SINGAPORE: Singtel, the Singapore telco, and Razer, the gaming hardware firm, are joining forces to create one of the largest e-payments network in Southeast Asia and one that will have a particular focus on gamers.

The two have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster strategic collaboration in the areas of e-payments, e-sports, gaming-related digital media and telecommunication services across the region.

The Singtel Group, which includes wholly-owned subsidiary Optus and regional associates Airtel, AIS, Globe and Telkomsel, has a combined reach of over 680 million mobile customers across the region.

Razer last month announced it would buy MOL Global, which currently operates a significant e-payment network used by major companies such as e-commerce platform Lazada, ride-hailing app Grab and fashion retailer UNIQLO and which also offers more than one million offline payment points across the region.

The interoperability of both networks will create one of the largest connected e-payment networks in Southeast Asia.

“We are making a big push to create an ecosystem of digital services for our customers,” said Arthur Lang, CEO of Singtel’s International Group. “Digital services from mobile payments to entertainment have become a big part of their lives, especially the millennials.”

The collaboration with Razer, he said, will “help advance our goal to empower customers to spend seamlessly across borders and experience the thrill of e-sports”.

Singtel Group and Razer started collaborating on gaming initiatives last year, with Razer supporting Singtel’s community gaming events across Singapore, while Singtel was the first telco to launch the Razer Phone in Asia.

They now plan to scale that up, jointly organising activities such as regional invitational events and cultivating Southeast Asian e-sports talent.

Sourced from Singtel; additional content by WARC staff