APU leads the way in digital skills with Program Akar

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has taken a significant step forward in addressing Malaysia’s growing demand for digitally skilled workers by launching the innovative Program Akar.

This initiative, developed in collaboration with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet), aims to equip APU students with cutting-edge digital skills essential for the financial services industry.

Program Akar, which began in July 2024 and runs through November, is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

The programme, powered by AWS re/Start, offers a 47-day intensive training to fifty selected APU computing and IT students.

This pioneering effort is designed to prepare these students for careers in cloud computing and digital payments, providing them with the skills that are increasingly sought after by employers in Malaysia.

APU transforming the future of digital skills

The APU students selected for Program Akar were chosen from a competitive pool of 150 applicants through a rigorous assessment and interview process.

According to Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head of APU’s School of Technology, these students have the potential to become key players in the financial industry’s digital transformation.

“This programme is exclusively offered to APU students, and we are extremely proud of their achievement,” Dr Thang noted.

“The trainees will undergo 47 days of training, including two days of physical digital payment training and 45 days of virtual learning.

They will also be guaranteed three months of placement with financial institutions in the country, supported by a training package valued at RM12,000 per student.”

The curriculum, meticulously designed by AWS and PayNet, covers a wide range of foundational cloud skills and digital payments, including programming, networking, security, and databases.

Upon completing the training, students will earn several industry-recognised certifications, including the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification, positioning them as competitive candidates in the job market.

APU’s commitment to industry-relevant education

APU’s involvement in Program Akar underscores its commitment to providing industry-relevant education and creating pathways for its students to thrive in the digital economy.

The programme not only equips students with technical knowledge but also connects them with leading financial institutions for practical experience.

Organisations such as Bank Negara, Maybank, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, and Bank Islam have already expressed interest in providing internships to graduates of the programme.

“APU’s students are well-versed in technical knowledge and possess a strong learning attitude,” said Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU.

“They will be supported and mentored by our passionate academicians on campus, who are dedicated to disseminating tech knowledge.

We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative, and I strongly believe that these students will successfully complete their training module and contribute to the finance sector with their enhanced expertise.”

The program’s launch ceremony on July 22nd was attended by key figures, including Dato’ V Rathakrishnan, Managing Director of WEPS; Mughilen Rathakrishnan, CEO of WEPS; Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Senior Director of PayNet AKAR; Farhan Ahmad, Group CEO of PayNet; and Peter Murray, Country General Manager of AWS.

Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort behind Program Akar and its potential to revolutionise the digital skills landscape in Malaysia.

As Program Akar progresses, it is expected to set a new standard for digital skills training in Malaysia.

By focusing on both technical expertise and industry application, APU and PayNet are paving the way for a new generation of digitally proficient professionals.

The success of this initiative could lead to further expansion, offering more students the opportunity to gain essential skills for the digital economy.

For APU students, participation in Program Akar is more than just an educational experience; it is a stepping stone to a promising career in Malaysia’s rapidly evolving financial services sector.

The collaboration between APU, PayNet, and AWS signifies a shared commitment to building a skilled workforce that will drive Malaysia’s digital future.