Abstract

eWAQ Insight360 is an AI-powered digital financial inclusion analytics platform developed to assess and predict e-wallet acceptance among Malaysia’s low-income (B40) communities. The innovation transforms the validated e-Wallet’s Acceptance Questionnaires (eWAQ) from a traditional research instrument into an intelligent behavioral analytics system that supports data-driven decision-making for governments, financial institutions, researchers, and fintech providers. The platform integrates behavioral constructs grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), including perceived ease of use, security, government intervention, social influence, trust, attitude, and e-wallet acceptance.

Unlike conventional survey systems, eWAQ Insight360 combines digital data collection, automated scoring, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights through an interactive dashboard. The system identifies barriers to digital payment adoption, measures financial technology readiness, and generates behavioral intelligence reports for targeted intervention strategies. The instrument was developed through a rigorous validation process involving academia, industry experts, and low-income users, achieving strong reliability and construct validity.

This innovation addresses critical national issues in Malaysia, including digital financial exclusion, low financial literacy, cybersecurity concerns, and unequal participation in the cashless economy. By enabling early identification of digital adoption challenges among underserved populations, the platform supports evidence-based policy planning and inclusive fintech development. eWAQ Insight360 aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 4, 8, 9, and 10 by promoting financial inclusion, digital education, innovation, economic participation, and reduced inequalities. The innovation has strong potential for commercialization, institutional adoption, and scalability across Malaysia and the ASEAN digital economy ecosystem.