Asia news roundup: Alipay starts blockchain transfers, GrabPay goes live in Malaysia

AlipayHK and GCash have launched a blockchain cross-border remittance corridor, which they say is the first of its kind in the world. / Photo credit: AlipayHK

A summary of the day’s top tech news.

Fintech

AlipayHK and GCash pioneer blockchain cross-border remittances for Filipino domestic workers (Hong Kong/The Philippines). The Alibaba-affiliated payments platform has partnered with Philippine firm GCash to link their respective mobile wallets using blockchain tech. The two claim that it’s the first blockchain-based cross-border digital wallet remittance service in the world. It offers a low-friction, low-cost way to transfer money from Hong Kong to the Philippines – a service that could prove popular with the territory’s large population of domestic workers from the island nation. (Alibaba)

Grab mobile wallet gets Malaysia launch (Malaysia). The ride-hailing firm’s GrabPay platform has officially launched in the country – a move that comes in the wake of Grab’s recently announced partnership with Maybank. The collaboration will see GrabPay accepted as a payment method at the local bank’s nationwide merchant network. (Grab)

AsiaKredit reveals US$2.5 million investment (Singapore). The digital consumer lender said it has raised US$2.5 million in funding to date following a recent capital injection from SIG Asia Investments. AsiaKredit will use the funds for loan capital and to enhance its underwriting and collections infrastructure, as well as for tech and product development. Currently serving underbanked communities in the Philippines, AsiaKredit plans to expand to Indonesia next year. (AsiaKredit)

AsiaKredit’s Manila team / Photo credit: AsiaKredit

Mobile wallet OnOnPay banks fresh Fenox, Captii funding (Vietnam). The deal marks Silicon Valley-based Fenox Venture Capital’s first investment in Vietnam. Previous backer Captii Venture also participated in the round. (Fenox Venture Capital)

Ecommerce

“Order-ahead” app Eatsy scores US$404,000 in Quest Ventures-led round (Singapore). The app connects users with restaurants, allowing them to order and pay for their meals before collecting them. It also offers collaborative ordering so that larger groups of diners can order food together. Eatsy said it will use the funding to enhance in-app functions and partner with more merchants. (Eatsy)

Transportation

Photo credit: Go-Jek / Collage by Tech in Asia

Go-Jek’s new brands revealed (Indonesia/Thailand/Vietnam). The ride-hailing company officially unveiled the new brands it is developing for its local operations elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Go-Jek’s ride-hailing service will be run under the Get brand in Thailand, while in Vietnam it will be known as Go-Viet. The company is also due to launch services in Singapore and the Philippines later this year as part of its US$500 million international expansion. (Tech in Asia)

Consumer tech

China’s richest buy into Xiaomi IPO (China). Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Tencent founder Pony Ma, and veteran Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing are all said to be angling for Xiaomi shares as the company prepares for its Hong Kong listing. The three billionaires are aiming for big stakes, with Li expected to plow US$30 million into the IPO.
(Bloomberg)

See: Previous Asia tech news roundups