The global vending machine sector is entering a new growth phase, driven by cashless payments, smart city development and shifting consumer expectations.
As smart vending machines become a common sight, FINEXUS Kayaaku is geared in providing DuitNow, MyDebit, Visa, Mastercard, and Alipay+ acceptance across a wide range of smart self-service kiosk or vending machines – from parking and EV charging terminals to car wash systems, launderettes, massage chairs, AI refrigerators, cashierless stores, and more.
Supported by UCAT integration, FINEXUS Kayaaku supports multiple interfaces and protocols, including APIs, RS232, Serial, Bluetooth, MQTT/HTTP, UART, and MDB, ensuring broad compatibility across modern and legacy, coin-based operated machines.
Trusted by vending partners nationwide, FINEXUS Kayaaku is currently powering thousands of machines, with wide payment acceptance, seamless onboarding, and hands-on support from experienced engineers at FINEXUS MyXaaS Innovation Centre in Cyberjaya.
How smart vending is becoming a high-growth market in Malaysia
Malaysia’s smart vending machine market is gaining momentum:
Forecasted to reach USD220.29 million by 2032
Projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.38% from 2025 to 2032
Current vending machine revenue stands at USD103.58 million in 2024
By definition, smart vending machines are internet-connected, automated retail devices that integrates technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and sensors. These capabilities enable cashless payments, touchscreen interfaces, real-time inventory monitoring, remote management, personalised recommendations, and even pre-ordering on mobile apps.
How smart vending is transforming industries and inclusivity in Malaysia
Smart vending machines in Malaysia are typically deployed as self-service ATMs or retail vending machines and are used across multiple industries, including retail, medical, quick-service restaurants, shopping centres, entertainment and hospitality, educational institutions and offices, and transportation or public transport.
Among these, the retail industry is Malaysia’s largest and fastest-growing smart vending segment, generating USD34.52 million in 2024 and expected to grow 12.34% from 2025 to 2032. Globally, adoption is also rising among healthcare providers as they rely on vending machines to dispense medications and health supplies, to deliver desired contactless post-pandemic convenience.
In fact, the MADANI government has been actively promoting the adoption of vending machines through its Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) for the B40 under Budget 2024, with several success stories. For example, one Penang-based vendor earned a monthly average of RM10,000 to RM15,000 from a single vending machine, selling ready-to-eat meals such as burgers, pasta, maggi goreng, and nasi lemak to university students living in dormitories, wanting a snack or supper.
FINEXUS enables coin-operated vending machines to accept cashless payments as well, ensuring inclusivity for diverse user preferences — particularly senior citizens who may be less comfortable with fully cashless transactions.
Why demand for smart vending is accelerating globally
Rising consumer demand for convenience is driving market growth, as urban shoppers seek speed, ease and accessibility. Smart vending machines meet these needs with 24/7 availability, cashless payments, and AI-powered recommendations. This shift reflects the growing desire for instant gratification, driven by the rise of on-demand services, online shopping, and mobile apps.
Personalised vending machines are also offering consumers desiring a unique shopping experience to tailor their products such as customised nutritional options, packaging, and more.
Lastly, the expansion of smart cities globally have increased the demand for smart vending machines. With 75 local authorities recently receiving the Malaysia Smart City 2025 rating, vending machine operators in Malaysia can look forward to deployment opportunities of vending machine that improve quality of life, streamline infrastructure, and promote sustainability.
How FINEXUS Kayaaku powers cashless payments for smart vending
FINEXUS Kayaaku is a trusted solution, backed by FINEXUS Cards Sdn Bhd, an E-money institution incorporated in 2005, and licensed by the central bank to offer regulated digital payment services.
In a convenience-driven market, payment infrastructure may go unnoticed by consumers, but it is the essential backbone that enables vending partners to deliver the best customer experience.
Learn more about FINEXUS Kayaaku at https://home.finexuscards.com/merchant-pos-system/ or email them at [email protected].
This content is provided by FINEXUS Sdn Bhd.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
