AXS Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider and NTT DATA Japan, a Japan-based artificial intelligence (AI), digital business and technology services firm, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of secure and seamless cross‑border bill payment services.
The duo said in a statement on Friday that under the MOU, both parties will explore interoperability between their respective bill payment networks.
Starting with Singapore and Malaysia, the partnership will enable each platform to extend access to the other’s biller ecosystem, allowing users in both markets to pay bills seamlessly through their respective domestic platforms.
Under the proposed collaboration, e-pay (M) Sdn Bhd (e-pay), a bill payment aggregator operating in Malaysia under NTT DATA Payment Services Sdn. Bhd., will serve as the access point by providing consumer-facing payment channels and connectivity to billers in Malaysia.
In Singapore, AXS will similarly provide access to billers through its established and extensive biller network, with payments enabled through its digital platforms and island wide network of physical self-service kiosks.
AXS will serve as the key orchestration and connectivity platform for participating payment ecosystems and bill payment operators.
Through a single secure connection into the platform, both AXS and NTT DATA’s respective payment ecosystems, as well as future participating partners, will be able to access bill payment services and related capabilities across the broader partner network.
NTT DATA will support the initiative through ADAPTIS, its unified payment services brand, and its regional presence across Japan and Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, NTT DATA and AXS intend to expand the collaboration across additional markets by leveraging their respective business networks and partnerships in the region.
The collaboration addresses the growing need for convenient cross‑border bill payments, particularly among individuals who live or work across borders and continue to manage household and recurring expenses in their home countries.
The MOU also establishes the intention for the parties to explore implementation across additional markets, subject to further agreements and regulatory approvals, with potential expansion across Asia over time.
Beyond cross-border bill payments, AXS and NTT DATA also intend to explore broader opportunities for collaboration in payment-related services and solutions over time.
“Following our earlier initiatives in cross‑border bill payments, this collaboration with NTT DATA marks another step in extending AXS’ payment connectivity beyond Singapore,
“By enabling interoperability with trusted regional partners, we aim to make bill payments more accessible and convenient for users who manage obligations across borders, starting with Malaysia,” said Jeffrey Goh, Group Chief Executive Officer of AXS.
Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payment, Japan, NTT DATA, said by combining their strengths, they are creating new value that enhances convenience and improves everyday experiences.
“The collaboration, delivered through ADAPTIS as a commerce partner, is designed to reflect local market practices while supporting our mission to accelerate client success and positively impact society through responsible innovation,
“This partnership represents a long term commitment between NTT DATA and AXS, with a shared ambition to deepen collaboration over time and explore future opportunities as client and market needs evolve,” he added.