Mastercard today announced the appointment of Winnie Wong as country manager, Thailand and Myanmar.

Based in Bangkok, Winnie will oversee all Mastercard activities in the two markets, including business development, implementation of innovative, safe, and smart payments solutions for businesses and consumers, as well as the growth and delivery of commercial solutions to corporations and SMEs.

Winnie brings over 20 years of experience in payments, commercial solutions and banking across Southeast Asian markets including Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Since joining Mastercard in 2013, she has partnered with governments and corporations to spearhead the adoption of B2B platforms, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of cross-border trade in Asia Pacific.

Speaking on her appointment, Safdar Khan, division president, Southeast Asia, Mastercard, said, “Winnie’s extensive experience across Southeast Asia will be greatly valuable to Mastercard in Thailand and Myanmar. Her deep insights into digital payments and commercial solutions, and her leadership across key strategic initiatives in this region will play a crucial role in contributing to the advancement of Thailand’s digital economy, the growth of its SME sector and its transition toward a cashless society.”

Winnie’s relocation to Thailand is opportune as the country experiences significant digital acceleration, and as the focus on boosting SME growth comes to the fore. Thailand’s digital economy is expected to reach US$100-US$165 billion in gross merchandise value by 2030, with digital payments growing to US$310 billion in gross transaction value by 2030. At the same time, 99.5% of businesses in Thailand are SMEs, and the country’s Commerce Ministry has announced its aim to boost GDP contribution by SMEs from 35% to 40% by 2027. Winnie will be bringing her strong experience in commercial payments solutions to bear as she drives the delivery of innovative digital solutions for SMEs and champions the growth of this business in her new role.

Winnie Wong, country manager, Thailand and Myanmar, Mastercard, said: “It is my honor and privilege to take on this role and work alongside such a dedicated Mastercard team in Thailand and Myanmar. I look forward to partnering with Mastercard’s customers and partners as we shape the future of payments and digital innovation in Thailand together and contribute to the growth of its economy. I am especially excited to support the government’s agenda to build an innovative, secure and inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone – individuals and businesses alike.”

Winnie is also the country manager for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, a role she was appointed to in 2019 and which she continues to hold. In the past six years, Winnie played a pivotal role in establishing an ecosystem for safe and secure payments in these markets. She was also instrumental in engaging with regulators and stakeholders in creating a cashless and financially inclusive society in Vietnam. 

In addition, Winnie drives Mastercard’s global commitment to inclusion for women and has championed several initiatives for women's empowerment. Notably, she led the launch of Mastercard Strive Women in Vietnam with CARE, an international humanitarian organization. This program aims to strengthen the financial health and resilience of businesses, particularly micro and small businesses led by women, with a goal of reaching two million entrepreneurs in Vietnam within four years. Additionally, Winnie serves as the Vice-Chair for AmCham Vietnam.

Her appointment follows the departure of Jonathan Wood, who returned to the UK for personal reasons.

“I would like to thank Jonathan for his contribution to Mastercard in Thailand and Myanmar over the past months. As we embrace this leadership change, I am confident that Winnie will build on our achievements in these two markets, as well as her accomplishments in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and lead Mastercard to greater success,” added Safdar Khan.