By Antonia Chiam
“S Pay (Global) can be used anywhere — as long as they (businesses) accept Union Pay, they will accept S Pay (Global). We want our mobile payment (system) to be global in nature, that’s not just confined to Sarawak only. That’s why we will use S Pay (Global) just like Gojek.” Abang Johari (October 29, 2019)
ONE of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s most forward-thinking initiatives has been the establishment of S Pay Global, a digital payment platform aims at transforming the State’s financial ecosystem and bringing it into the digital age. Aware of the growing importance of digital payments in an increasingly interconnected world, he envisioned a platform that could enhance financial services and boost Sarawak’s digital economy. The State, rich in natural resources and culture, faced a gap in terms of modern financial infrastructure, particularly when it came to e-payments and cashless transactions.
S Pay Global emerged as a solution to this challenge. It was designed not only to foster convenience but also to reduce reliance on traditional banking systems and cash-based transactions. The Premier envisioned a platform that could help Sarawakians access financial services seamlessly, especially in rural and remote areas.
Sarawak-owned E-Wallet
S Pay Global is a mobile-based digital wallet, or e-wallet, that allows users to make cashless payments for goods and services across various sectors, including retail, transportation, utilities, and more. The platform facilitates peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, enabling users to send and receive money directly, without the need for an intermediary like a bank. Consumers can settle utility bills, mobile top-ups, and other services through the app. It also offers a convenient and secure method for consumers to pay for goods and services by scanning QR codes at participating merchants.
Since its establishment, S Pay Global has helped bring financial services to underserved communities in Sarawak, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to banking facilities is limited through coloration with Bank Simpanan Nasional. Beyond the basic functionalities, Abang Johari’s government emphasises the integration of various payment systems into S Pay Global, including government services like e-taxes and online renewals for various licenses, enhancing its utility for the citizens.
A Seamless Financial Application
The journey of S Pay Global began in 2017 when Abang Johari’s administration embarked on a bold move to create a digital payment system that would cater to the needs of Sarawak’s diverse population. In line with his ‘Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022’, which aimed at harnessing digital technology to accelerate the State’s economic development, the Premier saw the potential for digital finance to create more inclusive economic opportunities.
S Pay Global was officially launched as Sarawak Pay on November 15, 2017 under the guidance of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), a government agency that was formed and tasked with promoting digital infrastructure in Sarawak. The platform is the product of a collaboration between the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), which played a crucial role in the development and technical aspects of the platform. In 2021, operated by SiliconNet Technologies Sdn Bhd (SNT), the platform underwent a strategic rebranding to S Pay Global and the change of logo to reinforce its branding and presence on the global stage, following the integration between UnionPay and Sarawak Pay on March 4, 2021.
S Pay Global’s goals were ambitious. It not only aims to improve payment convenience, foster a cashless society, and provide an alternative to traditional banking systems, which might not be easily accessible to those in remote areas but also to ensure seamless cashless international payments. The launch of S Pay Global was part of a wider strategy to transform Sarawak into a regional leader in the digital economy. Abang Johari made it clear that this digital transformation would support Sarawak’s overall economic diversification, enabling the State to move beyond its reliance on traditional industries such as oil and gas and timber.
S Pay Global also aligns with the State’s goal of becoming a cashless society by 2030, contributing to Sarawak’s broader agenda to improve governance, elevate its e-commerce landscape, and develop a robust digital economy that is less dependent on physical infrastructure.
Increased Partnerships
Under Abang Johari’s leadership, Sarawak has aggressively pursued infrastructure development, including expanding high-speed internet access to remote regions. With greater connectivity in place, S Pay Global becomes a vital tool for promoting financial inclusion. Rural residents who had previously faced difficulties accessing banking services could now benefit from digital transactions, reducing the need for long-distance travel to banks in urban areas.
Over the years, S Pay Global has grown in both scope and sophistication. The platform has partnered with various local businesses, merchants, and government agencies to expand its reach and functionality. This included a series of collaborations with e-commerce platforms, food delivery services, and educational institutions. The app also started incorporating loyalty programmes, discounts, and rewards, making it an attractive tool for both consumers and businesses.
S Pay Global has also forged key partnerships with financial institutions, such as banks and fintech companies to enhance its services. The partnerships have enabled the platform to offer more secure and efficient payment processing services. Additionally, the integration of various digital payment channels has made it easier for users to complete transactions across a wide variety of services. Between its inception in 2017 to November 27, 2022, the platform had recorded total transactions of 66.7 million which is worth over RM2.8 billion following the registration of 657,824 users and 86,154 merchants statewide.
In 2020, Abang Johari’s government also launched the Sarawak Pay Merchant App, which enabled businesses to integrate the payment platform into their operations seamlessly. This app is part of the drive to increase the adoption of digital payment systems among local merchants, ensuring that businesses can benefit from the growing trend toward cashless transactions.
Since November 18, 2024, S Pay Global has partnered with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) to link DuitNow QR, Malaysia’s real-time payment platform. Together with the support of Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), this integration enables Sarawakians to perform cashless transactions at over two million DuitNow QR touchpoints nationwide.
Through the new feature, tourists from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Cambodia, will be able to make payments by simply scanning a DuitNow QR code with their mobile banking apps or e-wallets. As of November 16, 2024, S Pay Global has seen remarkable growth, processing a total of RM4.2 billion in transactions, with over 770,000 users and 91,000 registered merchants. More recently, S Pay Global has become a vital platform for the disbursement of financial assistance, including the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), to low-income groups across the State. By leveraging on this digital platform instead of physical cash disbursements, the government ensures that funds are used responsibly, directing support to those who need it most while minimising the risk of misuse.
As of February 18, 2025, 564,099 (63.6 per cent) of SKAS recipients had successfully registered with S Pay Global out of the total 886,288 individuals who are eligible for the financial aid with 35,416 new applications pending approval. Meanwhile, RM1,200 pocket money aid for tertiary education will also be disbursed through S Pay Global. To access to the aid, Sarawakian university students are urged to register with Sarawak’s e-wallet. The implementation of both SKAS and tertiary students’ pocket money is expected to see another surge of S Pay Global users in Sarawak.
AI to Enhance Efficiency
As Sarawak continues its journey toward a digital economy, the future looks bright for S Pay Global. With continued investment in digital infrastructure and technological innovations, the platform is set to evolve. Potential future upgrades may include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, which could further enhance security and efficiency in transactions.
The establishment of S Pay Global is a clear demonstration of Abang Johari’s forward-thinking and far-sighted leadership. With its comprehensive, cutting-edge features, S Pay Global is standing on par with other national and global e-wallet applications, serving Sarawakians effectively, and has become Sarawak’s pride.
From its humble beginnings as a regional digital payment solution, S Pay Global has grown to become a strong pillar for Sarawak’s digital economy. The platform exemplifies the Premier’s vision of a technologically advanced, inclusive, and prosperous Sarawak—one that leverages digital innovations to ensure the State’s continued growth and success in the 21st century.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd.
