Scanning through Vietnam’s QR code revolution

More: AnyMind Group acquires a Malaysian ecommerce enabler and SG Bike announces it’s shutting down. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - Whether the humble QR code is [the future of payments]( in Vietnam - AnyMind Group’s acquisition of Arche Digital - Other newsy highlights such as the shutdown of SG Bike --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} As recent as a decade ago, it would have been unthinkable to go about my daily business without my wallet. It contained things that facilitated my life. Eating at a hawker center? Cash. Traveling around? Concession card. Ran out of cash? Just pop my ATM card at the nearest dispenser. I’m sure many of you had similar experiences too. However, everything changed when mobile-based payments showed up. Only hawker centers and coffee shops held out for a time, but they eventually adopted QR and contactless payments. Today, I can basically do everything I want through my smartphone, be it taking the bus or buying lunch. QR code payments, in particular, are almost essential because of how ubiquitous they are in Singapore, thanks to platforms like Paylah or PayNow. Something similar is happening in Vietnam too, as QR code payments are now available everywhere including eateries, street vendors, and many more places. Today’s feature story explores not just what this means for local consumers but also its potential impact on players in the digital wallet space. -- Jonathan  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Vietnam’s QR code revolution puts pressure on digital wallets]( Fueled by the simplicity of a QR code, Vietnamese consumers are embracing cashless payments at an unexpectedly rapid pace. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [AnyMind Group acquires Malaysian ecommerce enabler]( AnyMind, which is based in Singapore and listed in Tokyo, acquired Arche Digital for US$1.5 million, with the transaction set to close by June. [Singapore’s SG Bike to cease operations, move users to Anywheel]( With SG Bike’s closure, Singapore’s once-crowded bike-sharing sector is now down to two players: Anywheel and HelloRide. --------------------------------------------------------------- SAIGON SUMMIT 2024: CHARTING VIETNAM’S TECH FUTURE Stand among tech giants at Startup Showcase Calling all startups, here’s your chance to put your brand on the same exhibition floor alongside tech titans like Antler, Amazon Web Services, and more. Apply now for a chance to be part of the 40 curated exhibitors at the Startup Showcase segment of Tech in Asia’s Saigon Summit 2024. You’ll also get to share your innovative ideas and products with regional tech professionals from top players like VNG, Sendo, Lazada, TikTok, Dat Bike, Golden Gate Ventures, and Social Bella. Hurry and [submit your application before April 22!]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [SEA funding round sizes over the past 5 years]( For startups, understanding how much their peers are raising could be crucial when they're pitching investors. ---------------------------------------------------------------  PRESS PEEKS The following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You too can publish your own press release on Tech in Asia by simply filling in [this]( page](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - CBTW - [Philippines’ Metrobank partners with CBTW to transform its wealth management technology]( Metrobank & CBTW are implementing Temenos Wealth to enhance the Bank's operational efficiency and accelerate business growth.  - iCompany - [iCompany Launches AI-Powered Digital Solutions for Business Incorporation in Malaysia]( iCompany is set to transform the way entrepreneurs and businesses set up Sendirian Berhad in Malaysia.  - Request Finance - [Request Finance Acquires Consola Finance To Become the Ultimate Enterprise Finance Platform for Both Crypto and Fiat]( Request Finance just acquired one of the leading technologies for crypto accounting - Consola Finance.  ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here](. - [Saigon Summit 2024: Charting Vietnam’s Tech Future on May 30]( As a founder, getting opportunities to talk to the right investors is always tricky. 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This year, we’re thrilled to be hosting our flagship event not just in Jakarta but also at a new stop: Kuala Lumpur. TIA Conference KL aims to provide a platform for founders, leaders, and innovators from Southeast Asia to come together, foster connections, and exchange insights on Malaysia's untapped potential. Through thought-provoking panels, curated networking sessions, and dedicated exhibition opportunities, attendees will gain fresh perspectives on what’s next for the country’s tech ecosystem. Tickets to this event are available now. Catch our early bird special, with prices starting from just US$40 (US$80 unit price) for a General Pass. [Grab yours while the offer lasts]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  CONFERENCE LINEUP Check out Tech in Asia’s other signature events lineup for 2024 [here](. - [Product Development Conference (June 2024)]( Presale is now open! 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