Participants with lecturers and Director General of Higher Education Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda binti Azman (middle)
A team from UTAR won third place in the Private Institution Category of the PayNet Digital Campus 3.0 competition. A total of 14 students participated in the initiative, actively driving digital financial literacy and promoting cashless transactions on campus. Their dedication and innovative efforts earned them a cash prize of RM30,000.
Held from October to December 2024, the competition evaluated participants based on transactions conducted via DuitNow QR, Touch ‘n Go eWallet (TnG), online transfers, and other digital payment platforms. The grand finale took place on 27 February 2025 at Marriott Putrajaya, where the winners were officially announced.
In preparation for the competition, the UTAR team successfully pitched a proposal in July 2024, securing a RM60,000 seed fund to implement various digital payment initiatives. One of their key projects was the introduction of a Smart Payment System for UTAR Buses at both the Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses, where contactless payment terminals supporting debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and digital wallets were installed. To encourage students to embrace cashless transactions, a RM0.20 discount per ride was also introduced. The team further enhanced the UTARPay App, which was initially developed during PayNet Digital Campus 2.0, by incorporating a receipt scanning and recording feature to improve financial tracking for students. To increase awareness and adoption of digital payments, they also organised bazaars and mini fun fairs throughout the semester, allowing students and vendors to experience seamless cashless transactions.
This recognition highlights UTAR’s ongoing commitment to financial technology, smart payment solutions, and digital transformation. The university’s participation in the competition reflects its dedication to equipping students with essential financial literacy skills and fostering a cashless and digitally inclusive campus environment.
The participating students were from various faculties, including the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM), Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), and the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT).
Representing FAM were Bachelor of Finance (Financial Technology) with Honours students Chia Jia Chun, Haw Kai Yi, Yuki Chia Ga Kei, Lai Kai Feng, Ong Min Hao, Chew Yu Zhe, Leong Wen Long, and Lee Chee Hui, along with Bachelor of International Business (Honours) students Chan Pei Yee and Chin Wie Jane, and Master of Philosophy student Leong See Kei. From LKC FES, Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) student Tan Jing Jie and Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) student Choo Jia Zheng participated, while the FICT was represented by Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) Information Systems Engineering student Yong Yu Hao.
Group photo of presenters and lecturers on stage
Students with lecturers after the event
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