FUZHOU, China – Newland Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen: 000997) is rapidly expanding its global footprint in the cross-border payment sector, announcing on June 9, 2026 that it will acquire a controlling stake in a Singapore-based fintech firm to secure coveted payment licenses in two key Southeast Asian markets.

In a stock exchange filing, the company disclosed that its Hong Kong subsidiary, Hong Kong Baby World Limited, signed an Investment and Share Subscription Agreement with Singapore-registered DEBIA PTE. LTD. ("Debia") on June 8. Under the agreement, Hong Kong Baby World will subscribe to Debia's shares in three cash tranches. Upon full completion of the transaction, it will hold an 80% equity stake in Debia and consolidate the company into its financial statements.

The acquisition marks a significant leap in Newland’s ambition to become a globally leading digital commerce service provider. In recent years, the company has steadily intensified its deployment in cross-border payment and overseas merchant acquiring services, aiming to export its advanced payment solutions on a global scale.

The core value of the Debia deal, according to the announcement, lies in securing a ready-made compliance infrastructure. Debia holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and has obtained an approval-in-principle for a payment license from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). This allows Newland to acquire operational capabilities in local merchant acquiring and cross-border remittance in a single move, significantly strengthening its global compliance map and building a long-term moat for its international payment and overseas expansion services.

The Singapore MPI license is the highest-tier payment license issued by the MAS, covering a full spectrum of payment services and demanding stringent requirements for capital, anti-money laundering controls, and risk management. In Malaysia, BNM serves as the sole regulatory authority for payment services, enforcing rigorous standards not only on capital and executive qualifications but also on localized operations. The total number of such licenses is strictly controlled, with very few new issuances.

By taking a controlling stake in Debia, Newland will further round out its global license matrix. The new ASEAN dual licenses add to its existing U.S. Money Services Business (MSB) license and Hong Kong Money Service Operator (MSO) license, providing a solid regulatory foundation for "global acquiring, global collection, and global disbursement." This accelerates Newland's international business layout, which integrates localized digital services with cross-border payments.

Furthermore, Debia brings to the table a mature portfolio of merchant relationships and localized business development capabilities across Southeast Asia. Covering diversified scenarios including retail, dining, and e-commerce, and deeply adapted to local payment ecosystems and compliance requirements, these assets are set to empower the large-scale penetration of Newland’s international SaaS business.

Leveraging the newly acquired licenses, the two entities will also collaborate with major international card schemes in the field of AI Agent-powered payments. This will enable Newland to combine its technology edge—particularly its deep application of AI—and active merchant service expertise built in the domestic market with the offshore licensed clearing and settlement capabilities of the new entity, further sharpening its core competitiveness in the digital and intelligent commerce arena.