SINGAPORE: Trade, investment and tourism cooperation between Cambodia and Singapore is expected to be enhanced following the official launch of phase one of a cross-border QR code payment system between the two countries.
The official launch ceremony for the “Cross-border QR code payment between Cambodia and Singapore” (Phase 1: Cambodia Scans QR Codes in Singapore) took place on November 12, on the sidelines of the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025. The event was attended by Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC).
According to an NBC press release, the implementation of the first phase of the new system will allow Cambodian citizens to use riel-denomination bank accounts to pay for goods and services in Singapore.
They can do this by scanning the RoamQR codes of SGQR merchants throughout Singapore — conveniently, quickly and securely. This is expected to contribute to strengthening trade, investment and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
“This bilateral cross-border payment cooperation between Cambodia and Singapore will play an important role in promoting the use of our national currency, reducing the need for foreign exchange conversions and card payments, while enabling instant payments. This is essential to further stimulate trade, investment and tourism activities between our two countries, supporting sustainable economic growth,” noted Serey.
According to the NBC, the project was initiated in partnership with private sector entities such as ACLEDA Bank Plc., Phillip Bank Plc. and Liquid Group, demonstrating the strong participation of the private sector.
It supports the shared vision of developing interoperable regional payment systems across Asean, aligning with the NBC’s long-term goal of promoting financial inclusion and innovative regional integration.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post that technology plays a crucial role in all sectors, requiring governments and institutions to adapt rapidly to global trends. He noted that QR code payment technology has contributed to convenience and efficiency and actively supports national economic growth, as well as cooperation between governments and people worldwide.
“QR code payments are now being widely used in nearly every country. The launch of the first phase will greatly benefit Cambodians traveling to Singapore for shopping, tourism or other services,” he said.
“In Phase 2, when Singaporeans can use their QR code systems in Cambodia, it will create even greater opportunities for Cambodia to attract more Singaporean tourists and investors,” he added.
At present, Cambodia’s cross-border payment cooperation framework includes partnerships with China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, South Korea, and Malaysia, among others. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
