Southeast Asian Games Adds UnionPay Int'l As Official Payment Systems Sponsor

The Southeast Asian Games named global payments company UnionPay Int'l its official payment systems sponsor, according to Louisa Goh of the STRAITS TIMES. It will "not only provide a cash sponsorship" of S$1M ($760,000), but also plans to offer "free hot-air balloon rides" to the public at a Games carnival at the Sports Hub from May 31-June 16. The company will also sponsor the cost of publicizing the Games on 300 buses, which will be used to ferry the more than 7,000 athletes and officials (STRAITS TIMES, 5/14). In Singapore, Abhishek Ravikrishnan reported UPI GM for Southeast Asia Wenhui Yang said the company will "facilitate the movement of payments related to the Games." Yang: "We will provide promotional offers which people can enjoy when they use the card" (CHANNEL NEWS ASIA, 5/14).