New HLB Priority Banking Centre in Penang Now Open

HLB ready to serve financial needs of the northern mass affluent market

Hong Leong Bank (HLB) today opened its Priority Banking Centre in Prai at Jalan Todak 2, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya. This centre is the first of its kindin Prai and is HLB's 13 th centre in Malaysia.

“There is a growing segment of mass affluent in the Prai region. With the establishment of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), we expect a spurin the demand for a very high level of service to be coming from businessmen, investors and affluent community of Penang. The opening of our PriorityBanking Centre (PBC) in Prai is strategically timed to meet this market's needs,” said Ms Yvonne Chia, Group Managing Director.

“The new Priority Banking Centre in Prai will have dedicated and professional Relationship Managers on hand to ensure customers are given a highlypersonalized and rewarding banking experience. At the same time, we want to provide customers with a holistic approach to banking, where convenience,privacy and clarity in financial solution are a priority” Ms Chia added.

Hong Leong Bank Priority Banking Relationship Managers are trained to provide advice on the right products to help meet customers' desired financial goals.Priority Banking customers also get to enjoy designated ‘green lane' services for banking transactions in all 186 branches of Hong Leong Bank nationwide.Other privileges include preferential rates on selected wealth management products, free-for-life Hong Leong Platinum credit card, a dedicated toll-freePriority Banking line and exclusive invitations to investment talks and lifestyle events. This comprehensive suite of services are available to individualswho are able to fulfill and maintain the minimum deposit and/or investment balance of RM200,000.

Hong Leong Priority Banking has a customer base of more than 20,000 today. The opening of the Priority Banking Centre in Prai brings the total number ofHLB Priority Banking Centres in Malaysia to 13. With a growing mass affluent market in Malaysia, the bank expects its customer base to grow even more.

In conjunction with the official opening of this Priority Banking Centre in Prai, there will be an open house from 28 February till 7 March 2008. Existingand new Priority Banking customers can enjoy excellent offers and big savings on a variety of wealth management products. For more information, callPriority Banking toll-free dedicated line at 1-800-18-9000.

-END-

Press Release - 28/02/2008