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NEWS ARCHIVE FOR 2011

The following contains previous news articles for the year 2011:
January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011
May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August 2011
September 2011 October 2011 November 2011 December 2011

HSBC NEWS December 2011

HSBC BRUNEI INTRODUCES "FUTURE FIRST" , ITS GLOBAL FLAGSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN.

Monday, 19th December 2011

Today, HSBC Brunei launched Future First, its global flagship education programme that aims to make education more accessible for disadvantaged and special needs children.

Invited to the launch were representatives from four local non-governmental organisations (NGOs); Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Pusat KACA, SMARTER and Learning Ladders, all of whom have been recognised for their valuable work in providing education for special needs children. Katak Ijau were also invited in view of their humanitarian work with children in poverty.



Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability HSBC presented the donation to Pusat Ehsan's representative, Haji Abd Hamid bin Maaruf.



Malai Haji Abdullah bin Haji Malai Othman from SMARTER receiving the toy donation from Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability HSBC.

Future First is a five-year programme managed by the HSBC Global Education Trust and currently supports more than 349 projects in 49 countries, benefiting nearly half a million children worldwide. In 2011, HSBC renewed its commitment to Future First with fresh investment of USD15million. In the next 5 years, NGOs in 86 countries where HSBC has a presence will be able to apply for funding of up to USD50,000 per annum from "Future First".

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability said, "We are excited to launch this programme in Brunei. Children are our future. Through Future First, we can help deliver education projects that provide our children with a more sustainable and prosperous future. We are delighted with the opportunity to partner with local organisations that supports our community ."

In conjunction with the launch, HSBC Brunei presented educational toys to all four charities which were specially donated by its employees through a "Future First" toy drive held earlier this month.



Group photo.

HSBC Brunei supports its community investment efforts on two main areas, education for disadvantaged children and environmental education - both of which are the fundamental building blocks for the development of a sustainable community.

      HSBC WELCOMES FUTURE HOME OWNERS TO ITS THIRD HOME LOAN CENTRE
Monday, 19th December 2011





In 2010, HSBC opened its first Home Loan Centre at Gadong branch dedicated to providing home loan services to customers looking to finance their dream home with the help of Home Loan specialists who can assist them with choosing the best solution for their needs. The Home Loan Centre was later branched out to Kuala Belait to cater for the demand around the district. Recently, the third Home Loan Centre was launched in Serusop branch with four dedicated Home Loan specialists to meet the increasing demand for home loan financing. Potential home buyers in the Bandar Seri Begawan area can now go to either Gadong or Serusop branch for their home loan needs.

HSBC offers flexible home loans and home refinancing plans that are specially tailored to suit the needs of everyone. Amongst the most popular features of HSBC home loans is the flexibility that allows customers to choose between a fixed monthly repayment plan or reducing monthly repayment plan to suit their needs and budgets.

Customers can also take advantage of the current HSBC Home Loan promotion which runs until 30 December 2011. A special Home Loan interest rate of 5% p.a. (Effective Interest Rate of 5% p.a.) with an exclusive subsidy of 3% of the home loan amount up to a maximum amount of B$15,000 are available for customers who sign up within the promotional period. In addition to this, a complimentary copy of celebrity designer, Eric Leong's latest book titled 101 Decor Tips, cash of up to B$200 and a choice of home essentials worth up to B$500 from either Fabrica, Signature Kitchen, Guan Electrical, Thomson Furniture or THA are some of the benefits available to customers when signing up for an HSBC home loan plan (Terms and Conditions apply).
      HSBC EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING YOUR FINANCE AT THE HSBC FAIR
Friday, 9th December 2011

HSBC has always put a strong emphasis on its customers' financial well-being. In their effort to further promote awareness to the public on the importance of managing personal finances and understanding how to manage their credit wisely, HSBC held an Educational Talk on credit cards during the recent HSBC Fair.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management said, "Managing personal finances is important to everyone. At HSBC we strongly believe in securing the financial future of our customers and their family."

During the talk, customers were cultivated on the ways to manage their credit cards. They were reminded to always think about the pros and cons when utilising credit or cash before making purchases. Customers were also informed on the ways to prevent credit card frauds.

Apart from the Credit Card Educational Talk, HSBC also held a Financial Planning Awareness Talk where the audience were educated on how Financial Planning can benefit them in the long run as well as help them achieve their goals- whether it is to retire comfortably, or to build a dream home. During the Fair, customers had access to the largest team of Accredited Financial Professionals in Brunei who are equipped to provide guidance towards solutions, which suit customers' financial goals or plans.

Xbox Dance Kinect competition, Comet Toss, Golf Putting, Hula Hoops, Future-themed dress-up competition and Guess the Meteor were some of the fun activities held during the fair. Customers who participated went home with exciting prizes; some lucky few even walked away with mobile phones and gadgets as well as HSBC merchandises.







Customers enjoying themselves with some of the activities at the Fair.

In addition, the colouring contest was popular amongst children where the winner brought home Toys 'R' Us vouchers. HSBC Fair's futuristic mascot, "8-S-B-3" also made appearance to mingle with the customers throughout the 3-day fair.





Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management (middle) with Dk Hamidah Pg Othman, Senior RBWM Sales and Distribution Manager (right) and Salyahrinah DP Hj Yahya Associate Director, Global Markets (left) presenting colouring contest prizes.



HSBC's futuristic mascot, 8 S B 3, handing out balloons to the children.
      HSBC ADVANCE, A REWARDING BANKING EXPERIENCE
Friday, 9th December 2011

HSBC Advance is a new style of banking built around customers' needs and goals. Whether it is to grow your wealth, protection for you and your finances, day-to-day banking or accessing a range of international services, HSBC Advance provides the perfect solution through its unique banking relationship. With HSBC Advance, customers will receive an all-round rewarding banking experience.

With the recent HSBC Advance promotion, HSBC rewarded another lucky customer with twice her monthly salary and a B$1,000.00 bonus simply by signing up for HSBC Advance. From this promotion, HSBC has already rewarded 3 lucky customers; Ms Leong Hui Hsien, Nurqistina Ismalee and Siti Rahimah Md Hassan. The lucky winner this time around is Aida Nuryuhanisa Elliana Abd Kadir.



Aida Nuryuhanisa Elliana Abd Kadir with Andy Yong, Manager Product and Propositions, HSBC Brunei during the prize presentation.

On hand to present the prize and to congratulate the winner was Andy Yong, Manager Product and Propositions, HSBC Brunei.

With HSBC Advance, customers have access to multiple channels, making banking easier and more efficient, such as one-stop Personal Internet Banking service, priority counters and self-service banking as well as an all-in-one integrated account. HSBC Advance customers will also receive their HSBC Advance Visa Platinum Debit Card with their annual fee waived perpetually.

Customers who sign up for HSBC Advance from 02 to 30 December 2011 can stand a chance to win luxurious time-pieces such as Rolex or Cartier, or other fabulous prizes. In addition, customers will also have the opportunity to win a trip for two to any of the five shopping destinations of their choice: London, Milan, Paris, Hong Kong or New York together with BND5,000 spending money, by simply using their HSBC Visa Debit Card from now until 29 February 2012.
      HSBC SUPPORTS BRUNEI LADIES GOLFERS
Monday, 5th December 2011

HSBC Brunei today presented more than 150 pieces of colourful golf shirts to the Brunei Ladies Golf Association in support towards the upcoming 3rd Asian Ladies Invitational Interport Golf Tournament. The 3-day golf tournament will be held from 06 to 08 December 2011 at The Empire Golf Club and Jerudong Park Country Club.



Closer look at the sponsored ladies golf shirts to be worn by the participants and the committee.

On hand to present the shirts was Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Acting Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Brunei to Yang Dimuliakan Seri Laila Pengiring Diraja Datin Seri Utama Dayang Hajah Rosnah binti Abdullah, Chairlady of Brunei Ladies Golf Association. Also present at the presentation was Salyahrinah Yahya, Treasurer, Global Markets HSBC, Hajah Sarinah Masri, Datin Hajah Misnah Haji Daud, Hajah Rusni Haji Lamat, Joan Chin and Pengiran Datin Hajah Umi Kalthum Pengiran Haji Tuah from the Brunei Ladies Golf Association.



Yang Dimuliakan Seri Laila Pengiring Diraja Datin Seri Utama Dayang Hajah Rosnah binti Abdullah, receiving the sponsored shirts from Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Acting Chief Executive Officer.



Group photo of The Brunei Ladies Golf Association representatives with Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Acting Chief Executive Officer HSBC and Salyahrinah Yahya, Treasurer, Global Markets HSBC.

According to Ms Hajah Sarinah, Vice Chairlady of Brunei Ladies Golf Association, the purpose of this golf tournament is to promote friendship and sportsmanship among the lady golfers in the region, to experience the golfing on different courses and to promote golf tourism.

It is expected that about 150 lady golfers will be participating in this year's golf event and the participating countries include Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. The previous 1st and 2nd Asian Ladies Invitational Interport Golf Tournament were held in Chiengmai, Thailand and Bandung, Indonesia respectively.

In conjunction to the 3rd Asian Ladies Interport Golf Tournament,a welcoming dinner hosted by the Brunei Ladies Golf Association will be held at the Indera Samudera Grand Hall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club on 07 December 2011which will be kindly graced by Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab. Rahaman.
      HSBC ADVANCE, YOUR REWARDING SALARY SOLUTION
Friday, 02th December 2011

HSBC rewarded two customers with twice their monthly salary and a B$1,000.00 bonus simply by signing up for HSBC Advance. Nurqistina Ismalee and Siti Rahimah Md Hassan were both very happy in receiving news about their winnings.

On hand to present the prizes and congratulate the winners was Andy Yong, Manager Product and Propositions, HSBC Brunei.



Nurqistina Ismalee with Andy Yong during the presentation.



Dk Siti Ira Yuhana receiving on behalf of Siti Rahimah Md Hassan.

HSBC Advance customers will receive a series of benefits when they sign up, ranging from preferential pricing for their day-to-day banking to access to a range of international services as and when needed.

Protecting customers and their finances is a key element of the HSBC Advance relationship. HSBC has a team of the largest number of financial professionals in Brunei who work hand in hand with their customers to provide professional services and support, regular financial review, market information update and tailored investment product solutions to help grow their wealth.

Whether it is to grow your wealth, protection for you and your finances, day-to-day banking or accessing a range of international services, HSBC Advance provides the perfect solution through its unique banking relationship. With an HSBC Advance banking relationship, customers are given the tools, knowledge and support to help them manage their money more efficiently and make better informed financial decisions.

From 02 to 04 December 2011, visit the upcoming HSBC Fair at Times Square and speak to an HSBC representative to learn more about HSBC Advance, and stand the chance of winning luxurious time-pieces such as Rolex or Cartier.
      LET'S TALK FURTURE AT HABC FAIR
Thursday, 01st December 2011


HSBC Fair’s first friendly mascot, 8-S-B-3 with Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management (middle) and Andy Yong,Manager Product and Propositions (far right).

Following the success of the first HSBC Fair held in September, HSBC will once again organise an exclusive three-day event which promises even more exciting offers, give-aways and fun-filled activities for families.

While the last HSBC Fair included celebrity guest designer, Eric Leong as one of the main highlights, the theme of the upcoming fair is "Let's Talk Future with HSBC" which will focus on customers' future aspirations and needs. The Fair will be held at Times Square from 02nd to 04th December 2011 with many attractive prizes for customers to take away or win. Whether you're looking to own your dream house, invest in your children's education or planning for your retirement, the second HSBC Fair can help you towards achieving those goals.

Customers at the Fair can take advantage of the exclusive promotions such as the chance to win luxurious time-pieces including Rolex and Cartier when they sign-up for wealth management and loan products, HSBC Advance and HSBC Premier packages and the current home loan promotion where potential home-buyers can enjoy exclusive rewards and be one of the first 10 customers to take home a 47" LCD TV.

Furthermore, the Fair will be highlighting the launch of the HSBC Visa Debit Card promotion which gives cardholders the opportunity to win a trip for two to any of the five shopping destinations of their choice: London, Milan, Paris, Hong Kong or New York together with BND5,000 spending money, simply by using their HSBC Visa Debit cards.


Meet 8-S-B-3 at the HSBC Fair and enjoy the fun-filled activities.

There will also be a host of enjoyable activities for all ages to participate in such as Comet Toss, Golf Putting, Hula Hoops, Future themed dress-up, Guess the Meteor and other fun games, where prizes to be won range from mobile phones and gadgets to HSBC merchandise. A Kid's Corner will also be made available for children participate in a colouring competition to win Toys 'R' Us vouchers. Customers can also be the first to meet the HSBC Fair's futuristic mascot, "8-S-B-3" who will be making its appearance during the fair.

For those who wish to showcase their musical talent, the Fair will give customers the opportunity to register for the jingle competition and write their very own HSBC Visa Debit Card jingle. The winner will win attractive prizes and the winning jingle will be aired on local radio in January 2012.

With fun-filled activities and fabulous prizes to be won, the second HSBC Fair is an event not to be missed.
      CAPITALISE ON THE POTENTIAL GROWTH OF GOLD WITH HSBC AUD ONE-YEAR STRUCTURED NOTE
Thursday, 01st Decemeber 2011



With increasing public interest in Gold investments, HSBC has introduced a very attractive investment opportunity called the HSBC AUD denominated 1-year Gold Linked Wedding Cake Structured Note. The note is 100% Principal Protected, with a potential return of up to 8.5% p.a., if held until maturity.

The minimum subscription amount is AUD10,000 and it will be offered from now to 15 December 2011 (2.00pm), subject to change without prior notice. This Note is denominated in AUD with a one-year tenor and is linked to the performance of Gold against the US Dollar.

Furthermore, investors who purchase this structured note can stand a chance of winning luxurious time-pieces such as Rolex or Cartier, or other fabulous prizes as part of the HSBC exclusive offers promotion which is concurrently running from 02 to 30 December 2011. There is no better time than now.

HSBC Fair from 02 to 04 December 2011 at Times Square and you will also receive an exclusive gift for any sign-up of investment and insurance products with HSBC.


HSBC NEWS November 2011


HSBC PARTNERS WITH VALOR PROPERTY

Tuesday, 29th November 2011

HSBC Brunei in collaboration with Valor Property, is showcasing a variety of lifestyle homes for potential home buyers. The event will be held at Valor Property Office (above I lotus Restaurant) at Kg Rimba from 25 November until 27 November 2011 from 10 am to 6 pm.

Selected HSBC customers were given exclusive viewing opportunities on the various properties during the event. Irene Hii, Managing Director of Valor Property, who has vast experience in Brunei Property Market was on hand to share her experiences with potential customers while HSBC's Home Loan specialists provide home loan financing package that best meet their needs.

This roadshow provides a one-stop opportunity for customers who are looking to find their ideal home from the extensive range of houses. Through HSBC and Valor Property's experiences and services, customers had the privilege to better understand the importance of investing in properties and how to make better decisions.

Customers who are interested can take advantage of the exclusive HSBC promotion specifically design for Valor Property customers only (Terms and Conditions apply). This is an opportunity that is not to be missed.

The HSBC Home Loan Centre, through its home loan specialists, provides comprehensive services ranging from educating customers on the home loan process and guiding them on the different financing packages. HSBC offers competitive rates and flexible repayment options which allow customers to manage and plan their finances effectively. With a fast approval turn around time, customers are only one step away from owning the house of their dreams.

For more information on HSBC Home Loan, please speak to our home loan specialist at our Home Loan Centres at the following branches, Gadong, Kuala Belait and our latest branch in Serusop.

      MORE REWARDS FOR HSBC ADVANCE IN UPCOMING HSBC FAIR
Friday, 25th November 2011



HSBC Advance was introduced in 2010 as HSBC's latest banking relationship for upwardly mobile individuals such as young graduates starting their first job, corporate executives and business professionals. Designed to provide customers with a new way of banking that revolves around their needs; HSBC Advance gives them access to products and services that can help them to reach their financial goals.


Protecting customers and their finances is a key element of the HSBC Advance relationship and HSBC has a team of the largest number of financial professionals in Brunei who work hand in hand with their customers to provide professional services and support, regular financial review, market information update and tailored investment product solutions to help grow their wealth.

With HSBC Advance, customers can benefit from an integrated financial services platform that provides them with dedicated relationship-based banking and wealth management options as well as preferential pricing for their day-to-day banking.

HSBC Advance also allows customers to access their HSBC global accounts through online banking and make real-time fund transfers between their global accounts as well as giving them access to a range of international services as and when needed such as International Account Opening and Emergency Assistance at any HSBC branch. Whether they are out of town for leisure or business, customers can rest assured that HSBC Advance will provide the necessary support should they experience any unfortunate circumstances such as losing their purse or wallet and are in dire need of financial assistance.

On top of these privileges, customers who sign up for HSBC Advance during the upcoming HSBC Fair will be rewarded with exciting prizes. The Fair, which will be held at Times Square from 02 - 04 December 2011, is the second such event organized by HSBC following the success of the first event. This time around, the HSBC Fair promises more exciting activities for the whole family with an array of fantastic prizes and giveaways. More information about this fair will be released soon!
      HSBC APPRECIATES MEDIA RETRO STYLE
Thursday, 24th November 2011



Group Photo in HSBC Media Appreciation. Recently, HSBC hosted an appreciation dinner for its media partners held at Rizqun International Hotel with the theme, Retro Nite. The event was held to thank the media for their help and support towards HSBC and to celebrate the continuing relationships. Also present that evening were senior managers and staff of HSBC Brunei.



Vincent Ho, CEO HSBC Brunei giving his welcoming remarks.

