Collaboration builds on DBS's ongoing work with Visa to make cards Agent Ready, while bringing practical AI education and tools to customers through Preface.
HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in how consumers discover, compare and transact, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited ("DBS Hong Kong") today announced a partnership with Preface, a leading tech-enablement company, to help customers build practical AI readiness for everyday life and work. The partnership is a natural extension of DBS's ongoing collaboration with Visa, a global digital payment leader, including its participation in Visa's Agentic Ready programme, which helps issuers and ecosystem partners prepare for the next generation of secure, AI-powered commerce. While DBS continues to work with Visa to explore secure, issuer-led payment experiences for AI-enabled transactions, DBS believes customers will also benefit from accessible education courses and AI tools offered by Preface, enabling them to better understand and use AI with confidence.
According to Visa's recent study[1], up to 74% of consumers in Asia Pacific have used AI-powered tools for product searches, price tracking or research. AI is evolving from "offering recommendations" to "proactive execution". Under Agentic Commerce, AI handles the entire shopping journey. In the next phase, AI agents will automate the entire purchase journey under secure authorisation, from searching and comparing prices to executing payments delivering an unprecedented seamless experience while ensuring consumers maintain clear visibility and control. Against this backdrop, DBS's partnership with Preface is designed to complement its payment innovation agenda by equipping customers with the knowledge and practical tools to participate confidently in an AI-enabled future.
As AI agents increasingly participate in consumption and payment flows, DBS believes the card of the future must be both intelligent and trusted. As the first issuer in Asia-Pacific to pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce, DBS has demonstrated through live pilot transactions how AI agents can securely complete everyday payments on behalf of customers using an issuer-led authentication process. This ongoing work with Visa forms the foundation for DBS's Agent Ready roadmap, while the new collaboration with Preface broadens the proposition by helping customers build the AI literacy and hands-on skills needed to benefit from these emerging capabilities.
Visa Agentic Ready programme combines its existing network infrastructure with advanced tokenisation, authentication, and risk controls. This initiative provides issuers with a comprehensive testing framework to safely explore how AI agents execute payments on consumers' behalf. Through DBS's ongoing collaboration with Visa, the bank is exploring how AI agents — backed by user consent and robust safeguards — can automatically identify rewards, search for offers, and complete purchases, establishing a trustworthy environment for consumers.
Emily Ip, Managing Director, Head of Cards and Unsecured Lending, Consumer Banking Group and Wealth Management of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said: "AI is reshaping how customers live, work and transact. As we continue working with Visa to explore secure Agentic Commerce and make our cards Agent Ready, we also recognize that customers need practical knowledge and tools to take advantage of AI confidently. Our partnership with Preface brings this to life by making AI education more accessible, hands-on and relevant to customers' everyday needs."
Paulina Leong, General Manager of Visa Hong Kong and Macau, said: "Trust is the foundation for unlocking the full potential of agentic commerce at scale. Building that trust requires more than secure technology. It also means helping consumers better understand how AI can assist them while ensuring they remain in control. Through Visa's trusted global network and payments infrastructure, we are helping to make AI-powered shopping safe, seamless and reliable, enabling a frictionless end-to-end shopping experience. We are proud to partner with DBS Hong Kong on this initiative and look forward to helping shape a future where consumers can embrace AI-powered commerce with confidence."
Through the partnership with Preface, DBS Hong Kong will launch exclusive hands-on AI experience workshops designed to translate complex technology concepts into practical, accessible learning. The workshops will help customers understand how to use AI tools more effectively, from improving prompts and tailoring AI responses to building customised AI assistants for everyday scenarios. During the launch briefing, Preface instructors demonstrated a range of practical AI applications, including prompt engineering, AI assistant design, Computer-using Agents and Agent Orchestrators. These demonstrations showed how AI tools can support learning, productivity and daily task coordination, giving attendees a firsthand view of how rapidly AI is becoming part of daily life and work.
DBS Credit Card Exclusive Offer Details
Starting September 2026, DBS Credit Cardholders subscribing to the designated AI tools, can get a free chance to access an exclusive AI Experience Workshop via the "DBS Credit Cards Subscription Bonus Club". Cardholders can also enjoy up to 15% off when enrolling in Preface AI courses with DBS Credit Card.
