As the prestigious Asian Games flame ignited at the iconic Liangzhu heritage site, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) commenced the first-ever Asian Games digital torch relay, marking the onset of the 100-day countdown to the Games. This monumental event invites netizens to partake in the Games’ Digital Torch Bearer Program and virtually transport the digital torch, fondly called the “Eternal Flame”, across 45 countries and regions in Asia.
Asia’s leading digital enterprises, including Dana (Indonesia), GCash (the Philippines), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet (Malaysia), TrueMoney (Thailand), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), and MPay (Macao SAR, China), are also joining this innovative relay. These partners are all integral components of Alipay+, a suite of cross-border payment and marketing solutions offered by Ant Group.
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Users of these popular life service and payment apps can engage in this virtual relay across continents through the Alipay+ Rewards zone or a unique tab in their favorite e-wallet.
First announced in November 2022, the Asian Games Digital Torch Bearer program seeks to transcend time and space constraints and expand the Asian Games community’s participation. In just over six months, over 21 million enthusiasts have registered to join the virtual relay by looking for “Asian Games” in the Alipay app and accessing the Smart Hangzhou 2022 mini-program. Keen torch bearers worldwide can also sign up through an H5 page via the official Hangzhou Asian Games channels.
HAGOC initiated the Smart Hangzhou 2022 mini-program within the Alipay app, an innovative first in the realm of international multi-sport events. The platform aims to provide global visitors to Hangzhou with a comprehensive digital service experience encompassing dining, transportation, travel, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. Through the “One Pass” QR code in the mini-program, users can also win gift packs with travel benefits, including passes for subway and tourist attractions.