In his welcoming remark, Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer HSBC Brunei, praised the media for their support towards HSBC. "You have done an excellent job on creating awareness on HSBC activities especially on its corporate sustainability initiatives, such as WalkRunCycle and Box of Hope".



Vincent Ho, CEO HSBC Brunei with Brunei Tweet, Delwin Keasberry. The excitement for the evening began with an energizer in creating a "Retro Monster" whereby each table team were to draw out a character based on the 60s, 70s or 80s which they had to recreate using play-doh. This was later translated into a real live version using only the materials provided to them. Prizes were awarded by Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management HSBC Brunei to the most creative designs.



Retro Monster 1



Retro Monster 2



Retro Monster 3



Retro Monster 4



Retro Monster 5



Retro Monster 6

Members of the media were then divided into four teams - Flower Power, MOD, Nite Fever or Funky Pop. Each team was allocated rooms with props in accordance to their respective themes and in preparation for their presentation. With music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, the presentation from each team provided amusement and laughter.



Funky Pop team



MOD team



Nite Fever team



Psychedelic Beatles

The evening ended with prize presentation for the best dressed male and female category by Rosdi Amin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking HSBC Brunei. On hand to present prizes to the best overall presentation to team "Funky Pop" was Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei.
      ENVIROSAX RECYCLABLE BAGS GIVEAWAYS FROM HSBC
Thursday, 24th November 2011



Envirosax with Staff.

In Support of the Government "No Plastic Weekend" initiative, HSBC Brunei has launched a limited edition Envirosax reusable bag to be given away each weekend when you shop at Hua Ho Kiulap, Delima, Tutong and/or Gadong stores till 04 December 2011 using your HSBC Credit Card.

Customers only need to present their shopping receipts totalling B$100 and above at the collection counter in Hua Ho Kiulap during the promotion period to collect the exclusive bag. The collection can now be done at anytime during opening hours.

The designer brand Envirosax has a different design each week from the "After Dark" series. Each exclusive bag is worth $12.00.

Apart from this exclusive offer for HSBC Credit Card holders, there is also its existing Home & Away Privilege Programme which offers a selection of fabulous discounts and benefits across the globe, at over 19,000 outlets in more than 160 countries and territories. HSBC cardholders can enjoy fabulous deals at both local and overseas merchants simply by using their HSBC credit cards.
      "HSBC - BRING YOUR KIDS TO WORK" DAY
Thursday, 24th November 2011

As part of its Diversity and Inclusion initiative, HSBC recently organised a "Bring your Kids to Work" day. More than 31 children of HSBC employees ranging from age 6 to 11 participated in this program.

Welcoming the children to the bank was Mr Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei. "It was indeed a pleasure to have HSBC employees' children in the bank and seeing first hand the work place of their parents. This also gave the parents the opportunity to interact with their children inside their work environment".

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, welcoming the children.




The children were given an exclusive tour of the HSBC building and had the opportunity to learn more about the banking operations. The highlight of the tour was when they were escorted to the highly secured / guarded main vault of the bank.




Colouring activities for the children.




Tour around the HSBC building.

During their visit, the children were also treated to some fun and games including surprise gifts from Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei when they visited his office. The children had the rare opportunity to sit in the CEO's chair and pretend to be the CEO for the day as well.


A visit to Vincent Ho, CEO HSBC Brunei's office.

"By organizing this event which involved our employee's children, we hope the children not only learn about Banking, but be more appreciative of the hard work that their parents put in for them" said Mr Ho.


CEO for the day.


Children of HSBC employees.
      HSBC INJECTS NEW CAPITAL INTO ITS CHINA FLAGSHIP
Monday, 21th November 2011

***Paid-in-capital increased to RMB10.8 billion from RMB8 billion***

***Strongest capital base among all foreign banks in China***

***1st foreign bank permitted to use RMB to inject capital***


HSBC China.

HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited ("HSBC China") recently announced that its parent company - The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited ("HSBC Asia Pacific") - has paid in RMB2.8 billion to boost HSBC China's registered capital to RMB10.8 billion. With the injection, HSBC China holds the largest capital base among all foreign banks in China, enabling HSBC to build further on its leadership in the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Furthermore, HSBC continues to be at the vanguard of China's renminbi (RMB) internationalisation process, becoming the first foreign bank permitted to inject new capital using the Chinese currency under a pilot programme announced by the government in August.

The capital injection for HSBC China reaffirms HSBC Group's long-term commitment to the strategically important China market. In May, the Group set out its strategy execution plan and stressed that it will continue to invest in markets with strategic relevance and with high returns or high potential returns.

Helen Wong, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC China, said: "It is encouraging to receive fresh capital from our parent company to fund our future business growth in China. Since local incorporation in April 2007, HSBC China has achieved tremendous growth with our network more than tripled and our profit continuing to rise. China's fast wealth creation and strengthened global trade and capital links are opening huge market potential; therefore, the new capital will position us strongly for further growth through these opportunities."

As the largest international bank in China with over 100 outlets across 29 major cities, HSBC leverages its global connectivity to serve the financial needs and global aspirations of its customers. It was among the first foreign banks to join China's pilot programme launched in 2009 for RMB cross-border trade settlement and has been instrumental in promoting the currency's onshore and offshore use. HSBC, with its RMB leadership, now offers RMB-based trade products in over 50 countries and territories, and provides RMB services to individual retail and wealth customers in over a dozen markets worldwide.


CEO, HSBC Brunei.

Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, said "With our strength in international connectivity along with our new capabilities to trade in RMB, we are well-positioned to provide our business banking customers with direct RMB services to grow their international trade business with mainland China."

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei further commented, "HSBC Brunei's RMB services for our corporate customers include Account Opening, Term Deposits, Payments Settlement and Remittances designed to provide the flexibility to facilitate your cash management and trading needs in RMB locally and internationally. Its trade settlement services will also cover all common types of outward remittances and import and export trade transactions including Documentary Credits and Documentary Collections".

For its retail customers, earlier this year, HSBC Brunei hosted a high-tea to celebrate the launch of its Chinese Yuan RMB deposit accounts and foreign exchange services. The Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mr. Min Yongnian, China's Ambassador to Brunei was present to officially launch the first RMB deposit accounts and services.
      HSBC CELEBRATES DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN ITS WORKPLACE
Monday, 21th November 2011

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.

HSBC recently 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. Staff were also made aware of the concept of "unconscious bias" and how perceptions may affect business decisions.


HSBC staff in discussion during the Diversity and Inclusion activities.


HSBC Staff and senior manager performing in one of the activities.

Vincent Ho CEO, HSBC Brunei said, "These sessions are extremely vital in providing an increased understanding of HSBC's diversity and inclusion policy. They also serve as an avenue to communicate HSBC's values of anti-discrimination and encourage a totally inclusive environment".

HSBC Brunei began its diversity and inclusion programme back in 2005. Under this programme, the bank actively started to recruit special needs individuals through its close working relationship with Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam.

To date, HSBC has recruited four special needs individuals, all whom are still employed with the bank.


Ramli Hj Bungsu, Service Delivery, HSBC Staff Member.

"Working with HSBC is exciting as well as challenging. The job gives me the opportunity to use the computer which took me sometime to learn but with hard work I am now able to do my job independently." Ramli Hj Bungsu, Service Delivery HSBC Bank

"I'm very grateful that HSBC has given me this opportunity to work in one of the world's leading financial organisations. I have learnt a lot here and my colleagues are like my second family." Chieng Thien Khiong, Administration, HSBC


Chieng Thien Khiong, Administration, HSBC Staff Member.

Vivien Yen, Manager Procurement, Corporate Real Estate and Admin added, "Not only is Chieng hardworking and willing to learn, his contribution to the team is invaluable".

Our diverse hiring policies are also reflected globally, as shown by the inspirational story below, written by a colleague in HSBC Sharjah United Arab Emirates.


Husein Elswerky, HSBC Sharjah United Arab Emirates.

"My name is Hussein Elswerky. Society refers to people like me as having special needs, being handicapped or disabled.

I want to highlight some important points that will shed light on who we the 'disabled' truly are. These words will attempt to give you an idea about the amount of persistence and perseverance that people with special abilities, as we prefer to be called, have.

When I was a child, my mother told me the famous story of the race between "Rabbit and Turtle". The rabbit was very arrogant because he relied on his ability to cover the race distance with a few jumps, so he saw no reason to get started straight away. The turtle, however, started immediately in taking the challenge step by step and ultimately succeeded in winning the race through his perseverance.

I remembered this story when I requested to move from the cash office to the front line as a customer service agent at the Sharjah Customer Service Unit (CSU). I knew that my condition wouldn't stop me but I found some resistance from people who thought I would be unsuited to such a role. I knew I could do this job, I believe in myself and in the gift I was given from God.

In March 2011 I finally got the chance to work in the Sharjah CSU. I am very proud to work at HSBC; I enjoy my job because I get to see customers satisfied with my Bank's services firsthand. And customers seem to be happy with the service I can provide to them. My manager has received letters from happy customers thanking him for having me in his team and saying that they are very impressed with the service provided by the CSU.

Being labelled or referenced by people as having a disability is a reflection of how they see us. This description is a source of pride more than insult to me, and I excuse these people for the way they regard my special situation. Why? Because it's a product of a social perspective that built a misconception of who we are and summarises us all as a cliche.

This description regards us as debris or pieces of human beings that are a burden on societies or have partial value in the best case scenario, when in fact societies are the ones responsible for wasting our talents when they fail to find ways to utilise our hidden potential.

Do any of you ever ask yourselves the following simple question:

Why am I tall, short, overweight or thin? Some of you will relate these physical states to genetic factors, others will relate this to destiny and god's will. The same explanations apply to us individuals with special abilities whether we are who we are due to a road accident or a medical error while being delivered into this life.

The word disabled doesn't represent an explanation of our physiological capabilities but truly represents the historic cultural disability of our societies in utilising us. Recently society has tried to overcome its disability through integration programs that consider us as people with special abilities in terms of mobility, speech or hearing.

To tell you the truth we are humans with feelings, capabilities and characters that are characterised by persistence and perseverance to face challenges and overcome them, adapt to our realities and use our capabilities to provide value within the boundaries of the possible as any one else on this earth.

When I approached our great organization HSBC in 2007 for opportunities through Takamul (integration) program and got the job, they never told me my physical ability will be an obstacle or assign me to a trivial job for the sake of diversity or social responsibility.

Since that day I learned to accept whatever task I get as any other colleague to prove to society that I have the ability to accomplish it as any other individual. Individuals, as you know, are not equal in their aptitude for any number of skills or situations.

Don't worry my friends and colleagues, I write these words and share my thoughts in the hope that you do the same through this forum. The important thing is that we see each other for our unique abilities and not disabilities."
      HSBC CELEBRATES DEEPAVALI WITH ITS CUSTOMERS
Tuesday, 08th November 2011

HSBC held a special reception in celebration of Deepavali, the festival of lights marking the start of the Hindu calendar recently. The event took place at Radisson Hotel, and was hosted by the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Brunei, Vincent Ho, along with HSBC's Senior Management and staff.


H.E. Mr Ralte and Mrs Ralte with CEO, Mr Ho, Senior Managers and Staff.


H.E. Mr Ralte and Mr Ho admiring the Kolam.

The Guest of Honour for the evening was the Indian High Commissioner to Brunei, His Excellency Mr L. D. Ralte, who was greeted by Mr. Ho upon arrival.

In his welcoming remarks Mr. Ho said, "In a multi-cultural organisation such as HSBC, Deepavali is one of the festivals the bank celebrates annually in many of its offices worldwide. The various festivities in Brunei constantly remind us of the richness of this country’s culture and heritage". He continued, "As one of the world’s leading financial institutions, HSBC recognises and values the importance of diversity, be it amongst our employees or our customers. This diversity in cultures, beliefs and perspectives motivates us in HSBC to do our best to understand our customers well, in order to provide them with their specific, and indeed, financial needs."

"Throughout our 64-year existence in Brunei, HSBC has been very privileged to become your preferred banking partner. We are very grateful and thank you very much for your strong support. In turn, we will continue to enhance our products and services further to suit your every need and lifestyle." commented Mr Ho.

The Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr Ralte and Mrs Ralte, together with Mr Varghese, Vice President of the Brunei Indian Association and Mr Ho was invited to light the lamp and candles around the beautifully crafted Kolam made from rice. The lighting of the candles signified victory of good over evil, uplifting of darkness and knowledge over ignorance.


H.E. Mr Ralte and Mrs Ralte lighting the Deepavali lamp.

During Deepavali, homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. The festival symbolises unity in diversity as every home celebrates it in its own special way. The lights of Deepavali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the streets and lanes. Passersby may thereby be prevented from stumbling on their way to reach their destination.


HSBC customers enjoying the celebration.


HSBC's Deepavali souvenir.
      LUCKY WINNERS OFF TO WATCH THE PRESTIGIOUS WGC-HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONS IN SHANGHAI
Friday, 04th November 2011


Salyahrinah Yahya, HSBC Associate Director Global Markets and Jocelane Basir, HSBC Premier Manager with winners.

HSBC Brunei Golf Day 2011 lucky draw winners, Tan Jee Wan and Chris Chee and the lucky draw winner from the HSBC Putting Game at branches, Nur Khadijah Ramlli, were recently sent off to watch the 2011 WGC-HSBC Champions event at Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai.

HSBC Champions made its debut in Shanghai seven years ago and elevated into World Golf Champion status in 2009. This year, world-class players including defending champion Francesco Molinari, winner of over 20 tournament titles Lee Westwood, 2010 US PGA Champion Martin Kaymer, and 2011 US Open Champion Rory Mcllroy will compete for the coveted champions title and US$7 million in prize money.

Present at the Brunei International Airport to send off the winners was Salyarinah Yahya, Associate Director Global Markets, "The WGC-HSBC Golf Champions is such a prestigious event and I am delighted to share in their excitement on this once-in-a-lifetime experience".

Both Tan Jee Wan and Chris Chee won their trip through the lucky draw that was held during the HSBC Golf Day held some time in October. Nur Khadijah was ecstatic when she first found out that she was the lucky draw winner for the putting game that was held at all HSBC Branches. All winners and their spouses will be staying in a five-star hotel, The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai and will be watching the match at the exclusive Hexagon Suite which overlooks the 18th green.
      HSBC BRUNEI ORGANISES JOINT AND CASH MANAGEMENT EVENT FOR IT'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER
Wednesday, 02nd November 2011

On 01 November 2011, HSBC Brunei hosted a joint Trade and Cash Management event at Tarindak D'Polo Restaurant, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club. The event introduced the new Trade and Payment Cash Management Heads, launched two new Payment Cash Management products i.e. Receivables Management System (RMS) and Cheque Outsourcing (COS) and included a seminar on "Enhancing Working Capital : A HSBC Perspective" for the benefit of HSBC customers.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, DCEO and Head of Corporate Banking.

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking together with other Senior Managers of HSBC were present at the seminar. After introducing the newly appointed managers, Rosdi emphasised in his welcoming speech,"The overall purpose of cash management hasn't changed: organisations want to have the cash they need in the right place at the right time. HSBC's new RMS and COS, which are the first of its kind in Brunei, comprises of a number of extremely innovative products to serve the increasing need of our customers to have more sophisticated Payment and Cash Management solutions."


Andy Lau, Manager Payment and Cash Management.

RMS and COS have been designed to help HSBC customers manage their payments and receivables more efficiently by improving visibility, transparency and information management. Andy Lau, the newly appointed Manager Payment and Cash Management, explained, "RMS gives companies a comprehensive view of their daily cash position, allowing them to use cash more efficiently and to make decisions based on real time information to create more business opportunities whereas HSBC Cheque Outsourcing Service enables customers to outsource to HSBC the production, issuance and distribution of local and foreign currency cheque payments such as Cashier's Orders, Company Cheques and Demand Drafts. This allows customers to focus more on their core business activities by freeing them of manual processes."

Lim Lih Fang, the newly appointed Manager Trade and Supply Chain, briefed customers on HSBC's international connectivity and trade capabilities, "With international trade experience dating back to 1865, HSBC offers a comprehensive range of supply chain and traditional import/export solutions". Ms Lim also emphasised on how both importers and exporters would want to reduce risks and have greater visibility and control over their trading processes which is where HSBC plays an important role in managing this.


Lim Lih Fang, Manager Trade & Supply Chain.

HSBC's excellence in customer service coupled with the fact that HSBC has continuously pioneered best-in-class solutions for its customers, has been recognised by key industry awards in Brunei Darussalam for four consecutive years: The Best Cash Management Bank in Brunei by Euromoney (2008-2011) and the Best Corporate/Institutional Internet Bank in Brunei by Global Finance (2008-2011).

"The fully interactive seminar helped company CEOs and those managing the company's accounts to fully understand how COS & RMS could benefit their business and how HSBC can help assist customers with import/export solutions," added Rosdi, "This is another way that we have demonstrated our commitment to serving our customers better and offering cutting edge products designed to help their businesses grow."


HSBC NEWS October 2011


HSBC ADVANCE CUSTOMERS RECEIVE EARLY BONUS

Friday, 28th October 2011

Whether it is to grow your wealth, protection for you and your finances, day-to-day banking or accessing a range of international services, HSBC Advance provides the perfect solution through its unique banking relationship. With an HSBC Advance banking relationship, customers are given the tools, knowledge and support to help them manage their money more efficiently and make better informed financial decisions.

Ms Leong Hui Hsien was recently awarded with twice her monthly salary amount and a B$1,000.00 bonus in the HSBC Advance campaign which will run until 30 November 2011. On hand to present the prize and congratulate the winner was Sharon Tan, Manager Channels, Support & Controls at the HSBC banking hall in the capital.


Ms Leong Hui Hsien(L) receiving her price from Sharon Tan, Manager Channels, Support & Control.

