HSBC BLOOD DONATION DRIVE A SUCCESS
Monday, 16th January 2012
Today, generous customers and members of the public turned up at the HSBC Kuala Belait branch to participate in the blood donation drive.
Public and staff donating blood for a good cause.
The donation drive saw over 30 willing donors who rolled up their sleeves to do their good deed for the day. HSBC employees too took the opportunity to bleed for the cause.
The blood donation drive was organised as part of HSBC's 65th anniversary celebration, as well as to provide an avenue for the public to contribute back to the local community.
Today's blood donation drive is the first of a series of sessions to be held by HSBC in 2012. The next blood drive will be held on 16 February 2012 at the HSBC Business Processing Centre in Jerudong. More information will be made available nearer to the date.
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HSBC TO HOLD BLOOD DONATION DRIVE
Thursday, 12th January 2012
HSBC Staff smile as they give the gift of blood at the bank's last donation drive.
As part of its activities to celebrate its 65th anniversary, HSBC will host a blood donation drive at its Kuala Belait branch. Customers and members of the general public are welcome to visit the HSBC Kuala Belait branch on Friday, 13 January 2012 from 9.00am to 11.30am to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said, "Blood is a precious commodity that can only come from the generosity of donors. There is always a critical need for a stable supply of blood, especially when donations tend to drop off during holiday months. This blood donation is particularly opportune as the Blood Donation Centre of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital has recently highlighted that they are in urgent need of 'O' positive blood type. "
Medical Officers from the Kuala Belait Medical Services Unit will be on hand to facilitate the blood donation drive on that day.
"HSBC understands that 'giving back' does not merely mean making financial contributions. As the leading international financial institution in Brunei, we understand the need to also donate time and energy towards activities that benefit the communities that we do business in." he added.
Those who are interested in participating in the blood donation should be aged between 18 and 60 years of age, weighing at least 50kg and should be in good general health with no cold or flu symptoms. They must eat well prior to donation and drink lots of fluids. Donors who have donated previously are also reminded to bring along their donor cards.
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HSBC REWARDS CUSTOMERS WITH A SHOPPING SPREE
Tuesday, 10th January 2012
Dk Hamidah Pg Othman, Senior RBWM (Retail Banking and Wealth Management) Sales and Distribution Manager with the winners.
Five lucky winners were chosen for a shopping spree after purchasing insurance product(s) from HSBC during the Wealth Management campaign which came to an end in November last year.
The five winners; Nurul Amal Azmin Athirah, Noorhanim Hj Baha, Md Alisardee @ Shardia Sabli, Juryanah Abd Lamit and Roslan Hj Suhaili were delighted with their choices which consists of items for everyday use, such as cooking oil, rice and washing powder.
The shopping spree was held at Supasave, Beribi on 08 January 2012, where each customer was given three (3) minutes to complete the shopping spree, accompanied by an HSBC staff. The lucky winners won themselves all items grabbed and placed in the trolley during the allocated time period, worth up to B$300.00.
On hand to present the prizes to the five lucky winners were Dk Hamidah Pg Othman, Senior RBWM (Retail Banking and Wealth Management) Sales and Distribution Manager.
Wealth Management aims to provide proper financial education to all HSBC customers as well as the public, and encourage individuals to nurture a savings culture for their future and loved ones; be it a child's higher education, capital funding for own business, retirement or simply to build a nest egg for all family members. It also offers flexibility, affordability, financial advantage and gives customers competitive advantage in terms of the wide range of insurance products' selections offered and/or referred by HSBC. All this is supported by the largest number of accredited financial professionals in Brunei to develop a tailor-made financial plan in accordance to individual's needs.
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HSBC BRUNEI TURNS 65
Monday, 9th January 2012
The HSBC Group's presence in Brunei dates back to 1947 when The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited opened a branch in Bandar Seri Begawan, then known as Bandar Brunei, and another in Kuala Belait. HSBC Brunei offers an extensive range of financial services, import and export-related trade services, investment banking, project finance, and insurance. Now, HSBC Brunei is one of the leading financial institutions in the country.
In commemoration of its 65th anniversary, HSBC held an appreciation day for its customers at all branches yesterday. The simple but highly significant event would not have been possible without the support of its loyal customers. Senior Managers of HSBC Brunei were present at the various branches to greet and thank the customers who took the time to join in the celebration.
Vincent Ho, the Chief Executive officer of HSBC Brunei was at the HSBC headquarters to welcome their customers. "A large part of our success in Brunei is due to the loyal support of our valued customers. It is therefore a great pleasure for me, on behalf of HSBC, to share our celebration with our customers and say a big "thank you" for their continued support over the years".
