Hong Leong Foundation Year-end Giveaway Visit 20091

Hong Leong Group

News Release

Singapore Group Corporate Affairs

HONG LEONG FOUNDATION GIVES ABOUT S$400,000 TO NEEDY ELDERLY Cash-giveaway is part of Foundation’s annual year-end event that includes cultural performances at the Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens Singapore, 8 December 2009 -- Hong Leong Foundation gives out year-end cash gifts totalling about S$400,000 to about 3,950 needy elderly people in its annual year-end giveaway which has been an annual event since 1982. Despite the economic downturn earlier this year, The Foundation did not cut back on the quantum of monetary giveaways. This year’s recipients include 2,915 elderly under the Public Assistance / Special Grant (PA/SG) Scheme and 252 other elderly residents at the Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens. A further 783 medical fee exemption card holders who are eligible or were previously under the PA/SG scheme will also receive the cash gifts. Aligning with the Foundation’s focus to offer financial assistance and spreading cheer to the elderly this year end, staff volunteers from the Hong Leong Group visited over 300 residents at the Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens today. Two performing arts groups were invited to put up performances for the elderly residents at Ju Eng Home. Members of National University of Singapore (NUS) Chinese Orchestra from the NUS Centre for the Arts, as well as members from the New Horizon Music Society played their tunes and sang traditional favourite songs which are popular with the elderly folk. “Reaching out and helping the less fortunate in our society remain one of the key priorities for our Foundation despite the economic downturn this year. We have worked on community projects over the last 27 years and will continue to do so going forward. We are glad to involve our staff and beneficiary groups at this event to bring the elderly some cheer this year-end and we will like to thank both groups for their support.” said Mr Ong Pang Boon, Governor of Hong Leong Foundation.

9 Raffles Place #36-00 Republic Plaza Singapore 048619 Tel: 6438 0880 Fax: 6534 3060 www.hongleong.com.sg

Echoing Mr Ong’s sentiments, Ms Christine Khor, Director, NUS Centre for the Arts said, “As one of the beneficiaries under the Hong Leong Foundation, we are glad to give back to the community with our performances. This is an invaluable opportunity to promote Chinese orchestral music and participate in a meaningful cause.” Hong Leong Foundation, the charity arm of the Hong Leong Group, has committed to over S$1.25million to charitable causes this year, mainly for education, welfare and the arts. Since 2007, it had received the Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award consecutively from the Singapore National Arts Council which recognises individuals or organisations who have made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of the Arts in Singapore. - END NOTE: There are 3 photos accompanying this press release. Caption for Photo A: Representatives from the Hong Leong Foundation bring early year-end cheer to the residents of the Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens with ang pows and a smile. Caption for Photo B: Volunteers of the Hong Leong Foundation paid a visit to the residents of the Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens and brought year-end festive warmth with food, cash goodies and a caring heart. Caption for Photo C: Mr Dennis Seng, a volunteer from the Hong Leong Foundation chats with a resident of the Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens during his afternoon therapy session. Volunteers were there to bring festive cheer and goodies as part of the Foundation’s annual year-end event. About NUS Centre For the Arts Established in 1993, NUS Centre For the Arts (CFA) is a multifaceted arts organisation that nurtures triple arts – performing, visual and literary – on campus and beyond. CFA’s three main functions are in the areas of management, programmes and education. Besides managing and nurturing undergraduate and alumni groups in music, dance, drama and visual arts, filmmaking and production, CFA also manages the major arts facilities on campus : University Cultural Centre (UCC) and CFA Studios. CFA’s forte also includes its skill in programming campus based performances for a wide audience, to inject vitality into campus life. Besides these programmes, CFA also organizes events such as poetry readings and film screenings; and education programming such as instrumental music and examinations. About NUS Chinese Orchestra The NUS Chinese Orchestra (NUSCO), one of the 23 student arts groups nurtured by CFA, has been promoting Chinese orchestra music since 1973. NUSCO collaborated with Zheng Ensemble to participate in Strings of Hope 千 里送筝情, a fundraising concert for the victims of the Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan organised by Thong Kheng Charitable Institution on 20 Sep 09 at Singapore Conference Hall. NUSCO is currently preparing for their concert in NUS Arts Festival 2010 titled 三月天《汇》, Quintessence to be held on 21 Mar 2010. This concert aims to showcase the multifaceted cultures of Asian societies and the appreciation of our Asian roots. About the New Horizon Music Society The society was formed in 1991 when the Oriental Choir was formed under the Lions Club of Oriental. After its fomal registration with the Registries of Society as an arts group in 1995, the Choir changed it name to the New Horizon Music Society in February 1999. Over the years, the New Horizon Music Society has performed in many concerts and has organised performances for some international vocalists, as well as producing and staging Chinese musicals.

For more information, please contact: Beverley Wong Manager Hong Leong Group Corporate Affairs Tel: 6428 9307 Email: [email protected]

9 Raffles Place #36-00 Republic Plaza Singapore 048619 Tel: 6438 0880 Fax: 6534 3060 www.hongleong.com.sg