INTI International College Subang, represented by its Student Representative Council (INTIMA), clinched fourth place in the Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS) category at the PayNet Digital Campus 3.0 competition in February at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.
The national-level event, officiated by Professor Dr Azlinda Azman, Director General of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), brought together 30 institutions from across Malaysia. The competition aimed to promote digital payment adoption and financial literacy among university students and offered a total prize pool of RM720,000.
Structured like a “Shark Tank”-style challenge, the competition required teams to design and pitch real-world initiatives that integrate digital payment solutions into campus life. Participants included both Public (IPTA) and Private (IPTS) institutions, with top contenders such as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in the mix.
Sebastian Yew, INTI Student Representative, delivered the final pitch before a panel of judges, including PayNet Director Mr Firdaus Ghani and a representative from the Ministry of Higher Education.
Guided by advisors from the School of Business and Communication, along with Sebastian Yew, Ousmane Sow, and their teammates from INTIMA, the team delivered strong ideas, combining strategy, creativity, and practical problem-solving.
“This competition broadened my perspective, sharpened my leadership skills, and unveiled the boundless possibilities of digitalisation in the economy and other aspects,” said Ousmane, former INTIMA president.
Throughout the eight-month competition, the INTI team rolled out several on-ground initiatives. These included partnering with SMEs to boost digital payment usage and launching a game-based campaign encouraging student adoption of DUITNOW, MyDebit, and JomPay. Their performance earned them a place in the finals.
The project addressed key priorities under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), such as innovation and digitalisation, and echoed INTI’s continued efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The team demonstrated how education can translate into practical action by participating in a challenge grounded in real-world issues.
Their showing at PayNet Digital Campus 3.0 reflects the learning environment at INTI—one that values applied knowledge, critical thinking, and initiative. Competitions like this allow students to go beyond theory, work with real stakeholders, and build the experience that stays with them as they move into their careers, whether in established companies or through their own ventures.
Professor Dr Azlinda Azman, Director General of MOHE, with Dr Jane Lim, Chief Executive of INTI International College Subang, Lee Hooi See, Senior Director of Student Services, Hew Fui Mun, Dean of the School of Business and Communication, Natalie Leong, Head of Programme at the School of Business and Communication, and INTIMA representatives.