NRT Technology Corp, a global leader in payment solutions and self-serve kiosks, has appointed Tecnet Asia Inc as its official distributor in the Philippines.

The collaboration aims to bring NRT’s innovative technologies to the local gaming and hospitality markets, further enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experiences, the companies said in a joint announcement.

NRT currently serves clients across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines.

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“This collaboration underscores the growing demand for secure and innovative payment solutions in the Philippine gaming industry. By joining forces with NRT, we aim to deliver cutting-edge technologies that meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Suat Sirin, President of Tecnet Asia.

Art Ayow, NRT’s Senior Vice President of International Sales, said: “Tecnet Asia’s local expertise and strong network make them the ideal partner to expand the NRT brand in the APEC region. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for our clients in terms of enhancing guest experiences and improving operational efficiencies.”

The partnership aims to drive significant advancements in the region, reflecting both companies’ commitment to innovation, growth and world-class service in the gaming and hospitality sectors, they said.

Tecnet Asia said the partnership reflects its continued growth in expanding its offerings to meet industry demands, providing expertise in technical consultancy, project management and support services. The company last year also became distributor for renowned brands like Novomatic, Ainsworth, Apex, Patir Seating and Miwa Locks.

On Jan. 14, 2025, Sands China Ltd., Alipay and Macau Pass jointly introduced the Alipay Tap! service at Sands Resorts Macao. Utilising innovative payment interaction technology, the service will further enhance the payment experience of visitors in Macao and enable new digital business and marketing opportunities. It will also contribute to the city’s smart city development while supporting digital upgrades and connectivity within the Greater Bay Area.

Alipay Tap! is an innovative payment service introduced by Alipay in July 2024 in the Chinese mainland. Users can simply unlock their phones and tap the merchant’s payment device to complete the transaction, without opening the Alipay app. This solution has quickly become popular with both users and merchants and is currently available in over 100 cities and more than 1000 shopping malls and commercial districts in the Chinese mainland. In addition to payments, Alipay has also collaborated with partners to create over 50 Alipay Tap! digital industry solutions, such as “Tap to Order” and “Tap to Open Self-service Vending Machine”.

In this first phase, Sands China has rolled out Alipay Tap! across 300 merchants in its integrated resorts, including The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Londoner Macao and Sands Macao. It can be used for a variety of payments, such as hotel accommodation, dining, shopping and ticketing, providing customers with a convenient payment experience. Chinese mainland tourists using Alipay Tap! in Sands Resorts Macao can also enjoy multiple offers during the promotional period, including an exclusive coupon for the first transaction via Alipay Tap! in Macao and other cross-border travel promotions released.

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Merchants can use one terminal to meet the payment needs of both tourists and local residents using mainstream e-wallets. A representative from a Sands Resorts Macao merchant shared, “As Chinese mainland tourists are generally familiar with Alipay Tap!, combined with various recent promotional offers, the number of Alipay Tap! transactions has significantly increased since its launch, greatly enhancing operational efficiency”.

Jiajia Li, Vice President of Alipay, Ant Group, said: “Macao has unique geographic advantages, providing an ideal environment for the introduction of innovative technologies. Alipay and Alipay+’s cross-border services have already covered nearly 90% of merchants in Macao. The successful introduction of Alipay Tap! in Macao will further enhance the convenience of payments for Chinese mainland visitors, accelerate the digital transformation of businesses, unlock more commercial potential, and promote the digital connectivity of digital everyday services within the Greater Bay Area.”

The introduction of Alipay Tap! in Macao is not just a simple replication of the payment model but also creates a local digital business model benchmark. The collaboration between the three companies integrates Alipay’s user experience and membership preferences, Sands China’s unique services and benefits, and Macau Pass’s regional coverage and operational expertise. Together, they have created a new digital business model.