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The digital economy in Southeast Asia is growing at an unprecedented pace, driven by the expansion of e-commerce, the proliferation of mobile devices, and the increasing availability of payment infrastructure. In 2022, the value of digital payments in the region reached $806 billion, for Malaysia alone is $146 billion, according to the “e-Conomy SEA 2022” report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company.

$146 billion GTV for digital payment in Malaysia

The Enablers

In Malaysia, several e-wallet brands are leading the way in digital payments. Boost, GrabPay, and Touch ‘n Go eWallet are some of the most popular e-wallets in the country, and are widely used for a variety of transactions, including payments for transportation, food delivery, online shopping, and bill payments.

In addition to e-wallets, many banks in Malaysia offer digital payment services that allow customers to make payments and transfer funds using their mobile devices. For example, Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks, and RHB Now are all popular digital banking services that provide customers with a convenient and secure way to manage their finances.

Other service providers in Malaysia are also contributing to the growth of digital payments in the country. For example, iPay88, senangPay, ToyyibPay or edxaPay is a payments processing company that provides payment gateway services to businesses, enabling them to accept payments from a range of digital channels, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and online banking.

QR Code, The Future of Payment

The “e-Conomy SEA 2022” report highlights the importance of payment infrastructure in driving the growth of digital payments in Southeast Asia. The report notes that the widespread adoption of QR codes, the development of real-time payment systems, and the expansion of card payment networks have all played a significant role in facilitating the growth of digital payments in the region.

The report also predicts that the value of digital payments in Southeast Asia will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) about 27% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a value of $1.17 trillion by 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of digital payments by consumers and merchants, the expansion of digital wallets and payment infrastructure, and the growth of e-commerce and other digital services.

South East Asia digital payment growth forecast. ($B)

Final Words

In conclusion, the “e-Conomy SEA 2022” report highlights the growing importance of digital payments in Southeast Asia’s digital economy. With the increasing adoption of mobile devices and the proliferation of payment infrastructure, e-wallets, banks, and other service providers are well-positioned to continue driving the growth of digital payments in the region.

Source: https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/e_conomy_sea_2022_report.pdf