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Factors Shaping E-Payment Adoption Intentions among Senior Citizens: A Cross-National Comparative Study of Malaysia and China

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The increase in the speed of financial technology has changed the way people transact their business but the aged citizens are mostly reluctant to use e-payment systems. The paper investigates the factors that affect the e-payment intention in older adults in Malaysia and China, including four major factors: Social and Family Influence, Perceived Security and Trust, Digital Ease of Use, and Perceived Benefits (Performance Expectancy), the perceived usefulness that is used as a moderating variable. To achieve this, the study is conducted based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and structured questionnaires are administered to the elderly respondents aged 55 and above in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai. Statistical tests (regression and moderation tests) will be used to evaluate the relationships among constructs, as well as comparing the cross-country differences. The research will focus on the way in which the willingness of the elderly people to use digital payment systems is influenced by psychological, social, and technological perceptions. In learning about these factors, the study aims to suggest effective measures that can be taken by fintech firms, policymakers, and service-providers to improve digital inclusivity and access to financial services among older adults. The anticipated outcomes are that the perceived usefulness will play a significant role in mediating between the independent variables and intention to use e-payment. It is expected that Digital Ease of Use and Perceived Benefits (Performance Expectancy) will have the most positive effects. Perceived Security and Trust and Social and Family Influence are also likely to have significant but secondary effects. In comparison, Chinese older users will show greater adoption intentions than Malaysian ones because of a stronger governmental support, a greater level of digital literacy, and a stronger integration with fintech.
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