Visa Malaysia and I-Berhad will see the digitisation of payment systems across i-City. The collaboration is a first in terms of scale and a major milestone as the modernisation of electronic payment spans 72 acres of the property development.
The strategic partnership agreement underscores Visa’s support of i-City’s digitization initiative through its digital capabilities and Visa as the preferred partner in the new payment solutions project which is in line with Malaysia’s National e-Commerce Strategic Roadmap. The introduction of digitalization experience in Leisure Park @ i-City theme park is also aimed to improve the international tourist arrivals in line with Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s target of having 36 million tourist arrivals by year 2020.
In line with its Smart City vision, i-City was licensed by the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission to provide connectivity services to the residents in i-City. With these fibre optics network and high speed connectivity, i-City is a showcase of smart living in the country. The current partnership with Visa is another dimension in i-City’s Smart City plan.
The implementation of the digital payment systems via the i-City Mobile app will take place in stages with the first stage involving the theme parks and car park already in operation. Mobile app payment for Central i-City shopping centre, retail outlets and Best Western i-City Hotel is targeted to be launched by next year.
Datuk Eu Hong Chew, Deputy Chairman of I-Berhad says the strategic partnership with Visa would add value and improve the quality of services offered to both the local and international community in i-City. This is also in line with i-Berhad’s strategic digitalization programme which is critical towards nurturing a smart community within the development of i-City, a Smart City.
Visa Country Manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon says, “Visa is excited to embark on this new chapter with i-City and implement contactless payments for the car park gantries and top-up kiosks at Leisure Park @ i-City. Contactless payments have grown significantly in Malaysia, where we are seeing more than three million Visa contactless transactions a month, and strong double digit year-on-year growth. With the digitalisation of payment systems at i-City properties in the next couple of years, we believe it will further encourage the adoption of electronic payments in Malaysia. In addition, tourists who visit i-City will be able to use their Visa payment cards at the car park gantries, theme park, malls and hotel. This will reduce the hassle of them having to carry cash and provide even greater convenience making their experience at i-City a memorable one.”
