Boost, an e-wallet service that Axiata Digital developed, has partnered up with Digital Johor Sdn Bhd (DJSB) to launch Johor 4.0 – Digitising ‘Bangsa Johor’; the objective: Boost wants Johor to become a true cashless society. Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Johor Chief Minister, and Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, Communications and Multimedia Minister have been present to officiate the event. Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim, Princess of the Johor Royal Family, also graced the event. This partnership expands the cashless ecosystem in Malaysia; for Johor, the move will enable its local businesses to easily enter the card-less mobile electronic wallet world.
The event follows the Digital Carnival Johor 4.0 that kicked off the day before; it’s an extravagant festival that features food trucks from all over the state and local merchants. Merchants operating with Boost comprise Jakel; Bazaar Karat at Johor Bahru Central/Skudai; Kilang Batteri; Angsana Mall; and KSL Mall. Boost is also expanding to other popular spots and malls in Johor Bahru. These include Komtar JBCC, Medini Mall and their immediate surrounding areas.
With this new ‘Boost wants Johor’ roll-out, Boost hopes to change the way Malaysians pay for services and goods. Currently, it provides cashless payments services to merchants at selected night markets and food centres; this includes food trucks too. Certain F&B and entertainment establishments as well as online shopping and bookstores have engaged Boost as well. Even now, users can buy prepaid top ups and digital vouchers, or gift them to friends and family as well. There’s even an option to ‘go dutch’ with its ‘split bill’ feature.
“We hope to see Bangsa Johor move towards being cashless,” says Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah, Digital Johor’s Managing Director. He further reiterates that Boost will drive the cashless system forward in Johor.
Christopher Tiffin, CEO of Axiata Digital, meanwhile adds: “This collaboration spearheaded by the state will expand financial inclusion; especially in addressing consumers and small businesses that are unable to access traditional financial channels. We look forward to working closely with our Johor partners in moving Bangsa Johor towards a cashless society.”
Android users can download Boost from the Google Play Store; while Apple iOS users can download from the Apple App Store. Those new to the platform can click here for more information on Boost as well as follow them on Facebook.
