New 7,200+ sq ft Singapore facility brings together global expertise to turn ideas into solutions for more than 40 Asia Pacific markets and beyond, with plans to create over 250 specialist roles by 2029.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercard today opened its largest Innovation Centre of Excellence (ICoE) in Asia Pacific, creating a new regional hub where financial institutions, merchants, governments and technology partners can work alongside Mastercard specialists to shape the future of commerce in the intelligence economy.
The 7,200+ sq ft facility brings together expertise in AI, cybersecurity, customer experience and rapid prototyping, turning promising ideas into real-world solutions faster. More than 55 specialists are already working across the ICoE to help partners address emerging challenges, strengthen resilience and create better digital experiences.
Mastercard plans to add over 250 specialist roles in Singapore by the end of 2029, expanding the talent and capabilities needed to advance responsible AI, trusted digital commerce, cybersecurity, data and payments across the region.
"Mastercard's Innovation Centre of Excellence brings together banks, merchants, technology companies and governments to develop and test new solutions. By combining expertise in AI, cybersecurity and fraud intelligence, it will help turn emerging technologies into solutions that businesses and consumers can trust," said Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), Singapore, at the launch. "I hope the ICoE will become a lighthouse for payments innovation in Asia Pacific, where new solutions are developed and proven in Singapore, before being adapted and deployed across ASEAN, India and beyond."
"Mastercard's Innovation Centre of Excellence marks a new chapter in our long-standing and multi-faceted partnership. By deepening its capabilities in AI, cybersecurity and threat intelligence, Mastercard will tackle emerging challenges and seize new opportunities across Asia Pacific. Singapore will continue to be a key hub where companies like Mastercard can innovate and pioneer the next generation of technologies for global markets, and create high-value jobs for Singaporeans," said Png Cheong Boon, Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Bringing together the capabilities to build what's next
Designed to evolve with changing technologies, risks and business models, the ICoE brings four complementary spaces together in one facility:
- AI Centre of Excellence: advancing responsible AI solutions that can make commerce safer, smarter and more intuitive, including applications in agentic commerce, fraud and scam prevention.
- Fusion Centre: bringing together expertise across cyber, fraud and physical security to identify emerging risks, coordinate response efforts and strengthen resilience across the ecosystem.
- Mastercard Experience Centre: giving financial institutions, merchants and public sector partners an immersive way to explore emerging technologies and new possibilities for their businesses.
- Makerspace: providing a hands-on environment to rapidly prototype, test and refine ideas, shortening the journey from concept to reality.
"Singapore continues to distinguish itself through its ambition, talent and ability to stay ahead of change. Mastercard has been proud to grow its presence here. This new investment reflects our confidence in Singapore's future and Mastercard's commitment to being a partner for the long term," said Jon Huntsman, Vice Chairman and President, Strategic Growth, Mastercard.
"Asia Pacific is moving quickly into a more intelligent and interconnected economy. The opportunity is to turn new technology into real-world value, securely and at scale," said Richard Wormald, President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. "The ICoE builds on Mastercard's longstanding collaboration with EDB and Singapore's strength as a proven testbed for innovation. It unites capabilities that traditionally sat apart, supporting the region in tackling shared challenges and moving promising ideas into practice faster."
From Singapore, shaping the future of commerce across Asia Pacific
The opening of ICoE in Singapore comes as businesses across Asia Pacific look to close the gap between technology experimentation and adoption. By 2030, more than one in 10 online shoppers are projected to routinely use AI agents to make purchases on their behalf, while US$3 trillion to US$5 trillion in global consumer commerce could be influenced or orchestrated by agentic AI. Realizing this opportunity will require businesses to deploy new technologies responsibly, with security, governance and human oversight built in from the outset, particularly in a region where cybercrime already accounts for over 30% of recorded crime.
The ICoE will connect Mastercard expertise and insights across more than 40 Asia Pacific markets. From Singapore, it will develop solutions for the region's diverse needs, with the potential for the strongest ideas to scale globally.
Mastercard has more than 850 employees in Singapore, home to its Asia Pacific headquarters and a key market support centre for the region, with the workforce expected to exceed 1,000 by the end of 2029. This growth will deepen the expertise needed to shape a more intelligent, connected and secure future for commerce.
Download high-resolution visuals and supporting materials of the ICoE in Singapore here.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
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Mastercard opens its largest Innovation Centre of Excellence in Asia Pacific to drive the intelligence economy
Fifth edition expands across 19 riverfront locations plus a floating light installation, with new university collaborations, immersive performances and a night-time tourism programme supporting riverside communities and businesses
BANGKOK, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is staging Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 from 13 November to 13 December across 19 riverfront locations from Rama VIII Bridge to Rama III Bridge, complemented by a floating light installation on the Chao Phraya. The fifth edition brings together light and sound, projection mapping, lasers, drone formations, fireworks, creative installations and cultural performances in a month-long celebration of light and imagination.
