Touch ‘n Go Group, via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, has formed a strategic partnership with Visa to launch the first corporate social responsibility (CSR)-linked Visa prepaid card in Malaysia.
The design of the new Visa card incorporates the artwork by Damien Wong, a talented artist from United Voice who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. The painting, consisting mainly of splashes of colours in blue, green, and yellow, depicts Damien’s view of the world – “In my eyes, this is how the world looks like to me, a splash of colours”. The proceeds from the Group’s purchase of this painting go directly to Damien.
Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s CSR-linked Visa card is the first numberless card in Malaysia, providing stronger privacy with enhanced card security controls. With this card acting as a complementary payment channel to the eWallet, users will be able to make payments even at merchants who do not have a Duitnow QR code. The card also permits users to withdraw cash at automated teller machines (ATMs) and perform online and offline payments internationally. Users can also opt for flexible payment settings via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app.
Touch ‘n Go said that this Visa prepaid card cannot be used to pay for highway tolls and public transport.
TNG seems to have passed on an opportunity to offer an all-in-one card that would almost certainly be a hit with customers. According to Alan Ni, CEO of TNG Digital, this is unfortunately impossible owing to technological limitations.
For every card applied, RM2 will be donated to United Voice. The proceeds will be used by United Voice to run projects to drive new employment opportunities by upskilling, training, and educating people with learning disabilities.
“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with United Voice, with the purpose of creating awareness for their cause and empowering those with learning disabilities to develop the necessary skills which will help them live independently. This initiative is also aligned with the Group’s commitment towards championing inclusivity in line with its sustainability pillar of Treating People Fairly,” said Alan Ni, Chief Executive Officer of TNG Digital Sdn Bhd.
Speaking on Touch ‘n Go Group’s strong partnership with Visa, Alan said, “Together with Visa, we have integrated innovation and advanced technology to deliver enterprise grade security and features for this Visa card. At the same time, it is also the first-of-its-kind CSR-linked Visa card in Malaysia. With all the features incorporated in this card, Touch ‘n Go eWallet is now able to offer all the services equivalent to an alternative bank to all eWallet users for free. We expect strong demand for the card as this will expand our eWallet customers’ payment horizon internationally”.
“We are extremely excited to partner Touch ‘n Go eWallet to launch a prepaid card in Malaysia. This prepaid product that is tied to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet will enable cardholders to pay at Visa’s wide network of over 80 million merchants worldwide. We are also heartened that cardholders who apply for this product will be able to contribute to United Voice’s upskilling initiative and do their part for charity, while benefitting from making seamless and convenient card payments,” said Mr. Ng Kong Boon, Visa Country Manager for Malaysia.
“On behalf of all our members and staff of United Voice, I take this opportunity to thank Touch ‘n Go for this collaboration, highlighting the talent of our artist to the public and providing an avenue to profile themselves and their work to earn a meaningful livelihood independently. It also helps to raise the awareness on United Voice, giving us the opportunity to enable more persons with learning disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. We are truly honoured to be part of this long-term collaboration,” said Felicia Fang, President of United Voice.
United Voice, set up in 2005, is Malaysia’s first non-governmental organisation (NGO) to be run by persons with learning disabilities. It promotes self-advocacy to reduce the isolation of people with learning disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cerebral palsy, providing them with the tools, training, platforms, and experience to take control of their lives.
Touch ‘n Go Group’s sustainability framework is aligned with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and centred around 4 pillars – Tech 4 Good, Treating People Fairly, Digital Inclusion, and Our Planet. At the core of the Group’s sustainability efforts is the ethos that the Group strives to achieve net positive in all its activities. The Group’s collaboration with United Voice is in line with the longer-term strategic focus under its Treating People Fairly pillar which encompasses empowering the differently-abled; fostering the inclusion of underbanked communities; and promoting responsible consumption.
Touch ‘n Go eWallet users can apply for their Visa card through the eWallet app. They will just need to pay a RM5 delivery fee for the card. For more information and updates, visit https://www.touchngo.com.my/tng-visa-card
