(4 October 2018 – Singapore) SingTel has launched a cross-border QR code-based mobile payments service in what the telco claims is the first service of its kind to connect both telco and non-telco mobile wallets across borders.
The telco has teamed up with its regional associate AIS and Thailand’s Kasikornbank on the service, called VIA, making it easier for customers to make mobile payments while travelling in Singapore and Thailand.
Payments can be made at all merchants displaying the VIA brand and over 1.6 million Kasikornbank merchants displaying the Thai QR code.
The firm is planning to extend the network beyond Singapore and Thailand into new countries, teaming up with Airtel in India, Globe in the Philippines, and Telkomsel in Indonesia.
Arthur Lang, CEO international group, SingTel said: “The VIA alliance is aimed at unifying Asia’s fragmented payments scene by connecting different mobile wallet systems across the region. As more people travel around the region, we want them to be able to enjoy the ease and familiarity o fusing their local mobile wallets abroad.