Tag Archives: eWallet

You Can Now Use Your Touch ‘n Go eWallet in Singapore

June 14, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Touch ‘n Go eWallet just got a little more useful, especially if you frequent Singapore. TNG Digital Sdn Bhd announced that the eWallet will now work in Singapore. However, you will only be able to use it for payments when you use taxis operated by ComfortDelGro. The compatibility comes from Touch ‘n Go’s collaboration with Alipay+. Alipay+ is a suite of global cross-border digital payments and marketing solutions operated by the Ant Group.

Alipay+ has been avaliable in the eWallet app for a while now. However, it seems like this is the first official application of the cross-border payment capabilities from Touch ‘n Go eWallet. While it was reported a while back that there seems to be compatibility for payments in Japan, there hasn’t been any official announcement from TNG Digital themselves.

Alan Ni, CEO of TNG Digital, indicates that this is merely the beginning when it comes to cross border payments – particularly in Singapore. Touch ‘n Go eWallet is in a unique position when it comes to cross-border payments as Touch ‘n Go Bhd has worked with Singapore’s EZLink for cross-border usage recently. The partnership and Alipay+ opens up a whole new level of convenience for Touch ‘n Go eWallet users who frequently commute between Singapore and Malaysia. This amounted to some 350,000 people before the pandemic.

TNG Digital hasn’t clarified if there are transactional fees when you use the eWallet overseas. However, they are having offers to celebrate the new collaboration with ComfortDelGro taxis. Users who use the eWallet to make payments until 25th June 2022 will be entitled to an instant discount of between MYR4 (SGD$1.26) and MYR6 (SGD$1.89). Discounts are varied between weeks and limited to the first 300 transactions daily.

Lifestyle, News

New Touch ‘n Go Card Will Link to your eWallet with a Touch!

April 22, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet has become one of the most ubiquitous eWallets in Malaysia right now. Nearly everyone has the app on their phone and an increasing number of merchants and outlets are accepting the eWallet as a means of payment. That said, even with its increasing number of functions, the eWallet has had a huge handicap when it comes to Touch ‘n Go’s cards. Today’s announcement makes that a thing of the past.

Yeah, you’ve probably already guessed it and let out an elated squeal. Touch N’ Go group has officially announced a new card that links up to the eWallet in every way! You’ll be able to top up and manage your credit on the card directly on the eWallet. No need to go top-up from a Touch N’ Go kiosk and no surcharges! Just take out your smartphone and top up via the eWallet. It can even be used for all existing Touch ‘N Go card functionality.

The new card comes in a minimalist, pastel pink and pastel blue gradient design and is available for RM10. You can get the new card at one of Touch ‘N Go’s selected retail partners across Malaysia or simply order one on the eWallet. Once you have your new card, you’ll just have to link it to your eWallet via NFC. – Yes, the NFC functionality works on both Android and iOS devices. – You’ll be able to have five Touch ‘n Go cards linked to your eWallet. Linking is as simple as touching the card to your phone’s NFC sensor and it’ll be automatically added to your eWallet.

Touch ‘N Go anticipates that there may be a shortage of the new cards as demand for them is high. This is exacerbated by the global chip shortage. However, you will still be able to register your interest for the card on the Touch ‘n Go eWallet. When you do, you will get a notification when the card is in stock again.

Users can transfer balances from their existing cards into the new card by requesting a refund on the Touch ‘N Go portal and selecting their eWallet as their preferred method.

News

Here Comes A New Challenger! Boost Makan brings Food Delivery to the eWallet

November 30, 2021 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

If there’s one thing anyone would tell you about Malaysians it’s that we love our food! That could be why it seems like every truly Malaysian app has forayed into the food delivery space. The latest app to do that is a very unassuming one – Boost eWallet. Boost is one of three major eWallets in Malaysia. They have also been one of the most experimental partnering with services like Samsung Pay.

It looks like the next adventure for the eWallet will be in the field of food delivery. The new service brings together Boost, its merchant partners and delivery partners in a joint venture that can take on current players. In fact, Boost is leveraging its high merchant adoption by making it easy for their current merchants to get on to the new service. Keep in mind, Boost has not only been working with shops and retail outlets, they have also been working with pasar malam vendors and hawkers. This could give the platform the upper hand when it comes to food choice.

