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
- 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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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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More Information
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
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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