CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad have announced a collaboration with WeChat Pay, also known as Weixin Pay, to help Malaysian merchants reach Chinese consumers more effectively.

The collaboration introduces a dedicated Weixin Mini Program that allows CIMB-affiliated merchants to improve their visibility among Chinese travellers and accept cross-border payments more smoothly. The initiative is intended to support businesses that cater to inbound tourism and digitally enabled consumers.

Making Cross-Border Payments Easier For Local Merchants

Under the collaboration, Malaysian merchants can offer WeChat Pay as a payment option for Chinese consumers. In-store transactions will be enabled through DuitNow QR, allowing travellers to pay conveniently while merchants receive funds locally.

Merchants are able to present their offerings online, engage travellers before they arrive in Malaysia, and complete transactions seamlessly during visits. This integrated approach supports a more consistent payment experience across digital discovery and in-store spending, and is particularly relevant for sectors such as retail, food and beverage, and hospitality.

Improving Digital Visibility Within The WeChat Pay Ecosystem

The Weixin Mini Program allows merchants to showcase their products and services directly within the WeChat Pay ecosystem. This gives Chinese travellers access to business information through a platform they already use for payments and daily services.

Merchants benefit from location-based discovery tools, promotional campaigns, and visibility during both pre-trip planning and in-destination searches. The programme also provides insights into customer interest and purchasing intent, based on search and usage trends within the platform.

Programme Rollout From January 2026

From 1 January 2026, participating merchants will receive a dedicated merchant page within the WeChat Pay ecosystem.

Merchants will gain increased visibility, access to promotional opportunities, and data insights on customer traffic and behaviour. The onboarding process is designed to be streamlined and cost-efficient, reducing technical requirements and integration complexity. Participating businesses will also have access to preferential exchange rates for cross-border transactions.

Supporting Tourism Growth And Visit Malaysia 2026

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia received nearly 1.8 million tourists from China in the first five months of 2025. This number is expected to increase, particularly during peak travel periods.

The collaboration aligns with broader efforts to prepare local businesses for higher tourist spending ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. By improving payment convenience and digital visibility, the initiative supports merchants in capturing demand from Chinese visitors.

Supporting MSMEs And Larger Retail Businesses

The programme is open to a wide range of businesses, from micro, small, and medium enterprises to major retail destinations. By reducing common barriers such as integration costs and limited exposure to Chinese consumers, the collaboration supports broader participation in cross-border commerce.

For Malaysian merchants, the initiative offers a practical way to engage Chinese travellers through familiar digital platforms, while strengthening readiness for a more connected regional economy.

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