Thailand Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payments and marketing network run by Ant International, unveils that all 14,500 7-Eleven locations in Thailand are now set up to take digital payments from extra visitors via 13 payment applications, with 9 additional international e-wallets. 

This initiative fits in with their ongoing digitization efforts to meet the growing needs of travellers, particularly as they prepare for the busiest travel period around Chinese New Year. Counter Service connects Alipay+ to the 7-Eleven retail network, enabling the integration. 

The e-wallets that have recently been integrated are MyPB from Public Bank Berhad in Malaysia, GCash from the Philippines, Hipay from Mongolia, MPay from Macao SAR, China, Naver Pay and Toss Pay from South Korea, Changi Pay and OCBC Digital from Singapore, and Tinaba from Italy. 

Thailand has been accepting Chinese mainland Alipay since 2015. Further supported payment methods since 2023 are AlipayHK from Hong Kong SAR, China, Kakao Pay from South Korea, and Touch ‘n Go eWallet from Malaysia. 

Alipay+ continues to broaden its merchant network in Thailand, adding retail, leisure, and travel businesses to its network. This covers every mall run by The Mall Group and Central Retail Corporation in addition to local brands like King Power and Jim Thompson. 

Weeradej Ackapolpanich, managing director at Counter Service Company Limited, said, “Counter Service, the world-class reliable, trustful, and innovative payment system, has strengthened and increased digital payment channels for 7-Eleven stores nationwide and provide daily conveniences, which includes financial service, insurance, sports and concert ticket, travel and tourism, etc. With a significant rise of travel demand, we aim to accommodate, connect, and cater to tourists from all over the world with cashless trend and convenience services.” 

Meanwhile, Sittipong Kittiprapapong, general manager, Global Merchant Partnership, Thailand, Ant International, stated, “Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations globally and we’re excited to do more to support the digitalization of the vibrant tourism sector locally. By working closely with local merchants and partners like the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we’re attracting more Chinese and Asian tourists to Thailand, creating a more convenient and worry-free experience for travellers, and helping more businesses benefit from tourism growth.” 

Singapore – Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment digital platform, announced that it has enabled new e-wallets in Singapore and expanded its partnership with Resorts World Sentosa(RWS) to accept more cross-border mobile payments in preparation for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Through this expanded partnership, more tourists visiting Resorts World Sentosa(RWS) will now be able to pay with their home e-wallets, with Alipay+ enabling the use of six new e-wallets namely, Hipay (Mongolia), MPay (Macao SAR, China), MyPB by Public Bank (Malaysia), Toss Pay and Naver Pay (South Korea), and Tinaba (Italy).

RWS is amongst the first of Alipay+ merchants in Singapore to accept 12 international e-wallets, which can be used at all its attractions and stores. The previously accepted e-wallets include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), GCash (Philippines), Kakao pay (South Korea), Touch n’ Go eWallet (Malaysia), TrueMoney (Thailand) and others, in addition to Alipay (Chinese mainland), which has been accepted by RWS since 2015.

This partnership to accept more Alipay+ partner payment apps, will welcome Chinese and Asian tourists in a more efficient manner, enabling them to have a more seamless, enjoyable experience at RWS.

To better serve the expected increase in tourists during Chinese New Year, RWS and Alipay+ are jointly launching a festive campaign exclusively for Alipay users, where they can access special promotions and privileges within the Alipay app.

To start, RWS is offering a virtual RMB$128 red packet to Alipay users who can collect it via the Alipay app, which can be used to offset payments for the RWS Mini program and on-site payments.

Alipay is also a key payment partner for RWS’ ‘Bai Jiu Shake Up’ event, where Alipay users can enjoy Bai Jiu cocktails with their Chinese New Year dinners at restaurant table65, and CHIFA! where dinner is paired with Bai Jiu cocktails specially created by Bar Sanyou. Alipay users can also enjoy a further RMB$150 discount for the event when they collect the red packets online.

The partnership will also see both parties jointly introducing campaigns for other Alipay+ partner users throughout the year.

