The estimated reading time for this post is 111 seconds

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) jointly launched a cross-border QR code payment system that allows customers of participating financial institutions to make retail payments by scanning DuitNow QR and NETS QR codes. This payment linkage will support both in-person payments through the scanning of physical QR codes displayed by merchants and online cross-border e-commerce transactions.

The DuitNow-NETS QR code payment linkage marks a significant step forward in the collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore to enhance cross-border payments connectivity. With pre-pandemic annual traffic between the two countries averaging 12 million visitors, this payment linkage will provide merchants and consumers with a more seamless and efficient means to make and receive payments. It aligns with the ASEAN Payment Connectivity Initiative and the G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-border Payments, demonstrating both countries’ commitment to improving the cost, speed, access, and transparency of cross-border payments.

The initiative is a result of strong collaboration between various industry players from both countries, including Payments Network Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (PayNet), Network for Electronic Transfers (Singapore) Pte. Ltd (NETS), the Association of Banks in Singapore, and participating financial institutions from both countries.

In the next phase, BNM and MAS plan to expand the payment linkage to enable cross-border account-to-account fund transfers and remittances, allowing users to make real-time fund transfers between Malaysia and Singapore conveniently using just the recipient’s mobile phone number via DuitNow and PayNow. The service is expected to go live by the end of 2023.

According to Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, this payment linkage is a significant step forward in realizing the vision of an ASEAN network of fast, efficient, and interconnected retail payment systems. It will benefit millions of commuters and businesses in both countries and boost retail businesses’ growth. He also highlighted their commitment to accelerate their digitalization agenda for increased regional economic and financial integration.

Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Mr. Ravi Menon, emphasized that this QR code linkage between Singapore and Malaysia is a crucial milestone in ASEAN’s journey towards seamless regional payments connectivity, boosting cross-border commerce and enabling small businesses to tap into a wider pool of consumers.

Source: https://www.bnm.gov.my/-/qrcode-connectivity-my-sg