To make things even more appealing, merchants are promised low platform fees and reliable delivery partners. In addition to this, Boost is also committing to quick turnover for payment settlements. At the time of announcement, they have committed to a 2-day turnover.

The Boost Makan service is also one of the most versatile apps when it comes to food service. Users can choose from delivery, pick up, drive thru or walk-in. Deliveries will list offerings from restaurants and merchants in a 20km radius from the user’s location. While pick up and drive-thru will need users to head to the merchant’s location. The latter gives the added advantage of being “delivered” the items as the merchant will be able to recognise user’s vehicles. Walk-in will allow merchants to provide customers with a contactless option for patrons to place their order.

Boost Makan is having a special promotion in conjunction with their launch. Users who place orders on Boost will be entitled to MYR5 cashback with their order. Merchants, on the other hand, will receive an MYR50 merchant incentive upon registered Boost Makan.

News

GrabPay Gets More Secure

October 12, 2021 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

GrabPay is arguably one of the largest eWallets in Malaysia. Now a crucial component of Grab’s “SuperApp”, it’s the primary means of racking up GrabRewards points and paying for services. That said, it’s also one of the features that requires the most user information. As such, it comes as a welcomed update that GrabPay is getting more features to ensure data safety. The announcement is a timely given the rise of the number of cyber security incidents in the past week.

The GrabPay eWallet has been enhanced with multi-layer security features. These features are touted to enhance the security of real-time transactions that are done on the platform. As a first layer of defence, GrabPay has been fortified with two factor authentication (2FA). This measure will ensure that logging in is more secured. All users will need to setup their 2FA with a GrabPay PIN. In addition to the PIN, users will also be able to use biometric authentication as well. This means you can use facial recognition and fingerprint authentication on supported devices.

In addition to 2FA, Grab has adopted AI technologies to help with fraud protection. They have implemented machine learning and AI that monitors user account activity. These algorithms will detect any anomalous activity and flag it as potential fraud. Once flagged, it will lockdown the account for further action. Grab is also working with internationally recognised security systems that will also assist and verify detection to ensure that transactions are genuine.

This AI integration is complemented by privacy and security policies. Grab states that any information pertaining to GrabPay transactions is secured. Payment, transaction, credit card and account information are all kept under lock and key. These policies are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). GrabPay as a platform is also regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

The last component of their security, according to Grab, is a strong customer service arm. Grab has made information readily available on their Help Center. Grab is touting its Help Center as a key educational tool for users to learn about GrabPay and also self serve solutions for common issues. If the help center isn’t sufficient, users are able to access live customer support through the Grab application.

With these steps and mechanisms in place, Grab is ensuring users that their data and transactions will be private and secure. So, you can use GrabPay with peace of mind.

Android, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Touch ‘n Go eWallet is Now More Than Just Payment with GO+

March 29, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

If you checked your Touch ‘n Go eWallet app these past few days, you would have noticed a new feature, or a new icon. You might have come across ‘GO+’. I know I have, and a few of our friends have asked us what it was before today’s official launch of Touch ‘n Go’s GO+. Now that it is officially launched, we can properly explain what GO+ is.

Welcome to GO+, your gateway to small time investments and mainstream financial services. Essentially, you are investing with Principal, an asset management platform anchored by CIMB. In turn, GO+ is anchored by Principal, in alliance with CIMB, specifically their e-Cash Fund platform.

GO+ will take advantage of Principal’s asset management platform to sort of make investments to grow your financial assets via Touch ‘n Go’s eWallet platform. By putting as little as RM10 into the platform will supposedly guarantee a growth rate of 1.43% per annum. While that may not seem like much, it is more than putting your money into your bank’s savings account or current accounts.

The growth is not credited over a year long period too. You get returns on a daily basis and the returns are credited to your GO+ account every day. That also means the growth is an immediately visible one. Principal also promises no risks to the platform, so you can be rest assured that you will only be seeing growth.

What makes GO+ even better for users is that because it is integrated with Touch ‘n Go eWallet app, you can transfer the funds from GO+ into Touch ‘n Go eWallet accounts immediately at any given time, and vice versa. It does not stop there though; you can transfer credits from GO+ to any of your registered bank accounts immediately too. You can even use your GO+ account to pay for things via Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. That also means with GO+, you are more flexible than anything else you can currently find on the Malaysian market.