Under the concept "The Light of Imagination", the programme reinterprets the river's history, architecture, cultural heritage and communities through contemporary light art and multimedia. New for 2026, TAT is collaborating with Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang on installations bringing fresh creative perspectives to selected waterfront locations.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, "The Chao Phraya has shaped life in Bangkok for generations. Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 gives visitors more ways to experience the river after dark while creating opportunities for riverside businesses and generating employment and income for local communities. In its fifth year, the event continues to build the Chao Phraya's role as an international night-time tourism landmark during Thailand's high season."
Across 19 riverfront locations, Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 creates a sequence of illuminated experiences that interpret river life, heritage, and Bangkok's distinctive character, complemented by "Vessel of Joy & Smiles", a floating light installation on the Chao Phraya.
Bank of Thailand Museum (Bank of Thailand Learning Centre) presents "The Flow of Prosperity", using motion visuals, light, sound and digital graphics to explore the river's connections with communities and economic life.
Rama VIII Bridge becomes "River of Light – The Symphony of Radiance", with six five-minute laser light & sound shows nightly at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs. Waterfall-style fireworks are staged at 19.30 Hrs. on 13 and 15 November, and 20.45 Hrs. on 20 and 27 November and 4 and 11 December.
Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum (Clock Tower Area), Siriraj Hospital presents "The Enchanted Rhythm of Time", using light, sound and digital art to connect its historic architecture with stories of time and cultural continuity.
Thammasat University (Tha Prachan) presents "The River and the Spirit of Thammasat", using light, colour and visual technology to interpret the university's architecture, history and relationship with the Chao Phraya.
Royal Thai Naval Institute and Royal Thai Navy Auditorium Connecting Bridge present "Radiance of the Chao Phraya" and "The Guardian's Gate", with six five-minute Light & Sound multimedia shows nightly at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs.
Nagaraphirom Park hosts "Light of Connection" by King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, featuring a light sculpture connecting art, nature and contemporary technology.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan presents "Radiance of Dawn – Illuminating Faith Along the Great River", with 800-drone light shows at 19.50 Hrs. on 13, 15, 18, 20, 25 and 27 November and 2, 4, 9 and 11 December.
Wichai Prasit Fort showcases "The Radiance of Joy of the Royal Thai Navy", using light, sound and projection mapping to highlight the historic fort and Thailand's naval heritage.
Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan presents "Blossoms of Faith" through six five-minute Light & Sound shows nightly at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs. On selected evenings, "The Wonders of Thai Artistry: Vijit Chao Phraya" combines Light & Sound, Thai cultural performances and special effects at 19.20 and 20.20 Hrs. on 13–15, 20–22 and 27–29 November and 4–6 and 11–13 December.
Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge) transforms into "Hanuman Awakening the River of Light", with six five-minute Light & Sound shows nightly at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs. Fireworks are staged at 20.45 Hrs. on 13–15, 21–22 and 28–29 November and 5–6 and 12–13 December.
Phra Pok Klao Bridge presents "Chao Phraya Radiance", using contemporary lighting to transform the river crossing into a gateway of light.
Abandoned Building (Soi Lhong 1919) hosts "Two Cats, One Journey", with six five-minute Light On Balloon shows nightly at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs.
ICONSIAM presents "The Spectacle Celebration of Light & Joy Symphony – The ICONIC Multimedia Water Features" six times nightly at 18.30, 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30 and 21.00 Hrs.
The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok presents "The Soul of Thailand" through six nightly projection mapping and Light & Sound shows at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs.
Asiatique Charoen Nakhon Pier features "Benjarong An Imagination of Light" by Chulalongkorn University, interpreting the colours and patterns of Benjarong through a contemporary illuminated installation.
The First Presbyterian Church of Bangkok presents "Radiance of Faith – Light of Love" through six nightly projection mapping and Light & Sound shows at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs.
Krung Thep Bridge presents "River of Radiance", with six five-minute light & sound shows nightly at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.00 and 21.30 Hrs.
Rama III Bridge features fireworks at 21.20 Hrs. on 13 and 15 November, and 20.45 Hrs. on 20 and 27 November and 4 and 11 December.
Completing the programme on the water, "Vessel of Joy & Smiles" uses Light On Balloon technology with light and sound aboard an illuminated barge travelling along the Chao Phraya between the Sathorn area and Rama III Bridge from 13–15 November, from 18.00–22.00 Hrs.
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 also supports TAT's Night Economy direction under the Amazing 5 Economy framework by extending visitor activity into the evening and distributing tourism income more widely. The programme generates demand for cruises, hotels, restaurants, transport and community enterprises along both banks of the river.
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 is free of charge from 13 November to 13 December, from 18.00–22.00 Hrs. daily. Visitors can view the displays from riverside locations or book sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and local boat services directly with licensed operators. Show times and special performances vary by location and date. Further information is available through the Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 Facebook page or www.thailandfestival.org.
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Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 brings a month-long spectacle of light and imagination to Bangkok's riverfront
