NTT DATA Payment Services Sdn. Bhd. (formerly GHL Systems Sdn. Bhd.) is pleased to announce the latest enhancement to its DuitNow QR service - support for cross-border wallet payments. As a participant in PayNet’s Real-Time Retail Payment Platform (RPP), GHL now enables merchants to accept payments via DuitNow QR from major international payment platforms such as Alipay+, Weixin Pay, UnionPay, BC Card (South Korea), QRIS (Indonesia), NETS (Singapore), and ITMX (Thailand).

With over 480,000 GHL-powered merchant touchpoints across Malaysia, this new feature allows businesses to seamlessly accept real-time QR payments from international visitors, at competitive foreign exchange rates. Initially launched in September 2023 to support local banks and e-wallets, the expansion to cross-border payments further extends GHL’s offering, facilitating smooth and convenient transactions for a growing influx of international tourists.

Kevin Lee, CEO of GHL Malaysia said, "The launch of DuitNow QR Cross-Border marks a significant milestone for both GHL and the broader payment ecosystem in Malaysia. It empowers our merchant partners, particularly MSMEs, by offering them a secure, convenient, and efficient payment solution. This also provides tourists with a hassle-free way to make purchases, thereby driving increased spending and enhancing the overall travel experience in Malaysia."

Gary Yeoh, Chief Marketing Officer of PayNet said, "We are delighted to have GHL as our cross-border partner, marking a key advancement in our commitment to enhancing the payment experience for international tourists. This collaboration provides visitors with the convenience they enjoy in their home country and the added security of cashless transactions, ensuring seamless cross-border payments. It reinforces our dedication to building a more inclusive and connected financial ecosystem."  

Among the GHL merchants benefiting from this service is Tealive, a leading regional lifestyle tea brand with over 800 outlets across Malaysia. Tealive has fully integrated DuitNow QR Cross-Border, enabling payments from tourists visiting from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea, enhancing customer convenience and fostering loyalty.

Bryan Loo, founder and CEO of Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, the parent company of Tealive, said, “As one of the earliest adopters of e-wallet payments, Tealive is always looking for ways to enhance customer convenience. By embracing DuitNow QR Cross-Border, we’re making it easier for tourists to enjoy their favorite drinks while traveling in Malaysia, helping boost tourism-related spending and customer satisfaction.”

As part of a Foreign Exchange (FX) campaign, Tealive is also promoting Weixin Pay (commonly known in Malaysia as ‘WeChat Pay’) at selected outlets, allowing Chinese tourists at key destinations like Genting, Langkawi, and KLCC to make cashless purchases by scanning the DuitNow QR codes. The service automatically converts Chinese Yuan (CNY) to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), offering a seamless payment experience and enhancing convenience for visitors.

The adoption of DuitNow QR Cross-Border has already contributed to a notable increase in tourism spending in Malaysia, particularly from Chinese visitors using Alipay+. According to data from PayNet, inbound QR transactions surged by over 550%, 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 across China, India, and ASEAN, the economic impact of cross-border QR payments is vast, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s growing tourism sector.

Currently, over 80% of existing DuitNow merchants accept DuitNow QR Cross-Border payments. In addition, 12 banks and payment service providers in Malaysia support the service, including AmBank, CIMB, OCBC, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank, UOB, Public Bank, Razer, Boost, Finexus, and Touch ‘N Go, with more expected to join in the near future.

The expansion of DuitNow QR Cross-Border underscores GHL’s dedication to providing seamless, secure and inclusive payment solutions. By fostering a cashless ecosystem that empowers both businesses and consumers, GHL is committed to advancing cross-border commerce and enhancing the economic landscape in Malaysia.

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