Training talents: (From left) AmBank Group chief fintech and technology officer Wong Eng Teng, Ling, Sunway Education Group CEO and 42 Malaysia board member Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee, Sunway Group chief innovation officer and Sunway iLabs CEO Matt van Leeuwen, posing for a photograph following the signing of documents between 42 Malaysia and Ambank Group.
42 MALAYSIA, the country’s first tuition-free computer science school under the auspices of Sunway Group, is joining hands with AmBank Group to make free tech education more accessible to all.
AmBank Group is committing RM3mil over the next three years to support 42 Malaysia’s mission of developing industry-ready workers equipped to drive the growing digital economy while strengthening Malaysia’s tech talent pipeline.
This cross-sector collaboration between industry and academia will ensure that students not only gain technical expertise but also have direct pathways to employment, as AmBank will play an active role in bridging education and industry needs by offering career opportunities and engaging in industry-relevant projects.
42 Malaysia will also serve as a research and development hub, allowing students to work on real-world industry problem statements and gain invaluable hands-on experience through hackathons and innovation workshops.
Its chief executive officer (CEO) Jamie Ling said AmBank Group was proud to assist in providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire essential digital skills.
“We recognise the importance of nurturing a workforce that is proficient in digital competencies and able to apply such skills to drive innovation and problem-solving,” he said in a press release dated March 11.
42 Malaysia CEO Jeff Sandhu said strong partnerships are the cornerstone of growth and success, enabling sustainable nation-building.
“Quality education and talent development are key drivers of Malaysia’s digital future growth and innovation.
“As we move closer to achieving 42 Malaysia’s goal of developing 10,000 tech talents, we eagerly welcome more industry players to work with us in expanding opportunities and shaping the future of tech education in Malaysia,” added Sandhu.
42 Malaysia is part of the renowned global network of coding schools that is redefining tech education through its peer-learning, project-based and gamified model.
Open to anyone aged 17 and over, regardless of academic background or prior coding experience, the programme removes traditional barriers to education by charging no fees.
With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and real-world applications, 42 Malaysia is playing a key role in upskilling talent for the nation’s growing digital landscape.
Unlike traditional models, students of 42 Malaysia learn through hands-on projects that equip them with the technical expertise needed to tackle real-world challenges – whether it’s optimising network security, building scalable web applications or developing AI-driven solutions.
For instance, in exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning, students develop a brain-computer interface using EEG data to interpret neural activity, developing skills that align with the demands of assistive healthcare technology and neurorehabilitation.
These rigorous and industry-relevant projects prepare them for in-demand roles across the tech industry.
Since the launch of 42 Kuala Lumpur in 2020, 42 Malaysia has provided more than 1,200 students with the opportunity to upskill and transition into tech careers.
42 Malaysia’s network of campuses has since expanded to Johor and Penang, with plans to reach East Malaysia soon.
Sunway Group, through its education arm, has invested RM10mil in establishing and expanding the 42 network in Malaysia, with the commitment of making the world-class computer science school accessible to as many as possible, and to help lay the foundation for Malaysia’s vision to become a regional leader in digital economy.
*For details about 42KL’s programmes, visit www.42kl.edu.my
