired skills, these graduates will have the potential to secure high-value technical jobs and command higher starting salaries while reducing the digital talent gaps faced by the industry.
Focused on job placements and mentorship, the programme which commenced in July, offers training in digital payments and awards participants with the industry-recognised AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification.
Program Akar powered by AWS re/Start, is one of the initiatives under Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) Akar, designed as a foundational platform for fintech education and innovation, with its current focus on students within the education system within K-12 and tertiary levels.
PayNet Akar senior director Jun Maria Tan Abdullah said the aim is to expand the programme’s network of stakeholders to continue preparing talent for roles in cloud computing, AI, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity. “However, technical skills alone are insufficient; attributes like aspiration, agility, self-direction, and relationship-building are equally vital.
“This holistic approach will nurture and empower talent to lead in the global digital economy,” she said in a press release.
A graduation ceremony, which also featured a forum titled “Future-Proofing the Industry: Values-Based Early Talent Development of Visionary Leaders”, was held in Petaling Jaya on Nov 20.
AWS Malaysia country manager Pete Murray said the graduates have not only acquired valuable cloud computing skills but have also positioned themselves at the forefront of the digital economy and represent the workforce of the future. “As these talented individuals embark on their careers in financial services, we’re confident they will play a crucial role in shaping Malaysia’s fintech landscape.
“Congratulations to all the graduates – your future looks incredibly bright.”
PayNet is Malaysia’s national payments network while AWS re/Start is part of AWS’s ongoing effort to provide free cloud training globally. For details, visit aws.amazon.com/training/restart/
