Cambodia and Singapore Complete Full Interoperability of Cross-Border QR Payment Linkage
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) officially marked the Phase 2 launch of the cross-border QR payment linkage between Cambodia and Singapore at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal on March 30, 2026, under the support of two sponsoring banks in Cambodia – ACLEDA Bank and Phillip Bank – and Singaporean company Liquid Group.
The launch of Phase 2 follows up the success of the Phase 1 rollout in November 2025, which enabled Cambodian travellers to scan QR codes under Liquid Group’s RoamQR network in Singapore using Bakong-linked Khmer Riel accounts.
Presided over by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the NBC, the ceremony marked the full operationalisation of a digital corridor that allows travellers to “pay like a local” in both nations.
Under the banner of “Scan Local, Pay Global”, Phase 2 enables Singaporean visitors to seamlessly experience Cambodia like a local by scanning KHQR codes at over 4.5 million merchant touchpoints across the Kingdom. Travellers can pay using their home mobile payment apps through the cross-border QR payment linkage, with initial participating apps available at launch and additional banks and wallet partners across both markets to be progressively enabled.
The service allows users to view transparent foreign exchange rates before confirming payment, ensuring clarity and confidence in every transaction. Payments are completed instantly without the need for cash exchange, with transactions automatically processed in Singapore dollars (SGD) and settled in Khmer riel (KHR), delivering a seamless and familiar payment experience.
“With the completion of Phase 2, Cambodia and Singapore have established a fully operational bilateral cross-border QR payment linkage," said Jeremy Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Group. "Travellers can now explore Cambodia without the need for cash—simply by scanning KHQR codes using their home mobile payment apps. This milestone reflects close collaboration between our payment ecosystems and supports the continued adoption of seamless cross-border payments as part of everyday travel.”
Dr. In Channy, President and Group Managing Director of ACLEDA Bank Plc., expressed his profound honour at ACLEDA's appointment, by the NBC, as the sponsoring bank for this landmark cross-border QR payment initiative with Singapore, spearheaded by the NBC. In Phase 1, he highlighted that ACLEDA successfully implemented cross-border QR payments, enabling Cambodian users to scan Singapore SGQR codes at RoamQR merchants across Singapore. This advancement promotes the use of the Khmer Riel across ASEAN, fosters financial inclusion, and advances integration within the ASEAN Economic Community.
He added that this launch builds upon ACLEDA's established successes in cross-border QR interoperability with other ASEAN nations, supported by intermediary banks such as United Overseas Bank Limited and DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.
Mach Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Phillip Bank Plc., further added, “Phillip Bank is honoured to be part of this journey connecting people, businesses, and economies across our two homes – Singapore, where our group was founded, and Cambodia, where we have grown.”
Building ASEAN Connectivity and Empowering MSMEs
The launch underscores a greater shift toward frictionless and cashless international travel and commerce. By scanning ubiquitous local QR codes, Singaporean tourists and business travellers can settle transactions instantly in Cambodia without the need for physical currency exchange.
Beyond convenience, the linkage serves as a catalyst for broader regional integration. The project is a primary building block for advancing the ASEAN Regional Payment Connectivity framework, promoting a unified digital economy. The seamless flow of funds is expected to also boost bilateral trade and tourism, providing a secure, transparent, and real-time payment alternative to cash.
Furthermore, by enabling Cambodian merchants, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to accept international digital payments via KHQR codes, the system drives financial inclusion and reduces operational costs for local vendors.
