The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI): Driving Cashless Adoption and Technology in Rural Malaysia
Malaysia
The Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI) is an initiative by Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Malaysia aims to encourage the use of cashless payments among small retailers in rural Malaysia. As part of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), the goal is to have at least 15,000 merchants adopt cashless platforms by 2025. To bridge the digital gap between rural and urban areas, ReDI collaborates with various agencies and service providers to create advocacy programs and facilitate e-wallet adoption. The initiative empowers rural communities to integrate technology into their daily business activities while addressing Malaysia’s diverse cultural needs. Key efforts include ReDI tours, advocacy events, public onboarding challenges, and e-wallet incentives, which have successfully raised awareness and adoption of cashless payments in rural areas.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Cashless Adoption
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
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Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.05.25[Sun]
10:00 ～ 12:30
(Venue Open 09:30)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
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audio.
Is the Malaysian Community Ready for ReDI? This session will
explore how Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI) is
empowering rural communities through basic technology
awareness programs and the expansion of digital
applications.
Programme Details
(A) TED Talks Session by three (3) expert panels:
1) How is the Malaysian Community Ready with ReDI?
Presenter: Mr Muhamad Hanif bin Asa'ari, Director of
Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat, Ministry
of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Malaysia
2) From Cash to Digital: How TNG Digital is Revolutionizing
Payments for Micro Businesses in Malaysia
Presenter: Mr Herman bin Sarbini, Chief Operations
Officer, TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd.
3)The Success Story: How Cashless Payment Improve The
Business?
Presenter: Yiap Phing Phing, Director of Village Burger
(B) Documentary and infographic videos of ReDI journey and how
cashless adoption evolve in Malaysia
(C) Business networking session between e-wallet providers in
Malaysia
Reports
【Reflection】
The "Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI)" led by
Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living aims
to boost the use of cashless payment systems among small
retailers, particularly in rural areas. This initiative helps
close the digital divide between urban and rural communities
and supports the competitiveness and sustainability of small
businesses.
ReDI focuses on streamlining transactions and enhancing
customer service through the adoption of cashless systems,
which have become increasingly important in the post-pandemic
era. The Ministry collaborates with financial institutions and
technology providers to promote e-wallet use while offering
educational programs to help small retailers implement digital
solutions.
The initiative has already shown positive impact by empowering
rural businesses through technology. Partnerships with
organizations like TNG Digital, which operates Malaysia’s
leading e-wallet platform, have enabled millions of merchants
to adopt cashless systems. Success stories such as Aarin Yap,
founder of Village Burger, demonstrate how digital tools can
transform business operations and growth potential.
ReDI reflects Malaysia’s broader commitment to an inclusive
digital economy where even small rural businesses can leverage
technology to thrive and connect to the national economy.
【Post Expo Initiatives】
After Expo 2025, Malaysia plans to expand ReDI nationwide,
focusing on rural and underserved communities. Public-private
partnerships will be strengthened to simplify digital adoption
for micro-retailers. The government also aims to upgrade
digital infrastructure, provide training and mentorship, and
promote digital entrepreneurship through micro-grants.
Using data from ReDI’s rollout, Malaysia will refine policies
and align them with national strategies such as MyDIGITAL and
the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, aiming for a fully
cashless society by 2030. These efforts reflect
Malaysia's commitment to digital transformation that
empowers all segments of society, ensuring no one is left
behind.
Cast
Moderator
ANANTHI A/P SANDRAKANTHAM
Senior Principal Assistant Director, Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Malaysia
With over 20 years of experience spanning both public
and private sectors, Ananthi Sandrakantham is a
recognized expert in digital economy, eCommerce,
higher education policies and technological
innovation. She currently serves as Senior Principal
Assistant Director at KPDN, having held leadership
roles in various prominent Malaysian ministries and
departments, including the Ministry of Higher
Education (MOHE) and the Malaysian Administrative
Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU).
Ananthi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from
University Science Malaysia and an MBA from University
Putra Malaysia. She is now an active member of the
international ISO/TC working group on Sharing
Economy.
As a pioneer in promoting open-source software
adoption in public sector, Ananthi has played a
crucial role in advancing Malaysia’s technological
infrastructure. A 2023 TEDx speaker, she also
significantly influences eCommerce and digital economy
policies in Malaysia.
Ananthi’s diverse expertise and leadership continue to
drive Malaysia’s digital transformation, positioning
her as an influential thought leader in the industry.
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Speakers
MUHAMAD HANIF BIN ASA'ARI
Director, Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Malaysia
Mr Muhamad Hanif Bin Asa’ari was a lawyer by
profession before joining the Malaysia Administrative
and Diplomatic Service in 2003. For over 20 years in
civil service he holds various post at Ministry of
Home Affairs, Immigration Department and Khazanah
Nasional Berhad. He serves as Director of Secretariat
of Distributive Trade and Service Industry at Ministry
of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living from January 2020
until now.
Mr Muhamad Hanif Bin Asa’ari holds a LL.B Hons from
International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM)
and MSc in Migration, Mobility and Development from
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) UK.
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MOHD HERMAN BIN SARBINI
Chief Operations Officer, TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd.
Mohd Herman Bin Sarbini is a distinguished Malaysian
business executive with extensive expertise in
telecommunications, broadcasting, and fintech. As the
Chief Operations Officer (COO) of TNG Digital, a
leading Malaysian fintech provider, he drives
operational excellence and innovation. Herman holds a
degree in Information Technology, specialising in
Computer Science, which has been foundational to his
career.
Joining TNG Digital in 2019 as Head of Back-end
Operations, he led critical functions like Customer
Service, Merchant Onboarding, and Settlement
Operations, reporting directly to the COO. His
exceptional performance earned him the COO role in
January 2023.
Prior to TNG Digital, Herman held key positions at
Astro, Celcom, and VADS, where he honed his skills in
operational management and Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO). Known for his commitment to
improving operational processes and customer
experiences, Herman continues to play a pivotal role
in advancing Malaysia’s digital payment ecosystem.
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YIAP PHING PHING
Director, Village Burger
Yiap Phing Phing is a Director of Village Burger specializes in delicious local Western food and gourmet burgers, making quality dishes affordable for all residents of Kampung Juru, Penang. Village Burger was established in April 2021 during the pandemic, driven by the desire to make Western food affordable for everyone. Since then, we have become a beloved dining spot in the area.
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The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI): Driving Cashless Adoption and Technology in Rural Malaysia
The Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI) is an initiative by Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Malaysia aims to encourage the use of cashless payments among small retailers in rural Malaysia. As part of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), the goal is to have at least 15,000 merchants adopt cashless platforms by 2025. To bridge the digital gap between rural and urban areas, ReDI collaborates with various agencies and service providers to create advocacy programs and facilitate e-wallet adoption. The initiative empowers rural communities to integrate technology into their daily business activities while addressing Malaysia’s diverse cultural needs. Key efforts include ReDI tours, advocacy events, public onboarding challenges, and e-wallet incentives, which have successfully raised awareness and adoption of cashless payments in rural areas.
-
2025.05.25[Sun]
10:00～12:30
(Venue Open 09:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Community and Mobility Week