Talking about the partnership, Chang Chee Pey, senior vice president and chief experience officer at RWS, said, “With increased flights and visa-free travel to Singapore soon, we want to make it even more convenient for Chinese visitors during key Chinese travel periods such as the Lunar New Year. With Alipay already widely accepted as a fast and convenient payment mode across Resorts World Sentosa, this payment experience for visitors will definitely be welcomed.”

Meanwhile, Cherry Huang, general manager of Alipay+ offline merchant services, Ant International, commented, “Resorts World Sentosa is a must visit destination for tourists coming to Singapore, and through this expanded partnership, more travellers can now enjoy seamless mobile payments and a more hassle-free experience that will allow them to enjoy the attractions, food and retail options even more.” 

“To help businesses in Singapore, big and small, to benefit from the growth in tourism in 2024 and beyond, we’re focused on strengthening our Alipay+ ecosystem locally, by bringing in more users via our payment partners and expanding our merchant coverage through close collaborations with our local partners and our integration with SGQR. We look forward to bringing more innovation to our partners and enhancing the digital travel experience for tourists,” she added.

Philippines Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment digital platform, has announced a year-end program targeted at promoting sustainable cross-border travel. The promotion offers a variety of rewards supplied by global partners to users of five popular e-wallets in Asia.

These wallets are Touch ‘n Go eWallet by TNG Digital (in Malaysia), GCash (in the Philippines), TrueMoney (in Thailand), Alipay (on the Chinese mainland), and AlipayHK (in Hong Kong SAR, China). 

The campaign, which will run until December 31, will initially target Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Travellers in these countries will be treated to a choice of exclusive offers handpicked by global industry such as ComfortDelGro Taxi, Daimaru Matsuzakaya, Galaxy Macau, King Power, and Lotte Duty Free. 

Furthermore, the campaign includes local small and micro-sized firms (SMEs), such as Durian BB in Malaysia and IJOOZ in Singapore, resulting in a wide and inclusive variety for travellers to enjoy.

The campaign promotes sustainable travel behaviour by highlighting special deals from Alipay+ and its partners. These benefits include free international mobile data packages, in-app savings available across Alipay+’s vast merchant network, and the opportunity to receive 100% rebates at participating partner locations.

Reward points are awarded to travellers who choose to utilise digital payments rather than cash, take public transit rather than drive themselves, pack their own toothbrushes rather than use disposable ones, and visit a wider variety of local attractions. These methods aid in maintaining regional cultures.

Alipay+ will collaborate with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to monitor the campaign’s ESG impact. An advisory panel consisting of professionals from Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University, the University of Geneva, and Northwestern University will collaborate to evaluate various topics. These include the impact on local enterprises, culture, and communities, as well as the impact on best practices within the business ecosystem.

Speaking about the campaign, Dr. Cherry Huang, general manager of Alipay+ offline merchant services, Ant International, said, “Our year-end campaign is not just about travel; it’s about making a positive impact. By collaborating with partners who share our commitment to sustainability, we are offering travellers the chance to explore the world responsibly.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Ant Group and PayNet jointly announced the integration of Alipay+ to promote seamless payment for inbound and outbound Malaysian travellers. 

The partnership will enable all Malaysian e-wallets supported by PayNet to be accepted by Alipay+ merchants network globally in 2024, with a collaboration with Ant Group on joint digital marketing efforts to enhance visibility of businesses directly within the users’ e-wallets.

The collaboration comes amidst travel recovery to Malaysia, with 4.5 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2023, with most coming from ASEAN countries. As travel rebounds, it is vital for businesses to adapt to new digital habits, particularly the acceptance of localised digital payment options like e-wallets, which has become the norm for day-to-day transactions. 

By the end of this year, users of five leading Asian e-wallets, including AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), GCash (Philippines), Kakao Pay (South Korea) and TrueMoney (Thailand), will be able to use cashless payments when they travel to Malaysia with Alipay+.