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HSBC COMMERCIAL BANKING BRUNEI LAUNCHES BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
Monday, 9th January 2012
Leveraging on its leadership and international strength, HSBC Commercial Banking Brunei recently launched its Business Connection book. This invaluable book provides business thoughts from business leaders in the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific Regions including Brunei Darussalam on successful businesses and to inspire customers and prospects to think and do differently for their businesses.
The launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources at Tarindak DPolo, Jerudong Park Polo Club, Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer HSBC Brunei, and Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking HSBC Brunei.
The event was also attended by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Ahmad Morshidi Bin Pehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Ideal Group and Albert Tan, Executive Director of Everon, both of whom were featured in the Business Connections book together with international players such as David Lee, Chairman of the world renowned oyster sauce, Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group.
In his case study, Ahmad Morshidi focuses primarily on quality. "To get the quality output, you need to know the genetic issues related to the chicken right from the very beginning" explains Ahmad Morshidi. He later explained that the level of control gives good feed conversion and weight gain rates. It also means rigorous hygiene standards are maintained.
Entrepreneur, Albert Tan, specializes in buying iconic but dated buildings and revitalizing them with a fresh yet modern look. This is evident in the reconstruction of The Brunei Hotel. In keeping with the localization policy, Everon integrates the local culture and resources which extends to the workforce unleashing their creativity. Albert finds the thrill in turning around old properties and injecting new life into it.
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HSBC SEES VOLATILITY CREATING LONG-TERM WEALTH OPPORTUNITIES IN 2012
Wednesday, 04th January 2012
Short-termism has driven markets at the expense of long term investment thinking during a markedly volatile 2011. However, this has created what HSBC Global Asset Management believes to be a potentially very strong set of investment opportunities for 2012 for those with a longer-term perspective.
To date, frequent rotations in sentiment in markets reflect the fact that officials have been applying a 'sticking plaster' approach to addressing fundamental problems - acting only when faced with severe market pressure, and only then delivering just enough to stem the tide in the short run. With this context, at the forefront of investors' minds is concern around European policymakers being able to deliver a comprehensive long term solution to deal with the Eurozone crisis.
Given the risks to the outlook, many investors have flocked to 'safe havens' this year, forcing government bond yields to the lowest levels for a generation, which puts some in a position where returns are negative when inflation is taken into account. Combined with the negative fundamentals such as high debt levels, government bonds do not represent good value on a medium term basis.
However, the opposite is true of corporate bonds, which have been sold off during the downturn. Many companies are in solid financial shape, having applied their own austerity measures. Balance sheet strength in turn will justify the ongoing growth in dividends paid out to investors. These factors support the positive outlook for corporate bonds at the high-yield end of the spectrum, particularly Asia where fundamentals are relatively stronger.
Solid corporate health and very attractive valuations also support HSBC's positive view on equities in 2012. Equities now trade at very attractive levels relative to history. As growth forecasts have been revised down, there is scope for positive surprise, which could lead to a re-rating in equities. Within equities, emerging markets looks particularly attractive, due to stronger fundamentals than developed markets.
Simona Paravani, Global Chief Investment Officer for Wealth, HSBC Global Asset Management, said: "Global emerging markets will continue to grow as increased wealth leads to higher levels of domestic consumption. Together with factors such as industrialisation and urbanisation, as well as more robust fiscal positions than the West, we remain positive on the long-term outlook for emerging market equities. For investors with a lower risk appetite, high yielding corporate bonds in Asia will continue to benefit from stronger potential credit upgrade and low interest rates."
A combination of inflation and the industrialisation of emerging markets favour physical assets like property and commodities. Russian equities, currently priced lower than historical levels, benefit from the positive outlook for oil and hard commodities although political risk remains a source of market volatility.
In the export-heavy Asian countries, the global slowdown has clearly had an impact but HSBC still views the backdrop favourably, with economies offering stronger growth than the West. Inflation is showing signs of moderating and supportive fiscal policies are likely to have a bearing in 2012, which would be positive for the region's economies and equity markets.
Within Asia, Chinese equities are currently attractive, with the market trading on about 8 times 2012 earnings. Rapid rises in residential real estate prices could reverse and become destabilising to parts of the economy, but HSBC believes that a soft landing is the most likely outcome.
