Phnom penh: Cambodia is steadily advancing its digital financial footprint across Southeast Asia, expanding and solidifying bilateral cross-border QR payment linkages with five key ASEAN nations - Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the initiative, led by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) through its central bank digital currency platform Bakong and the standardised KHQR system, positions the Kingdom as one of the most interconnected payment hubs in the region.

Through the NBC's digital infrastructure, Cambodian citizens and international travellers can make instant retail payments in local currencies by scanning national QR codes across partner networks in Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

With five bilateral connections currently operational, Cambodia ties with Singapore and ranks just behind Thailand in cross-border payment integration within ASEAN, marking a critical milestone toward a borderless digital economy in Southeast Asia.

In a message to celebrate the 59th ASEAN Day issued on Friday, ASEAN Secretariat stated that cross-border QR payment connectivity is making everyday transactions simpler and more convenient for people, travellers, merchants, and small businesses across the region.

'The continued expansion of payment connectivity reflects ASEAN's commitment towards inclusive and user-centric payment solutions that will foster inclusive growth and economic participation across the region,' it underlined. 'As we journey towards the 59th ASEAN Day, this milestone reminds us that ASEAN's digital future is about creating practical connections that people can experience in their daily lives.'