Additional privileges will be available later for DBS Visa Credit Cardholders when subscribing to the designated AI tools through the "DBS Credit Cards Subscription Bonus Club", further supporting customers as they explore and adopt AI tools in practical ways.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three principal Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Global Finance, Euromoney and The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best AI Bank" by Global Finance, "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney and awarded multiple accolades related to digital assets. Additionally, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacy of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as the Asian way of banking. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need, providing essential needs for underprivileged communities, and fostering social inclusion through financial and digital literacy. DBS Foundation also nurtures innovative social enterprises to bring about positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at www.visa.com.hk.
About Preface
Preface is a tech-enabling company that helps people navigate the fast-changing, tech-centric world. Powered by our proprietary content creation process, we empower individuals, schools, and corporations with the most current and relevant tech education, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Learn more at www.preface.ai.
[1] Findings from Visa's State of Digital Commerce in Asia Pacific study, commissioned by Visa and conducted by YouGov, surveying 14,764 consumers across 14 markets.
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DBS Hong Kong Partners with Visa, Preface to empower Customers with AI Readiness skills, for the Future of Intelligent Payments
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) together with its local hospitality partner Nexa Hospitality Sdn. Bhd. introduced its 7 Days brand to Malaysia last year. The opening of the first 7 Days Premium Hotel Hang Lekiu in Kuala Lumpur marks Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia)'s first operational project in Malaysia and a new phase in its Southeast Asia expansion.
On the opening day, representatives from Tourism Malaysia, Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia), Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, Nexa Hospitality and project partners gathered to jointly unveil 7 Days Premium Hotel Hang Lekiu. A traditional lion dance was also held to celebrate the hotel's official opening and convey best wishes for the development of the 7 Days brand in Malaysia.
Nexa Hospitality Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysian hotel investment, development and management company specialising in hotel investment, brand partnerships and hotel operations management, with a focus on advancing international hotel brands in the Malaysian market. Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) and Nexa Hospitality have signed a total of 11 projects, comprising nine in Malaysia and two in Indonesia, covering multiple hotel developments, including projects under the 7 Days brand. Nexa Hospitality sees strong potential in the digitalised guest experience and smart hospitality capabilities that the 7 Days brand has developed in China, and aims to adapt these strengths to meet the needs of local travellers.
The opening of 7 Days Premium Hotel Hang Lekiu represents the first project under the partnership to officially commence operations, marking an important milestone in the collaboration and laying the foundation for the continued development of the 7 Days brand in Malaysia.
The opening comes as Malaysia continues to build strong tourism momentum under Visit Malaysia 2026-2027, which aims to attract 47 million international tourist arrivals and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts this year. In the first quarter of 2026 itself, Malaysia recorded 10.65 million international visitor arrivals, up 5.4% from a year earlier, while arrivals from China grew over 25% year-on-year to 1.41 million, making it Malaysia's strongest growth market among major source markets.[1]
As an economy hotel brand under Jin Jiang Hotels with more than 20 years of history, the 7 Days brand continues to build on its strengths in affordable, well-designed and comfortable stay experiences, to serve travellers who value practicality, convenience and consistent quality. As of December 2025, the brand had expanded to more than 300 cities across China and overseas markets, with over 1,800 hotels in operation and a total portfolio exceeding 2,400 properties.
As part of its Malaysia debut, the 7 Days brand has also introduced a refreshed localised brand identity, including a new logo developed for the Malaysia market. The updated branding reflects a more contemporary expression of the brand while retaining its core promise of simplicity, reliability and convenience.
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, 7 Days Premium Hotel Hang Lekiu places guests within easy reach of the city's heritage attractions, transport links and lifestyle destinations, including Masjid Jamek LRT Station, Pasar Seni, Central Market, Petaling Street, Merdeka Square and Kuala Lumpur Tower.
Centred on Smart Technology, Comfort and Everyday Travel Needs
The newly opened 7 Days Premium Hotel Hang Lekiu is positioned to provide travellers with a convenient, reliable and value-driven stay in Kuala Lumpur. The hotel offers practical room categories including Standard Twin, Standard King, Superior View Twin, Superior View Queen and Deluxe View King, while bringing Jin Jiang Hotels' technology-enabled hospitality experience to the Malaysian market for local and international travellers.
At the heart of the stay experience is a smarter and more efficient guest journey, reflecting Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia)'s focus on service efficiency and guest convenience. Self-check-in kiosks allow guests to complete the check-in process more quickly and reduce front-desk waiting time. At the same time, the front-desk team remains available to provide assistance where required, ensuring that the check-in experience is clear, smooth and reassuring.