HSBC Advance customers benefit from an integrated financial services platform that also provides them with relationship-based banking and wealth management options as well as preferential pricing for their day-to-day banking.

Protecting customers and their finances is a key element of the HSBC Advance relationship. HSBC has a team of the largest number of financial professionals in Brunei who work hand in hand with their customers to provide professional services and support, regular financial review, market information update and tailored investment product solutions to help grow their wealth.

Customers can also have access to a range of international services as and when needed. Alongside International Account Opening, customers will have access to Emergency Assistance at any HSBC branch worldwide. With online banking, customers can have access to view and make real-time fund transfers among your HSBC global accounts (subject to a per transaction fee).

      WEALTH MANAGEMENT SEMINAR BY HSBC BRUNEI
Tuesday, 25th October 2011

HSBC Brunei recently organised a wealth management seminar for experienced investors at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The seminar was to provide customers with insights into the current investment climate and to assist them in identifying investment opportunities whilst taking advantage of the extensive international investment capabilities that only HSBC can offer.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management opened the session with a welcoming remark. "At HSBC, we leverage on the vast global research experience and capabilities of HSBC Group analysts to provide you (our customers) with in-depth and relevant global market insights, allowing you to make better informed investment decisions." Lyndsay said.


Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management giving her opening address.

Mr Amit Kumar from Global Asset Management, Singapore, an investment expert, gave an informative talk on the roundup of recent market events, investment opportunities as well as how to invest successfully.




Mr Amit Kumar delivering his talk on investment opportunities.

Mr Kumar has more than ten years mutual fund experience across both the institutional as well as retail sides of the business. Before joining HSBC, Mr Kumar was with Barclay's Global Investors (BGI) where he served as Institutional Client Director for India and Thailand. At BGI, he was responsible for promoting liquidity sales, enhanced, active and hedge fund products to official institutions and sovereign wealth funds. On the retail side, he was Portfolio Strategist for Fidelity's business operations across Asia. Prior to this, Mr Kumar was Head of Research at mutual fund research firm, Value Research.

With his certification in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM), a charter holder from CFA Institute, Mr Kumar is a regular speaker at events organised by HSBC Global Asset Management in Singapore.


Sharing sessions with Mr Kumar.

After the talk, customers were given the opportunity to mingle with both HSBC Relationship Managers as well as with Mr Kumar to discuss investment opportunities. Customers were also given an opportunity to win exciting prizes during the seminar through a lucky draw. Wong Shu Ah and Kim Hyun Sook won themselves B$1,000 worth of unit trust whereas Lee Jen Jun, Dr Sugathan Pandre and Hii Chow Leh won a Samsonite Sahora Travel bag.




Mingling session with customers.

HSBC Brunei is currently holding a Wealth Management campaign for both its investment and insurance products. With its free financial health check available at all HSBC branches, customers can accumulate wealth seals when they sign up for any investment product throughout the promotional period which they can redeem for any of the exciting rewards on offer. For customers taking up insurance products, they will stand a chance to be one of the five lucky winners to win a shopping spree worth B$300 each.

HSBC holds the largest team of accredited financial professionals in Brunei and a wide selection of investment as well as insurance products to help one realize their financial goals.
      HSBC SENIOR MANAGERS RECEIVE FIRST HAND UPDATES IN KUALA BELALONG
Monday, 24th October 2011

On 9 October 2011, the entire HSBC Senior Management team led by Chief Executive Officer Vincent Ho and Deputy CEO Hj Rosdi Amin Yaakub, set off for Kuala Belalong to receive a first hand update on the progress of the 25 hectare Forest Dynamic Research Plot Project.


HSBC Senior Management Team ready for an excursion to Temburong.

The project is one of the bank's commitments to the Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative. This important project, fully funded by HSBC Brunei to the sum of USD330,700, was first initiated in September 2009.


Salyahrinah DP Hj Yahya Associate Director, Global Markets, Teo Seh Chien, Senior Human Resources Manager, Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability (in sequence) experiencing and enjoying nature.

In line with HSBC Group's focus on tackling Climate Change, the Kuala Belalong 25ha Forest Dynamic Research plot will assist researchers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Smithsonian Tropical Institute (STRI) to better understand the impact of climate change on Brunei's pristine rainforests. With over 160,000 trees to be surveyed, the research work by scientists from UBD and Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS), which is part of STRI, will take more than 3 years and will conclude in 2012.

In line with HSBC Group's focus on tackling Climate Change, the Kuala Belalong 25ha Forest Dynamic Research plot will assist researchers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Smithsonian Tropical Institute (STRI) to better understand the impact of climate change on Brunei's pristine rainforests. With over 160,000 trees to be surveyed, the research work by scientists from UBD and Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS), which is part of STRI, will take more than 3 years and will conclude in 2012.

In addition to a presentation on the progress of the research plot by Dr Kamariah Abdul Salim of UBD, Senior Managers of HSBC also had a first hand view of work progressing at the plot after hiking through challenging terrain and during heavy downpour.

As a financial organization that is known for its advocacy to environmental conservation and education, HSBC has been actively engaging its employees and the community on the scientific research work at the plot. Since 2009, HSBC have sponsored 100 of its employees and UBD students, for an overnight experience in Kuala Belalong and assist with collection of scientific data ate the research plot itself.

Vincent, CEO HSBC Brunei said, "I am tremendously proud of our employees who brave the weather and terrain, to be engaged in these outdoor activities. We gain an appreciation of our natural environment, and also enjoy the unique experience of actively supporting the scientists at the research plot in the Heart of Borneo."


Vincent Ho, CEO HSBC Brunei (far right), with members of the HSBC Senior Management team getting ready to set off to Kuala Belalong.

Rosdi Amin, Deputy CEO HSBC Brunei added, "Our support for the 25ha plot is one of many ways which we support the HoB initiative. HSBC's support for HoB dates back to 2005, when we sponsored an exploratory workshop to do a study for sustainable development of the forest landscape in Borneo. It was that workshop that led to the declaration of 'Heart of Borneo' conservation initiative by government of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia".

HSBC Brunei was recently awarded as the ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity in the Business category in recognition of its contribution towards the HoB project.
      HSBC AWARDS CUSTOMERS WITH FESTIVE VOUCHERS
Monday, 24th October 2011

HSBC recently rewarded the final batch of lucky customers for its Festive Treats Promotion which ended on the 30th September 2011. HSBC cardholders who had made their purchases either locally or overseas with their HSBC credit card during the promotional period stood a chance to be one of the twenty lucky winners to receive festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping, gadgets to home appliance worth either B$500 or B$1,000.

The prize presentation was held at the HSBC Banking Hall in the capital. On hand to present the prizes was Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Sales & Distribution Manager, HSBC Brunei. The lucky customers were Mr Lin Kim Tong who received a B$500 Hua Ho Shopping Voucher, Hj Eddy Masirwan Bin Hj Dolah receiving a B$1,000 Hua Ho Shopping Voucher and Mr Abdul Razak Hj Abd Wahid who received a B$1,000 Furniture Voucher while Dyg Wuri Ariyanti Soedarsono and Ms Lui Siew Eng both received a B$500 cash voucher.


Hj Eddy Masirwan bin Hj Dolah receiving his voucher from Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Sales & Distribution Manager HSBC.


Ms Lui Siew Eng receiving her voucher from Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Sales & Distribution Manager HSBC.


Group photo with the winners of Festive Treats Promotion.

More exclusive benefits are available for HSBC cardholders with its existing HSBC's Home & Away Privilege Programme which offers a selection of fabulous discounts and benefits across the globe, at over 19,000 outlets in more than 160 countries and territories. HSBC cardholders can also enjoy fabulous deals at both local and overseas merchants simply by using their HSBC credit cards.
      HSBC GOLF DAY WINNERS OFF TO HONG KONG
Tuesday, 18th October 2011

HSBC Brunei Golf Day 2011 winners, Azman Latif (Overall Best Nett) and Hj Shaiful Rizal Pehin Dato Ahmad (Overall Best Gross) were sent off to play in the HSBC Regional Golf Day competition at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club in Hong Kong.


Azman Latif and Hj Shaiful Rizal Pehin Dato Ahmad together with Premier Relationship Manager, Farah Lisa Farid.

HSBC Regional Golf Day is a prelude to the WGC-HSBC Champions golf tournament that will be held this November in Shanghai. The winner of the regional golf day competition will be awarded a trip to watch this year's WGC-HSBC Champions and have the exceptional opportunity to play on the Pro-Am Day with one of the top golfers who qualifies for the tournament. Star player, Michelle Wie, will also be present at the regional competition to play with the competitors at an allocated station.

This year, HSBC partnered with The Hong Kong Committee of UNICEF once again to support their youth and education programmes in the region. In addition, an extra donation to the charity will be made on behalf of the winners of the Hole-in-One and Longest Drive Awards of the day.

Also present at the Brunei International Airport to send off the two winners was Ms Farah Lisa Farid, HSBC Premier Relationship Manager wishing both participants the best of luck in the competition.
      HSBC GLOBAL MARKETS HOSTS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION HIGH TEA
Wednesday, 12th October 2011

Global Markets HSBC Brunei recently hosted an exclusive Appreciation High Tea Event at the Emperor's Court restaurant to recognize the loyalty and support of its valued Commercial banking and Premier customers who conduct transactions in foreign exchange.


HSBC senior trader On Swee Long (2nd left) and HSBC CEO Vincent Ho (centre) with HSBC customers.

Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management Sales and Distribution Manager, as well as representatives from Global Markets, Commercial banking and Premier centres were present.

The host of the event, Ms Salyahrinah Yahya, Treasurer of HSBC Global Markets recognized the significance of the event as she believed it presented an opportunity for the bank to host its customers as well as business associates in celebration of the partnerships that were developed over the years. "As we move forward, the relationships we build with our customers become more important than ever and customer event like this goes a long way to foster stronger connection and encourage loyalty," she added.


HSBC Treasurer Salyahrinah Yahya (3rd left, standing) with HSBC customers.

In addition to the splendid 'dim-sum' spread, the afternoon high tea event also featured video presentations that highlighted HSBC's strong international presence and connectivity alongside slideshows of corporate sustainability activities and customer events that Global Markets HSBC Brunei had organized throughout the year.

Mr On Swee Long, senior FX sales trader of Global Markets was delighted by the great turnout, which saw more than 100 valued guests attending the high tea. "This is the fourth year that Global Markets HSBC Brunei has been hosting this Appreciation High Tea. We look forward to continuing this yearly tradition as a gesture of our gratitude to supportive and long-standing customers. We also hope that through this event, we will be able to provide our customers with an interactive yet comfortable platform that allows us to understand and address their needs and businesses better," he added.


HSBC senior trader On Swee Long (2nd right) with customers.


HSBC senior trader On Swee Long (2nd left) and HSBC CEO Vincent Ho (centre) with HSBC customers.

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. The money market team sources optimal borrowing and lending rates for clients, and makes use of an array of financial instruments to manage the bank's cash flow and balance sheet.
      HSBC EXTENEDS THE INVITATION FOR CUSTOMERS TO ATTEMPT THEIR GOLFING SKILLS
Friday, 07th October 2011

HSBC customers responded positively to the introduction of a golf putting game on 20 September 2011 in all HSBC branches nationwide, including HSBC Finance in Sumbangsih. From now until 04 October 2011, customers visiting any of the branches are invited to try out their golfing skills and they will be given three chances to attempt a hole-in-one.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management Sales and Distribution Manager, HSBC Brunei, commented, "We have received very good responses from the customers and it has been delightful to see the participation of our customers in attempting the golf putting game. In conjunction with the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai this coming November, we would like to show our appreciation to our customers by rewarding those who participate with exclusive HSBC merchandise as well as giving them a chance to win an all expense-paid trip for two persons to Shanghai to watch the WGC-HSBC Champions Finals. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck in attempting the golf putting game."


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management Sales and Distribution Manager, HSBC Brunei, putting the green.

The WGC-HSBC Champions at the Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai, China has been running on an annual basis since 2005. This year's event will be attended by golfing professionals from around the world who will be vying for the coveted championship title with the likes of Phil Nickelson, K J Choi and Rory Mcllroy.


HSBC NEWS September 2011


HSBC CUSTOMERS WIN FESTIVE VOUCHERS

Thursday, 29th September 2011

HSBC recently held a prize presentation for five customers who won prizes in the Festive Treats Promotion, which will end on Sept 30, 2011.

Cardholders who made purchases locally or overseas with HSBC credit cards during the promotion period will stand a chance to be among 20 winners to get festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping gadgets to home appliances worth either $500 or $1,000.

The five lucky draw winners from the fifth and sixth week of The Festive Treats Promotion were Husaini Md Daud, who won $1,000 gadget/ home appliances voucher; Bernardo Gambao Simpo, $500 cash voucher; Loo Sin Mei, furniture voucher from Thomson; and Tan Siew Siang, $500 gadgets/ home appliances voucher from Guan Electrical.


Ms Qiu Ping Lu received the prize on behalf of her husband, Mr. Wong Ka Min from Lyndsay Rajah.


All smiles for the winners upon receiving their prizes.

      PUBLIC INVITED TO UPCOMING EXCLUSIVE HSBC FAIR
Thursday, 29th September 2011

The upcoming HSBC Fair which is based on two themes, "Build your home" and "Grow your wealth" will be an event that is highly anticipated. HSBC cordially invites the public to visit the HSBC Fair which will be held from 30th September to 02 October 2011 at Times Square, the fair starts at 10:00am every morning.


Borneo Bulletin recently caught up with Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, who spoke about why and how HSBC is putting together the fair around the 2 themes. According to Lyndsay, "We are responding to the needs of customers. The fair will bring together a number of good suppliers that are in the industry of "building homes". There will be property agents, interior designers and other related suppliers. People interested in buying homes will find the fair uniquely useful in their quest to build their homes. For "grow your wealth", HSBC is also in a unique position, with the highest number of accredited professionals, who are equipped with tools to assist anyone, at any life stage, to start or recheck their financial plans. I would highly recommend anyone to have a complete financial health check regularly, and at the fair health checks will be done for free, we are also giving away free drinks and exclusively produced recyclable bag."

"We are also very excited that Eric Leong, the celebrity interior designer, will make a special appearance to talk about the latest trends in interior design on 02 October 2011 at 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Eric has a wonderful personality, and gives a lot of good ideas for anyone aspiring to have a beautiful home; this is not to be missed as you will be inspired with new ideas for your homes".

There will be plenty of exclusive special deals on offer during these 3 days, the first 10 successful home loan applications will each get a 47" LCD tv and a chance in the lucky draw to win B$1,000 cash vouchers from Fabrica, Signature Kitchen and Thomson Furniture for every successful application of any HSBC Home Loan, or investment and insurance products. The fair also caters for families with children of all ages, from a children's colouring contest, where great prizes await, to a golf putting game and Jenga challenge, with instant win lucky dip prizes.

HSBC launched its exclusive dedicated Home Loan Centres a year ago and customers have responded well to them, appreciating the one stop concept which makes the whole thing easier and more convenient. HSBC has two Home Loan Centres which are located within HSBC branches in Gadong and Kuala Belait. "It is right to say that applying for a home loan can be quite a complicated affair, getting a valuation for the property, legal documents and insurance. The uniqueness is that HSBC provides all these services its one-stop-shop with dedicated in-house home loan specialists to assist customers in this complicated affair", said Lyndsay. HSBC home loans also uniquely offer 2 separate plans with options on repayment, to accommodate every home buyer's preference. Furthermore, HSBC also offers home buyers the option of a bi-weekly installment plan rather than monthly. This method will cut down the number of years to repay the loan and in this way reduce the total amount of interest paid, so it gives customers even more choices.

Lyndsay emphasised that HSBC also provides competitive pricing and subsidies and a fast turn around time as well. Subsidies can be used to cover application fee, insurance for your home loan, legal fees and fire insurance. During the upcoming Fair, customers can take advantage of a higher subsidy of up to 3.5% of their loan amount, on top of other exclusive guaranteed rewards, if they successfully apply for HSBC home loan.

      CELEBRITY DESIGNER ERIC LEONG TO APPEAR AT UPCOMING HSBC FAIR 2011
Tuesday, 27th September 2011

HSBC Brunei brings to the public a much anticipated exclusive event - the HSBC Fair, which will be held at Times Square on the 30 September until 02 October 2011. The fair offers excitement for all ages: a children's colouring contest, where there are prizes to be won, and Jenga and golf-putting games with instant win lucky dip prizes.


The ultimate highlight of the Fair is the celebrity guest appearance by Eric Leong. He will share the latest trends in interior design at the fair. Apart from being a celebrity designer, Eric is also an author, columnist, international speaker and product ambassador. His cheerful, helpful and happy-go-lucky character has gained him the title "Malaysia Most Favourite Interior Designer", known for his bold & stylish design statement.

In 2001, Eric started his interior design make-over show - Casa Impian, which is Malaysia's first interior make-over TV show and has carried on for six seasons. In 2007, Eric launched the new and improved "Deko Bersama Eric". His distinct style is well-received by Malaysians to which he has gained another title - "Raja Hias" / "The Design King".

Eric charmed the nation once again in 2008 with a new lifestyle-based talk show "Jom! Bersama Eric", catering to the demand for Eric on TV and added a stylist interior design and a Feng Shui show, "Good Luck 362" in Mandarin.

