The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) announced its partnership with fintech training platform 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion to recruit local talents to enroll in 10×1000’s Flex Fintech Foundation Program. This deal forms part of Kominfo’s Digital Entrepreneurship Academy (DEA) program, which aims to nurture talents to accelerate digital transformation in entrepreneurship, with a target of 60,000 people being trained in 2022.
What does the partnership mean to Indonesia?
“The Ministry of Communication and Informatics appreciates the collaboration with 10×1000 to carry out digital entrepreneurship training through the DEA program. The results of the program are expected to improve the quality of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promote the digital economy in Indonesia,” said Hary Budiarto, Head of Human Resource & Research Agency, Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo).
With the vision to train 1,000 emerging talents and tech leaders each year for ten years, 10×1000 saw a total of 1,067 learners from 66 countries and regions complete its “Flex” Fintech Foundation Program and Fintech Leadership Program in 2021. Over 150 learners were from Indonesia, making the country the second largest in terms of learner intake.
“We are encouraged by the responses from Indonesia, and excited to partner with Kominfo to expand the reach in Indonesia and make ‘Flex’ available to more local entrepreneurs and professionals to enhance their fintech mindset, knowledge and skills to better allow them to drive digital economic growth,” said Mr. Jason Pau, Program Lead of 10×1000.
“Technology pervades nearly every aspect of our lives, and we hope this partnership will help Indonesia bridge its digital skills gap while empowering and improving the lives of local communities. Together with Kominfo and other local partners, we look forward to contributing more to Indonesia’s digital development goals,” Jason further commented.
“The Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Culture also expresses our gratitude to Kominfo for taking the initiative in driving such fintech training collaborations for women entrepreneurs and MSMEs (an initiative of the Ministry) with 10×1000,” commented Femmy Eka Kartika Putri, Deputy of Coordination for Quality Improvement of Children, Women and Youth, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK).
“At least 60% of MSMEs in Indonesia are managed by women and contribute 61.07% of the GDP. With the ‘Flex’ Fintech Foundation Program by 10×1000, it will encourage women entrepreneurs to further enhance their businesses through digital technology,” Femmy said.
“The training program is expected to help women entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) overcome challenges like limited access to entrepreneurship and understanding of digital technology, as well as difficulties in obtaining access to capital.”
Who are the strategic partners for the Flex program?
Registration for the “Flex” Fintech Foundation Program is now open through Kominfo’s Digital Entrepreneurship Academy website here. The first batch of training is to start on 6 June.
Local fintech and banking associations will support the initiative by inviting members to enroll the program as well, including the Indonesia Fintech Association (AFTECH), Indonesian Joint Funding Fintech Association (AFPI), Indonesian Sharia Fintech Association (AFSI), Indonesian Crowdfunding Service Association (ALUDI), Indonesian Blockchain Association (ABI).
And other banking associations such as Association of Indonesia Shariah Banks (ASBISINDO), Indonesian Sharia Insurance Association (AASI), Association of National Commercial Banks (PERBANAS), and Indonesian E-commerce Association (idEA). The partnership with Kominfo is the latest effort by 10×1000 to deepen its collaborations with partners worldwide.
10×1000 has forged partnerships with the IFC, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UN World Food Programme, SME Finance Forum managed by the IFC, Dubai International Financial Centre, MDEC, KPMG and associations from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, MENA, the Philippines and Thailand to recruit learners and grow the community.