Gary Yeoh, chief commercial officer of PayNet said,  “This partnership between PayNet and Alipay+ is forged at a vital time when overseas travel and tourism have fully resumed, and are rapidly increasing. Consumers and merchants in both countries who are already accustomed to digital payments expect the same seamless and hassle-free experience when travelling overseas. They also expect this to be conducted at competitive exchange rates.” 

“Since Malaysia has long been a favourite and popular destination with Asian tourists, and vice-versa, this collaboration will likely result in higher trade growth between the two nations. We do see the proliferation of seamless international payments at scale sooner than we think. It is just a matter of time,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Cherry Huang, general manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group, said, “Alipay+’s collaboration with PayNet  is a significant development for regional travellers. We are jointly making efforts to bring local businesses and international visitors closer together, offering not just convenience to tourists but greater opportunities and visibility for Malaysian businesses.” 

“Travellers today have greater expectations when they travel, particularly the use of digital solutions to enhance their experience. They want it to be simpler, with less complexity and less hassle, and in working with our local partners, this is exactly what we want to achieve – personalised, seamless and borderless experiences,” added Huang. 

Singapore – Multi-currency e-wallet YouTrip has announced its ‘YouTrip 2.0’ revamp, which includes a refreshed look and feel to its signature card and mobile app interface. 

The improved app now features an even more intuitive interface where users can easily manage their expenses, enjoy favourable exchange rates for over 150 currencies and other YouTrip perks within one integrated platform.

Moreover, users are also greeted with a new card design – a modernised upgrade from the initial launched five years ago. The new card accents a transparent window that symbolises the limitless possibilities YouTrip users can experience with their trusted travel payment companion. 

Under ‘YouTrip 2.0’, users will now receive a complimentary virtual card immediately upon application’s approval. This allows new users to enjoy rates for all online payments without having to wait for the arrival of their physical card.

Caecilia Chu, CEO and co-founder of YouTrip, said, “With the increasing adoption and reliance on digital wallet, users’ needs and expectations have also evolved over the years. YouTrip 2.0 is part of the company’s agile and iterative approach to product development and improvement based on user feedback, and market trends and preferences as we embark on our fifth year with the Singapore market.”

She added, “Equipped with enhanced security features, the improved app and modernised physical card is part of YouTrip’s ongoing efforts to build a secure, borderless multi-currency e-wallet that promises the best rates, all day.”

Manila, Philippines – Top e-wallet in the Philippines GCash has launched its new digital wallet designed for youth ages seven to 17 years old. Called ‘GCash Jr’, the new e-wallet aims to provide a safe and reliable digital transaction experience that is fit for the ‘next generation’ of Filipinos.

With the new e-wallet, minors can now buy their favourite things online, level up their gaming experiences, and explore a world of finances with their own GCash Jr. accounts.

GCash shared that there is a separate verification process for minors because there is a need to collect parents’ consent. This will be collected in the form of the requirements, and the parent will also be the one who needs to agree to the terms and conditions.

To verify the GCash Jr. account, app users must have a valid ID (passport, student ID, or national ID), and a parent that is fully verified on GCash with details, such as the parent’s full name, a fully verified GCash number, a picture of the parent holding the minor’s ID used in verification, and an original copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.

“This is just the first of many steps as we innovate for the youth,“ said GCash CEO Martha Sazon on her LinkedIn. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The airasia Super App has launched a brand new feature, airasia pocket, which is an e-wallet within the super app that enables users to reload and make payments for all the products and services on the app while being rewarded at the same time. 

The airasia pocket is currently available to all airasia Super App users in Malaysia in the Ringgit Malaysia currency. It is easily accessible through the super app by setting up an airasia pocket account with a few simple steps. Two types of airasia pocket accounts are available – the Lite and Pro. The Lite account is recommended for everyday use with a wallet size limit of RM500, while the Pro account is designed for higher value transactions with a wallet size of up to RM4,999.

Users of airasia pocket will be able to earn airasia points upon activation, apart from enjoying an extra 10% off all AirAsia flight bookings and 10x airasia points with every airasia food order on weekends. 

