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Boost Unlocks Global QR Payments Capabilities With UnionPay International, Including Weixin Pay In China

(Group Photo - from left) Wang Lixin, CEO of UnionPay International (UPI); Dong JunFeng, Chairman of China UnionPay (CUP); Sheyantha Abeykoon, Group CEO of Boost; and Ungku Liza, CEO of Boost Life
  • Direct QR code scanning at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay brand in China) merchants.
  • Seamless QR payments via UnionPay’s global network with Boost.
  • Continued access to Boost Wallet features, including Boost eWallet Top-up, Boost PayFlexTM Cash-in, and Boost Bank auto-add money when travelling.

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 JULY 2025 – Boost, a leading regional fintech player, today announced a significant expansion of its cross-border payment capabilities through a new integration with UnionPay International (UPI), which also includes direct acceptance at Weixin Pay QR merchants in China – Weixin Pay is also known internationally as WeChat Pay and extends Boost’s reach into one of the world’s most advanced digital payment ecosystems.

This cross-border payment milestone strengthens Boost’s vision of embedding financial technology into everyday life. By closely integrating Boost’s payment services with its digital banking capabilities, Boost users can transact securely and effortlessly no matter where they are in the world through one trusted, familiar platform. With seamless embedded financial features like Boost PayFlexTM and auto top-ups linked to Boost Bank savings accounts, users can now enjoy greater convenience and control, even while spending abroad.

MAKING PAYMENTS ABROAD FEEL LIKE HOME

This expansion is available under Boost’s “Scan & Pay” feature and requires no additional app or registration, ensuring a frictionless experience. Through this latest enhancement, Boost users can:

  • Pay like a local in China by scanning  QR codes, including static codes, across major retail outlets.
  • Spend with ease globally at participating UnionPay merchants in Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea, Australia and more.
  • Transact overseas and have direct accessibility and control of funds to key features such as Boost eWallet Top-up, PayFlexTM Cash-in, and Boost Bank auto-add money through seamless embedded financial services.
  • Experience transparency and confidence with real-time foreign exchange rates, clear fee breakdowns, and live transaction history in-app.

“The Boost eWallet has always been the stepping stone for us in building a broader ecosystem of integrated financial services. With our embedded banking journey now in full motion, users don’t need to switch platforms as they can access banking features like Boost PayFlexTM and top-ups from Boost Bank directly within the Boost eWallet app. This cross-border expansion takes that promise further. By tapping into UnionPay’s global footprint and dominant presence in China, Boost users can now enjoy cashless transactions across borders with ease wherever they go,” said Ungku Liza, CEO of Boost Life.

“Our integration with UnionPay International and Weixin Pay further strengthens our mission to build a future where digital financial access is intuitive, empowering and truly universal. Boost users can now travel the world with confidence knowing that our solutions offer the same reliability abroad as at home, for a truly borderless financial experience. As the region becomes more connected, Boost remains committed to shaping a future where access and empowerment are embedded into the daily lives of our users, putting them at the centre of a more inclusive financial ecosystem,” said Sheyantha Abeykoon, Group CEO of Boost.

“UnionPay International is committed to advancing cross-border payment interoperability through strategic partnerships that enhance the global payment ecosystem. Our collaboration with Boost represents a continued effort to provide more users with secure, efficient, and widely accepted QR code payment solutions. By enabling Boost users to transact seamlessly within UnionPay’s global acceptance network, we aim to support the growing demand for frictionless digital payment experiences for travellers,” said Dr. Jian Jiangtao,  Managing Director of UnionPay International Southeast Asia Branch.

