Hong Leong Bank (HLB), which recently embarked on an on-ground campaign to further heighten its level of engagement with clients, held an EconomicSeminar for its valued corporate clients as well as various members of business associations and chambers of commerce. More than 800 clients attended thisseminar entitled 'Understanding the Global Environment and the Impact on Local Businesses'.

"We are pleased to receive such overwhelming response from our corporate clients and associates. By holding both English and bilingual seminars, we areable to reach out and help all our clients and associates mitigate risks by sharing our views and directions for the way forward," said Ms Yvonne Chia,Group Managing Director, HLB, in her welcome address. Corporate clients of Hong Leong Bank not only got to listen to industry experts but had theopportunity to engage in a panel discussion .

"In addition, the seminar provided various prognosis on the economic outlook and recovery, as well as ascribed action that companies should take to dealwith the potential slowdown as well as opportunities for growth in selected industries" she added.

Among some of the topics covered in the seminar were 'What a U-Shaped recovery means to Malaysia', 'Insulating Your Trade Business Today', ' Opportunitiesin Global Financial Crisis - FX and Interest Rates' and 'The Global Crisis and Its Impact on Malaysia'. Apart from HLB speakers, guest speaker Mr ChoongKhuat Hock from KSC Capital Berhad also gave an independent unbiased assessment of the problems faced in the US, developments in China and its impact onMalaysia .

"Given today's environment, it is of utmost importance that we become even more accessible to our clients," notes Chia. "At the same time, businesses needto remain vigilant, make sound business decisions, manage their accounts efficiently as well as understand the structural changes of current financialmarkets and financial instruments that facilitate both domestic and international trade."

Hong Leong Bank, a public listed company , today stands as one of the highest capitalized banks in Malaysia . The company has a long and proven history asa well managed bank with excellent year-on-year performance. The Bank is also deeply embedded in the local community. The Economic Seminar is just one ofHong Leong Bank's many initiatives to stay proactive and to give back to the community.

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Press Release - 11/11/2008