Hong Leong Bank Reaches Out to Earthquake Victims in Chengdu

With the death toll still on the rise and thousands left homeless and without family, Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLBB) is joining the internationalcommunity in sending assistance to Sichuan province in China, the site of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake early this week.

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the extent of the devastation in Sichuan province. There are thousands of people who have no other option but to relyon aid. Hong Leong Bank is stepping up to the calls from the Sichuan community for financial assistance. We are hopeful that our donation of US$100,000will be able to help many get back on their feet", said Ms Yvonne Chia, General Managing Director of HLBB.

HLBB has a 20% stake in Chengdu City Commercial Bank Co., Ltd (CCCB). Chengdu City Commercial Bank Co., Ltd is a leading commercial bank in the city ofChengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. HLBB's US$100,000 donation is being made to the Chengdu Charity Federation. Chengdu City Commercial Bank Co.,Ltd, for its part, is also making a donation of RMB1,000,000.00 to the same organization.

"We take comfort in knowing that all our CCCB colleagues are safe and unhurt. There was no damage to the branches and they are operating as usual whilsttaking contingency and safety measures," reported Ms Chia.

"By virtue of our investment in CCCB in the Sichuan province, we are now an integral part of the community. We take this role very seriously and we aredoing the best we can to help the community get back on its feet," stressed Ms Chia.

"We are in touch with our CCCB counterparts and are regularly getting updates. We will continue to monitor the situation there and will assist in whateverway possible."

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Press Release - 16/05/2008