EXTENDING FINANCIAL ACCESS LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY

This builds on Boost’s existing cross-border capabilities, which already support inbound QR payments from international visitors in Malaysia. By enabling outbound payments, Boost now offers a full-circle, cross-border payment experience that enables users to transact with confidence whether at home or abroad. It further reinforces Boost’s role as a digitally inclusive platform, committed to making financial access simple, secure, and scalable for all. For more information on Boost’s cross-border payment features, please visit: https://link.myboost.co/cross-border-payment 

Melvados and Prefer scoop up sustainability with beanless Coconut Latte Ice Cream

Melvados, the Singapore-based gourmet retailer known for its gourmet desserts, savory treats and fresh-baked goods, has teamed up with local beanless coffee start-up Prefer to roll out a co-branded Coconut Latte ice cream featuring Prefer’s innovative beanless coffee alternative. This innovative treat features Prefer’s beanless coffee alternative, offering a unique flavour fusion and an eco-conscious twist.

The result is a luscious, dairy-free and vegan-friendly indulgence that marries bold coffee-like notes with tropical coconut creaminess—showcasing sustainable, forward-thinking ingredients in every scoop.

Ingredients:

Coconut milk (coconut meat, water), sugar, bean-free coffee (soy, rice), glucose syrup, instant coffee powder, ice cream stabilizer, mono-diglycerides, guar gum, cellulose gum, carrageenan emulsifier, stabilizer (sorbitol), emulsifier (natural flavouring)]. salt.

Click here to purchase.

 

Wolves Fitness juices up protein with new summer-inspired fruity favours

Wolves Fitness, renowned for its dessert-themed protein creations, has launched a refreshing new addition: Fruit Juice Protein, designed to make every sip of protein irresistibly tasty.

Crafted with 21g of pure whey isolate and zero lactose, this innovative blend delivers smooth, clean nutrition with vibrant flavor. Described as “a taste that hits like summer in every sip,” the new protein comes in two juicy varieties: Strawberry Lemon and Kiwi Apple.

Strawberry Lemon Full Ingredients List: 

Isolated Whey Protein (94.6%), Strawberry Juice Powder (2.4%), Lemon Juice Powder (1.9%), Anticaking Agent (Silica), and Sweetener (Sucralose).

Kiwi Apple Full Ingredients List: 

Isolated Whey Protein (94.6%), Kiwi Juice Powder (2.4%), Apple Juice Powder (1.9%), Anticaking Agent (Silica), and Sweetener (Sucralose).

Protein is no longer exclusive to dairy, as a growing number of beverage categories embrace high-protein formulations aimed at improving taste and drinkability

Black Panther New Moon marks Cambrew’s premium leap

Cambrew Ltd., a subsidiary of the Carlsberg Group, has introduced its newest offering to the Cambodian market: Black Panther New Moon (5% ABV), a premium dark beer crafted to appeal to adventurous palates.

Positioned as a bold and stylish choice, Black Panther New Moon delivers a smooth, full-bodied profile that resonates with modern consumers seeking a fresh and elevated beer experience. Designed for those eager to explore beyond traditional brews, this dark lager blends richness and refinement, embodying a trendy, youthful energy while honoring the brand’s commitment to quality.

Gatorade’s Electrolyte Mix makes hydration easy with budget-friendly powder packs

Globally, the sports drink category continues to evolve with innovative formats aimed at consumer convenience—shifting from liquid to powder or from powder to liquid. While ready-to-drink (RTD) sport drinks remain a popular choice in the Philippines, Gatorade, the market leader in the country, is expanding its offerings with the launch of Gatorade Electrolyte Mix.

Exclusively available at Mercury Drug Stores nationwide, this powder-based alternative retails at just PHP 12 SRP, making it a cost-effective option compared to the 500ml RTD Gatorade (PHP 45) or 350ml bottle (PHP 36.5).

Gatorade Electrolyte Mix transforms plain water into powerful hydration—offering a convenient and budget-friendly solution to rehydrate, replenish and refuel.

As portable water bottles become increasingly popular—especially among fitness enthusiasts—Gatorade Electrolyte Mix stands out as a convenient and effective hydration solution.

