UnionPay International has signed a MoU with CIMB Bank to expand access to its payment solutions across Malaysia, particularly among the bank’s merchant base.

The partnership aims to improve the payment experience for UnionPay cardholders in key sectors such as retail, transportation, medical care, and e-commerce.

It will also provide CIMB merchants with access to UnionPay’s security authentication service to support safer digital transactions.

The agreement follows a bilateral commitment made in April 2025 by China and Malaysia to deepen strategic cooperation and enhance cross-border connectivity, including visa exemptions and economic collaboration.

The payments firm noted that over 90% of Malaysian merchants already accept UnionPay cards.

The new partnership is expected to strengthen coverage in high-traffic areas such as petrol stations, hospitals, toll booths, ticketing counters, vending machines, and mall parking systems.

UnionPay has issued more than 10 million cards in Malaysia and launched three UnionPay-powered e-wallets to support interoperability with local payment networks.

The company said Malaysia plays a key role in regional payment connectivity across ASEAN markets, including China, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.

Dong Junfeng, Chairman of UnionPay International, said,

“UnionPay has been operating in Malaysia for over 20 years. This collaboration with CIMB represents an important step in advancing UnionPay’s payment network in Malaysia through inclusive, secure, and interconnected financial infrastructure.

Malaysia continues to be a vital hub for regional payment innovation, and we are proud to deepen our cooperation to support seamless, cross-border commerce and digital transformation. Together, we aim to deliver greater convenience and trust to consumers and businesses across the region.”

Gurdip said,

“This collaboration underscores CIMB’s commitment to enhancing payment solutions that enables our network of customers greater convenience and growth opportunities.

The partnership with UPI allows for greater ASEAN – China as well as global solutions coverage, providing customers with enhanced access and security, especially during cross-border travel and trade.”

Featured image: (From left) Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CEO, CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad, Daniel Cheong, Head of Consumer Banking Malaysia, CIMB, Jian Jiangtao, Managing Director, UnionPay International (SEA), Dong Junfeng, Chairman, China UnionPay and Larry Wang, CEO, UnionPay International