The airasia pocket’s features are developed by Fasspay, a white-label e-wallet player and an approved e-money provider by Bank Negara Malaysia. This platform is designed to allow its partners to build and innovate on Fasspay’s full-stack payments platform and offer various payment and financial services to their customers.

Mohamad Hafidz Mohd Fadzil, airasia Super App’s chief fintech officer, shared that as fintech and neobanks continue to reshape the financial landscape in Malaysia and across ASEAN, airasia Super App is continuing to be an industry disruptor and expand its fintech services by launching airasia pocket, which enables the app users to make payment for all products and services faster within the Super App ecosystem. 

“This includes payments for flights and hotel bookings, as well as on airasia food, airasia grocer, airasia xpress, or when booking a ride through airasia ride. This aligns with our fintech strategy to drive a seamless user experience and make online payments’ invisible’. By working with our partner Fasspay, users can have peace of mind as this new feature is completely secure, fully compliant, and licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia,” said Fadzil.

Meanwhile, Amanda Woo, CEO of airasia Super App, said, “airasia pocket is the more accessible, faster, and more rewarding way to pay for anything within the airasia ecosystem and will facilitate a better user experience. Having airasia pocket also provides more significant insights into customer behaviour which will assist us in giving better value and more quality services to all our app users.

Chris Leong, CEO of Fasspay, commented, “We are honoured to be a partner in airasia Super App’s fintech journey and will continue to support its aspiration to grow regionally and globally. Fasspay’s mission is to enable our partners, such as airasia Super App, to realise their vision by using this wallet-as-a-service to extend their financial services. This partnership is just the beginning for Fasspay as our ultimate aim is to avail this full-stack payments platform to other customers both small and large globally.”

The top-ups for airasia pocket are currently available via Online Banking (FPX), with more options to be added in the future.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Indonesia super-app has inked a strategic partnership with Vietnamese e-wallet MoMo, entailing MoMo to be integrated in the Gojek super-app in the local market. 

Through the partnership, Gojek and MoMo will combine their technological strengths and large ecosystems to jointly raise the level of use of cashless payment methods among Vietnamese people, and at the same time provide a better customer experience.

MoMo will support Gojek’s ecosystem of millions of users who are using online technology ride-hailing services such as GoRide, GoCar, and online food delivery GoFood. This then gives Gojek customers the option to pay via MoMo’s e-wallet in addition to credit, debit and cash payments.

Gojek will have the opportunity to reach out to MoMo’s ecosystem of more than 31 million users, and at the same time meet the growing demand of customers who want more payment options on the app, especially the use of contactless payments amid the COVID-19.

Speaking about the partnership, Nguyen Ba Diep, co-founder and vice president at MoMo, said, “I firmly believe that this partnership will bring optimal payment options and experience. for users. With this cooperation, we hope to partly help technology drivers and partners of Gojek and MoMo to reach more customers, increase sales and quickly recover from the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, Pham Huu Thanh, operations director of payments division at Gojek Vietnam, commented, “Through the integration of MoMo e-wallet on the Gojek application, our users will have more choices when paying for services, thus having a smoother, more convenient, and safer experience when paying for services. use Gojek. Together with MoMo, we are delighted to continue to contribute to the promotion of cashless payments in Vietnam, by influencing to change user habits and constantly expanding the payment ecosystem.”

Hong Kong – HSBC’s mobile payment platform, PayMe, has just launched a new campaign, featuring today’s most popular actor and singer in Hong Kong, Keung To.

The new campaign, which was created in collaboration with creative agency Ogilvy, stems from PayMe’s pride in being the only e-wallet designed specifically for the people of Hong Kong.

Titled, ‘Hong Kong’s Wallet’, the ad centers around a music video showing Keung To in ‘PayMeow cat ears’, singing the catchy PayMe song that highlights the message ‘dine-shop-play anywhere, anytime’, and dancing with PayMeow, the brand’s chubby feline mascot, and his group of dancers.

