Maybank customers travelling to Cambodia can now use the bank’s MAE app for QR payments by scanning local KHQR codes.

This development marks the second phase of a cross-border QR payment linkage launched by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), with Maybank serving as the strategic banking partner as well as the sponsoring and settlement bank.

The service facilitates instant payments and offers users a low conversion fee, according to the bank.

This initiative follows the first phase launched in September 2024, which allowed Cambodian travellers using the Bakong App to make DuitNow QR payments in Malaysia.

The connection between Malaysia and Cambodia extends Maybank’s existing cross-border QR payment capabilities, which already cover Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and China.

To complete a transaction, users scan the merchant’s QR code via the MAE app, check the transaction details including the exchange rate, and confirm the payment.

This linkage aligns with broader ASEAN goals for enhancing regional payment connectivity, aiming to simplify transactions for travellers and support economic activity between the countries.

Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO of Maybank, said,

“Over 9 million MAE App users can now easily and conveniently make cross-border QR payments not just in Cambodia, but anywhere across our key markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and China.

This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing financial accessibility and mobility across the region, ultimately driving a more connected and dynamic marketplace economy.”

Maybank also reported an 83% increase in the total value of its QR payment transactions in 2024 compared to the prior year, suggesting growing adoption of digital payments among its customers.

Featured image: (From left) Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO, Maybank; Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Governor, BNM; Dr. Chea Serey, Governor, NBC; Dato’ Izzaddin Idris, Chairman, PayNet