Singapore and Cambodia have taken a big step to improve how people pay for things across Southeast Asia (ASEAN). They have officially launched a system that allows people to make payments using a cross-border QR code link between Liquid Group’s RoamQR and Cambodia’s national digital payment system, Bakong.
The official launch event happened in Singapore on November 12, alongside the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025. The ceremony was led by important financial leaders, including H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN). Other senior representatives from the NBC, Liquid Group, ACLEDA Bank, and Phillip Bank were also there.
💰 How the New System Works
Phase 1 of this new system makes it easy for Cambodians:
- Cambodian consumers and travelers can now pay at participating stores in Singapore by simply scanning a RoamQR code.
- They use their mobile banking app, which is connected to Bakong and linked to their Cambodian Riel bank account.
- This first phase is supported by two local banks, ACLEDA Bank and Phillip Bank.
In the future, the system will work the other way too:
- Singaporean consumers and travelers will be able to scan the Cambodian QR code (KHQR) in Cambodia.
- Their payments will be taken directly from their preferred Singapore mobile payment apps, making the process easy for everyone.
This creates a safe, modern, and simple two-way digital payment system that connects both countries.
READ MORE: Fastest and Cheapest Ways to Send Money To and From Cambodia
📈 Why This Matters
By expanding digital channels like Bakong, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is making digital payments safer, more transparent, and accessible to more people across the country.
H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, NBC Governor, said:
“This event is a major move toward better economic connection between our two nations and greater teamwork in the region. Cambodia has already successfully linked its QR code system with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, China, and Japan. By adding Singapore, we are opening up new opportunities for our people, businesses, and economies. Together, we are taking a big stride toward better digital finance across ASEAN and the world.”
Mr. Jeremy Tan, CEO of Liquid Group, stated:
“Working with the National Bank of Cambodia and Bakong shows that we both want to expand RoamQR’s reach while making sure cross-border payments are secure and can work easily together.”