Malaysians can now pay overseas via DuitNow QR

Malaysian mobile banking app users can now make overseas payments via DuitNow QR, thanks to a new partnership between PayNet and Alipay+. This collaboration allows Malaysians to use their local banking apps to pay at participating merchants in five destinations: Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, the Philippines, and Laos.

PayNet’s Global Expansion

Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) announced the launch of outbound DuitNow QR payment connectivity through Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway of Ant International. The initial launch includes three banks: Maybank, CIMB, and Hong Leong Bank, with Bank Islam set to join soon. This move is part of PayNet’s long-term strategy to extend secure and interoperable payment connectivity beyond Malaysia, aligning with Bank Negara Malaysia’s vision for faster and more efficient cross-border payments.

At participating merchants, customers can use the DuitNow QR payment function in their Malaysian banking app to scan the merchant’s QR code displaying the Alipay+ logo. They can review and confirm transactions within the same app, without needing additional downloads or account creations.

Strengthening Cross-Border Payments

Praveen Rajan, CEO of PayNet, emphasized the importance of seamless cross-border payments. He stated that this connectivity gives Malaysians an easier way to pay abroad and highlighted the role of collaboration between financial institutions and global payment partners in expanding Malaysia’s national payment infrastructure. This development is expected to facilitate spending across borders and strengthen Malaysia’s economic ties with the region.

The launch builds on PayNet’s existing partnership with Ant International through Alipay+. Since November 2023, travelers using supported Alipay+ partner wallets have paid at DuitNow QR merchants in Malaysia. This benefits local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, by tapping into international visitor spending. It has contributed to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism economy, particularly during Visit Malaysia 2026-2027.

The new outbound capability allows Malaysian bank customers to pay at Alipay+ merchants abroad. The initial five destinations will expand progressively. PayNet is among the first national payment systems to achieve global acceptance at scale through Alipay+.

Alipay+ Ecosystem and Growth

The Alipay+ ecosystem connects over two billion user accounts across more than 50 international payment partners, with access to over 150 million merchants in more than 210 markets. This includes over 10 national payment schemes, such as PayNet. Danny Chung, General Manager of Alipay+ Global Growth Center, highlighted the partnership’s role in connecting Malaysia‘s national payment infrastructure with the global digital economy. It enables stronger two-way interoperable connectivity.

The expansion comes at a time of growing cross-border payment activity. PayNet recorded nearly 30 million cross-border transactions in 2025, a 150% increase from 2024. The Chinese Mainland accounted for a significant portion of this growth. The new outbound QR capability is available for adoption by other PayNet-participating banks and e-wallets. Plans exist to expand the service to more apps and markets in collaboration with financial institutions and regional partners.