Talk of the town : Electronic payment in Hong Kong
【明報專訊】The development of electronic payment in Hong Kong has been rapid in recent years. With the widespread use of digital devices, electronic payment has become increasingly popular as a convenient and secure way to make transactions.
People prefer contactless payment during the pandemic in order to avoid infection during transactions. Besides, the Consumption Voucher Scheme implemented by the government is aimed at promoting the long-term development of electronic payments in Hong Kong.
Recently, HSBC's PayMe, an electronic wallet, has announced that it will lower the user age limit to 12 years old. Parents can use PayMe's various functions to easily transfer pocket money to their children, and spending and transfer records can be easily understood to allow parents to keep track of their children's expenses.
History of money
The history of money dates back thousands of years, to when humans first began to engage in trade and barter. However, barter became increasingly difficult as people lacked double coincidence of wants. For example, a farmer would always find it difficult to exchange his apples for rice if no one wanted apple. Thus, money was invented in various forms, such as coins and paper money.
Today, the majority of money is in the form of digital currency, stored electronically and used to make transactions through online banking, credit and debit cards, and mobile payment apps.
■Grammar Booster
Date back
To have existed for a particular length of time or since a particular time.
E.g. This building dates back to the British colonial period.
■Gear up
HSBC's PayMe has announced that it will lower the user age limit to 12 years old.
(True/ False)
(Answer on next text)
■Game
Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9 in order. What are the answers?
□□ × □□ × □ = ？
□ × □ × □ × □ = ？
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
secure (adj)……安全的
transaction (n)……交易
contactless (adj)……非接觸式的
barter (n)……以物易物
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第379期]
