Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has expanded its national talent development initiative, Program Akar, with a new phase focused on artificial intelligence and data science.
The program aims to future-proof Malaysia’s financial services industry by building a pipeline of digitally skilled, industry-ready talent through hands-on training, leadership development, and real-world experience, PayNet said in a statement last Friday.
It offers university students practical skills in digital payments, AI, and industry knowledge to prepare them for real-world roles in the financial sector.
The first cohort will include 100 students, starting with 25 from Multimedia University (MMU) and expanding to 75 students from other local universities by the end of the year.
The program offers a three-pillar curriculum focused on values-driven enrichment, developing leadership, integrity, and a future-ready mindset; digital payment knowledge, covering the evolution of money, banking systems, digital payments, and transaction security; and mastery of AI and data science, blending foundational expertise with critical thinking and real-world applications.
Students will gain hands-on learning, mentorship, and job placement opportunities with Malaysia’s leading financial institutions.
Program Akar was first launched in collaboration with AWS in July 2024, initially focusing on digital payments and cloud technologies.
The second phase of the program, powered by Microsoft through its AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative, expands Program Akar into AI and data science. This move reflects PayNet’s commitment to building digital talent that meets the changing needs of Malaysia’s financial industry.
PEOPLElogy Berhad and Futuresparx Sdn Bhd deliver the program.
It also includes Microsoft’s AI learning pathways to equip students with real-world, future-ready skills for an AI-driven workforce.
“At PayNet, we see talent development as national development. Program Akar is about more than preparing students for jobs. It’s about preparing them to lead Malaysia’s digital economy with purpose,
“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,” said Farhan Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of PayNet.
Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia, said AI transforms every role across industries, including financial services.
“Through our collaboration with PayNet on Program Akar, we are helping build a generation of talent with the digital and AI skills needed to thrive, in line with Microsoft’s AIForMYFuture initiative,” he said.
“At Microsoft, we are committed to empowering students with the skills they need to succeed in Malaysia’s growing AI economy,” he added.
Program Akar is part of PayNet’s broader effort to prepare Malaysia for the future by developing young talent with the skills, mindset, and values needed to lead responsibly in a fast-changing world.
PayNet said that working closely with Microsoft and other partners creates learning experiences that meet real industry needs and helps grow a new generation of digital leaders.
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