Macao's fintech pioneer leads in digital new consumption, expanding GBA presence

Eyeing a trend when technology meets new consumption, Macao's fintech pioneer MACAU Pass is intensifying its commitment to smart living for all by sticking to innovation, and helping drive the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

As Macao has been prioritizing moderate economic diversification in recent years with technological innovation as its key driver, MACAU Pass has served the public through technological innovation, adapting to the city's evolving needs, said Sun Ho, chairman and CEO of MACAU Pass.

Speaking at the 5th BEYOND Expo, Sun revealed that MACAU Pass has contributed to Macao's high-quality development by promoting GBA connectivity with digital infrastructure, leading its digital new consumption and empowering Macao's smart tourism development.

Backed by the Chinese mainland and connected to the world, Macao is actively driving GBA integration, and rooted in Macao for 20 years, MACAU Pass has consistently enhanced digital infrastructure to strengthen regional connectivity, Sun said at the expo which gathered over 800 companies to explore emerging technological trends.

During the expo with a theme of "exploring limitless possibilities," MACAU Pass Group joined Taobao 88VIP and BEYOND Expo to launch an "88VIP CHOICE AWARD" release ceremony.

While becoming Macao's tech-finance brand with innovation at the core of its development, MACAU Pass has witnessed the launch of the first mCard in 2007，the M+Pay payment platform in 2016, and the launch of QR code payments in 2017, becoming one of the first global e-wallets to support HUAWEI watches in 2025.

It has been learned that as "south-north travel" becomes a routine, MPay has launched a cross-border zone with approximately 70 mainland mini programs, covering high-demand services like food delivery and ride-hailing — enabling Macao residents to enjoy seamless digital experiences in the mainland. Meanwhile, MPay also offers cross-border payment services in nearly 60 countries and regions, making overseas travel easier for Macao residents, and helping local businesses engage in global trade.

"Since its establishment, MACAU Pass has strengthened its payment and service networks — from finance and transport to daily life — using 'hard connectivity' in infrastructure and 'soft connectivity' in services to foster an 'emotional connection' through culture," said an executive from MACAU Pass.

Moreover, the mCard is accepted across public transport and nearly 30,000 local businesses, while MPay serves around 1.5 million users with a one-stop digital platform, expanding business potential and improving efficiency, he said.

In addition, as a globally renowned tourist destination, Macao is accelerating its development as a "World Tourism and Leisure Center" under the "Tourism+" strategy, and MACAU Pass has teamed up with Alibaba, Ant Group and other partners to help revitalize the city's tourism sector, fostering the deep integration of "tourism + technology".

In January, Sands China Ltd, Alipay and MACAU Pass jointly introduced the Alipay Tap! service at Sands Resorts® Macao, expanding to over 1,000 merchants, and driving growth in Macao's digital payment.

Sun affirmed: "From mobile payments to cross-border services, smart living to tourism transformation, our journey reflects Macao's digital evolution. Moving forward, we will continue to expand our presence in the Greater Bay Area and globally, contributing more innovative power to Macao's high-quality development".