PayNet Akar is an initiative designed to cultivate and pipeline talent into the Financial Services Industry (FSI) and tech industry. This flagship program, Program Akar Powered By Microsoft #AIForMYFuture, launched in 2025, showcases a collaborative approach involving PayNet and Microsoft, in partnership with PEOPLElogy and Futuresparx as skill partners.
Program Akar Powered By Microsoft #AIForMYFuture
Your journey into an AI-driven career in the FSI and tech industry starts now!
Program Introduction
Seize the opportunity to join Program Akar Powered By Microsoft #AIForMYFuture — a fully funded initiative by Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) and Microsoft, in partnership with PEOPLElogy and Futuresparx as skill partners. This program equips early talent with AI skills, Digital payments fundamentals, and values-driven enrichment. Upon completion, it will help facilitate access to internship or employment opportunities in the Financial Services Industry, subject to the talent acquisition policies of participating companies.
Key Benefits
Flagship Program
Comprehensive Curriculum
Participants receive training in advanced technologies, digital payments, and values-driven enrichment.
Career Opportunities
This program connects participants with internships and employment prospects in the industry.
Key Skills Acquired
Power Skills (Values-Driven Enrichment Program)
Aspiration: Vision, goal-setting, and leadership.
Curiosity: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Grit: Resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline.
Integrity: Ethics, accountability, and trustworthiness.
Digital Payments
Gain the foundational knowledge in digital payments, history of money to its digital form today, banking revenue models and various digital transaction technologies.
Technical Skills
Gain a strong foundation in AI through data analytics, machine learning, and Python development, and earn the prestigious Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) certification.
Requirements
- Malaysian, age: 18–30 years old
- Enrolled in IT, Computer Science, or Technology related degree program
- Must be in either the penultimate or final year of a degree program
- Minimum CGPA: 3.0 and above
- Must not be enrolled in any other program to ensure full commitment and focus
- All applicants must successfully complete and pass the program assessment in order to qualify
- For Penultimate Year Students:
- Looking for Internship – To qualify for this intake, your internship must commence in October 2025 or later. Internships starting before October 2025 are not eligible.
-
Completed Your Internship: – You’re eligible to apply, as long as your internship ends on or before 30 June 2025. This ensures you’re available for our July–August 2025 training programme, followed by personalised job-matching support to help you take the next step in your career. - Students in 2U1i and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs who already committed to target companies for interships and employment opportunities are not eligible, unless they are entering a Financial Services Organization.
2U1i in FSI:
It is a structured program where students:
- Spend 2 years at university (2U) for academic learning.
- Spend 1 year in industry (1i) for hands-on experience (internship or industrial training).
In addition, individuals bonded to On-the-Job Training (OJT), scholarship obligations, or overseas learning placements are also not eligible for this program.
🚫 Not All 2U1i Tracks Are Eligible
✅ Why FSI Only?
Program Akar Powered By Microsoft #AIForMYFuture is tailored to build future-ready talent specifically aligned with Malaysia’s AI & Digital Payments roadmap.
If you’re enrolled in a 2U1i program outside the FSI scope—such as general business, logistics, or other unrelated fields—you won’t be eligible for this initiative.
For Penultimate Year Students
Looking for Internship:
To qualify for this intake, your internship must commence in October 2025 or later.
Internships starting before October 2025 are not eligible.
Completed Your Internship:
You’re eligible to apply, as long as your internship ends on or before 30 June 2025.
This ensures you’re available for our July–August 2025 training programme, followed by personalised job-matching support to help you take the next step in your career.
Terms & Conditions
Thank you for your interest in Program Akar Powered By Microsoft #AIForMYFuture.
By submitting your application, you confirm that all information provided is accurate and complete. PayNet, Microsoft, and our skill partners (PEOPLElogy and Futuresparx) may conduct eligibility checks to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
Please note that the organising committee reserves the right to make the final decision on all matters related to the program. Any program updates or changes to the terms and conditions will be communicated via our official TALENTS Community Platform or via email.
For any enquiries, please contact us at:
(+60) 16-9621 829 (Project Team)
Working Hours:
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (WhatsApp only)
Get Ready for the Next Phase
1) Registration Email Series
You will receive a series of emails guiding you through each stage of the process.
2) TALENTS Community Platform Registration
Become part of our growing network of future-ready digital talents.
3) Assessment Submission
Complete the required assessments to qualify.
4) Shortlisting Process
Our team will carefully review your submission and notify you if you’re successful.
5) Offer Letter & Sponsorship Award
Selected applicants will receive an official offer letter.
6) Cohort Briefing Session
Get prepared and equipped with all the information you need before the program begins.
7) Class Commencement
Begin your journey towards becoming an AI-ready professional in the FSI and tech industry!
Application Form
