Visa launches first mobile concierge app in Malaysia

Not quitters: Visa says its customers are more likely to finish an online purchase process with its Visa Checkout feature.

KUALA LUMPUR: Visa Inc has launched Malaysia's first concierge mobile app that enables affluent Visa cardholders to access a host of concierge services on their mobile phone which is downloadable on iOS App Store and Google Android Store.

In a statement today it said the mobile app offers a real-time channel for affluent consumers to arrange for services such as hotel, flight and restaurant reservations, event ticket purchases or other enquiries.

A live-chat function is also available on the app, enabling users to chat with a customer service representative directly to make personalised and bespoke requests, it said.

Visa country manager for Malaysia Ng Kong Boon said previous requests based on the traditional concierge model showed that 40 per cent of the requests were travel- related followed by dining.

“We have one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, and naturally, our affluent cardholders are also becoming increasingly digital and use their mobile devices for various purposes.

"With the introduction of on-demand apps in the market, where Malaysians become accustomed to ordering and purchasing a product or service on the go, they are used to a high level of speed and efficiency," he said.

Ng said Visa saw the need to provide affluent cardholders the same level of efficiency when it comes to concierge requests.

"We believe that with the Visa concierge mobile app, we will see more affluent Malaysians using this new way of making concierge requests,” he added. - Bernama