PLDT Global, stc Pay strengthen partnership to support OFWs in Bahrain

By TechWatch PH Staff

PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), the international arm of PLDT Inc., has expanded its partnership with the stc Group through its fintech subsidiary, stc Pay Bahrain, to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Bahrain with more seamless and secure digital services.

The enhanced integration enables Filipinos in Bahrain to directly cash in to their Philippine e-wallets via the stc Pay app, as well as purchase and send e-gift vouchers with just a few taps. These services are powered by Vortex, PLDT Global’s digital distribution platform designed for safe and reliable transactions.

“This partnership brings digital convenience to our fellow Filipinos abroad and positions PLDT Global as a trusted partner of fintech leaders like stc Pay Bahrain,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, President and CEO of PLDT Global. “We’re committed to delivering borderless solutions that empower and care for Filipinos wherever they are.”

In the coming months, additional features will be introduced on the stc Pay Bahrain app, including Philippine mobile load purchases, content subscriptions via Pilipinas Live, and access to the Smart Virtual Number (SVN)—a SIM-less Philippine number that allows users to receive one-time passwords (OTPs) for local online transactions.

SVNs also enable free calls to the DMW-OWWA Hotline 1348 and the 1343 Actionline Against Human Trafficking.

stc Pay Bahrain CEO Metin Zavrak welcomed the strengthened collaboration, noting that it broadens the company’s reach within the Filipino community.

“With PLDT Global’s support, we’re expanding our subscriber base by connecting more deeply with the Filipino community in Bahrain. This is a key step in our journey to become a leading digital lifestyle enabler in the region,” Zavrak said.

Earlier this year, PLDT Global and stc Pay Bahrain formally launched their partnership to streamline remittance and payment services for Filipinos in the Middle East.

The integration of Philippine financial services into the stc Pay app was seen as a milestone for cross-border digital inclusion.

As PLDT Global continues to widen its international network through strategic partnerships, its collaboration with stc Pay Bahrain reinforces a shared goal: to serve overseas Filipinos with innovative, tech-driven solutions that help them stay connected with their loved ones back home.