Eric Fu, HSBC's Head of Wealth Development, Hong Kong, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, said: "In a period of prolonged volatility, as investors continue to search for yield and value, diversification and long-term investing have become all the more relevant. Before the crisis, people tended to park their assets in investments without doing anything further with their portfolios. Investors can no longer afford to take a passive role. Today, a long-term approach means staying invested through the peaks and troughs by reviewing your portfolio regularly to rebalance, capture market opportunities and mitigate further risks.
"With the help of a trusted professional advisor, both sophisticated and new investors can move from a product-driven to a planning-driven approach to wealth management to help achieve more balanced and sustainable growth for your hard-earned wealth."
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HSBC INVITES PUBLIC TO CELEBRATE ITS 65TH ANNIVERSARY
Wednesday, 04th January 2012
To commemorate HSBC Brunei's 65th anniversary, HSBC is inviting customers to a Customer Appreciation Day this Friday, January 06th at all branches including HSBC Finance at Sumbangsih and Kuala Belait, from 8.45a.m. to 11.30a.m. and 2.00p.m. to 4.00p.m. Serusop Branch will be extending this celebration to 6.30 p.m.
Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, shared "As 2012 marks HSBC's 65th anniversary in Brunei, we would like to not only thank all our customers for their support and loyalty through the years but kick off the New Year with our first Customer Appreciation Day this Friday January 06th 2012. There will be commemorative gifts for walk in customers and cookies for children, games to be played at all our branches and HSBC merchandise for sign ups for any of our services or products on this Day. On behalf of Team HSBC, see you this Friday!"
HSBC celebrates its 65th anniversary of its establishment in Brunei. The first bank in Brunei, it set up its first offices in what was then Bandar Brunei and in Kuala Belait in 1947. HSBC is now one of the leading financial institutions in the country. Its nine branches span nationwide in three districts, with an additional office in Jerudong, which is the location of its business processing office.
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HSBC IN CLEAN SWEEP OF MAJOR ASIAN
Tuesday, 03rd January 2012
HSBC's debt capital markets business has won an unprecedented number of awards in recent reviews of 2011 published by Asia's main financial publications.
HSBC was selected by IFRAsia as Bond House, Domestic Bond House and Dim Sum Bond House of the Year for 2011. From FinanceAsia, it was named Best International Bond House, Best Local Currency Bond House, Best Sovereign Bond House and Best Offshore RMB Bond House of the Year. Meanwhile Asiamoney accorded HSBC with the Best Debt Arranger and Best Loans Arranger of the Year.
IFRAsia commented that: "The Bank's consistent performance across every cross-section of Asias international bond markets represented as close to complete market domination as anyone is ever likely to get."
FinanceAsia began its write-up by noting: "HSBC took a near clean sweep of the awards this year thanks to its unprecedented dominance in both the G3 and local currency markets. This year, it pulled out all the stops and drew sharply ahead with a market share of 12.5% for Asia ex-Japan G3 bonds. This was a sweeping margin over its nearest rivals."
Asiamoney noted: "The sheer depth and diversity of the deals HSBC played a role in, far outweighs its competitors in the space, with deals ranging from Sukuks, Basel III-compliant, liability management, corporate hybrids, and even the first Maple bond - a Canadian dollar deal issued outside of Canada - from an Asian credit."
Robin Phillips, HSBCs Head of Global Banking and Markets for Asia Pacific, explained the firms success as follows: "Our ability to offer objective advice covering the full gamut of products and currencies is recognised by clients. HSBC houses cross-border and local currency DCM, as well as syndicated finance under the same roof. Add to that our strengthening equity markets business, few institutions can compare to our full suite of capital markets products. Our unparalleled footprint in Asia has also seen us execute deals across a broader range of markets than any of our competitors."
HSBC has clinched all the new offshore RMB award categories that have been added this year to reflect the most exciting development in Asias capital markets. IFRAsia commented: "The single biggest development in Asia's local currency markets again revolved around the fast-growing Dim Sum front, where HSBC built on its leading position with a number of high-profile mandates from Chinese and international clients." FinanceAsia highlighted: "In the offshore RMB space, HSBC was ahead of its closest rival by quite a stretch
it had a market share of 20.2%. Its dominance is clearly testament to the strength of its relationships and franchise in Hong Kong."
Another area seeing a quiet revolution has been Asia's sovereign debt market, which saw an unusually high number of issuance in 2011, with ten deals totaling US$12.7bn, surpassing the US$7.9bn seen in 2010. And HSBC has led on nine of the ten sovereign deals in Asia. FinanceAsia noted: "As Asian countries have brought more interesting deals to their local currency bond markets, it has further allowed HSBC to shine in the sovereign space."
