HLB Launches Digital Banking Service Hong Leong Connect

Kuala Lumpur, 16 August 2011 - As consumers become more reliant on technology as a means to live, work and play, access to technology is now weaved into every facet of their lives. Hong Leong Bank (HLB) recognises this fundamental consumer shift and has embarked on converging its electronic channels to meet this challenge, weaving banking into customers' digital lifestyle needs.

As a first step to many more new products and services, the digital banking convergence would integrate its current Hong Leong Online Personal Internet Banking Service (HLO) and new mobile banking app under a core brand for digital banking services branded as Hong Leong Connect. HLB is also the first bank to launch a transactional mobile banking app on all the top three most popular smart phone platforms namely Apple iPhone's iOS, Google's Android OS and the BlackBerry OS.

"The rebranding of Hong Leong Online signifies a revolution in consumer e-banking where we can engage with our customers in a constant non-intrusive manner through multiple platforms to offer differentiated lifestyle banking," said Ms Yvonne Chia, HLB's Group Managing Director."Hong Leong Connect epitomises customer outreach based on relationship building powered by consumer technology embedded within their changing lifestyle and digital communal needs," she added.

"The new mobile banking app will also introduce a social payment feature to demonstrate new possibilities by offering customers the flexibility to pay anyone instantly via their smart phones to any mobile number, and this payment service is called PEx, short for Payment Express" explained Ms Chia. "HLB is the first bank to offer this innovative cash transfer mode in Malaysia, which exemplifies the essence of new convenience and secure digital banking services," she continued.

During this introductory period, HLB customers can enjoy zero service fees when performing PEx transactions until 30 November 2011.

Another attractive feature for people on-the-go, Hong Leong Connect mobile banking app provides HLB customers location-aware services enabled by the smart phone GPS capability. Customers are able to locate any HLB point of presence and nearby promotional offers from Hong Leong Debit and Credit Cards, including "Kids Eat For Free" outlets.

"Besides conventional mass media, the Bank also engages social media to generate broad interest of PEx-focused content which is a fresh new payment concept to many. We will continue to bring innovation to all future digital channels for timely interaction with our customers," she concluded.

Along with the launch of Hong Leong Connect, customers are treated to weekly Connect Deals made up of a smart phone and DG Smart Plan from DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd at an amazing price exclusive for HLB customers. The key objective of Connect Deals is to provide an opening path for HLB customers to catch this wave at very affordable induction packages to experience the benefits of mobile banking.

A smart phone model will be featured every week from a myriad of exciting models featuring the Apple, Android and Blackberry OS platforms. All purchases must be made via Hong Leong Connect website at www.hongleongconnect.my. In addition, customers will be rewarded with the latest smart phone or smart tablet every month when they perform Pay+ via Online Banking and PEx transactions via mobile banking. Promotion terms and conditions apply. All the above starts from 16 August to 30 November 2011.

To register as a Hong Leong Connect customer and to enjoy the great value of Connect Deals, visit www.hongleongconnect.my today.

-END-Press Release - 16/08/2011