The E3 Middle East Entrepreneur Network (E3HUBS) has announced a strategic partnership with Malaysian fintech firm Axaipay, aimed at creating a seamless expansion pathway for UAE-based startups looking to enter the Malaysian and Australian markets. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a critical bridge between the MENA and ASEAN ecosystems, simplifying cross-border commerce and digital payments for growth-stage companies.
A Strategic Bridge to Asia-Pacific
Under the terms of the agreement, Axaipay will serve as the Preferred Payment Partner within the E3HUBS ecosystem. This provides UAE startups with access to a secure, compliant, and scalable payment gateway, a fundamental requirement for operating effectively in new international markets. In parallel, E3HUBS will leverage its robust network to provide essential support services, including business incubation, expert mentorship, and dedicated market access programs.
The collaboration is built on four key pillars designed to offer comprehensive support:
- Market Expansion Support: A streamlined process for merchant onboarding and accepting cross-border payments.
- Training & Capacity Building: Joint workshops and mentorship sessions focused on local payment landscapes, compliance, and e-commerce best practices.
- Program Integration: Embedding Axaipay’s payment solutions into core E3HUBS initiatives like LEAP and Chaos Leadership.
- Innovation Pilots: Co-launching fintech-driven projects to support regional entrepreneurial growth.
Powering Cross-Border Commerce
The partnership directly addresses the operational challenges startups face when expanding internationally, particularly in financial integration. By providing a reliable payment infrastructure, the alliance empowers founders to focus on scaling their core business operations.
“This partnership bridges Malaysia’s payment innovation with the UAE’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, we aim to simplify cross-border commerce and enable startups to scale confidently,” stated Dr. Terry Yee, CEO of Axaipay.
Suzaan Lim, Managing Partner of E3HUBS, added, “Through Axaipay’s innovation and E3HUBS’ ecosystem, we are empowering UAE startups to confidently expand into Malaysia and Australia.”
High-Profile Endorsement at Expand North Star
The MoU was formalized during the landmark Expand North Star 2025 event in Dubai, highlighting the significance of the collaboration for both regions. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and attended by prominent figures including Tengku Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the UAE, and Fahmy Ansara Dahalan, Chairman of the Malaysian Business Council UAE.
About E3 Middle East Entrepreneur Network
E3 Middle East Entrepreneur Network (E3HUBS) is a UAE-based organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups across the MENA region. Through its ecosystem of incubation programs, mentorship networks, and strategic partnerships, E3HUBS provides founders with the resources and guidance needed to scale their businesses both locally and internationally.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