Smart in-room controls also allow guests to manage their room environment more easily, integrating technology and everyday convenience into a simple and practical stay experience.
The hotel also features a 24-hour robot delivery service, enabling selected items to be delivered directly to guestrooms at any time. Together, these smart-service features place the 7 Days brand at the forefront of smart economy hospitality in Malaysia, offering guests a faster, smoother and more independent stay experience.
Guests can also access a range of essential facilities, including a gym, self-service laundry room, public washroom and a coffee house/breakfast area. The hotel further supports a seamless stay with high-speed WiFi, 24-hour hot water, a fresh-air system, e-wallet payment options. Members may also request a late-check-out until 2.00pm, subject to availability. In line with local travel needs, the hotel also offers Muslim-friendly features, including in-room prayer direction indicators and muslim-friendly breakfast options.
Globally, Jin Jiang Hotels operates across both full-service and limited-service hotel segments. As of 31 December 2025, Jin Jiang Hotels had more than 14100 hotels in operation globally, with over 1.36 million rooms, providing strong brand, operational and resource support for the entry and continued development of the 7 Days brand in Malaysia.
Jin Jiang Hotels' global hospitality ecosystem is also supported by the Jin Jiang Global Purchasing Platform (GPP). As the official procurement platform of Jin Jiang Hotels, GPP supports hotel development and operations through supply-chain services covering procurement, localisation and operating efficiency. Its overseas B2B platform now covers 75 countries, serves 633 hotels and has recorded orders exceeding RMB80 million. Across its domestic and overseas markets, the platform has achieved a cumulative transaction value of more than RMB16 billion, further strengthening Jin Jiang Hotels' overseas support capabilities from project development through to daily operations.
As part of its strategy to expand international market reach, the 7 Days brand will connect with regional and international travellers through multiple major online travel platforms, further strengthening its digital distribution capabilities. The hotel will be distributed through major platforms including Trip.com, Booking.com, Agoda, Traveloka and Tiket. Travellers from China may also book directly through the Jin Jiang Rewards app and WeChat mini programme, with access to member privileges and loyalty rewards.
The Malaysia debut of the 7 Days brand forms an important part of Jin Jiang's broader Southeast Asia strategy. Looking ahead, the company will position Malaysia as one of its core markets, alongside key markets including Indonesia and Vietnam, while continuing to explore growth opportunities across Southeast Asia.
For more information and the latest updates, please follow their official social media channels on Facebook, TikTok and XiaoHongShu.
About Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia)
Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) is the Malaysia division of Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, established to drive the development of Jin Jiang's hotel brands and operations in the Malaysian market. As part of Jin Jiang Hotels China Region's Southeast Asia expansion, Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) works with local partners to introduce and develop hotel brands that cater to the needs of local and international travellers. Through its local market development, brand partnerships and operational capabilities, Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) aims to strengthen Jin Jiang's presence in Malaysia while adapting its brands, hospitality experience and service offerings to local market needs. Looking ahead, Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) will continue to explore opportunities to expand its portfolio and deepen its presence in Malaysia as part of Jin Jiang Hotels China Region's broader growth across Southeast Asia.
About the 7 Days Brand
Known as 7 Days Inn in China, the 7 Days brand is a well-established economy hotel brand under Jin Jiang Hotels with more than 20 years of history. The brand is committed to providing value-conscious travellers with value-for-money, practically designed and comfortable accommodation. As of December 2025, the 7 Days brand had expanded to more than 300 cities across China and overseas markets, with over 1,800 hotels in operation and a total portfolio exceeding 2,400 properties. With the opening of 7 Days Premium Hotel Hang Lekiu in Malaysia, the 7 Days brand has also introduced a refreshed localised brand identity, including a new logo that differs from its existing visual identity in China. The updated brand identity reflects a simple, reliable and contemporary positioning while retaining its brand proposition, "Relax for seven days, sleep well every day," and its continued commitment to providing travellers with reliable and convenient stay experiences.
[1] The Edge, 2026. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/803354
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MALAYSIA WELCOMES ITS FIRST 7 DAYS BRAND AS JIN JIANG HOTELS (MALAYSIA) EYES VISIT MALAYSIA 2026 GROWTH
