Factors Influencing Intention of Adopting S Pay Global Fintech Mobile App: Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology

Abstract

The rapid growth of mobile technologies has driven the expansion of mobile payment services, yet little is known about what shapes consumer intention to use government-funded platforms such as S Pay Global. Despite strong promotion by the Sarawak state government, S Pay Global’s adoption remains lower than private alternatives like Touch ‘n Go, raising concerns about competitiveness, security, and privacy. To examine the factors influencing the intention to use S Pay Global, an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was tested by incorporating variables more closely aligned with consumer perceptions. Survey data from 192 respondents in Sarawak were analysed using SmartPLS. Results show that the core UTAUT variables—performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence—significantly influenced intention to adopt S Pay Global. In contrast, the extended variables of perceived trust, perceived risk and innovativeness exerted no significant effect. The findings confirm the strength of the core UTAUT model in a government-backed mobile payment context and highlight the need to enhance S Pay Global’s usefulness, ease of use, and social acceptance, alongside continuous improvements in security.