Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) has launched the country’s first dedicated fintech accelerator and community platform, the PayNet Fintech Hub, aimed at fast-tracking the development of Malaysia’s fintech sector. The initiative is designed to provide selected fintech startups with capital access, mentorship, industry partnerships, and international exposure.
According to the company, the Fintech Hub operates on two key pillars: Community and Catalyst. The Community programme offers members access to over 450 hours of mentorship, networking with fintech founders and corporate partners, and investment opportunities. Startups also receive more than RM1 million in value-added PayNet credits, over RM600,000 in advisory services, up to RM3 million in cloud credits, and free co-working space. All these are resources intended to reduce operational costs and enhance growth strategies.
Top-performing startups from the Community will be invited to join the Catalyst programme, an exclusive 10-week accelerator conducted in partnership with Imperial College London. Also included are mentoring from the institution’s faculty, a week-long London immersion trip, and a final demo day with exposure to global venture capitalists and potential partners.
Additionally, PayNet has expanded its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to offer Catalyst participants access to its cloud services via the newly launched Asia Pacific (Malaysia) region. These startups will also be eligible to join a forthcoming Fintech Innovation Sandbox designed to support scalable development.
PayNet Group CEO Farhan Ahmad emphasised that the Fintech Hub is a strategic response to Malaysia’s need for a more unified and innovation-driven fintech ecosystem. It aims to help local startups scale beyond early stages and position Malaysia as a regional fintech leader, he added.
Startups interested in joining can apply via the initiative’s official website. Do note that registrations for the Fintech Hub’s Community programme will close on 5 June 2025.
