KUALA LUMPUR: As part of its commitment to spearheading community investment, promoting digitalisation, and championing financial inclusion, Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLB) has launched the Programme e-Duit Desa in Bagan Nakhoda Omar, Sabak Bernam, Selangor (BNO), and catalysing a holistic digital transformation throughout the region.
The programme, which sees HLB providing residents and businesses with access to e-payment services as well as advisory and other financial solutions, is in support of Bank Negara Malaysia’s objective of accelerating the uptake of cashless transactions, leading to increased financial inclusivity among the public. By integrating a cashless ecosystem in BNO, the Bank looks to further empower communities to adapt to rapid digitalisation and urbanisation in the country, and help local businesses expand by offering a safe, secure, and convenient way of receiving financial transactions.
HLB Personal Financial Services managing director Andrew Jong said the programme was a reflection of the Bank’s dedication to go to great lengths in championing financial inclusion and uplifting communities, in line with the Bank’s brand promise of being “Built Around You”.
“Bagan Nakhoda Omar is the northernmost and westernmost point of Selangor, and forms an important part of the consumer value chain. This is a testament to our commitment to serving and investing in our communities, especially entrepreneurs and SME businesses who serve as the backbone of our economy. By introducing digital payment tools to the community, we hope to empower local businesses to expand their income streams and cater to more customers quickly and efficiently.
As an entrepreneurial bank that is Digital At The Core, we look to implement a digital-centric mindset in the way we give back to the community.”
Since launching our cashless transformation initiatives in Penang before the pandemic and our flagship HLB @ Kampung programme in Sekinchan, he added they are always looking for new ways to uplift local communities and businesses via digital means, and hopefully becoming a catalyst for future widespread growth.
Looking ahead, he said they hope to continue this digital transformation in more towns around Malaysia, with plans to enable cashless ecosystems in Pasar Tamu Donggongon di Sabah, and the Kinta and Manjung districts in Perak.
HLB’s Brand Ambassador Alif Satar said, “I frequently come to Bagan Nakhoda Omar on my cycling trips, and I usually cannot have too much cash on me. Enabling local businesses to accept cashless payments will not only make transactions more secure, but also make payments quicker and more convenient for visitors like me who are passing through BNO.”
From an entrepreneurial point of view, he added he has seen how simple tools like QR codes or cashless payment terminals can help a business grow because of the convenience and security that it provides to customers.
“I know firsthand how digitalisation and implementing cashless payments can improve efficiency of operations, which in turn improves sales and expands business opportunities. With all this, I am sure that the residents and businesses of BNO will benefit greatly from this programme, and I can’t wait to see how this town will benefit from this initiative,” he said.
Aligned with the Bank’s ESG aspirations to improve financial literacy among the public, the programme also provides the community with access to tangible financial products and services that are needed to inculcate a holistic understanding of finances in our community.
Through Programme e-Duit Desa, HLB has facilitated the opening of bank accounts and issued debit cards for the BNO community, without the need for them to visit a bank branch. For local businesses, the Bank has equipped them with HLB DuitNow starter kits, which include a DuitNow QR code that allows them to accept contactless QR payments from mobile banking apps and eWallets. It also includes an All-In-One Payment Terminal that accepts both card and QR payments.
Previously, HLB introduced cashless payment solutions in 75 schools across the country last financial year through its HLB @ School programme. Alongside that, its HLB DuitSmart programme also sees the Bank running tailor-made financial literacy workshops for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, which has benefitted over 1600 students in the past financial year.