In 2009, he once again awed his audience with the ninth edition of Deko Bersama Eric. He also successfully ventured into and completed two Cantonese TV programmes: "Creative Home - The TV Show" which is an ID lifestyle TV Show and "ID Show", an interior design and decor variety show. Adding to a long list of TV programmes,is another brand new "Cantik Tak?" in Astro Prima.,2010 also brings in a new media, www.ericleong.tv - a venture with a host of new programs such as Beautiful Space, Decor A TO Z, Ask Eric and many others that are already popular in the industry. Now with more than six shows on Cable TV and with an online venture, Eric is preparing for new seasons of his previous ventures and more ventures into the mainstream media in 2010.

Eric is celebrating his 20th Year Anniversary in the industry this year.


Eric will be at the HSBC Fair in Times Square on the 02 October 2011 from 3pm to 5pm.

      HSBC CHARITY GOLF WINNERS
Tuesday, 27th September 2011

Awang Azman Latif and Awang Hj Saiful Rizal Pehin Ahmad will be representing Brunei Darussalam in the HSBC Charity Golf Day on Oct 17 in the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club of Hong Kong after winning the men's Nett category and men's Gross category at the HSBC Golf Day yesterday.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Retail Banking presenting the prize to Azman Latif.


Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei presenting the prize to Azman Latif, Nett winner.


Awang Hj Saiful Rizal Pehin Ahmad will be representing Brunei Darussalam in the HSBC Charity Golf Day on Oct 17 in the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club of Hong Kong.

Awang Azman Latif, who carded at 69 Nett to outclass the rest of the field, said " I am really happy to have won and I am looking forward to represent Brunei in the HSBC Charity Golf Day in Hong Kong next month."

Recalling the game, he said, "the green was a bit fast today but the weather was just nice for a round of golf. The turning point came when I managed to get a birdie at Hole No 6, and then on Hole No 11.

Last year, Azman Latif and his brother Azrin secured second place in the World Finals Group B of the 20th Audi Quattro Cup, the world's largest amateur golf tournament, in Sardinia, Italy.

"My father who is a golfer has been instrumental in supporting and encouraging my golfing game. I won't be here today without my father's support, " he said.

Awang Hj Saiful Rizal Pehin Ahmad, who hit 79 OCB to win the gross category was not very happy with his performance. "(The) 79 OCB is not a good score for me. I can do better. I was surprised that my name came in first place because there were a lot of good golfers playing today.

"I wasn't doing well in the front nine. I was six over par after nine holes. But I managed to rally back with two bogeys and then two birdies in the last nine to rally back into the competition."

He hoped he would be able to tee off to a better 18 holes in Hong Kong next month.

Second place in the men's Nett category went to Richard Lau followed by Hj Yussop Hj Md Daud in third place and Alfred Sim in fourth place. Yuki Sakuyuama came in fifth place.

In the Ladies Nett, Ooi Hoon Chyang came in first place with 71 Nett followed by Vanessa Fitzgerald in second place with 730 CB, and Tan Jee Wan in third place with a 73 OCB.

Second spot in the men's gross category went to Jimmy Ng Abdullah with a 79 OC. Chan Chong Huat took third place wth an 80 OCB.


Presenting the prize to Sarinah Masri for winning the ladies gross.

In the ladies gross event, Sarinah Masri took home the winner's trophy.

William Yap celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with a hole-in-one at Hole 16 to bring home two sets of Asus computers sponsored by CF King.


In the lucky draw, Miss Tan Jee Wan and Chris Chee each won a trip to watch the WGC HSBC Champions 2011 to be held in Shanghai, China in November 2011.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei and Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei gave away the prizes.

      HSBC INVITES CUSTOMERS TO TEST THIER GOLF SKILLS
Thursday, 22th September 2011

In commemoration to the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai this coming November, HSBC Brunei introduced a putting game which will be available in all the HSBC branches nationwide, including HSBC Finance in Sumbangsih.


Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei putting the green.

Customers visiting any of the branches are invited to try out their golfing skills from now till 24 September 2011. They will be given three chances to attempt a hole-in-one. Customers who are able to score a hole-in-one will stand a chance of winning an all expense-paid trip for two persons to Shanghai to watch the WGC-HSBC Champions Finals the first week of November. Customers who attempt their golfing skills, regardless of whether they get a hole-in-one, will receive exclusive HSBC merchandise.

The WGC-HSBC Champions has been annually contested since 2005 at the Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai, China. For this year's event, it will showcase golfing professionals vying for the coverted championship title with the likes of Phil Nickelson, K J Choi and Rory Mcllroy.

      GRAND WINNER OF HSBC'S JOURNEY CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED
Monday, 19th September 2011

An ecstatic Irinna Muratova was announced as the grand winner of the HSBC The Journey Campaign, which was recently held at the HSBC Serusop Branch. She drove away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY.


Irinna Muratova, HSBC's Journey Campaign Grand Draw Prize winner received the mock key from Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei and alongside Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.

The preliminary draw of the five finalists took place earlier at the HSBC main branch by Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer together with other senior managers of HSBC Brunei. Witnessing the draw was Shazali Sulaiman, resident partner of KPMG.

The five finalists drawn were Abd Qayyum Moksin, Norkhairunnlina Ali Rahman, Irina Muratova, Ian Ricky Jones and Lydia Yong Sui Pah.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei in her welcoming remarks, mentioned that a total of 75 weekly draw prizes which consist of lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadget and furniture worth up to B$500 were given throughout the campaign. These vouchers match our customers' lifestyle and needs. She added, "To ensure assistance in ones' financial journey, HSBC provides comprehensive financial solutions that can help you meet your needs and goals throughout their life whether it is to grow your funds to retire comfortably, build your dream home, buy your first car or save for their child's education and loved ones' future".

Lyndsay Rajah highlighted that HSBC Brunei has the largest number of accredited financial professionals that can help realize one's goals. She also revealed that this coming Monday, an exciting wealth management campaign will be rolled out and in commemoration to the HSBC World Golf Championship 2011 in Shanghai this November, a miniature golf putting game will be place in all HSBC branches for customers to stand a chance to win some exclusive HSBC merchandise. Those who are able to score a hole-in-one will stand a chance through a lucky draw to win a round-trip to Shanghai and watch the finals of the HSBC World Golf Championship.

The excited five finalists after selecting a numbered ball indicating the sequence, were given the chance to pick a car key in a box randomly from a selection of five boxes. One of the key in the boxes contained the right key to access the Mercedes Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY. The finalists were then invited one by one to access the vehicle with their chosen car key.

Present at the event were Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Dk Hamidah Othman, Senior Retail Banking and Wealth Management Sales & Distribution Manager and other senior managers of HSBC Brunei.

Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei presented the mock key to a very happy Irina Muratova whilst Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management presented Abd Qayyum Moksin, Norkhairunnlina Ali Rahman, Lydia Yong and Ian Son Lee (on behalf of Ian Ricky Jones) with an iPad2.

      HSBC "OPEN BRANCH" RAYA CELEBRATION
Friday, 16th September 2011

Today, HSBC welcomes its customers to its "open branch" and celebrate Hari Raya with the Management and employees of HSBC. Customers can celebrate this festive event by visiting HSBC Gadong, Serusop, Jerudong, Kiulap or Seria branch from 9:30a.m. to 11:30a.m and HSBC Finance (Brunei) Berhad, Seri, Tutong, Bandar or Kuala Belait branch from 2.00p.m. to 4.00p.m. This will be a memorable event for the employees of HSBC, as it gives them the opportunity to mingle with their customers.

In conjunction with this joyous occasion, HSBC recently held a prize presentation and rewarded another five lucky customers who won attractive prizes for the Festive Treats Promotion, which will end on 30 September 2011. Cardholders who made their purchases either locally or overseas with their HSBC Credit Card during the promotion period will stand a chance to be one of 20 lucky winners to receive festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping, gadget to home appliances worth either BND500 or BND1,000.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei was on hand to congratulate and present the prizes to the lucky draw winners for the 3rd and 4th week of the promotion. The lucky winners are Mr Yong Chee Hing and Miss Law Lai Chien who each won a BND500 shopping voucher from Hua Ho Department Store, while Miss Carol Caprio Siason won a BND1000 shopping voucher from Hua Ho Department Store. Mr Hasan Manurung won a cash prize of BND1000 and Mr Kuan Ming Onn won gadget / home appliances vouchers worth BND1000 from Guan Electrical.


Lyndsay Rajah with some of the lucky winners.

On top of the Festive Treats Promotion, HSBC's existing Home & Away Privilege Programme offers a selection of fabulous discounts and benefits across the globe, at over 19,000 outlets in more than 160 countries and territories. HSBC cardholders can enjoy fabulous deals at both local and overseas merchants simply by using their HSBC credit cards.

      HSBC URGES COMMUNITY TO HELP SAVES LIVES
Friday, 16th September 2011

HSBC with the support of the Ministry of Health's Blood Bank Unit held a Blood Donation Drive to encourage more people in the community to donate blood.

Over 60 HSBC staff and members of the public responded to the Blood Donation invitation and donated blood towards the National Blood Bank Reserve at HSBC's Business Processing Centre located at Jerudong on Thursday, 15 September 2011. Also present at the event were Lim King Fui, Chief Financial Officer, HSBC Brunei and Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei. They also participated in the blood donation drive to help save lives.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei commented, "I am pleased with the response from our HSBC colleagues and members of the public in contributing to the success of this drive". "The aim is to raise awareness about the need for regular and voluntary blood donation. With this, we want to convey the importance of regular volunteer blood donation and encourage our staff to save lives by donating blood. As many as three people's lives can be saved as a result of just one donation" added Mr Lim.


Mr Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability HSBC was among the donors.

Blood that has been donated saves millions of lives each year. It has been shown all over the world that regular, voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation by low-risk donors is the key to saving lives.

      75 HSBC CUSTOMERS REWARDED LIFESTYLE VOUCHERS WORTH TO B$500
Thursday, 15th September 2011

HSBC Brunei has rewarded a total of 75 lifestyle vouchers worth up to BND500 to new and existing customers who have applied and/or signed-up for selected products such as loan, deposit, investment, and insurance throughout the campaign period, which started from 16 May until 31 August 2011. The lifestyle vouchers ranged from dining, shopping, travel, gadget to furniture.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei was on hand to congratulate and present the prizes to the remaining lucky winners of the Campaign.

For the final week of the Campaign, Mr Yong Thian Ming won an Excapade voucher worth BND100, while Mr Haji Hamidoon Haji Ja'afar won a shopping voucher worth BND200. Mr Haji Md Husseni bin Haji Md Hussein won a travel voucher worth BND500, whereas Tiah Enn Toh / Tiah Lih Chwen won a furniture voucher worth BND500 and Madam Kok Wan Yuet won a gadget voucher worth BND500.


Group Photo of the winners with Lyndsay Rajah, Head of RBWM(L) with HSBC Staff.

In addition to the weekly draw prizes, these customers also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey campaign. This will take place on Friday, 16 September 2011 at HSBC Serusop branch and members of the public are cordially invited to witness the announcement of the Grand Draw winner.

      MAJOR SAVING WITH "HOME AND AWAY"
Wednesday, 14th September 2011

Having an international network of merchants can be a reward in itself when enjoying the benefits a credit card has to offer.

While banks work together with local regulators to ensure that credit card spending does not reach an irresponsible level, the reality is that credit cards do provide an option for people who manage their finances wisely, to enjoy added benefits such as discounts, cash back or even additional air miles.

In the second instalment of the "Credit Card Rewards" series, The Brunei Times speaks exclusively to Andy Yong, manager of product and proposition at the bank to find out more about what additional benefits an HSBC customer can enjoy when using their range of credit cards.


Andy Yong, Manager of Product and Proposition, HSBC Brunei, says the bank is the only one in Brunei offering extensive privileges through its global network.

Home and Away

Financially-savvy customers know that the benefits of using a credit card would reap them huge savings in return, from discounts in eateries, to transferring their reward points to air miles.

"HSBC offers exclusive year-long discounts through its Home and Away programme, at a wide range of popular eateries and restaurants ranging from local to international cuisine," said Yong. He added that the Home and Away programme allows their customers to get discounts and benefits with over 4,000 offers and over 19,000 merchant outlets in 160 countries around the world.

"Offers are in the category of travel, dining, shopping and health and beauty... and in Brunei, HSBC is the only bank which offers such extensive privileges through its global network," explained Yong.

As an added advantage, credit card holders using an iPhone can view the Home and Away platform through www.homeandaway.hsbc.com, and view all the global privileges and search through it by country, card type, merchant category and name.

Cardholders are also able to identify privileges by location via the "Offers Near Me" feature and see what merchants are offering credit card privileges on the map.

"The popular "Hot Picks" section lists the entire latest top offers available at any one time," said Yong, who explained that the bank had also recently introduced a free on line restaurant booking service through the website to allow carholders to make reservations, for restaurants abroad before their trip.

Card types and their rewards

At the moment, the bank has three categories of card types available: The HSBC Premier Mastercard, HSBC Visa Platinum, and HSBC Advance Visa Card or the Gold credit cards.

Customers who are utilising the HSBC Premier Mastercard enjoys a 15 per cent discount on points redemptions for selected Rewards Programme, while the HSBC Visa Platinum would be able to enjoy complimentary Coffee Bean voucher from the Brunei International Airport, afee waiver for annual spending of $24,600, birthday rewards, higher discounts at participating merchants and a 10 per cent discount of selected Rewards Programme items.

Customers who are holding the HSBC Advance Visa or Gold credit cards, would be able to get exclusive discounts of five per cent and eight per cent respectively and customers with an HSBC Advance Visa Primary cardholder can enjoy an annual fee waiver.

"We believe in providing ease and convenience to our customers with timely redemption," said Yong who explained that each dollar spent on an HSBC credit card will earn them one reward point.

"We have a few channels when redeeming points, and a personal banker can also arrange this for you and call you back when you need to redeem the points, where as the last option is to do it online," he said.

He added that point redemption for a customers normally takes up to five working days, but for customers who wish to redeem thier points for Royal Skies airmiles, it would take longer.

"This needs a bit more time because after we send the instructions, RBA will process it so if you need to travel for work tomorrow, customers better not do it last minute.

When does it end?

Like all good things, reward points also do eventually come to an end. "Reward points for the Premier Mastercards are valid for three years (from the card's date), while rewards points for other years are valid for two years.

"Credit card spending is part of budgeting for personal finances," said Yong who added that it is "largely an individual's choice which requires a good undersatnding of commitment such as funds needed for education, investments as well as understanding balancing priorities.

"At HSBC we believe in responsibile banking which translates to providing customers to ease of access in education and managing their finances," said Yong, adding that the bank currently has the largest number of financialplanners that will be able to asist the customers ans secure a "brighter and healthier" financial future.


HSBC NEWS August 2011


HSBC 'S BOX OF HOPE BROUGHT SMILES TO THE LESS FORTUNATE

Tuesday, 30th August 2011

HSBC has a long standing commitment towards contributing back to the community. Community investment is not only an integral part of the HSBC's core values, HSBC also believes that being a good corporate citizen is extremely vital to its success.

In the spirit of the holy month of Ramadhan, HSBC has intensified its philanthropic efforts and activities to help those who are less fortunate. In the first week of Ramadhan, HSBC Brunei launched 'HSBC's Box of Hope' charity initiative. Generous members of the public have been dropping off boxes of toys, books, clothes and groceries at HSBC branches, all of which went to those in need.


Some of the interesting designs on the Box of Hope.

Over the four weekends, HSBC staff traversed across all four districts in the nation, bringing cheer and delivering 'HSBC's Box of Hope' to over 100 families and 250 children.

During the fasting month, over 100 HSBC staff members together with Katakijau's assistance, volunteered over 300 hours of their personal time to make the HSBC's Box of Hope initiative a success.


HSBC volunteers on the way to Kampung Pudak.

Kimberly Lim of HSBC Brunei, said "It was a very touching moment when the single mother of seven shared her story and we couldn’t help but cry with her. We are thankful that HSBC has provided us with this opportunity to contribute."

Victor Chan of HSBC Brunei, added, "the state of their current homes and financial situation is heartbreaking but it touched my heart to see smiles on their faces as they realised that there are still people out there who care."

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said, "The public's response to the HSBC's Box of Hope charity drive was nothing short of overwhelming. We are touched by our fellow Bruneians' generosity and kindness. I am also extremely proud of my colleagues who made time during the weekend to deliver these boxes to families across all four districts, even to remote locations such as Benutan and Kampung Pudak.

"Due to the sheer amount of donation that we received, we are also able to donate the toys to local non-profit charities for special needs children. We have donated toys to RIPAS Pediatric Oncology ward, Child Development Center, SMARTER, KACA and Pusat Ehsan. We are also looking forward to deliver the remaining groceries to the families in need during the Hari Raya period."

HSBC's Badan Kebajikan Islam also arranged a tahlil and iftar ceremony for 50 orphans in the capital. This ceremony, which was held at Dewan Sejahtera, Sumbangsih Bahagia, Beribi Gadong was attended by Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, senior management and staff members of HSBC. Each child also received a gift hamper before going home.

      HSBC FESTIVE TREATS PRIZE PRESENTATION
Tuesday, 30th August 2011

At a recent prize presentation held at the banking hall in the HSBC Bandar branch, five happy customers walked away with fabulous prizes. The lucky draw is part of HSBC's Festive Treats Promotion where customers who conduct their purchases either locally or overseas stand a chance to be one of 20 winners to receive festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping to gadget or home appliances worth either BND500 or BND1,000. This promotion will continue until 30 September 2011.


Lucky winners of HSBC Festive treat.

The prizes for this week's lucky draw were vouchers from Thomson Furniture and Guan Electrical. Md Arifur Rahman won a BND1000 Thomson furniture voucher while Marshall David John and Gilandrew Matildo Calipusan both won BND500 Thomson furniture vouchers. The winners of the Guan Electrical vouchers were Tan Feng Ling and Lim Geok Eng, who each won themselves BND500 worth of gadget/home appliances.


