NTT DATA Payment Services has expanded its DuitNow QR service to support cross-border wallet payments, enabling seamless transactions for international tourists and merchants across Malaysia. This advancement has significantly boosted tourism spending and reinforces the nation’s growing cashless ecosystem.
28 November 2024 – NTT DATA Payment Services Sdn. Bhd. (formerly GHL Systems Sdn. Bhd.) has introduced cross-border wallet payment support for its DuitNow QR service, enabling merchants across Malaysia to accept payments from major international platforms like Alipay+, Weixin Pay, UnionPay, BC Card (South Korea), QRIS (Indonesia), NETS (Singapore), and ITMX (Thailand). This enhancement is part of the company’s participation in PayNet’s Real-Time Retail Payment Platform (RPP).
With over 480,000 merchant touchpoints powered by GHL, the new feature facilitates seamless and real-time QR payments from international tourists at competitive foreign exchange rates. Originally launched in September 2023 for local banks and e-wallets, this upgrade now extends its reach to accommodate growing global travel demand.
Kevin Lee, CEO of GHL Malaysia, highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing how the service empowers merchants, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by offering secure, efficient, and convenient payment solutions. He noted that the feature not only boosts tourism spending but also enhances the travel experience in Malaysia.
Gary Yeoh, Chief Marketing Officer of PayNet, added, “Our collaboration with GHL strengthens the payment experience for international visitors by offering the convenience and security of cashless transactions, reinforcing a more connected financial ecosystem.”
Prominent merchants like Tealive, a lifestyle tea brand with over 800 outlets, have integrated the DuitNow QR Cross-Border service. Bryan Loo, founder and CEO of Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, expressed enthusiasm about the feature, saying, “By adopting DuitNow QR Cross-Border, we’re enhancing customer convenience and driving tourism-related spending.” Tealive is also promoting Weixin Pay at key outlets, allowing Chinese tourists to enjoy a hassle-free payment experience with real-time currency conversion from Chinese Yuan to Malaysian Ringgit.
The impact of DuitNow QR Cross-Border is already visible, with PayNet reporting a 550% surge in inbound QR transactions, increasing from RM26.4 million in the second half of 2023 to RM167 million in the first half of 2024. With over 3 billion potential users in China, India, and ASEAN, the initiative significantly contributes to Malaysia’s tourism sector.
Currently, over 80% of DuitNow merchants support cross-border payments, alongside 12 banks and payment providers, including Maybank, CIMB, and Touch ‘N Go. GHL plans to expand participation further, underlining its commitment to fostering a cashless and inclusive financial ecosystem.
