Singapore-based fintech leader M-DAQ Global has announced a strategic integration with METech, the majority shareholder of Vietnamese licensed payments provider PayME. This landmark deal provides M-DAQ with its own regulated payments infrastructure within Vietnam, a crucial step in its regional expansion. The move significantly strengthens the company's cross-border payments network and advances its vision for a unified ASEAN digital economy.
A Strategic Foothold in a Key ASEAN Market
The integration grants M-DAQ direct access to local payment rails, enabling it to process collections and payouts in Vietnamese Dong (VND). This capability eliminates reliance on third-party intermediaries, offering greater control and reliability over one of the region's key trade corridors. Consequently, businesses operating in and out of Vietnam can expect faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.
Building a Unified Regional Payments Network
This development is a continuation of M-DAQ's deliberate strategy to build a comprehensive, licensed payments footprint across Southeast Asia. The integration with METech follows previous expansions, including the acquisitions of EasyPay in Malaysia and Wallex in Indonesia. With this latest addition, M-DAQ now holds five regulated licenses across four key ASEAN markets, solidifying its regional presence.
Capitalizing on Vietnam's Digital Economy
The timing of this expansion is particularly opportune, as Vietnam's digital economy is experiencing explosive growth. The market is projected to reach USD 72.1 billion in 2025, with its domestic e-commerce sector already valued at USD 31 billion. This rapid acceleration positions Vietnam as a top-three digital economy in ASEAN, presenting vast untapped potential for cross-border commerce.
Vietnam's digital payments landscape is already substantial, valued at nearly US$24 billion in 2024, making it the fourth-largest market in Southeast Asia. The government is actively fostering this growth, aiming to increase the digital economy's contribution to 30% of the national GDP by 2030. M-DAQ's entry positions it to capitalize on this momentum and facilitate burgeoning regional trade corridors.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Tan Choon Seng, Group CEO of M-DAQ Global, highlighted the strategic importance of the integration. He described Vietnam as one of ASEAN’s most dynamic growth markets and a key pillar for the region's digital transformation. This move advances M-DAQ's ASEAN-focused strategy and strengthens connectivity between markets for scalable cross-border payments.
Echoing this sentiment, Lê Hoàng Gia, Founder of METech, emphasized the value of combining local expertise with regional scale. He noted that the partnership would extend METech's established presence in Vietnam's financial ecosystem to businesses across ASEAN. Together, the companies aim to set a new standard for speed, reliability, and transparency in cross-border payments.
Ultimately, the strategic integration of METech marks a pivotal achievement for M-DAQ Global in its quest to dominate the ASEAN payments landscape. The move not only provides critical, regulated access to the vibrant Vietnamese market but also enhances its overall regional infrastructure. This positions M-DAQ to better serve businesses engaged in cross-border trade, fostering greater economic connectivity throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.