Ms Tan Feng Ling all smiles with her voucher.


Ms Lim Geok Eng with her Guan Electrical voucher.

On top of the Festive Treats Promotion, HSBC's existing Home & Away Privilege Programme offers a selection of fabulous discounts and benefits across the globe, at over 19,000 outlets in more than 160 countries and territories. HSBC cardholders can enjoy fabulous deals at both local and overseas merchants simply by using their HSBC credit cards.

      HSBC CUSTOMERS WON LIFESTYLE VOUCHERS WORTH UP TO BND500
Monday, 29th August 2011

HSBC Brunei held a prize presentation for the 10 weekly lucky draw winners from the thirteen and fourteen week of The Journey Campaign.


Ms Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC (2nd left) taking group photo with the lucky winners.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei was on hand to congratulate and present the prizes to the lucky winners.

Mr Hj Amran bin Hj Md Said and Lim Hong Seng each won an Excapade voucher worth BND100. Mr Henry Chua and Ms Hazrina Md Yusof won themselves a Shopping voucher worth BND200 each, whereas Mdm Chua Swee Khim and Mr Ali Yousuf Ali Al Naamani each won a travel voucher worth BND500. Mdm Angela Ng Yun Tai and Md Reza Khairuzzaman Othman each won furniture vouchers worth BND500, while Heng Cheng Chuan/Wong Juat Boy and Md Kamarulnisa bin Abdullah Pangkat each won gadget vouchers worth BND500.

The Journey Campaign will run till 31st August 2011, customers who sign-up for selected HSBC products and/or services during this promotion period will receive lucky draws and stand a chance to win weekly prizes of lifestyle vouchers for Dining, Shopping, Travel, Gadget and Furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition to the weekly prizes, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey campaign.

      HSBC LAUNCHES AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS STRUCTURED NOTES
Friday, 26th August 2011

As part of the on-going effort to provide customers with a wide selection of investment products and further exploring opportunities on emerging markets, HSBC Brunei introduces the HSBC AUD 5 Years Enhanced Income Structured Note which links to the performance of HSBC Emerging Markets Outperformance Strategy (EMOS).

HSBC Brunei is currently offering this 5-year Structured Notes until the 6th of September 2011. The Notes is denominated in Australian dollars (AUD) with a minimum investment amount of AUD10,000.00. Customers can enjoy 100% principal protection if the Notes are held until maturity. Moreover, customers will receive a minimum coupon of 16%, which is payable at maturity. Customers may also receive enhanced return, depending on the potential upside of the performance of the HSBC Emerging Markets Outperformance Strategy.

This investment has a rating of Aa2 and AA by Moody's and Standard & Poor's respectively.

      HSBC PREMIER CUSTOMER WON 500,00 REWARDS POINTS
Thursday, 25th August 2011

HSBC Premier customer Syed Abdillah Dato Syed Hussein won 500,000 rewards points in a promotion from June 1, 2011 till July 31st 2011.


Lucky Winner, Syed Abdillah Dato Syed Hussein

HSBC Premier MasterCard credit card holders who charged their purchases to their credit cards were automatically entered into a lucky draw and stood a chance to win 500,000 rewards points.

HSBC Premier MasterCard holders are exposed to special offers and opportunities with renowned brands when they travel, book a restaurant or leisure activities or shop locally or aboard.

      HSBC PARTNERS PRIMELAND ON A THREE DAY ROADSHOW
Thursday, 25th August 2011

HSBC Brunei in collaboration with Primeland Estate Agency is organizing a roadshow until 27 August 2011 at the HSBC Home Loan Centre situated at HSBC Gadong Branch. This roadshow provides a one-stop opportunity for customers who are looking to find their ideal home from the extensive range of houses offered by Primeland and at the same time discuss with HSBC's Home Loan specialists on a home loan financing package that best meet their needs.

The HSBC Home Loan Centre, through its home loan specialists, provides comprehensive services ranging from educating customers on the home loan process and guiding them on the different financing packages. HSBC home loans have competitive rates and flexible repayment options which allows customers to manage and plan their finances effectively. With a fast approval turn around time, customers are only one step away from owning the house of their dreams.

      HSBC TEAMS UP WITH UBD ON YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Wednesday, 24th August 2011

HSBC Brunei handed over 500 nature packs to Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) of UBD in support of their on-going residential School Education Programme on Tuesday, 23 August 2011.


Mr Lim Boon Teck (R), Manager Corporate Sustainability HSBC Brunei, presenting the nature pack to Associate Dr Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman (L), witnessed by Associate Professor Dr Kushan Tennakoon.

HSBC contributed T-shirts, some camping equipment, stationery and some research equipment towards this initiative as part of HSBC's long standing commitment to promote environmental education and raise awareness on the importance of bio-diversity conservation.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei presented the nature packs to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UBD Associate Professor, Dr. Zohrah binti Hj. Sulaiman during the handover ceremony, which was held at the Chancellory in UBD. Also present were the UBD staff and bank officers.

The current nature programme which is run by UBD throughout the year, will be attended by well over 400 secondary school students where they will learn more about the natural environment of their own country.

The Director of the KBFSC Associate Professor Dr. Kushan Tennakoon and the Education Coordinator Dyg Siti Rafhiah Abd Kahar provided a detailed outline of its residential Education Program.

"Since May 1992, the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre of Universiti Brunei Darussalam has been regularly conducting the residential (4-days/3-nights) School Education Program designed for secondary school children in the Sultanate. This program is conducted by the academic staff attached to the UBD- KBFSC.

This field course provides students a unique learning experience in the pristine tropical rainforest of Belalong, which aims to impart knowledge and provide hands-on experience on biodiversity and forest conservation.

The KBFSC offers two residential field courses fortnightly during the school calendar except for the month of Ramadan and end of year school vacation. For a single residential field course, KBFSC accommodates 18-20 students and 2-3 teachers from one school. Annually, the KBFSC schedules about 17 - 20 school groups from all over the country to participate in this program. For the year 2011, KBFSC had made plans to cater for 400-450 secondary school children from all parts of Brunei Darussalam.

The education program at KBFSC has been well received by schools from all over Brunei. Several school groups from overseas such as the Dragon School of UK and NUS High School of Singapore, have also participated in the KBFSC's education program.

Other than the School Education Program, the KBFSC has also been hosting numerous education programs and activities for university undergraduates. The KBFSC has been the venue for regular residential field courses for the Biology Program of the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam as well as for overseas universities such as the Queen Mary University of London (UK) and Griffith University (Australia). Furthermore, KBFSC hosted various undergraduate programs/educational visits and summers schools of different faculties in UBD and a number of overseas universities and organizations such as the Rakuno Gakuen University and Kagawa University (Japan), University of North Carolina(USA) and the UBD-IBM centre. Due to the recent initiatives of UBD, there is a steady increase of overseas university students participating in educational programs/visits to KBFSC and we are expecting to receive more in the future, especially from the partner universities of iCUBE (International Consortium of Universities for the Study of Biodiversity and the Environment)".

Boon Teck said, "We are excited to be presented with this opportunity to promote environmental education in partnership with UBD, which is one of the initiatives in our Corporate Sustainability agenda."

"These nature packs were funded by the USD 5,000 prize which we received by winning the ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity AWARD recently. We are pleased to channel the prize money into this program because we believe this environment education programme provides a good platform for the future generation to learn about science and environment conservation, and allows them to experience the richness of our rainforest biodiversity," Boon Teck added.

HSBC Brunei also presents environmental education to its employees. The bank holds its own 'Climate Camp' programme, which is a two-day programme held throughout the year at the Kuala Belalong Field Study Centre (KBFSC). During the two-day programme, HSBC employees will get to experience firsthand the lush rainforests in Brunei and assist with real scientific research.

In these climate camp sessions, employees learn about the roles of forests in regulating atmospheric carbon and how the destruction and degradation of forests can contribute to the alarming rate of global greenhouse gas emissions.

      HSBC DONATES TO ORPHANS FOR A MORE MEANINGFUL RAYA
Wednesday, 24th August 2011

HSBC DONATES TO ORPHANS FOR A MORE MEANINGFUL RAYA Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Haji Othman, the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), yesterday attended a "sungkai" event and donation presentation ceremony for orphans jointly hosted by HSBC's Islamic Welfare Body or Badan Kebajikan Islam (BKI) and corporate Sustainability Team held at Dewan Sejahtera of Sumbangsih Bahagia in Beribi.


Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Brunei, Mr Vincent Ho and Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Islamic Welfare Body of HSBC presenting the souvenir to Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman.

The event commenced with the recital of tahlil and doa arwah to convey blessings to the departed. It then proceeded with the handling over of donations, gift vouchers, hampers as well as boxes from the recent Box of Hope campaign to 50 orphans.

"It is our hope that today's contribution will bring light to those who have lost their loved ones and ease their burdens for the upcoming Hari Raya celebration," said the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of BKI HSBC, Rosdi Amin Yaakub, in his welcoming remarks.

"Meanwhile, HSBC's Box of Hope, which was launched on the second day Ramadhan has been receiving and overwhelming response from the public," he added.

"The campaign was hoped to educate the younger generation about the value of charity and generosity especially towards the less fortunate," stressed Rosdi Amin Yaakub in his speech.

The Box of Hope was officiated by Datin Paduka Hajah Adina at HSBC's main branch in the capital on August 3, 2011, in conjunction with the month of Ramadhan as an initiative to provide a channel for its customers to contribute to the community. It was made available in all HSBC branches nationwide and the idea was for children to fill the boxes with toys, stationery, clothings and non-perishable food items. Contents of every filled up boxes were distributed weekly to those in need across all four districts with the help of the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the KatakIjau Humanitarian Relief Support Group.


Guest of Honour, Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presented the donation to the orphans.

Also at the event yesterday were other personnel of HSBC; Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer; Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management; Haji Abdul Aziz Mohd Kassim, Advisor to Islamic Welfare Body as well as orphans with their guardians and other HSBC staff.

The contributions of donations and hampers were collected from BKI HSBC and other individual staff of HSBC while the $50 shopping vouchers given to each orphan was contributed by the HSBC Corporate Sustainability. The receipts consisted of orphans from all over the country.


Presentation of donation to the orphans lead by the Guest of Honour, Datin Paduka Hajah Adina, followed with Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Islamic Welfare Body of HSBC, Mr Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC and Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management.

      HSBC TRADE, SUPPLY CHAIN CUSTOMERS REWARDED
Tuesday, 23rd August 2011

HSBC Brunei held a prize presentation for the winners of its fourth monthly draw and the grand draw for the bank's Trade and Supply Chain campaign at Corporate Banking on the second floor of its Bandar Seri Begawan branch yesterday morning.

Present at the event was Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking of HSBC Brunei, Sulaiman Isa, Manager Business Banking of HSBC Brunei and the HSBC Trade and Supply Chain team.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Brunei (3rd from left) taking a group photo with the three Grand Draw Lucky Winners along with HSBC Corporate Managers.

The event saw three lucky winners walk away with office supplies bundle set, which consists of a canon all-in-one printer, coffee maker, paper shredder, water and ice dispenser and cordless phone.

The winners for the grand draw were Madewa Agensi Sdn Bhd, Encore Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Perniagaan Malar Setia.


Gropoint Sdn Bhd was named as the fourth monthly draw winner and won themselves an office furniture voucher worth $500.

Customers who have successfully completed trade transactions during this period will earn themselves one chance per transaction towards winning the monthly draw prizes.

For more information about HSBC Trade promotion, visit its website at www.hsbc.com.bn/business or call 2252 321.

HSBC Tade and Supply Cahin ensures that your business import and export transactions are managed effortlessly and effectively, providing your businesss with the best possible opportunities to grow.

The service enables local business in Brunei who are involved in the import and export business to manage transactions easily. HSBC can help you with your operations and assist you in streamlining your trade processes with HSBCnet.

      MORE FESTIVE HARI RAYA TREATS FOR HSBC CREDIT CARD HOLDERS
Tuesday, 23rd August 2011

Hari Raya Adilfitri is a joyous occasion celebrated by all Muslims around the world. It signifies victory over one's urge and desire of refraining from eating and drinking from dawn-to-sunset during the entire fasting month of Ramadhan. It is intended to teach Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (zakat). With just one week remaining before we mark the end of Ramadhan, Muslims in Brunei Darussalam will flock to department stores and shopping malls to prepare for their Hari Raya celebration.

From the 25th August to the 28th August 2011, which is the final week of the Ramadhan Treats, HSBC credit card holders will have the privilege to enjoy yet another fantastic offer. Customers who shop at any of the Giant Supermarket branches will enjoy 5% rebate off their purchases charged to their credit card.

Various discounts and amazing deals were offered throughout the month of Ramadhan, ranging from 30% discount to buy 3 free 1 sungkai buffet deal at selected participating restaurants. During the second week of Ramadhan, 5 lucky winners had the chance to win BND1,000 by charging their dining purchases to their HSBC Credit Card at the participating restaurants. They were Ms Irene Wong Mui Lin, Mr Lim Wei Quan, Ms Lim Sze Yee, Ms Wong Yik Su and Ms Paula Peng.

The HSBC Hari Raya Festive Treats is currently running till 30th September 2011, whereby 20 lucky winners will win festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping to gadget/home appliance, simply by charging their purchases made locally or overseas to their HSBC Credit Card.

      MORE WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE RAMADHAN OFFERS FROM HSBC
Wednesday, 17th August 2011

During the past two weeks of Ramadhan, HSBC cardholders had the chance to enjoy amazing treats such as dining discounts of up to 30% and stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes of BND1000, when they use their HSBC credit cards at participating restaurants.

To add variety to the Ramadhan weekly deals, HSBC is treating its cardholders to another great offer. From 15th August until 21st August 2011, credit card holders will be able to enjoy Dine 3 Free 1 Sungkai Buffet Deal at Bombay Palace Restaurant and Catering, Kimchi Restaurant, RMS Portview, Kitaro Japanese Restaurant and The Holiday Lodge Hotel. Cardholders will only need to pay for 3 persons with their HSBC credit card and the 4th person dines for free.

On top of this week's treat, customers who use their HSBC credit card during the promotion period from 1 August until 30 September 2011 will stand a chance to win one of the 20 Raya vouchers worth either BND500 or BND1,000 each. Cardholders can also enjoy great savings with HSBC SmartPay, if they convert their credit card purchases to zero percent (0%) installment plan and enjoy zero processing fee on the 6 and 12 months installment plans. The rewards do not stop here, HSBC credit cards offer its cardholders a host of benefits and privileges from its Home & Away Privilege programme.

      INTRODUCING THE NEW FACE OF CASH - HSBC VISA DEBIT CARD
Friday, 12th August 2011



HSBC Brunei today marks another milestone as it announces the launch of 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 HSBC Debit card is an enhancement to the existing HSBC ATM card. Its dual function as both an ATM card and a Debit card provides customers with a more convenient way of managing their cash needs, as well as their daily expenses, as they are able to use the card to pay for their purchases at any merchant that accepts Visa as a payment mode. Purchases made on the Debit card are directly debited to customer's current or savings account.

As VISA is recognised worldwide, customers will be able to use their card at local and overseas merchants with electronic payment terminals, providing them with security, convenience and flexibility. In addition, HSBC customers would have an added advantage of withdrawing cash from any one of The World's Local Bank's Offices operating in 87 countries worldwide. Alternatively, cash withdrawal can be made at Automated Teller Machines (with PLUS logo) across the globe from VISA's vast network of more than 1.8 million ATMs worldwide.

Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei said, "We are very excited to share with our customers this new addition to our range of products and services. We understand that different customers have different financial needs, we are therefore introducing three different types of Debit cards - Premier Platinum Visa Debit, Advance Platinum Visa Debit and Classic Visa Debit card, each designed to complement the needs of our different customer segments. As a Premier and Advance customer, these cards are issued to them for free as part of the proposition whilst Classic Debit cards comes with a low annual fee of BND20".

She added, "We will be rolling out the Debit cards to all our existing customers holding an ATM card in phases. We will be sending out notification letters to the customers in advance and the cards will be couriered directly to our customers, another service we provide for customers' convenience.”

"On the customer front, the Debit card will help customers to manage their daily expenses. For example, they will not need to withdraw cash from an ATM when buying their groceries or paying for their utility bills as they can charge this directly to their account".

Customers who are interested to apply for the new HSBC VISA Debit card can visit any HSBC branch to open a current or savings account which will be linked to their Debit card. Customers can contact HSBC's call centre at 2 252 252 (press 5 after language selection then press 1) to find out more about the Debit cards.

      ONE STEP CLOSER IN WINNING HSBC'S JOURNEY CAMPAIGN GRAND PRIZE
Friday, 12th August 2011


Ms Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei with the lucky winners of The Journey Campaign Week 11 and 12.

Since the launch of "The Journey Campaign" in June, HSBC has rewarded 50 customers with lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadget and furniture worth up to BND500.

10 more lucky winners were awarded for the 11th and 12th week of the Campaign. On hand to congratulate and present the prizes to the winners was Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei. The winners were Mr Derek Thompson and Mohd Idzwan Haji Zunaidi who won dining vouchers worth of BND100. Mr Pui Shun San and Hjh Napsiah Hj Mohammad each won a shopping voucher worth BND200, while Dr Mohamad Yussof Mohiddin and Mr Tan Too Liang each won travel vouchers worth BND500. Hj Muhammad Nuh Hj Awg Hassanmal and Mr Michael Chong each walked away with a gadget voucher worth of BND500. Mr Chendran Pillai Ganesamoorthy and Senevirathne Dushshantha each won furniture vouchers worth of BND500.


Mr Tan Too Liang receiving his prize from Ms Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei.


