Syam Melethil Sethumadhavan From India SHENZHEN, renowned for its rapid technological advancements, continues to astonish the world with its latest innovation — the palm payment system. As the birthplace of numerous tech giants and a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technologies, the city is once again at the forefront of revolutionizing how people make payments. Since its transformation into a global tech hub, Shenzhen has consistently been a trailblazer in innovation. From pioneering the shift to fully electric public transportation in 2016, to being one of the first cities to roll out 5G coverage, Shenzhen has continually showcased its commitment to embracing the future. Now, with the introduction of the palm payment system, the city is spearheading a new era of cashless transactions. The palm payment system, introduced by Tencent, has rapidly gained popularity among Shenzhen residents and visitors alike. This groundbreaking payment method allows users to make transactions using just their hand, eliminating the need for traditional payment methods such as debit or credit cards. As a proud Shenzhener and a foreigner residing in this vibrant city, I have personally experienced the convenience and efficiency of this revolutionary system. The payment will be completed as soon as we have our palms scanned. “It’s more convenient than mobile payment. We no longer need to feel panic when forgetting to bring our campus cards to the canteen,” said a Shenzhen University (SZU) student impressed by the palmprint recognition machine. The machines can recognize users’ palms within an average of 0.3 seconds, and this contactless system is also more hygienic than fingerprint payments.. Part of the Smart Campus Implementation initiative, SZU’s campus palmprint payment system developed by Tencent marks a significant step toward creating an efficient campus environment for students and staff alike. Piloting the system also symbolizes Shenzhen’s commitment to innovation and progress. With tech giants like Tencent, Huawei, and DJI calling Shenzhen home, the city continues to attract top talent and investment, further cementing its reputation as a global innovation hub. In a world where the pace of technological advancement shows no signs of slowing down, Shenzhen remains at the forefront, driving innovation and shaping the future of commerce. As the palm payment system gains traction and welcomes foreigners into its fold, one thing is clear — the future of payment is in the palm of our hands. | 