CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad have announced a new collaboration with Weixin Pay, better known as WeChat Pay, to help Malaysian merchants attract and serve more Chinese tourists through digital payments.
The partnership introduces a dedicated Weixin Mini Program, designed to make cross-border payments easier while helping local businesses increase their visibility among Chinese travellers.
Through this initiative, CIMB-affiliated merchants can connect with one of China’s most widely used payment platforms and tap into the growing number of visitors from China.
With the new solution, Malaysian merchants will be able to accept Weixin Pay payments and showcase their products and services digitally. Chinese travellers can discover these merchants even before arriving in Malaysia and make payments in-store using DuitNow QR, creating a smoother and more familiar payment experience.
The initiative is especially beneficial for businesses in retail, food and beverage, and hospitality, where convenience and payment options play a key role in attracting international customers.
By combining CIMB’s digital banking capabilities with Weixin Pay’s large user base, merchants gain a stronger competitive edge in serving digital-savvy travellers.
Head of Consumer Banking Malaysia at CIMB, Daniel Cheong, said the collaboration supports the bank’s goal of strengthening cross-border connectivity and helping businesses grow.
He added that the programme allows merchants to reach high-value Chinese travellers through a platform they already trust, making it easier for them to discover, engage with, and transact in Malaysia.
The timing of the partnership comes as Chinese tourist arrivals continue to rise. According to the Ministry of Tourism, nearly 1.8 million tourists from China visited Malaysia in the first five months of 2025, and the number is expected to increase.
The collaboration also aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, positioning local merchants to benefit from higher tourist spending.
Weixin Pay’s Assistant Regional Director for Southeast Asia, David Chong, said Malaysia is a key market for the expansion of the programme, driven by strong demand from local businesses looking to reach Chinese consumers through digital channels.
From 1 January 2026, participating merchants will receive a dedicated page within the Weixin Pay ecosystem to promote their offerings. Merchants will also benefit from location-based discovery, promotional campaigns, and insights into customer interest based on travel and search trends.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