Mr Senevirathne Dushshantha receiving his prize from Ms Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei.

During the campaign period, customers who sign up for selected products and/or services will stand a chance of winning weekly prizes of lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadgets to furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey Campaign, which ends on the 31 August 2011.

      HOUSING DEMAND OUTWEIGHING SUPPLY
Thursday, 11th August 2011

Demand for housing is outweighing supply, said a senior manager at HSBC Brunei, adding that "young buyer" are leading the way in setting the trend with their desire to be independent, moving away from the traditional way of life where several generation of Bruneian families would live under one roof.

Buying a house can be the single most important investment a person, especially young people or young couples, can make. Recognising the need to provide a comprehensive service to its customers, especially to this segment, which are not patient enough to wait decades to live on their own property, HSBC has established a Home Loan Centre to expedite the process.


Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, senior manager of Sales and Distribution from HSBC Brunei

In this installment of the Home Loan series, The Brunei Times speaks exclusively to Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, senior manager of Sales and Distribution from HSBC Brunei about the various aspects of the Home Loan Centre, and how the bank uses its expertise and net work to provide the best experience for their customers.

Young buyers

The desire to buy a house would normally arise when a person or couple gets married or have a child, said Dk Hamidah, who was previously in charge of managing HSBC's Home Loan products and services.

"This is in the age range of 27 and above and those who are 27, and they don't really want to wait for the government housing scheme which has a long waiting time and also nowadays younger people want to stay on their own," she said. The 'young buyer', added Dk Hamidah, are customers that make up the largest segment of the sector of the home loan.

"What is selling like hotcakes in the market now are property ranging from $250,000 and below. This is the mass segment, and these customers are people who are earning $3,000 and below who look at these prices," she said.

Information received from HSBC's network of real estate agents, developers and contractors, indicates that demand in outweighing supply for houses in Brunei, she said, adding, "I have spoken to a few developers and there are some waiting lists in the market depending on the sort of houses you looking for."

She added that demand for houses within the $250,000 price range is increasing year-on-year by 30 to 40 per cent, and has been confirmed by real estate agents and developers.

Maintain partnership with estate agents "Basically, we don’t have partners, but we do have an active network of real estate agents and developers who always refer their customers to us," she said.

She added that the bank has a "very strong relationship" when it comes to developers and real estate agents.

"The home loan business is like the car business, customers don't go to the car dealer and the estate agents and only after get financing from the bank," said Dk Hamidah who explained how important it is for HSBC to build a strong relationship with developers.

HSBC's Home Loan Centre

"At the centre, we are able to educate our customers over a period of times, when do they want to own a house?" she said, adding that from the start before customers plan they need to know when they want it and how much roughly is the cost.


An HSBC Home Loan Centre.

Types of financing

HSBC currently has two financing products for homes: Plan A and Plan B.


An HSBC staff attending to a customer at the bank's Home Loan Centre in Gadong.

Plan A offers a monthly reducing repayment based on the outstanding balance on the loan.

Plan B is a fixed monthly repayment which is more popular, even though it is a more expensive plan, revealed Dk Hamidah. "Customers prefer Plan B because it will allow them to manage and plan their finance more effectively." she said.

The repayment for their product depends on how much the customer can afford because it depends on their existing commitment.

"Obviously, those who don't have much commitment can opt for a shorter than 15 years; but those who think that they need their money for other commitments can opt for the 25years, which is the longest repayment period," she said.

Expat market an untapped market

HSBC pride themselves on being comprehensive when it comes to their products and count both locals and foreigners as customers. However, Dk Hamidah admitted that the bank has not fully exploited the expatriate or "expat" market.

"For HSBC, we have not been aggressive enough (in approaching) the expat market, because of the additional requirements and restrictions for the eligibility for the home loan," she explained, but added that the bank has started to introduce a home loan package for the expat market.

"There are basically two types of expats, those who are temporarily in Brunei or migrated here, and those who are expats who have grown up in Brunei, and we acknowledge them to be as good as locals," she said.

However, Dk Hamidah said HSBC is trying to improve the criteria for their home loan products to cover all types of applicants.

      HSBC RAMADHAN TREATS FOR CUSTOMERS
Wednesday, 10th August 2011

During the month of Ramadhan, it is the custom amongst the Muslim community of Brunei to dine together with loved ones in order to further strengthen existing relationship. To further add value to the HSBC credit card, HSBC is rewarding its credit cardholders with exciting deals. Several weekly exciting deals varying from dining to shopping discounts will be offered throughout the month of Ramadhan. From 4th to 7th August 2011, HSBC credit cardholders can enjoy 30% off on a single receipt up to a maximum of BND300 at selected restaurants for their Sungkai Buffet. The participating restaurants are Bombay Palace Restaurant and Catering, Kimchi Restaurant, RMS Portview, Kitaro Japanese Restaurant and The Holiday Lodge.

HSBC cardholders can also enjoy big savings with HSBC SmartPay, if they convert their credit card purchases to zero percent (0%) installment plan. HSBC cardholders can also enjoy zero processing fee on the 6 and 12 months installment plans from now until 31 August 2011. HSBC SmartPay is conveniently available at both local and overseas merchants.

In its drive to further reward its cardholders, from now until 30 September 2011, HSBC cardholders who conduct their purchases locally or overseas can stand a chance to be one of the 20 winners to win festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping to gadget or home appliances worth either BND500 or BND1,000.

In conjunction with the Holy month of Ramadhan, HSBC would also like to wish all Muslims a Blessed and Happy Fasting Month.

      BND 1,000 UP FOR GRABS FOR THIS WEEK'S HSBC RAMADHAN TREATS
Wednesday, 10th August 2011

From now until the 14th August 2011, HSBC credit cardholders can stand a chance to be one of the 5 lucky winners to win BND 1,000, when they charge their dining purchases to their HSBC Credit Card at selected restaurants. The participating restaurants are Bombay Palace Restaurant and Catering, Kimchi Restaurant, RMS Portview, Kitaro Japanese Restaurant and The Holiday Lodge Hotel.

On top of the weekly Ramadhan treats, the existing HSBC's Home & Away Privilege Programme offers a selection of fabulous discounts and privileges across the globe, at over 19,000 outlets in more than 160 countries and territories, ranging from hotel reservations to shopping, dining to health and beauty deals. HSBC cardholders can enjoy fabulous deals at both local and overseas merchants simply by using their HSBC credit cards.

In its drive to further reward its cardholders, from now until 30 September 2011, HSBC cardholders who conduct their purchases locally or overseas can stand a chance to be one of the 20 winners to win festive vouchers ranging from furniture, cash, shopping to gadget or home appliances worth either BND500 or BND1,000.

      HSBC LAUNCHES THE BOX OF HOPE
Thursday, 4th August 2011

The Holy month of Ramadhan is an important month for Muslims. It is a month of fasting, reflection, generosity and remembering those who are less fortunate. As a leading financial institution in Brunei, HSBC plays a significant role in making a positive contribution back to the community.

In conjunction with this sacred month, HSBC Brunei is organising a charitable initiative that provides a channel for its customers to contribute to the community. This initiative also serves in educating our younger generation about the value of charity and generosity and imparting these values to them.

On Wednesday, 3rd August 2011, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, The Guest of Honour, officiated the launch of HSBC's The Box of Hope alongside Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, at the HSBC Bandar branch. Also present at the event was Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, Lyndsay Rajah, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, members of HSBC Brunei's Senior Management Team as well as bank employees and their children.


HSBC CEO, Vincent Ho presents a token of appreciation to Datin Paduka Hjh Adina.


Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Lyndsay Rajah, receives a symbolic presentation from the children.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Senior Manager of Sales and Distribution HSBC Brunei, in her speech said that "The holy month of Ramadhan is not just about abstaining ourselves from food and drink through fasting but also to remind us of those who fast not by choice, but by circumstance".

"Ramadhan is also a month where sharing and charity are also encouraged, which is the fourth pillar of Islam" she added.

The idea behind The Box of Hope is for children to fill in the box with things such as toys, stationary, clothing and even non-perishable food items. The Box of Hope will be made available to all HSBC branches nationwide from today onwards. Once the box has been filled up, parents may return it to the nearest HSBC branch where the items collected will be distributed weekly to those in need across all four districts.

HSBC would also like to thank JAPEM and KatakIjau for their continuous support for assisting us in reaching out to these families in need. Heartfelt thanks to Syarikat Perniagaan Malar Setia, Marimer Horizon Sendirian Berhad and First Emporium and Supermarket for stepping forward in their contribution for the Box of Hope.


HSBC CEO, Vincent Ho presenting gifts and certificates to Hj Abd Rahman (2nd L) and Lim Chin Lam (L) of Syarikat Perniagaan Malar Setia.


Group photo of the guest of hounour with HSBC staff and 'The Box of Hope' sponsors.

The charitable program will run throughout the month of Ramadhan. For further information on collection and drop off for The Box of Hope please visit www.hsbc.com.bn/boxofhope.

      YOUR LIFE JOURNEY STARTS NOW WITH HSBC
Monday, 1st August 2011

Another 10 lucky winners were announced for the 9th and 10th week of the campaign. Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei presented the prizes to the respective winners. Mohamad Ariffin Md Ali and Mr Ting Ruan Leong were the winners of the $100 dining vouchers, whereas Ms Tina Belen D Boongaling and Siti Norazimah Hj Jaini both won the $200 shopping vouchers. Awg Murni Merusin and Hjh Munah Bakar won the $500 travelling vouchers each while Zuraidah Maimunah Othman and Awg Mohd Khairulnazri Abdullah each won $500 worth of furniture vouchers. Awg Fadillah Abd Karim and Mdm Eng Eng Tan had the chance to walk away with the $500 gadget vouchers.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management (centre) taking a group photo with the lucky winners.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management presenting the prize to Ms Gogi Castillo, a representative for Ms Tina Belen D Boongaling.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management presenting the prize to Ms Melissa Hj Alias, a representative for Ms Zuraidah Maimunah Othman.

Whether you are married, a young parent or an individual looking to build a home for a growing family or loved ones, HSBC provides a "one-stop centre" for their customers. For customers' convenience, two dedicated Home Loan Centers are available in HSBC Gadong and HSBC Kuala Belait branch. Customers can speak to our Home Loan Specialists on their home financing needs and find out how they can enjoy flexible repayment option, competitive interest rate and other value-added services.

During the campaign period, customers who successfully apply for a home loan will receive receive 3 lucky draw chances for every BND 1,000 drawn down, to stand a chance to win weekly lucky draw prizes of lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadgets to furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition, these customers will also stand a chance to be the lucky winner to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey Campaign, which ends on 31 August 2011.


HSBC NEWS July 2011


HSBC REWARDS CUTEPACK IN TRADE CAMPAIGN

Friday, 29th July 2011

HSBC has been rewarding the winners of its monthly lucky draws with Office Furniture Vouchers worth BND500 each as part of its Trade and Supply Chain Campaign launched in April 2011. The winner for this month's lucky draw is Cutepack Sdn Bhd and on hand to congratulate and present the prize to the winner was HSBC Deputy CEO and Head of Corporate Banking, Rosdi Amin Yakub.

Until the 31st July 2011, existing and new Corporate Customers will be eligible to the monthly lucky draw when they perform DC, Invoice Financing, Collection Bill, Export Collection Bill, Export DC Bill services. At the end of this campaign, 3 Grand Draw winners will be drawn to win office supplies bundle set consisting of a canon all-in-one printer, coffee maker, paper shredder, water & ice dispenser and cordless phone.


Ms Catherine Yeo Ju Li, a representative from Cutepack Sdn Bhd (3rd left) receiving the prize from Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei (2nd from left).

HSBC, as one of the leading trade finance organisations in the world with a vast local and international network, corporate customers have the advantage of carrying out payments globally with utmost confidence allowing its international business to be conducted swiftly and efficiently. HSBC Trade and Supply Chain offer products and services ranging from Import, Import Finance, Export, Export Finance to Risk Management. Our team of knowledgeable staff is readily available to assist customers with their business needs.

      CHINA'S CHANGING FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE
Thursday, 28TH July 2011

By Peter Wong, Chief Executive of The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation and Chairman of HSBC Bank (China) Co. Ltd.

As is clear to anyone who lives in, visits or reads about China, the pace of economic and social change in this vast nation is dramatic. China surpassed the U.S. last year as the world's biggest manufacturer, the disposable wealth of its increasingly urban population is soaring, and external commerce is booming a decade after it acceded to the WTO.

With the centre of global economic activity shifting from West to East, HSBC sees China becoming the world's largest economy by 2050; its per capital income rising by almost 800% over the next 40 years. We forecast trade with the rest of the world will be worth US$6 trillion by 2015, implying a compound annual growth rate of 18%.

But while expansion on this scale represents great opportunities to improve lives and livelihoods, it will require careful management to ensure development is financially, socially and environmentally sustainable. It will also require new financial solutions that can connect companies and individuals to those opportunities.

Today China's maturing economy is reducing its reliance on low value-added, resource-hungry heavy industry and has emerged as a leader in fields of innovation such as wind and solar power. In fact, our research suggests China will exceed its own goals for growing the renewable energy sector over the next decade.

Supporting this development is the government's 12th five-year plan and the seven strategic industries - IT, energy-saving and environment protection, new energy, biotechnology, new materials, high-end equipment manufacturing and new-energy cars - that the plan embraces.

We estimate the seven sectors will need about US$800 billion of investment by 2015, so we believe companies will need to tap a wide range of funding sources beyond traditional bank loans or structured project financing. Examples of these would include specialist funds to provide equity financing for start-ups, venture capital to build up fledgling enterprises, and private equity to help viable businesses expand.

Of vital importance to investors and trade partners will be the renminbi's evolution into a global and fully-convertible currency.

Some investors are already amassing renminbi assets in expectation of steady appreciation, while others are hoping for a "big bang" when it's completely de-linked from the dollar. We think the renminbi must go through several stages before it's ready for flotation; first becoming a trade currency, then an investment currency, and finally a reserve currency.

From our vantage point at the heart of global trade we can see the renminbi is rapidly gaining traction as a currency of choice for commerce, so much so that we’ve forecast it will be one of the world's top three trading currencies by 2015. Seven years from now we think it will be a reserve currency, aiding global stability as a counterbalance to the dollar.

Turning to personal financial needs, McKinsey forecasts the number of middle-class Chinese households could quadruple over the next five years to reach nearly 280 million. Yet while the population is becoming wealthier and more mobile, it's also becoming older. UN data show China's working population will actually decline over the next 40 years.

These social changes are altering perceptions of life quality, risk, education and blood ties, spurring demand for longer-term wealth solutions to fund healthcare, schooling, retirement and leisure. As elsewhere in the world, assumptions of state and family support through childhood, working years and old age are under attack.

Chinese households currently put more than 65% of their savings into bank deposits, which we calculate generated an annual real return of only 0.3 percentage point over the past decade. This sub-inflationary rate won't pay for a bigger family home, a degree course or a comfortable retirement, so the financial services community must be able to offer a wider range of products to meet changing needs. It must also offer access to money where customers need it, whether that be through a handheld mobile device or a rural branch.

Allowing citizens to invest in foreign assets will be an important step in the diversification process, and we look forward to further liberalisation measures such as the stock exchange listing of overseas companies and the opening up of the onshore corporate bond market.

As we emerge from the worst global recession since the Great Depression it's easy to become preoccupied with immediate concerns such as inflationary pressures and the systemic risk of Europe's sovereign debt crisis. We must not let such challenges distract us from the preparations needed today to ensure a prosperous tomorrow.

      BEGIN YOUR FUTURE WITH HSBC
Wednesday, 27th July 2011

In the 7th and 8th week of the HSBC Journey Campaign, 10 more lucky winners were announced. Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei congratulated and presented the prizes to the respective winners.


Group photo with Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei (2nd from left) and Ms On Phui Li, BSB Branch Manager HSBC (right) with the lucky winners.

Awg Hairulshahrizan Hj Mohd Saini and Mdm Ha Siu Kiong were the winners of the $100 dining vouchers, whereas Mr S.H. Ang and Awg Sani Kundi both won the $200 shopping vouchers. Mr Philip Tan Kah Boon and Mr Kevin Harry Lee Boon Teck both won the $500 travelling vouchers, while Mdm Sue Elizabeth Hemingway and Ms Kathy Phang You Vin each won the furniture vouchers worth $500 each. Mdm Aini Matzin and Dyg Haszatul Effah Hj Hashim had the chance to walk away with the $500 gadget vouchers.


Mdm Sue Elizabeth Hemingway receiving her prize from Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei, presenting the prize to Dyg Haszatul Effah Hj Hashim.

HSBC continues to offer a wide range of wealth management products and services to cater for one's life journey. Recently, HSBC Brunei launched its latest investment product, the HSBC USD 4 Years Sparkling Growth 100% Principal Protected Notes and the minimum subscription amount for the Notes is USD10,000. Customers purchasing the new structured notes or any wealth management products will stand a chance of winning weekly prizes of lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadgets to furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey Campaign which ends on the 31 August 2011.

      HSBC AWARD FATHER'S DAY GRAND PRIZE
Friday, 22nd July 2011

An ecstatic Mr Ross Drysdale received two luxurious Tissot watches when he was named the grand prize winner of the HSBC Father's day promotion. Mr Au Thien Kiong, Senior Hire Purchase Manager, HSBC Brunei was on hand to congratulate Mr Drysdale during the prize presentation ceremony which was held recently at the banking hall of the main HSBC branch in Bandar Seri Begawan.


Mr Drysdale with all smiles receiving the grand prize from Mr Au.