To get yourself on GO+ now, you can look into your Touch ‘N Go eWallet app and immediately register and upgrade your account to a GO+ account. You can start investing with GO+ with as little as RM10. For now, the service is only available to Malaysian citizens above 18 years of age. The Touch ‘n Go eWallet app is available for free from Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store for Android and iOS respectively

Mobile, News

Touch n’ Go RFID Now Available for MYR 35 Nationwide!

February 6, 2020 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

18 months ago, Touch n’ Go Sdn. Bhd. started something quite radical for the transportation industry in Malaysia. It is not what you would call unthinkable or unheard of. It has been done before, albeit outside of Malaysia. The new application within Malaysian road have been also widely know to be used in plenty of applications with unmatched reliability and accuracy; baggage sorting and handling in the airports for example.

If you were thinking of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification); yes we are talking about RFID. The title should have given it away anyway. Touch n’ Go Sdn. Bhd., in collaboration with Touch n’ Go Digital, launched the RFID pilot program. According to Touch n’ Go, the program gave out about million RFID tags to residents of Klang Valley. The program also extends its acceptance across Klang Valley’s 22 highways through its 18 months Pilot program. Late last year, extending into this year, the RFID acceptance extends to selected toll gates across the North-South Expressway.

In short, the program was a successful one. That is the test covered; so what is next? A full rollout of course.

That also means that RFID tags are now available for purchase via installation centres across the nation. You no longer have to make extensive applications through the website and wait for approval from Touch n’ Go to install the RFID tags to your cars, for a price. Not expensive though at MYR 35. Compare that to a new Smart TAG device at MYR 150 each. To use the devices you also have to get a new Touch n’ Go card for MYR 10.

The RFID tag works with an eWallet – the Touch n’ Go eWallet. You do not need a Touch n’ Go card anymore with the RFID tags. Well, you might still want to keep one as a back up; just in case. All you have to do is to ensure you have enough credits in the Touch n’ Go eWallet, pass through an RFID lane, and you’re through. Keep a good distance with the car in front of you though, and a reasonable speed (30 km/h) and below.

Of course RFID will not just stop at the 22 toll gates in Klang Valley. They are rolling out to even more toll gates across the nation through 2020 and beyond. Touch n’ Go is also looking to use RFID beyond the public roads. They are looking at installing it and using it for parking, paying for petrol, and more.

RFID is more than just what you see on the surface though. Touch n’ Go Sdn. Bhd. can now do real-time traffic analysis and tracking. These data can be shared across multiple platforms or even the authorities for traffic planning and tracking. It is all a part of a smarter and more digital Malaysia.

Touch n’ Go’s RFID tags will be available for purchase at MYR 35/tag from 15^th February onward. You do have to ensure that you have the Touch n’ Go eWallet app on your smartphones first though; the RFID tags are tied to your eWallet. From the 15^th February 2020 to 15 April 2020 40 lucky winners will walk away with MYR 2,500 worth of Toll Pass credited in their eWallet.

The Touch n’ Go eWallet app is available for free on Android and iOS via Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store respectively. For more information on the Touch n’ Go RFID program you can head over to their website.

Mobile, News

Skip the Queue at PETRONAS, Setel on Your Smartphone!

February 5, 2020 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Any drivers knows the pain of driving. Traffic jam? No, not really. There is one very big inconvenience whenever you take out your car.

Put it this way; your car needs energy to run. For electric cars, you need a battery pack to store energy for the car. While you can do that at home, you need to get your car plugged in still. It will take forever to charge too.

While electric cars may not be too clever of an investment in Malaysia at this time, the traditional internal combustion engines with traditional fossil fuels are the way to go. The inconvenience is that you have to keep your tank topped up when it runs out, a 5 minute ordeal at times.

Most of the time though its just 5 minutes that you spend in the fueling station. You tend to spend more than 15 minutes in the fueling station. At times you have to wait for a pump to free up when there is too many people at the station. Once that’s done, you have to queue up to pay for your fuel at the kiosk. To skip that, you can use your debit/credit card at the pump. If you use a debit card though, the vendor first takes MYR200 from your account before you even start doing anything.

