On 2024 International MSME Day, Ant International, a leader in digital payment and financial services, announced its support for nearly 100 million Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide through its businesses and partner programs. The company is reinforcing its commitment to MSME digitalization and inclusion by expanding services, launching new skills development programs with industry partners, and initiating a new global campaign.
“MSMEs are the lifeblood of our economies, driving innovation, employment, and inclusive development,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “Their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit deserve to be celebrated and nurtured. At Ant International, we firmly believe in the power of small businesses to make a big impact. Fintech innovations today unlock new possibilities for small businesses to dream boldly and compete globally. Together with our partners, we want to ensure that every business and every person has access to the knowledge, network, and digital tools to help them achieve their goals.”
Expanding Digital Solutions for MSMEs
Ant International offers various solutions to help MSMEs digitalize, opening new growth opportunities:
- Alipay+: Expands global acceptance, now accepted by over 90 million merchants in 66 markets, connecting businesses to users of 30 international payment partners. With increased travel and tourism, this helps small businesses connect with global mobile-first consumers cost-efficiently.
- Integration with National QRs: Alipay+ is integrated with national QRs in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, where MSMEs are the majority of merchants. Transaction increases in these markets indicate growing digital adoption.
- Antom: Supports merchants, including MSMEs, in over 40 countries. Through a single integration, Antom connects them to over 250 payment methods in 150 markets. Its D-store solution enables MSMEs to set up online stores in just 10 minutes with zero upfront cost, significantly increasing transactions.
- WorldFirst: Empowers over 1 million SMEs with international payments in 200+ markets and 100+ currencies, expanding further in Southeast Asia and Europe.
- ANEXT Bank: A digital wholesale bank in Singapore with significant customer base growth, focusing on micro businesses. It co-creates digital banking solutions with small and growing businesses.
- bettr: A new global digital lending service providing micro-lending to MSMEs through embedded finance partnerships.
Industry Partnerships for MSME Development
Ant International collaborates with industry partners to support MSME knowledge and skills development:
- SisBerdaya: In Indonesia, Ant International and DANA launch the second edition of SisBerdaya, providing female micro-entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and educational programs in business management and digital skills.
- 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion: In collaboration with the International Finance Corporation, this open learning platform helps future digital leaders develop skills for greater community impact, benefiting many MSMEs.
- Programme Sirius: Launched with support from Asia Pacific fintech leaders to empower MSMEs in their transition towards sustainability, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Global Campaign: “Embrace the Power of Small”
To celebrate International MSME Day, Ant International launched the “Embrace the Power of Small” campaign, featuring stories of three business owners and their digitalization journeys:
- Cholthicha Joyyangsuk (Numwan), Thailand: A micro-entrepreneur selling Thai desserts on her tuktuk in Bangkok. With Alipay+, she can accept mobile payments from tourists, reaching a wider customer base.
- Lem Cheong, The Hainan Story, Singapore: Inspired by his grandma’s heritage, Mr. Cheong evolves traditional dishes and uses Antom’s D-store solution to simplify store operations.
- Lewis Ames, Wrimes Cosmetics, UK: Started with neon face paint and pivoted to pet care during the pandemic. Mr. Ames uses WorldFirst for payments, expanding his business globally.
These stories will be featured on billboards in Europe during UEFA EURO 2024, on TV, and on social media, celebrating the impact of small businesses globally.