The promotion which was held in mid-June offered HSBC Credit Card holders the exclusive discounts aimed at pampering their fathers at various merchants including Zaika, Charcoal BBQ & Grill, Buccaneer Restaurant, Savy's Brasserie, Mum Bakery, Max tyres & Rims Centre. Apart from the exclusive discounts, customers also receive lucky draw entries who were eligible to win two luxurious Tissot watches as the grand prize worth a total of BND2,000.00


HSBC Grand Prize of two Tissot Watches worth a total of B$2,000.00

HSBC has always considered its team as one big family hence places a very strong emphasis on family culture including the celebration of fatherhood.

      HSBC PREMIER PRESENTS CUSTOMER WITH 500,000 REWARDS POINTS
Friday, 22nd July 2011

HSBC recently held a prize presentation ceremony announcing the winner of 500,000 rewards points. Mr Michael James won simply by charging his purchases to his HSBC Premier MasterCard® credit card in the month of June. Mrs Doreen James on behalf of her husband received the 500,000 rewards points from Rohani Salleh, Manager Premier and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.


All smiles from Mrs Doreen James receiving the 500,000 rewards points.


Rohani Salleh, Manager Premier and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei presenting the rewards points to Mrs. James.

With 500,000 rewards points, Mr James will be able to convert it into Cash Back of more than BND2,500 worth in cash or Royal Skies miles of more than 10 round trips to any South East Asian destinations with Royal Brunei Airlines or KrisFlyer miles for 2 round trips to Los Angeles or London or Paris via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. HSBC Premier MasterCard® credit cardholders who charge their purchases to their credit card till 31st July 2011 will automatically be entered into the draw to stand a chance to win another 500,000 rewards points.

HSBC Premier offers a best in class long-term recognition of their banking relationship with their customer as opposed to one-off promotional campaigns. HSBC Premier customers are given exclusive access to Premier Centres all around Brunei Darussalam and abroad. And with its Premier Global View access, they can monitor their assets and transfer their funds to their overseas HSBC accounts at no cost.

Moreover, avid travelers of HSBC Premier, whether it is for work, pleasure or a combination of both, HSBC Premier Airport Lounge is available in countries such as Hong Kong, Qatar, Bahrain and Mexico. Most HSBC Premier Airport Lounges offer a full complement of business and travel services, including Internet access, as well as complimentary refreshments, television and other amenities that make your travel more relaxing.

HSBC has created a unique programme of special offers only for HSBC Premier MasterCard® credit cardholders called the HSBC Premier Privileges. The programme provides access to a variety of travel, dining, shopping and entertainment offers locally and around the world. So whether you are looking for travel, booking a restaurant or leisure activities or simply shopping either locally or abroad, HSBC Premier Privileges will provide you with a wealth of special offers and unique opportunities with renowned brands whenever you use your HSBC Premier MasterCard® Credit Card.

For more details on offers across the world, please visit www.priviledges.hsbcpremier.com

Additionally, from now until 31 August 2011, customers who sign-up for HSBC Premier package will receive 13 lucky draw chances to stand a chance of winning weekly lucky draw prizes of lifestyle vouchers for Dining, Shopping, Travel, Gadget and Furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey campaign.

      HSBC BRUNEI PROVIDE EXCELLENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY.
Friday, 22nd July 2011


With an increasing interest to invest in emerging markets especially in China, Brazil, Korea and Taiwan, HSBC Brunei once again provides their customers with attractive investment opportunities with its latest offering of the HSBC USD 4 Years Sparkling Growth 100% Principal Protected Notes. The minimum subscription amount is USD10,000 and it will be offered from 22 July to 08 August 2011.

This Note is denominated in USD with a 4-year tenor. As this is a medium term investment, it provides Noteholders with the potential of enhanced yields. The Notes pays out four annual coupon payments at 0.50% p.a., in addition to a potential final coupon payment of up to 18% if held till maturity. The final coupon rate is linked to the average of the quarterly performance (16 quarters) of the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index fund.

Investors purchasing this new structured note will also be given the opportunity to participate in The Journey Campaign. For every BND1000 equivalent invested, customers will receive 2 lucky draw chances to stand a chance of winning weekly prizes of lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadget to furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey Campaign which ends on the 31 August 2011.

      HSBC STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FINANCIAL PlANNING
Wednesday, 20th July 2011

HSBC places a strong emphasis on its concerns for its customers' financial well being. Embarking on a small step now will take you a long way towards the future. Whether it is to retire comfortably, or to build your dream home, HSBC will provide the comprehensive financial solutions needed to meet your goals.

HSBC Brunei recently conducted two separate sessions of workshops aimed at maximizing its customers' financial potential. The workshops were held in Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Belait with a total of 80 HSBC customers attending the workshop.


A HSBC customer registering for the Financial Planning workshop.


Anticipating customers during the workshop.


Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management HSBC Brunei, with some of the attendees.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, in her welcoming remarks addressed the importance of equipping ourselves to ensure that we are not only protecting ourselves, but also our family and loved ones. We must always be prepared for the unexpected.

During the morning session of the workshop, customers were enlightened on a few important sections which included basic budgeting, starting early to experience the power of compounding, saving regularly, and allowing for time to invest in order to protect our income. Emphasis was made to understand the greater benefits of financial planning by focusing on the 3Ps which are Plan, Prepare and Protect in order to achieve financial independence.


Some of the HSBC customers attending the financial planning workshop.

In the afternoon session, customers had the chance to understand more on the different types of investment. In order to receive a greater return, greater risk has to be taken. The session also covered the basics of Unit trust, the three main key principals of investment, dollar cost averaging, diversifications and how to stay invested.


Sherlly Tanara, an expert in financial planning conducting the workshop.

As the Best Retail Bank for 2010, HSBC has a comprehensive range of insurance and investment products and services to ensure that life's uncertainties are more manageable. It is also the leading institution in unit trust distribution in Brunei with the biggest team of Chartered Financial Consultants (ChFC) and accredited financial professionals. HSBC also partners with both conventional and Takaful insurance providers to offer its customers a range of products and services that meet their financial needs.

"HSBC - The Journey" campaign is currently running until 31st August 2011. Customers who sign-up for any of the selected HSBC products or services will stand a chance to win weekly lucky draw prizes of lifestyle vouchers for dining, shopping travel, gadget and furniture worth between $100 and $500. The grand draw winner will drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEfficiency.

      PLAN YOUR FUTURE WITH HSBC
Thursday, 14th July 2011

HSBC launched 'The Journey' campaign in May this year, not only did it offer customers with the opportunity to review their needs at various stages in their life but it also gave them the opportunity to stand a chance of winning irresistible lifestyle vouchers ranging from dining, shopping, travel, gadget and furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition to the weekly prizes, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey campaign.

A prize presentation ceremony was held last week to announce the 10 weekly lucky draw winners from the fifth and sixth week of The Journey campaign.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei with winners of The Journey Campaign.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, were on hand to congratulate and present the prizes to the lucky winners. The 10 lucky winners were Chee Li Yen and Beng Hui Lim, both won dining vouchers worth of BND100, while Chan Thian Poh and Leong Miew Su each won a shopping voucher worth of BND200. The travel vouchers worth BND500 each were handed to Adi Ibnu Hataab Annuar and Wong Hang Woo, while Halimah binti Haji Sulaiman and Gazali Tahir each walked away with a gadget voucher worth of BND500. Teng Siong Chua and Ali Osman Abd Samat each won furniture vouchers worth of BND500.

To find out more about HSBC's The Journey campaign which ends on 31 August 2011 and learn how you can stand a chance to be one of the lucky winners, you may visit your nearest HSBC branch or logon to www.hsbc.com.bn. Start your journey with HSBC today.

      HSBC EXPECTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM ASIA TO REACH 2.5MILLION BY 2020
Thursday, 14th July 2011

HSBC expects growing affluence in Asia's emerging economies to further boost aspirations for international studies amongst students in the region. Nearly 2.5 million1 young Asians are expected to study overseas in 2020, up by 141 per cent from 2008. Over 6 in 10 of Asia's international students will be from mainland China and India, whose overseas student population are estimated to grow by 138 per cent and 188 per cent, respectively in 2020 from 2008.


Dk Hamidah Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, said: "Comprising over a third of the global international student population, Asian students will continue to flock to traditional overseas learning destinations such as the US, UK and Australia. However, we expect the trend towards greater intra-regional education to strengthen in the coming years with China, India and Singapore as emerging destinations."

HSBC anticipates growing demand for international studies to significantly impact the way Asian families save and manage their finances in the future.

Dayangku Hamidah said: "Without sufficient planning and preparation, many Asian families may find themselves financially challenged as their aspirations of sending children overseas to study grow. HSBC Premier sees a huge opportunity to support families in this journey: from saving early towards an education fund, to preparing for school and departure as well as ensuring day-to-day financial support overseas."

HSBC Premier provides a range of services2 to facilitate and assist families planning for overseas education:

-Prior to departure, we can facilitate arrangements to open an overseas bank account to help the child settle in more easily in the new city;

-At any time, free fund transfers can be made between your HSBC Premier accounts via Global Transfer to cover overseas financial needs and any other unexpected expenses while your child is abroad;

-In case of emergency such as lost card and belongings, emergency cash of up to US$2,000 or the local currency equivalent can be made available.

From now until 31 August 2011, customers who sign-up for HSBC Premier package will receive 13 lucky draw chances to stand a chance of winning weekly lucky draw prizes of lifestyle vouchers for Dining, Shopping, Travel, Gadget and Furniture worth between BND100 to BND500. In addition, these customers will also stand a chance to drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the Grand Draw Prize of The Journey campaign.

HSBC Premier has also recently launched a comprehensive overseas education online platform via www.hsbcpremier.com.bn. This new platform provides useful information such as country and education guides, university rankings, education agents' exposition and seminar schedules and pre-departure check-lists.

Rohani Haji Mohd Salleh, Manager Premier Centre, HSBC Brunei said: "Saving for children's education is among our customers' top wealth priorities. HSBC Premier Relationship Managers are well equipped to develop a tailored wealth plan for their children's education goal. HSBC Premier helps take care of customers' overseas financial needs, allowing them to focus on their children's studies and early adjustment into a new environment."

      HSBC SPEAKERS GROUP CONTRIBUTED TO YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
Wednesday, 13th July 2011

HSBC Speakers Group (HSG) under Toastmaster's International recently organised a 4 half day sessions of Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) for students from Jerudong International School (JIS). 20 enthusiastic students from Year 7 to Year 9 signed up for this "Learning by doing" program which involved simple and pragmatic steps in building self confidence through public speaking.

"It is always rewarding to be able to contribute to our youths learning experience. By providing the students with a positive, safe and fun learning environment, you'll be amazed at what these students, our future leaders, are capable of. It is crucial that these young, passionate and strong willed individuals believe in themselves by first, finding their self confidence. To me, being a confident speaker and a competent leader, is just the first step." said Elizabeth Sim, Assistant Manager Retail Coach from HSBC and Coordinator.

Participants were taught the basics of Communication and Leadership skills by a number of experienced facilitators from Brunei Speakers Club including Genevieve Lai, A. Ganeson Ang Ley Hian and Dk Mas Dino Binti Pg Hj Radin Hanafi; and from HSBC Brunei Speakers Group including Leosofie Kasim, Ruey Chong and Amy Lau. Both Ruey and Amy are under Toastmasters International, incorporating the presentations and fun activities.


The participants surprising the facilitators with their home made token of appreciation.

To benefit from the program, the participants were given the task of writing and delivering 2 speeches in front of their teachers and friends. Through "doing" these tasks, the participants were given the opportunity to practice all the skills that were shared within the 4 days. It was emphasized throughout the program that the best way to be a competent communicator and leader is to "learn by doing". With positive and encouraging feedbacks by the facilitators, it was rewarding to witness the participants' progress within a short span of time. Other areas that were also covered in the program include "Effective Evaluations", "Non Verbal Communication", "Listening" and many more.


Participants asking questions during her speech delivery.


Participants actively listening to the presenters in action.


The facilitators from Brunei Speakers Club & HSBC Brunei Speakers Group hard at work.

At the end of the programme, participants who have completed the 4 half day sessions were rewarded Certificates of Achievement from Toastmaster's International.

HSBC Brunei Speakers Group has been organising Youth Leadership Programs to students since 2006. This programme is a collaborative effort to give back to the community by HSBC and the Corporate Sustainability department led by Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei.

      JIS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN CSYL PROGRAMME
Monday, 11th July 2011

Some 20 students took part in a four-day CS Youth Leadership (CSYL) Programme held at Jerudong International School (JIS).


Group photo of the students and facilitators

According to Elizaberth Sim, Assistant Manager Retail Coach of HSBC Brunei and Coordinators, the programme gives the youths a structured approach to improve their speaking skills, which will allow them to become confident speakers in a friendly and safe environment.

During the course of the programme, the youths delivered speeches about themselves and another about anything they wished to share with other students.

Their speeches would then be evaluated by facilitators and given feedback on their body language and facial expressions to improve their presenations.

The programme, which was organised jointly by HSBC Brunei and The Brunei Speackers' Club - Toastermaster's International, was facilitated by Ruey Chong, Athimoolaan Caaneson, Amy Lau and Dk Mas Dino binti Pg Hj Radin Hanafi.

Toastermaster's International is known worldwide for assisting people with public speakeing. The main role of this non-profit organisation is to improve communication and leadership skill of individuals, which are essential to anyone aspiring towards a successful career.

      CORPORATE BANKING IS IN OUR DNA
Monday, 11th July 2011

With many businesses now starting to look to international markets, it makes sense for banks to step up services that cater to the sector.

It was also a natural progression for banks after the government issued a directive to curb Bruneians' credit card debt, which limited the market for retail banking.

HSBC Brunei Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head Of Corporate Banking Rosdi Amin Yaakub tells the Brunei Times about the challenges the bank is facing as well as programmes in place to improve service and to keep competitors at bay.

Maybe you could elaborate first how the corporate banking business for HSBC is doing globally and for Brunei.

We support a lot of the companies in Brunei and globally. The key trends for (this) business is that it is growing faster, and we talk about the 'mature markets connectivity', where people from the developed countries are trading with people and businesses from developing countries. With trade like this there are a lot of things being done, in both the developing and developed worlds, so when there are imports and exports, that's where we facilitate businesses through trade business, such as providing letter of credit, documentary credit and so on, and payment and cash management systems. Most of the times, both sides are not familiar and so they need banks to be the intermediaries and this is an important area of global growth for HSBC.

Businesses are becoming more international and some of our contractors, instead of just looking to Brunei, they are looking outside of Brunei, especially in the oil and gas sector. That is where we come into play, and being present in 87 countries, no matter where they want to grow, that's where we want to grow and facilitate our growth.

Is it safe to say that HSBC is the market leader when it comes to the corporate banking sector of the market?

We are the leading international bank, so definitely we are the leader in that space. My peers have that reach and breadth and that's why we have been very successful, and that's the business model that we are trying to reach out. When we first started in Hong Kong, we were facilitating trade and at the end of the day we were facilitating trade out of China and Hong Kong, which was how HSBC started its business that is commercial banking and corporate banking is in our DNA.

What figures do you have that would back this statement up, in terms of volumes and transactions?

Under the trade growth of WTO (World Trade Organisation), trade has grown by 22 per cent, and our growth was 52 per cent. In Brunei a lot of this has to do with project financing, rather than straightforward trade and wholesale business. The government spend in Brunei and Brunei Shell is where we see the business, because there are a lot of raw materials that are required to be brought in. On average, we are looking at roughly 10 to 20 per cent growth per annum. From SWIFT, an international telex systems used by banks around the world, so we are seeing traffic grown by 6.4 per cent and HSBC's traffic has grown by 14 per cent.

Could you elaborate more on the kind of products and services that HSBC's Corporate Banking division provides to the businesses here?

Brunei is a very simple business and a simple model, payment and cash is key, so we're talking about accounts, TT (telegraphic transfer) services, and that means that once you have excess liquidity, you have more cash and we can help invest that. For us, electronic banking for trade is key, and as a businessman, you are sitting at home, and you can transact anything so convenience is important. The second area is what we call business financing, for business expansions or when your working capital needs an overdraft, and these are the must-have products for business.

What about the competition, how does HSBC deal with the competition in the local market?

Of course there is competition in any business, whatever you do there is always going to be competition. Again we see that our business is an international business, and we are not just known in Brunei but globally. We bring in a wealth and breadth of experience from our international business and the kind of people we have in HSBC show the quality of HSBC, in terms of training, infrastructure, institutional set up and so on. The challenge is making sure that we maintain this high caliber of relationship managers that we have, because we need to have a sustainable business where they stay with us. This comes through engagement and the right structure of rewards.

Secondly, some of our competitors are now stepping into corporate, and what has made that happen is through the changes happening in the country. HSBC is definitely ready and prepared to be compliant with it and off course it could create competition. Now there is limited space in retail banking, and so other banks have to reassign their business models to go into corporate banking. They are new players and we are established players and they want to buy into the market so they are cutting their prices. It is one of the factors but it is not everything.

      HSBC AWARDS 3RD MONTHLY DRAW AND GRAND DRAW LUCKY WINNERS
Wednesday, 6th July 2011

With HSBC internet banking platform, HSBCnet and Business Internet Banking (BIB) allow our corporate customers to manage their business more efficiently with Real Time account activities and also enable customers to make secured transactions simpler and faster, 24 hours a day. HSBCnet and BIB allow our Corporate customers to make a variety of different payment types including Domestic Payment, Telegraphic Transfer, Demand Drafts, Cashier Orders and Salary Payment.


A group photo of the winners with Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei (2nd row left), Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei (front row, 3rd left) and HSBC staff.

