Touch ‘n Go Group, via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, has formed a strategic partnership with Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, to launch the first corporate social responsibility (CSR)-linked Visa prepaid card in Malaysia.
Touch ‘n Go said in a statement on Wednesday that the Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s CSR-linked Visa card is the first numberless card in Malaysia, providing stronger privacy with enhanced card security controls.
With this card acting as a complementary payment channel to the eWallet, users will be able to make payments even at merchants who do not have a Duitnow QR code.
The card also permits users to withdraw cash at automated teller machines (ATMs) and perform online and offline payments internationally.
Users can also opt for flexible payment settings via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app.
It is noted that the design of the new Visa card incorporates the artwork by Damien Wong, a talented artist from United Voice who was diagnosed with autism at a young age.
The painting, consisting mainly of splashes of colours in blue, green, and yellow, depicts Damien’s view of the world – “In my eyes, this is how the world looks like to me, a splash of colours”. The proceeds from the group’s purchase of this painting go directly to Damien.
According to Touch ‘n Go, for every card applied, MYR2 ($0.46) will be donated to United Voice. The proceeds will be used by United Voice to run projects to drive new employment opportunities by upskilling, training, and educating people with learning disabilities.
This initiative is a further extension of the group’s long-term collaboration with United Voice, which started in September 2022 with the purchase of ten paintings from United Voice artists.
The paintings were incorporated on specially designed enhanced Touch ‘n Go cards, with the aim of profiling the talented artists while raising funds for United Voice.
“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with United Voice, with the purpose of creating awareness for their cause and empowering those with learning disabilities to develop the necessary skills which will help them live independently,” said Alan Ni, Chief Executive Officer of TNG Digital Sdn Bhd.
According to him, this initiative is also aligned with the group’s commitment towards championing inclusivity in line with its sustainability pillar of Treating People Fairly.
“Together with Visa, we have integrated innovation and advanced technology to deliver enterprise grade security and features for this Visa card. At the same time, it is also the first-of-its-kind CSR-linked Visa card in Malaysia,
“With all the features incorporated in this card, Touch ‘n Go eWallet is now able to offer all the services equivalent to an alternative bank to all eWallet users for free. We expect strong demand for the card as this will expand our eWallet customers’ payment horizon internationally,” he added.
Ng Kong Boon, Visa Country Manager for Malaysia, said this prepaid product that is tied to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet will enable cardholders to pay at Visa’s wide network of over 80 million merchants worldwide.
“We are also heartened that cardholders who apply for this product will be able to contribute to United Voice’s upskilling initiative and do their part for charity, while benefitting from making seamless and convenient card payments,” he added.
United Voice, set up in 2005, is Malaysia’s first non-governmental organisation (NGO) to be run by persons with learning disabilities.
The firm promotes self-advocacy to reduce the isolation of people with learning disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cerebral palsy, providing them with the tools, training, platforms, and experience to take control of their lives.
Touch ‘n Go Group’s sustainability framework is aligned with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and centred around 4 pillars – Tech 4 Good, Treating People Fairly, Digital Inclusion, and Our Planet.
At the core of the group’s sustainability efforts is the ethos that the group strives to achieve net positive in all its activities.
The group’s collaboration with United Voice is in line with the longer-term strategic focus under its Treating People Fairly pillar which encompasses empowering the differently-abled; fostering the inclusion of underbanked communities; and promoting responsible consumption.
Keyword: Touch ‘n Go partners Visa to launch Touch ‘n Go Visa prepaid card in Malaysia