The cross-border collaboration aims to enhance travel convenience, medical access and payment experiences for UnionPay cardholders from Brunei visiting China. - Baiduri Bank via BB/ANN
NANNING, China: UnionPay International has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Baiduri Bank and The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University at the 22nd China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China. This cross-border collaboration aims to enhance travel convenience, medical access and payment experiences for UnionPay cardholders from Brunei visiting China.
Signing on behalf of UnionPay International was Director of Global Business Development and President of the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Region, UnionPay International Carlson Li; on behalf of China UnionPay, General Manager of the Guangxi branch Yan Chunman; on behalf of Baiduri Bank, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank Ti Eng Hui; and on behalf of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Hospital Director Zheng Baoshi. The signing was witnessed by the Governor of Guangxi Wei Tao.
The initiative reflects UnionPay’s commitment to delivering more than just a payment solution. Through trusted partnerships, UnionPay is creating a seamless lifestyle ecosystem – one that offers real-world benefits, tailored services and superior convenience for its users. The MoU also supports China’s national strategy of strengthening Guangxi’s position as the financial and service gateway to Asean.
The collaboration was facilitated by UnionPay’s offices in Nanning and Brunei, demonstrating the company’s strong local presence and ability to foster bilateral cooperation.
Under the agreement, Baiduri Bank UnionPay cardholders will enjoy exclusive travel privileges when they travel to Guangxi, along with fast-tracked medical services and preferential packages at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.
UnionPay International and Baiduri Bank also plan to explore the joint development of premium UnionPay card products designed for high-value clients and frequent travellers.
Nanning, as a core city in China’s gateway strategy, offers a mature UnionPay acceptance environment. Cardholders can use their UnionPay cards at virtually all hotels, hospitals, transport systems, tourist sites and retail outlets across the city. UnionPay QR code payments are also widely accepted, making daily transactions smooth and secure.
As medical tourism continues to rise globally, China is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for South-East Asian patients seeking high-quality care at accessible prices.
Guangxi, with its close geographic and cultural ties to Asean, is well-positioned to meet this demand. The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University – one of the region’s leading institutions – will now offer tailored services for inbound UnionPay cardholders. The hospital also leads the China-Asean Hospital Cooperation Alliance, playing a key role in regional healthcare collaboration.
Baiduri Bank, Brunei’s largest conventional bank, has been a long-standing issuer of UnionPay cards and plays an essential role in enhancing financial access and convenience for local cardholders.
“UnionPay’s goal is to deliver more than just payment capability – we offer our cardholders access, trust, and enriched experiences,” said Carlson Li. “By collaborating with best-in-class partners across various sectors, we are strengthening the value of being a UnionPay cardholder in today’s connected Asean-China landscape.”
Commenting on this partnership, Ti Eng Hui said, “Guangxi’s emergence as a vibrant tourism hub and gateway to China presents exciting opportunities for Bruneians seeking enriching travel and healthcare experiences. At the same time, Brunei’s strategic location at the heart of Asean positions us as a natural bridge for deeper regional connectivity. Baiduri Bank is proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with UnionPay International through this MoU, leveraging our extensive merchant network and expertise in travel and hospitality payments to deliver seamless, secure, and rewarding experiences for our cardholders.”
The MoU, signed on the occasion of CAEXPO, highlights the practical outcomes of regional cooperation.
UnionPay will continue working closely with local and international partners to build meaningful, user-centric solutions that support both economic development and everyday convenience. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
