UNHCR Malaysia and TNG Digital Empower Refugees with Financial Access through TNG eWallet
UNHCR Malaysia and TNG Digital Empower Refugees with Financial Access through TNG eWallet
KUALA LUMPUR - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has partnered with Malaysia's largest integrated fintech player, TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd. (TNG Digital), to advance financial inclusion for refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia. Through this partnership, refugees in Malaysia can now access a wide range of financial services via the TNG eWallet.
Refugees and asylum-seekers frequently encounter systemic barriers to financial services, leaving them vulnerable to economic instability and social exclusion. By addressing these challenges, this collaboration demonstrates the vital role of financial inclusion in strengthening refugee protection and self-sufficiency.
“Encouraging self-reliance through economic and financial inclusion is a key component of achieving protection and long-term solutions for refugees,” said Louise Aubin, UNHCR Representative.
"This collaboration with TNG Digital exemplifies the crucial role that the private sector plays in protecting and achieving long-term solutions for refugees. It will provide refugees with access to financial services that many of us take for granted – as simple as allowing them to securely save money and participate in the local economy to better care for themselves and their families.”
The services made available to refugee include making payments, reloading eWallet balance, receiving and transferring funds within Malaysia, and using the Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Card for online and offline payments as well as ATM withdrawals.
TNG Digital’s Chief Executive Officer, Alan Ni reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering refugees by providing them with the financial tools necessary to build resilience, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to Malaysia’s economy.
"At TNG Digital, we believe financial access is indispensable for economic survival and integration,” said Ni. “Through our Tech4Good and Digital and Financial Inclusion initiatives, our core sustainability pillars, we harness the power of innovation and technology to empower refugees with essential financial tools and services, enabling them to build resilience, achieve greater independence, and contribute to Malaysia’s economy. Our partnership with UNHCR reaffirms our commitment to driving meaningful change for those who need it most.”
Other private sector partners supporting this initiative include PayNet and Visa who have consistently championed financial accessibility.
Refugees in Malaysia now have access to financial services which include making payments, reloading eWallet balance, receiving and transferring funds within Malaysia, and using the Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Card for online and offline payments as well as ATM withdrawals
Alaa Elsamawal, a refugee teacher from Sudan shared her experience, "Before having the TNG eWallet, we were facing a lot of problems as refugees are not allowed to open bank accounts. Especially during COVID-19, we suddenly had to go cashless. Imagine that we had to ask friends and neighbours to help us do money transactions. It was very difficult at that time. But we now have the solution of eWallet, it has been a game-changer, honestly. The TNG eWallet is part of our daily lives. From paying the bills, receiving salary, doing e-transactions, to money transactions, it is a must for us right now."
As at end January 2025, there are some 192,400 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia. 88% or some 170,900 are individuals from conflict-affected areas or fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The remaining 21,500 individuals are refugees and asylum-seekers from 50 other countries, fleeing war and persecution.
This initiative reflects UNHCR’s ongoing efforts to enhance the protection and self-reliance of refugees by facilitating access to essential financial services. Enabling greater financial access for refugees improves refugees’ livelihoods and allows them to contribute to the Malaysian society and economy.