Key takeaways: from liquid to powder

CHIN-SU rolls out premium rice bran oil in Vietnam with highest gamma oryzanol content

CHIN-SU, a Masan brand, introduces its first rice bran oil to Vietnamese consumers, offering consumers an elevated and health-conscious cooking option. Sourced from Thailand, this premium oil boasts the highest Gamma Oryzanol concentration in Vietnam at 12,000 mg/kg, reinforcing its nutritional value.

Key benefits include:

  • Supports cholesterol reduction
  • Promotes heart health
  • Made from 100% natural rice bran
  • Withstands high heat up to 220°C

Sourcing from Thailand is a strategic choice, given the country’s strong market for rice bran oil—even among private label brands. The newly introduced rice bran oil adds a fresh and nutritious option for consumers seeking variety and health-forward alternatives.

Lactasoy debuts fruity Soyyo

Lactasoy has recently launched its new fruity soy milk range in Thailand, aiming to captivate health-conscious consumers seeking a tasty dairy-free option. Branded as Lactasoy Soyyo, the product comes in three refreshing flavours — Melon, Strawberry, and Shine Muscat — all neatly packed in a convenient carton (100ml / 180ml).

Packed with protein, OMEGA 3, 6, and 9, plus essential vitamins B1, B2, B6, inulin-derived dietary fibre and calcium, Lactasoy Soyyo is a wholesome choice for all age groups. Its rich, fruity taste especially appeals to younger consumers seeking a flavourful and nourishing beverage.

Note: Lactasoy Soyyo contains 1.8% plain milk powder and is sweetened with stevia.

JJ Drinks unleashes Urban Brew RTD coffee duo

Jia Jia Singapore Manufacturing, also known as JJ Drinks, has introduced an exciting new addition to its beverage portfolio with the launch of Urban Brew RTD Coffee, a bold, uncompromising caffeine fix crafted for modern lifestyles.

Urban Brew comes in two options: Naked Americano, crafted without sugar for a pure coffee experience, and Peach Americano, a zero-sugar blend with a refreshing fruity twist. Get yours now at 7-Eleven.

Indomie Hype Abis Mi Nyemek Banglades’e reimagines viral sensention for home enjoyment

Indofood has transformed the viral sensation known as Indomie Bangladesh into a ready-to-enjoy packaged format, allowing noodle lovers to experience its iconic flavour from the comfort of home. Indomie Bangladesh is not actually from Bangladesh but originated in Medan, North Sumatra, and later gained popularity in Lhokseumawe, Aceh. The name Bangladesh is a play on words with a version linked to the name of the owner and the other linked to the name of a legendary noodle stall in Aceh.

Indomie Bangladesh is prepared using a flavorful medley of Indonesian spices such as curry powder, coriander, nutmeg, and dried shrimp (ebi), bringing deep umami and warmth to the dish. It is served nyemek-style, which means it has a slightly saucy or moist consistency. To elevate both taste and texture, it’s commonly garnished with soft-boiled eggs, crispy fried onions, and mustard greens for a vibrant, layered finish.

The latest launch, Indomie Hype Abis Mi Nyemek Banglades’e Rasa Kari, is a special collaboration with Warkop Agem Senyum Ketawa Medan, famous for its Indomie Bangladesh. Now, this instant noodle version is hitting shelves at the official store, local retailers, and nearby Warmindo eateries, bringing viral street flavor to mass-market convenience.

Key takeaways: tapping into viral noodle

MOOVE elevates protein game with clear drink with kyoho grape & lychee flavours

As demand for high-protein beverages continues to rise across health-conscious communities, Thailand’s leading protein drink brand MOOVE is riding the wave with the launch of two vibrant additions to its product line: a clear protein drink available in Kyoho Grape and Lychee flavours.

These innovative, fruit-infused options deliver bold taste without compromising nutrition. Each bottle packs a powerful 28 grams of high-quality protein, making it an ideal choice for anyone aiming to fuel their body—whether post-workout or as part of a balanced daily routine.

Formulated to be lactose-free and enhanced with L-carnitine for metabolism support, MOOVE’s new offerings merge refreshment with performance.

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