TO better understand what 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion meant, I joined the platform and listened to various thought leaders talk about the diversity of fintech and financial service. In the many discussions of e-wallets, digital banking and allied technologies like blockchain and data management in the digital space.
10X100 Tech for Inclusion is a philanthropic initiative launched jointly by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay in 2018 with the vision to train at least 1,000 talents across emerging markets each year for at least ten years.
Though it may feel like a classroom, because of the intense amount of information exchanges, the learning platform is actually a community, bringing together learners with knowledge providers and thought leaders, in an ecosystem that allows for creating challenges, and innovation to provide solutions.
I asked Jason Pau, Program Lead, 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion just how the platform works. Launched in the midst of the pandemic, the platform allows financial service professionals globally to access a structured and world-class fintech curriculum.
“We offer free enrollment to learners through our network of partners and alumni referrals. Upon completion of our programs, learners will receive a blockchain-powered 10×1000 digital certificate. In addition, they will be eligible to join the 10×1000 community, supported by the platform, for networking and continuous learning,” Pau said explaining how, at the core of the 10×1000 curriculum are two full-length fintech programs–a leadership program, and a green fintech miniseries.
“These programs are designed around our learning framework – mindset, knowledge, and skills — to not only provide the theory but also the insights and practical skills for learners to become drivers of digital economic growth. Learners who complete the programs join a global network of professionals sharing ideas and inspiration on fintech, inclusion, and the digital economy,” Pau elaborates.
The Fintech Foundation Program is a crash course in key areas of the digital economy for all practitioners, from individual contributors to team leaders and heads of organizations. It introduces key technologies which make fintech and financial inclusion possible (including blockchain, AI, and cloud computing), best practices in product thinking, strategies to scale any business. It has four courses in its curriculum.
The Fintech Expert Program is an advanced program for alumni who have completed the Fintech Foundation Program, covering key topics including digital transformation, deep dives on technology, and specific topics like product design.
The Fintech Leadership Program is a customized program run once a year for a small number of senior leaders to exchange ideas around key topics in technology, strategy, and leadership, and network with peers from around the world.
It will launch a new Green Fintech miniseries later this year which delves into the role of fintech and financial services in creating a green and more sustainable future.
“For our Foundation and Expert programs, we offer a facilitated model with team discussions and a Capstone project as well as a ‘Flex’ self-study online model in which learners can access the same great content but complete the lessons and quizzes at their own pace,” Pau said.
I asked Jason what happened to the 2021 run of the 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion training program? What were the main highlights that would signify its success?
“Providing accessibility to 10×1000’s training content is a top priority in our mission to help close the digital skills gap. A big highlight for the program last year, was the over 1,000 learners across 66 countries and regions that completed our programs. Our learners come from an inclusive and diverse base. Of the 66 countries and regions, 52 are from emerging markets. 30 percent of our learners are female,” Pau elaborated while stating how understanding the potential for cross-country and cross-region knowledge sharing has been prioritized focusing on connecting and fostering the vibrant global fintech community of learners, experts, and partners it already created. In 2021, 17 expert lecturers and 31 leading global organizations, tech investors, and industry organizations joined the community as partners to collectively recruit learners for 10×1000.
“One key metric of our program’s success is learner feedback. In 2021, we achieved an average lesson rating of 4.6/5 and an overall program satisfaction rating 4.6/5. Learners especially recognized the depth of industry insight and practicability of 10×1000’s program content. Importantly, we are inspired by what our learners are doing with their organizations in their communities. For example, many continue to expand their businesses in their drive toward financial inclusion, and global organizations like the UN World Food Programme, have leveraged the program to enhance their work in cash transfer systems,” Jason said.
The organizers were not surprised that the Philippines had over 125 learners complete 10×1000 programs online–with over 40 percent of them female. This makes the country the third-largest cohort of learners in the first run, made possible by the close collaboration of its local partners which included Fintech Alliance PH, Globe’s 917 ventures, and GCash.
“We look forward to deepening our engagement to further drive the accessibility of our programs across the Philippines over the coming years. We approach 10×1000 with an entrepreneur mindset in our goal to build a global and leading online fintech training platform that drives inclusion. That means, we strive to keep a high level of optimism, innovation, and practicality in everything we do,” Pau declared as he went on to explain the challenges the platform faced.
Pau said that last year 10X100 Tech for Inclusion encountered four major challenges:
- Recruiting a truly diverse and inclusive community of learners globally;
- Maintaining a high standard library of content;
- Attracting and maintaining an online community of learners, and
- Ensuring scalability and sustainability in its model.
“What we found is that each of these challenges could be addressed by committing to three principles. Adhering to a global mindset with a local approach in our learner recruitment process, being open and collaborative in our approach with partners, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to our users,” Pau elaborated.
“Last year, our learners asked for more diverse lecturers and case studies, practical tech solutions, and pathways to digital transformation, as well as a deeper understanding of both key digital technologies and how to deploy this tech in their organizations. And that is exactly what we will be offering in our 2022 programs,” the program lead added.
With more and more learners, experts, and partners from across the world joining our community, a few months ago the organizers launched the 10×1000 Local CONNECT Lead plan in Singapore, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Several learners were selected as volunteers to help lead in organizing local meet-ups and related activities to foster networking, engagement, and peer learning. The plan is to launch the same activity in more countries as its learner base grows.
“In 2018, we launched 10×1000 with the core mission to close the digital skills gap for talent across the region. By leveraging technology and innovation coupled with an extensive and growing partner base, we aim to provide greater accessibility to world-class fintech training programs to all types of professionals, especially for women and MSME’s. By 2025, 10×1000 aims to have certified at least 4,000 learners representing more than 500 organizations from 100 developing countries and regions. Our belief is that the greatest benefits that fintech can offer to economies will be realized when all sectors of society can contribute and participate,” Pau revealed as he encouraged all interested parties, both potential learners and partners to visit www.10×1000.org or send an email to info@10×1000.org to participate in the program.
