Understanding Quick Response Mobile Payment Adoption: An Extended TAM Approach among Malaysian University Students

Abstract

The transition toward a cashless economy has accelerated globally, with Malaysia actively promoting digital payment systems such as Quick Response (QR) mobile payments. Drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Approach, this study investigates the determinants influencing the intention of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) students in Pengkalan Chepa to adopt QR mobile payment technologies. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 400 undergraduate students who responded to a structured questionnaire measured using a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29, including reliability testing, descriptive statistics, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. The findings reveal that the core TAM constructs which are perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, alongside external variables of personal innovativeness and perceived security significantly influence students’ intention to adopt QR mobile payments. Among these factors, perceived usefulness emerged as the strongest predictor. Although respondents demonstrated a high level of openness toward technological innovation, concerns related to security remain evident. These findings suggest that fintech providers and policymakers should prioritise enhancing system security and improving user-friendly features to increase user confidence. This study contributes to Malaysia’s aspiration of achieving a 90% cashless society by identifying key behavioural drivers among young consumers. Furthermore, by integrating personal innovativeness into traditional adoption frameworks, this research offers a more comprehensive understanding of technology acceptance within the higher education context.