WeChat Pay has launched their new ‘Smart Order’ service now available at selected mamaks Nationwide. This new digitized ordering is aimed at making it easier to lepak at mamaks than ever before. While it won’t be available across all mamaks, some are already using this new service. About 40 mamaks have the option, and WeChat seems to be targeting ‘all’ F&B outlets across Malaysia.
At the event, we actually got to try out the Smart Ordering service. It was relatively simple. We sat down, scanned the QR code on the table using the WeChat app which redirected me to the restaurants menu. I ordered, chose my payment option, and my order arrived.
Relatively simple, without having to try and get the ane attention so he can take my order. However based on first impressions, the UI is a bit messy. I couldn’t see what exactly I ordered after paying, so if you forgot what you selected, you’re gonna have a tough time. Also I saw the ane with my drink, looking for where to give it to. I didn’t interact because I wanted to see how exactly he would find my table. It took about 3 minutes of looking around till he finally found me, so safe to say WeChat Pay here still needs a bit of training and time to adopt to the technology. WeChat Pay it does have its faults at the moment but it’s future is what’s exciting.
It’s all a matter of convenience, and being able to pay on the spot is basically the most convenient thing to happen for a Mamak. The technology is there, now only adoption is a factor in it’s use. Is WeChat Pay going to be the king of e-wallets in Malaysia? IS there going to be just one at the top? WeChat Pay has been very successful so far in China, and it’s only a matter of time before nationwide adoption.
But at the same time, doesn’t it seem a bit impersonal at a mamak? I feel like it takes away from the experience of ordering, maybe getting the order wrong and having a laugh about it, and just the general homeliness that eating at a mamak has for many Malaysians.
Maybe we’re not ready to change, but advancement in technology doesn’t wait for anyone.