What if there is a better solution. Since every other person in Malaysia has been going on and on about eWallet, why not use these apps to pay for fuel, from inside the car; ‘Setel’ it there and then.

Welcome to the world of Setel, an eWallet app that is specialised in handling all your fuelling needs. With Setel, it really is just 5 minutes in the fuelling station, not 15 minutes.

The moment you get to the fueling station, all you need to do is to pull up to an available pump, whip out the smartphone, open Setel app, choose the pump you are at, enter the amount that you would like to fuel, and voila, your pump is ready. Of course you need to make sure you still have credits in the app wallet. For that, you can use your credit/debit card with no fuss. If you need to find a petrol station near you, the app will help you find it too.

While the app has existed for about a year now, the app was only readily useable in the Klang Valley region and was in Beta mode. Now though, the app is fully launched as a full running app. The app will not just stop at the pumps though. They are working closely with PETRONA Malaysia to release more features within their petrol pumping stations like purchasing items in PETRONAS Mesra shops or partnering vendors, with collection at the station.

Speaking of Mesra, you can connect you Mesra card to the app and collect points automatically as you use the app. While in Beta you could not redeem the points in your Mesra card through the app now though, you can. The Setel app is the one stop shop for all fueling needs in PETRONAS.

The Setel app is now available for free on Google’s Play Store for Android and Apple App Store of iOS devices. You can use Setel app in over 700 PETRONAS fuelling stations across the nation. For now, there is no other vendors that accepts payment via the Setel app. There is also currently an MYR 200 cap within the app. No matter though, you can now tell your friends that you are actually ‘setel-ing’ some business as your late excuse. More information on the Setel app on their website.

Business, Mobile, News

DuitNow QR: The Way Forward Paved First by Cyberview and PayNet

January 22, 2020 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

If you walk into your favourite cafés or even restaurants, you might be bombarded with small table standees with a QR code on the payment counter. That is to indicate that the restaurant has gone cashless and is accepting cashless payment options. Having multiple options to pay for your purchases is always great, but problematic since every single cashless payment vendor produces their own unique QR code for each of the participating shops.

You end up with multiple apps on a single device. To keep track of the payments, you must access different apps. That, or you get a specialised device that has access to several apps at the same time. Still, it is not perfect. You still need multiple apps to get it to work, if you choose to omit certain apps, you cannot even allow users to use those apps. In the end, it is all rubbish and using cash is still the best option to work with.

Do not get us wrong, we are very big advocates of the cashless payment system. We use them all the time and we love the fact that we do not need to carry too much cash around, saves us the trouble of getting robbed off hundreds in Ringgit. Still, because there are so many payment options out there and not everyone uses all of them, it becomes troublesome for us too; we hate that.

We’ve always said then that for eWallets and cashless payments to work in Malaysia, there needs to be a unifying body that could make all the apps work seamlessly together. Because changing all the card receiver machines across the nation is impossible and it is impossible to implement NFC type payments in all devices, the easiest is to have a single unified QR code that could work with everyone regardless of app. This announcement then, is godsent.

PayNet and Cyberview plans to lead the way to digital Malaysia with cashless payment. Then again. Cyberview has been paving the way forward for plenty of things to do with digitalising Malaysia. PayNet is an affiliate of the National Bank of Malaysia, and has been digitalising and providing essential services for Malaysian banks in terms of their payment networks and infrastructure. Thanks to Paynet, we have things like DuitNow and even free instant transfer between banks. That should be the way forward too with eWallets.

With the collaboration PayNet will start implementing unique QR codes for shops that would replace the ten million QR codes generated for the shop by other eWallet vendors. With less clutter, they look less intimidating as well. For users, you can use any eWallet of your choice to pay for your meals and shopping. All you need to do is scan the DuitNow QR code and voila, you can pay using GrabPay, or Boost, or Touch n’ Go eWallet, or FavePay; technically anyway.

The only downside right now is that they are only implementing it in Cyberjaya, for now anyway. PayNet is looking to expand their DuitNow QR to other parts of Malaysia. We think that the service will really take off in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Klang Valley. You might have to check also if your eWallet app is also a participating vendor within the DuitNow QR ecosystem. For more information regarding DuitNow QR, you can visit their website.

techENT