HSBC has held leading roles in a number of landmark deals that have received recognition, including ICBC (Asia)'s RMB1.5bn Basel III-compliant subordinated capital notes; the long-awaited inaugural US dollar global bond by Indonesian SOE Pertamina; South-east Asias first inflation-linked bond, for the Kingdom of Thailand; Asias first major securitisation since the financial crisis, via CapitaLand unit Silver Oak's commercial mortgage-backed securities issue; the world's first ever 10-year US dollar sovereign sukuk, for the Government of Malaysia; Korea National Oil Corp's 5-year market opening deal; and Citic Pacific's perpetual hybrid bond which re-opened Asia's corporate hybrid market.
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HSBC - TAKING CARE OF YOU AND YOUR BUISNESS
Tuesday, 03rd January 2012
As a leading financial institution in Brunei Darussalam, HSBC Brunei plays a significant role in making a positive contribution to the nation, whether as a provider of financial products and services, an employer or a partner in the development of our community.
CELEBRATING WITH CUSTOMERS
HSBC Brunei honours and thanks their customers' support with rewards, incentives, celebrations and product innovations throughout the year. This year's "The Journey" campaign with the theme of "Maximise your financial potential at every stage of your life journey" rewarded 75 customers who signed up for HSBC products and/or services with lucky draw chances to win weekly lucky draw prizes comprising lifestyle vouchers for dining, shopping, travel, gadgets and furniture worth between $100 and $500.
Besides the weekly prizes, customers were also in the running to drive away the Grand Prize - a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI Blue EFFICIENCY. , beat out 4 other finalists to take the coveted car.
The HSBC Fair 2011, doubly-themed, "Build Your home" and "Grow Your Wealth", was held from 30th September until 2nd October 2011 at Times Square with participation from estate agents, housing developers and home related merchants.
The highlight of the Fair was the guest appearance by celebrity designer, , who shared the latest trends in interior design. In conjunction with this Fair , various prizes and deals were offered including an exclusive three-month Home Loan promotion that gave customers exciting guaranteed rewards at every step of their home loan application process ranging from Eric Leong's Deco Tips book , low interest rate , generous subsidy, 47-inch LCD TVs , cash of up to BND200 to home essential vouchers worth up to BND500. HSBC launched its exclusive dedicated Home Loan Centres in Gadong and Kuala Belait a year ago and customers have responded very well to them, appreciating the one-stop-concept, which makes the loan process easier and more convenient.
On the sporting side, the HSBC Brunei Golf Day 2011 produced two winners, and Hj Shaiful Rizal Pehin Dato Ahmad, who had the privilege to play in the HSBC Regional Golf Day competition at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club in Hong Kong.
Three lucky winners - 2 winners from a lucky draw and 1 from the putting game held at HSBC branches- were sent on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to watch the 2011 WGC-HSBC Champions event at Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai.
HSBC celebrated all the major festivities of the year with a treat for their customers at its various branches. These happy occasions were opportunities for staff and customers to interact and promote an understanding of the different cultures in Brunei. Mother's Day and Father's Day were not excluded either and HSBC Premier customers were treated to special events to entertain both parents and their children.
HSBC Advance customers also enjoyed a year of rewards for choosing HSBC Advance products by either assigning their salary to HSBC or placing a deposit of BND50,000 and more. Lucky winners of the promotion between March and April won B$4,000 cash prizes each. Another HSBC Advance campaign in September and November saw 4 winners, each walking away with a B$4,000 cash prize and B$1,000 bonus cash. HSBC Advance complements the bank's strategy to be the leading Retail Banking & Wealth Management provider for the world's growing emerging mass affluent segment through a global standard of services that will take their customers from one stage of wealth to the next.
in October to acknowledge the support of its valued Commercial banking and Premier customers who conduct transactions in foreign exchange. Global Markets HSBC Brunei is responsible for the bank's treasury operations which include dealings in foreign exchange and interest rates. The foreign exchange team provides foreign exchange solutions to businesses for payments and risk management, offering a range of products including FX spots and forwards.
In March, HSBC was named the winner of the Best Retail Bank in Brunei 2010 at the 10th International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards Programme. The awards programme, administered by The Asian Banker and refereed by prominent global bankers, consultants and academics, is the most prestigious of its kind.
HSBC clocked another milestone in August when it launched its HSBC Visa Debit Card, the latest addition to complement the bank's range of products and services. This milestone adds to HSBC's recognition as The Best Retail Bank 2010 in Brunei. The new Debit Card is an enhancement to the existing HSBC ATM card, functioning as both an ATM card and a Debit card.
