Singapore’s DFI Retail Group (DFI) has partnered with Alipay+ to accept six Asian mobile payment methods simultaneously at all 7-Eleven, Cold Storage, Giant, and Guardian stores in the country. This move aims to enhance the shopping experience for international visitors, catering to the rising popularity of digital payment options like mobile wallets.
Enabled by NETS, users of Alipay from Chinese mainland, AlipayHK from Hong Kong SAR, Touch ‘n Go eWallet from Malaysia, GCash from the Philippines, TrueMoney from Thailand, and Kakao Pay from South Korea can now conveniently use their home mobile wallets to pay at over 800 outlets. These outlets include leading health & beauty retailers, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
Alipay, operated by Ant Group, has been available as a payment option at 7-Eleven, Cold Storage, Giant, and Guardian since 2020. With the introduction of Alipay+, a comprehensive digital payment and marketing solution that allows integration with various payment methods globally, DFI partnered with Alipay+ to cater to a broader audience of visitors.
The shift towards digital lifestyles and the increasing preference for mobile wallets have transformed the retail landscape. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has witnessed a significant surge in omnishoppers, with 79% of consumers embracing both online and offline shopping. Globally, the adoption of e-wallets is projected to grow, with Southeast Asia leading the way as the fastest-growing e-wallet region.
Mr. Lee Yik Hun, Marketing Director, SEA Food, DFI Retail Group, emphasized the importance of offering localized payment options for international visitors to enhance their in-store shopping experience. He stated that adapting to customer needs and providing convenient and familiar payment methods aligns with their commitment as a leading retail group.
This integration is expected to significantly enhance the digital experience for international visitors traveling to Singapore. According to data from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), visitor arrivals have been steadily increasing, with Malaysia, China, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand among the top 10 countries sending visitors. Additionally, non-permanent residents from Alipay+ partner wallet countries residing in Singapore, including those here for work or study, will also benefit from the expanded payment options.
Dr. Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group, expressed pride in partnering with DFI and NETS to offer digital payment solutions catering to regional travelers and shoppers. The collaboration aims to provide added convenience to visitors, enabling them to shop more easily for essential items like beauty and health products, beverages, snacks, and groceries without the need to exchange local currency.
Since 2022, NETS and Ant Group have joined forces to integrate Alipay+ into the digital payments capabilities of local merchants, facilitating seamless transactions between businesses and consumers.
Mr. Lawrence Chan, Group CEO, NETS, highlighted the company’s efforts to drive merchant solutions, stating that accepting Alipay+ would give NETS merchants access to a broader customer base. This collaboration aims to offer more value to merchants and enhance the payment experience for Alipay+ users when they are away from their home countries.
Alipay+ represents a suite of global cross-border digital payment and marketing solutions, catering to businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, looking to process various mobile payment methods and reach regional and global consumers through a one-time integration and simple technical adaptation.
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