Malaysians can now use participating local mobile banking apps to make payments via DuitNow QR in five overseas destinations, following a partnership between Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) and Alipay+.
The service allows users to pay at participating merchants within the Alipay+ network in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines and Laos, without downloading a new app or opening an Alipay+ account.
PayNet said Maybank, CIMB and Hong Leong Bank are the first three banks to offer the service, with Bank Islam expected to join soon.
Users simply need to open the DuitNow QR payment function in their banking app, scan a merchant’s QR code displaying the Alipay+ logo, then review and confirm the transaction through the same app.
More Banks And Destinations Expected To Follow
PayNet chief executive officer Praveen Rajan said the initiative was part of the company’s long-term efforts to expand Malaysia’s payment network internationally through secure and interoperable systems.
He said cross-border payment connectivity would not only make overseas spending more convenient for Malaysians but could also strengthen Malaysia’s economic ties with neighbouring countries.
“Cross-border payments should feel as seamless as making payments in Malaysia. This connectivity makes it easier for Malaysians to pay when they are overseas,” he said.
Rajan added that stronger payment connectivity could facilitate cross-border spending and deepen economic ties across the region.
The initiative also supports Bank Negara Malaysia’s vision of creating a faster, more efficient and inclusive cross-border payment system.
Partnership Builds On Existing DuitNow QR Network
The launch expands PayNet’s collaboration with Ant International through Alipay+, which began in November 2023.
Under the earlier arrangement, tourists using supported digital wallets from Alipay+ partner platforms could make payments at Malaysian merchants displaying DuitNow QR codes.
The partnership has also created opportunities for local businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to benefit from spending by international visitors.
PayNet said the overseas payment service would be expanded gradually to more destinations. More participating banks and e-wallet providers within its network are also expected to offer the service to their customers.
Meanwhile, Ant International’s Alipay+ global growth centre general manager Danny Chung said the growing partnership reflected both parties’ commitment to connecting Malaysia’s national payment infrastructure with the global digital economy.
He said two-way, interoperable payment connectivity could make travel and cross-border trade easier while creating more opportunities for businesses and consumers.
According to Chung, the Alipay+ ecosystem connects more than two billion user accounts through over 50 international payment partners, with a network of more than 150 million merchants across over 210 markets.
The ecosystem also includes more than 10 national payment schemes, including PayNet.