Corporate clients of the bank were remembered for their support as HSBC held monthly lucky draws in a variety of campaigns held during the year such as the Trade and Supply Chain campaign and Online Telegraphic Transfer campaign.
New banking innovations were introduced to assist corporate clients such as HSBCnet, which offers a comprehensive suite of flexible online financial solutions designed to help increase productivity and manage cash flow. With real-time global account access and customisable setup features, clients have control over their critical financial functions at every level of their organisation.
HSBC is the first bank in Brunei to provide Renminbi (RMB) deposits and remittances services to Corporate Banking customers following China's contribution in global trade and the gradual internalisation of RMB. This landmark achievement in March affirmed HSBC's leadership position in international trade and it has paved the way for more exciting trade opportunities for local businesses with China.
HSBC Cares
HSBC believes that the wellbeing of the community is intrinsic to their business success. That is why HSBC is committed to making a positive impact on the local community through its investment in Education, Environment and Humanitarian assistance.
Education, especially investing in the education of disadvantaged children, is the main focus of HSBC's community investment activities. HSBC's biggest charity event to date was the "WalkRunCycle" charity event on 22nd May, where over 2,000 people turned up at the Taman Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien to either walk, run or cycle to raise funds for 3 charities dedicated to the education of children with special needs - Pusat Ehsan Al-Hajjah Maryam, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA) and SMARTER Brunei . The event raised more than B$107,000. The donations from the event were divided equally and each of the charities received B$35,788.
HSBC Brunei's investment in education also serves to complement the current excellent academic curriculum through out-of-school learning experiences.
Money 101 is its annual financial workshops for children in primary schools that aim to educate the young on basic money management skills and to ingrain valuable knowledge that will allow them to make better financial decisions in adulthood.
In partnership with the Toastmasters Club, HSBC Brunei Youth Leadership Programme aims to enhance students' public-speaking and communication skills through a series of practical and theoretical sessions.
HSBC's long-term partnership with International School Brunei on Borneo Global International Conference provided a platform for over 300 students around South East Asia to come together in a mock United Nation setting, to learn and debate current issues confronting the global community.
HSBC is also committed to impart knowledge on the importance of environment education to the Brunei youths. In 2011, HSBC donated 500 nature packs to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, in support of their on-going residential School Environmental Education Programme.
To encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship, the HSBC Young Entreprenuer Award (YEA) provides students a platform to unveil their innovative ideas and enhance their business skills.The award, first launched in Brunei in 2008, provides the opportunity for the top three teams to attend a week-long study trip to Hong Kong. This year's award winners, Green Gems, competed on a regional level for the YEA against six other countries. The Green Gems was the youngest team to reach the regional finals and their project, "Your Trash Makes Great Cash" was commended for its commercial viability and environment-protection ideas.
HSBC Brunei also launched its Global Education Flagship Program "Future First" in December 2011. This Program provides local NGOs with the opportunity to apply for funding of up to USD50,000 for the purpose of educating underprivileged or disadvantaged children.
Apart from education, HSBC Brunei is also active in providing assistance to the less fortunate members of the community. During the month of Ramadhan in August, through HSBC's "Box of Hope" initiative, members of the public generously filled boxes provided by HSBC with toys, stationery, clothes and groceries which were delivered to over 100 families and 250 children living in poverty.
On the environment front, HSBC Brunei was recognised as ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity by the ASEAN Center of Biodiversity. This prestigious award recognises HSBC Brunei's effort and contribution to environment and biodiversity conservation, in particular its contribution to the Heart of Borneo initiative. To date, HSBC Brunei remains the only private institution in Brunei that has won the regional environmental award.
REMEMBERING THE TEAM
The HSBC team comprises of individuals with a strong sense of service and achievement and HSBC is committed to the development of its people. All employees are encouraged to actively plan their own career and enrich their work life. The bank recognised and awarded its long-service staff in January for their ongoing commitment, dedication and loyalty. Appreciation awards were presented to 2 recipients for 10 years of service, and 13 recipients were lauded for 20 years of service.
HSBC builds its business on the belief that diversity and differences create value and that success is sustained through a diverse workforce. At HSBC, diversity is not merely about gender, ethnicity, disability, religion or age; it is about respecting individuals and treating everyone - our customers and colleagues - with dignity. As part of its Diversity and Inclusion initiative, HSBC held a series of employee engagement sessions highlighting the importance of valuing diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for all. Several activities were carried out during the sessions to demonstrate how having a diverse and highly inclusive team equates to sustainable success. The staff was also made aware of the concept of "unconscious bias" and how perceptions may affect business decisions.
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