Furthermore, the campaign includes a series of print and social executions, directing people to ‘PayMeow Spin and Win’ – the in-app game in PayMe that gives users a chance to receive rewards of up to HK$500 in their PayMe wallet and other prizes when they spend HK$100 or more at PayMe for Business merchants. It also includes a PayMeow dance challenge on Instagram with special giveaways signed by Keung To.

Jaslin Goh, HSBC’s head of marketing, CX, and design, said that PayMe has become a part of Hong Konger’s lives, where for instance, they often hear people say ‘pay me lar’ among friends, becoming the country’s wallet. 

“So we asked ourselves who’s best to collaborate with our adorable mascot PayMeow with the magic of bringing people together to enjoy the PayMe cashback promotion?” said Goh.

Meanwhile, Buji Ng, the group creative director at Ogilvy, commented that Keung To is undoubtedly Hong Kong’s favorite singer who is making a strong influence in peoples’ lives.

“Therefore, we paired him up with PayMeow to make a music video debut, creating an unprecedented performance for our audience. More fascinating activities are coming up to engage everyone in town,” said Ng.

HSBC’s PayMe said that the campaign will be running until 30 September 2021.

Singapore – EZ-Link, one of the first to offer prepaid card payment in Singapore, has taken a major rebranding, at the same time, unveils new app enhancements to go in tandem with its new brand identity.

The branding comes as EZ-Link marks its 18th year in the market, having started in 2002. The product now carries the new brand direction “For Life’s Little Wins” to underscore the brand’s mission of “eliminating hassle and enabling possibilities for customers in their ‘little’ daily financial routines.”

For the new direction, the company has adopted a new logo and refreshed both its corporate website and EZ-Link app.

Still sporting the same cool colors of blue and green, the new logo now takes a brighter palette with a cleaner font – breaking off of the old one’s edgy typeface.

EZ-Link’s old (above) and new logo (below)

The more striking and almost neon hue is now adapted to both its website and app. The brand’s app also used to display sharp-edged navigation boxes, whereas, in the new one, edges have been carved and assigned more pastel hues.

The company’s old (left) and new (right) website

The company said the new visual identity “reflects [its] renewed focus on digital transformation, while still maintaining key elements that have become strongly associated with the brand.”

EZ-Link’s old app

For the past 18 years, EZ-Link has been a trusted local brand and an integral part of many Singaporean’s daily lives. However, a lot has changed since we launched the first EZ-Link card almost two decades ago. Consumers’ lifestyles have evolved and the world is set on its path to a digital future

Nicholas Lee, CEO at EZ-Link

To kick off the brand refresh, EZ-Link has launched its enhanced mobile EZ-Link Wallet, which is now integrated with EZ-Link’s Rewards program. 

Introduced at the start of this year, the EZ-Link Wallet can be used at local merchants that accept e-payments via the Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR), Singapore’s unified QR label.

With the integration, users are offered a new avenue to earn and accumulate points that can be redeemed for benefits from over 200 EZ-Link Rewards merchants. Similar to EZ-Link card transactions, every S$0.10 spent on the EZ-Link Wallet will earn one point.

In addition, Android and iOS users can now top-up their EZ-Link cards anytime and on the go via the EZ-Link Wallet, and receive direct cashback and reward credits in their accounts when they spend with the e-wallet.

With the latest upgrade, EZ-Link said it aims to deliver a more seamless and rewarding experience for users’ transport and retail transactions. 

Lee said, “As we push forward in our digitalization journey, we must always put people at the heart of our innovation. This is in line with our new brand direction, which is rooted in the belief that our everyday life is lived in small moments that can be turned into little wins.”

In accordance with its branding move and to better differentiate its offerings, EZ-Link’s new and existing products will now be housed under three sub-brands: EZ-Link Rewards, EZ-Link Wallet, and former EZ-Pay, EZ-Link Motoring, which is the brand’s upcoming solution for electronic toll and parking payments.