During the promotional period, new or existing customers who performed online telegraphic transfer transactions through HSBCnet or Business Internet Banking earned themselves a chance to win the Monthly Draws as well as the Grand Draw. The campaign which successfully ended on 15 June, finally revealed that the Grand Draw lucky winner was Mc Quipp Technisell Marketing Sdn Bhd, who won a Company Retreat Package for 10 persons which includes one night of accommodation and dining at The Empire Hotel.

The lucky winners of the final Monthly Draw was AED South East Asia Limited Company who won a Lenovo Desktop and Boustead Sdn Bhd Company won a Samsung Laser Printer. The prize presentation took place at HSBC Commercial Banking Head Office in Bandar branch on Tuesday, 5 July 2011.

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present and congratulate the representatives from Mc Quipp Technisell Marketing Sdn Bhd, AED South East Asia Limited Company and Boustead Sdn Bhd Company. Rosdi commented "HSBC's business companies are always looking for ways to save time and costs, now they can take full advantage of our established global network and utilise our award winning Internet Banking facilities in conducting cross-border transactions more efficiently and conveniently".


Mc Quipp Technisell Marketing Sdn Bhd received the prize from Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei.

HSBCnet is an excellent portal for the banking world. HSBCnet offers a comprehensive suite of flexible online financial solutions – all designed to help you increase productivity and manage your cash flow. With real-time global account access and customisable setup features, you gain control over your critical financial functions at every level of your organisation. Keep track of your payments, receivables, liquidity and the changing value of your assets – all with one secure, global solution.

Last year, HSBC Brunei won the Best Corporate & Institutional Internet Bank Award for the third consecutive year, awarded by Global Finance, a global award to measure internet banking services.

      HSBC JOINT PARTNER WITH TAP AND SCP BOARD FOR E-CONTRIBUTION SOLUTION
Friday, 1st July 2011

As part of its continuous efforts to provide excellent and quality service to employers, the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and the Supplemental Contributory Pension Board (SCP) with the joint partnership of HSBC, has introduced a unique, market shaping online bulk payment service to the Brunei market, namely E-Contribution Solution. The introduction of this new service allows employers registered with TAP and SCP as well as HSBC customers to pay TAP and SCP contributions through HSBCnet effective from 1st July 2011.


Representatives of HSBC,Tap and the SCP Board posed for a memorable group photo.

The official signing ceremony of this partnership was held on 28 June 2011 at TAP's main office located at the Ministry of Finance Building. On hand to witness the signing ceremony was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as Chairman of the TAP and SCP Board.

Representing HSBC were Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei and Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei. TAP were represented by Dayang Norliah bt. Haji Kula, TAP's Managing Director and Awang Haji Mohamad Noor Amali bin Haji Mirhasan, Acting Executive Manager, Customer Services Division. SCP Board was represented by its Acting Managing Director and Manager, Dayang Suraya bt. Haji Jaidin and Dayang Norsyamsina bt. Haji Bujang respectively.


Vincent, HSBC Chief Executive Officer (Right) signed the agreement witnessed by Rosdi, HSBC Deputy Chief Executive Officer.


An exchange of the agreement between HSBC and TAP.

The E-Contribution Solution allows companies registered with TAP and SCP the ability to initiate and submit monthly TAP and SCP contributions through HSBCnet anywhere, anytime and at their convenience. This collaboration between TAP, SCP and HSBC marks another milestone in improving the efficiency of TAP and SCP contribution payments.

Companies would have to first register with TAP and SCP followed by a one time set up on HSBCnet to maintain the employer/employee's details. Once this has been completed and on value date, funds will be debited from the company's account and paid directly to TAP and SCP. The management of time and confidentiality of the information are preserved because access to HSBCnet are controlled and restricted exclusively to users who have been approved by the companies itself.

According to Ms Lim Lih Fang, Manager Payment of Cash Management, HSBC Brunei, "HSBC is the pioneer to provide such unique, diversified and innovative banking services to the Brunei market and inline with the Government's e-initiatives. E-Contribution is the result of our relentless pursuit of excellence to always be the best cash management bank of choice for our customers in Brunei."

Meanwhile, Awg. Hj. Md. Noor Amali b. Hj. Mirhasan, Acting Executive Manager of TAP Customer Services Division, appreciates the partnership between TAP, SCP and HSBC. He further explained that with the increasing number of employers registered with TAP and SCP, this agreement is another step forward to cater to employers' expectations especially in the current challenging business environment.

Besides providing our TAP and SCP as well as HSBC customers an efficient, paperless and straight through method to make TAP and SCP contribution via HSBCnet, this online platform can also be used for different purposes of payments such as oversea/local transactions, salaries and bonuses.


The Guest of honour, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as Chairman of the TAP and SCP Board received a souvenir from Vincent, HSBC Chief Executive Officer.


HSBC NEWS June 2011


"HSBC: THE JOURNEY" CAMPAIGN AWARDS 10 NEW WINNERS

Monday, 27th June 2011

Ten winners for the third and fourth week of "HSBC": The Journey" campaign received their prizes in a presentation ceremony held yesterday at the bank's main branch in the capital.

They were Yeo Giok Yan, Siti Anyafeina Md Ali Anwar, Loo Baktiar, Pg Hjh Azizah Pg Hj Tajuddin, Azaharaini Hj Mohd Jamil, Lee Ching Siong, Pearl Chua Swee Hui, Mohd Sufre Zul Rizam Azaman, Foo Chuan Pyng/ Foo Nin Ho and Han See Yin.


Dk Hamidah pg haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei (3rd right) taking a group photo with the winners.

Each of them received a voucher worth between $100 and $500.

Present to award the winners was Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, acting head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.


Dk Hamidah Pg Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei presenting the prize to Siti Anyafeina Md Ali Anwar


Dk Hamidah Pg Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei presenting the prize to Mr Loo Baktiar

HSBC also informed that from now until August 31, 2011 customer who sign-up for any of HSBC selected products or services will receive lucky draw chances and stand a chance to win weekly lucky draw prizes of lifestyle vouchers for dining, shopping, travel, gadget and furniture worth between $100 and $500.

Besides the weekly prizes, customers will also stand a chance to drive away luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CG1 BlueEFFICIENCY which is the Garand Draw Prize of "HSBC: The Journey" campaign.

      HSBC REWARDS DRAWING COMPETITION WINNERS
Monday, 27th June 2011

Six winners of HSBC's Little Artist Drawing Contest proudly received their prizes during a presentation ceremony held at the HSBC's main branch in the capital yesterday.

The contest, themed "What I conducted during the recent Consumer Fair Part 8 held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas".

There were two categories competed, the first, for children aged 5 to 8 years old and thee other for children aged 9 to 12 years old.

Only three young artists from each category stood out from the rest thanks to their creative artworks which were created using colour pensil and crayons.

Present to award the talented youths was Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, acting head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.

Winners for the first category were Calvin Lim Jia Jun, Shim Ya Wen @ Chloe and Hon Qi Juin. While for the other category were Annjaneyaa Dewi Renganathan, Siti Noramalina Madili and Alvin Yong Chie Yew. Each winner received a $500 Saving Account and an HSBC umbrallea.


Dk Hamidah Pg Haji Othman taking a group photo with all the winners.


Dk Hamidah Pg Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei presenting the prize to Shim Ya Wen @ Chloe


Dk Hamidah Pg Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management HSBC Brunei presenting the prize to Annjaneyaa Dewi D/O Renganathan

Proud parents who were present at the ceremony cheered and took photos as the young artists received their prizes and displayed their respective artrwork.

      CLIMATE CHAMPIONS' EXPERIENCE TO MAURITIUS
Friday, 24th June 2011

HSBC Brunei's own Climate Champions, Mr. Lim Boon Teck, Ms. Eva Ng and Mr. Frederick Chong were invited to participate in a 1 week eco-learning programme in Mauritius as a reward for their contribution to the HSBC Climate Camp project. The team from HSBC Brunei was recognized as one of the top five teams of HSBC Asia Pacific Climate Champion Award 2010. The other 4 awardees to this award are teams from Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India and South Africa.


HSBC Climate Champion from around Asia Pacific with CEO HSBC Mauritius, Tan Siew Meng.

Mauritius was once an uninhabited island with a healthy population of endemic species. All this changed when spice traders began to land Mauritius in the 18th century. The arrival of Man introduced predators such as rats, cats and dogs and were the prime reason why 45% of Mauritius endemic wildlife went extinct. The dodo bird was a symbol of extinction in Mauritius. Once a thriving species, it was hunted to extinction for food by sailors and spice traders.

"Having seen all the unique wildlife that Mauritius lost, I feel we are very lucky that we still have the rich fauna and flora in Brunei. However, we Bruneians know very little about these living treasures. One must ponder if some of our fauna and flora are meeting the same fate due to factors such as climate change and human intrusion" said Frederick Chong.


HSBC Climate Champion from Brunei.

Many of Mauritius' endemic species remain on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) endangered list. Scientists and conservationists are working collaboratively to recover the population of these species.

Among the success stories of these efforts is the revitalization of the Mauritian fody birds found on the island of Ile Aux Aigrettes. HSBC climate champions from Asia Pacific region were on hand to witness and learned about the miraculous work done by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

In 2003, it was thought that there were just 93 pairs of the Mauritian Fody left, placing it on the "critically endangered" list of IUCN. With the support of HSBC, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation initiated a recovery program on the island of Ile Aux Aigrettes which saw the population of Mauritian Fody rose back up to 400. IUCN soon elevated the Mauritiun Fody status from "critically endangered species" to "endangered species".

Aside from the Fody birds, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation were also responsible for the recovery of other Mauritius endemic species such as the Mauritian Flacon, Pink Pigeon, skink , etc; all brought back from the brink of extinction.


Mauritian Fody bird, once a critically endangered species. The population is now revitalized by Mauritian Wildlife Foundation with the support of HSBC Mauritius.

Beyond the island, the Climate Champions also had a firsthand experience to participate in the Mauritian Dolphin Project at the Black River Area off the Tamarin Bay. This is where dolphin research teams conduct their field observation and awareness program on the spinner and bottlenose dolphins.

With growing interest in the dolphins, the locals were thriving from a booming eco-tourism industry. Tourists not only have the opportunity to observe the dolphins in their natural surroundings, the tour guide will do their utmost to ensure that the tourist will have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins as well. However, because of the close proximity of tourist boats and irresponsible behavior of some tourist guides, the resident dolphins are showing signs of distress and unusual behaviours.

"It is ironic that these dolphins are stressed because of the love of the tourists who wanted to see and swim with them. Tourist and tour guides should adhere to the guidelines stipulated by the scientists. Otherwise, one day, these dolphins may abandon this area which in turn will impact the tour guides' livelihood" said Ms. Eva Ng.

Field researchers continue to monitor the dolphins in hopes that the data that they collected will one day help local government formulate policies and regulation to ensure the sustainability of the dolphin's habitat and the eco tourism industry.


Helping conservationist record physical data of an endangered Skink species.

"This has been an awesome learning experience. The loss of Mauritian wild life may have been a sad story but it is a story that should be told. Unsustainable practices which caused mass extinction the one Mauritius had experienced should be avoided by all countries. At the same time, we must also applaude the effort by the Mauritian government and Mauritian Wild life foundation to recover the population of endangered species. " said Manager Corporate Sustainability, Mr. Lim Boon Teck.

      SERI LADANG CO WINS HSBC MONTHLY DRAW
Thursday, 23rd June 2011

HSBC Corporate client, Seri Ladang Company won the bank's second monthly draw for the Trade and Supply Campaign. The company won an office furniture voucher worth $500.

The prize was presented to Seri Ladang Company Director Wong Hang Woo at a ceremony held yesterday at the Corporate Banking section of HSBC main branch in the capital. On hand to present the prize was HSBC Deputy CEO and Head of Corporate Banking, Rosdi Amin Yakub.


Ms Tien Hsing Hui, Assistant Manager Trade and Supply Chain HSBC (left), Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei (2nd left), Mr Wong Hang Woo, Director of Syarikat Seri Ladang and Sulaiman Isa, Manager Business Banking, HSBC (right).

Also present were Manager of Business Banking, Sulaiman Isa, and HSBC Trade and Supply Chain team.

The campaign will run until the end of next month where exiting or new customers will earn one lucky draw chance per successful transaction.

There will also be a grand draw at the end of the campaign and three winners will be drawn to win an office supplies set consisting of a Canon all-in-one priter, coffee maker, paper shredder, water and ice dispenser and cordless phone.

HSBC Trade and supply Chain ensures customers' import and export transaction are effortlessly and effectively managed to provide their customers with the best possible opportunities to grow.

      HSBC YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS: TEAM SING TERNS, PHILIPPINES EMERGE AS CHAMPIONS
Wednesday, 22nd June 2011

The Philippines team, Sing Terns, consisting of Czaesar Emil Callo, Mary Kathleen Chan and Eduard EdwynneCapacio, with their project entitled, ECOntainer, emerged as champions in the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA) 2010-2011. The team took the title of the Best of the Best Award with an HSBC business development fund of HK$100,000.00. This year's Regional Finals took place at the HSBC Regional Headquarters in Hong Kong.


Winners of the HSBC YEA Regional Finals together with the Gold Award winners.

ECOntainer is an environmentally friendly, socially relevant and economically viable business that aims to provide substitutes for Styrofoam and plastic food packaging by producing compostable coffee cups and food boxes made from corncobs and rice stalks produced by small-scale farmers.

The panel of judges headed by Teresa Au, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Asia Pacific, HSBC includes Andrew Seaton, British Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macao, Eric Bohm, Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Hong Kong and Eric Li, Chairman, Hong Kong Sports Institute.

In her speech, Ms Teresa Au commended all the gold award winners from Bangladesh, Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Shanghai-China and Thailand as they had to go through tough local screening from their respective countries and were all considered winners in their own right. She also hope that all the participants in the entrepreneur trip will take back with them invaluable experiences of corporate visits and the various seminars and workshops co-organised by HSBC and the Asia-Pacific Institute of Business, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. "HSBC has always been very keen to nurture talent and get the young people to be tomorrow's leaders" added Ms Au.

The Diamond Award winners went to Team Stalwarts from Bangladesh, who won themselves an HSBC business development fund of HK$40,000.00. Their project, CocoCreteTM is a high-strength, ready-mixed concrete, using coir fibres from discarded coconut husks as reinforcement to make buildings more resistant to earthquakes. This alternative method is more cost-effective than steel-reinforced concrete, which is not financially viable in Bangladesh.

The Thailand Team, Vincit, came in third to grab the Jade Award and an HSBC business development fund of HK$20,000.00. Heart & Sole's Convertible Heels, their project title, is a boutique brand that presents high heels whose height can be adjusted by a nut and bolt embedment in the heel section and a flexible customization of the heel's outside. It will end the beauty-comfort tradeoff the customer faces and revolutionise the metropolitan lifestyle in fabulous ways never seen before.

The judges noted that Green Gems from Brunei is the youngest team to reach the regional finals, and they were impressed by the level of maturity and the commercial viability of their project, which they believed could be turned into a real business. The project named "Your trash makes great cash" was also commended for their idea which was geared towards environmental protection.


Gold Award winner from Brunei receiving a token from Ms Teresa Au.


Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners from Brunei.

The YEA Entrepreneurial Study Tour will continue with various activities such as seminars and workshops, Hong Kong Culture and Heritage Hunt, Corporate Visit to Ocean Park, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and HSBC's regional headquaters in the Central business district.

      WIN LUXURIOUS WATCHES FOR TWO AS GRAND PRIZE FOR HSBC FATHER'S DAY TREAT
Wednesday, 22nd June 2011

HSBC is offering a promotion for the upcoming Father's Day which falls on the third Sunday of June annually. From 17 to 19 June 2011, customers who swipe their cards at a variety of selected merchants will enjoy amazing discounts of up to 35%. Customers will also receive entries to the Grand lucky draw where the winner will receive luxurious watches for two worth a total of BND2,000.


HSBC Premier special-made cookies for fathers.


Rohani, Manager Premier Centre (L), Premier customer receiving the cookie presented by Vincent Ho, CEO, HSBC Brunei and Dk Hamidah, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management.

All cardholders can also enjoy exclusive discounts at the participating merchants, Zaika, Charcoal BBQ & Grill, Buccaneer Restaurant, Savy's Brasserie, Mum Bakery, Max tyres & Rims Centre.

Rohani Haji Mohd Salleh, Manager Premier Centre, HSBC Brunei, said, "Father's Day is a special day for all dads when their children can show their love and appreciation to them. As Father's Day is just around the corner, we have been giving walk-in customers special-made cookies as we would like to share the beautiful day with our customers too. This is also leveraging on one of our four Premier Global Pillars " You and your family " in our customer experience context."

Additionally, from now till 31 July 2011, all credit card transactions made with an HSBC Premier MasterCard will automatically be entered into a monthly lucky draw to stand a chance to win 500,000 rewards points.

Moreover, HSBC Premier MasterCard credit cardholders who use their credit cards for their purchases in June 2011 will also automatically be entered into the July 2011 draw to stand a chance to win another 500,000 rewards points.

      HSBC OFFERS START-UP SUBSIDY OF UP TO BND15,000 FOR HOME LOAN
Wednesday, 22nd June 2011

Customers are able to take advantage of HSBC Home Loan subsidy offer up to BND15,000 (terms and conditions apply), while 20% discount on sales charge for Unit Trust and other exciting offers.


HSBC staff explaining to the walk-in customers on the product offered at the exhibition.

Additionally, from now until 31 August 2011, customers who sign-up for any HSBC selected products and/or services during The Journey campaign will receive lucky draw chances and stand a chance to win a Grand Draw Prize and drive away a luxurious Mercedes-Benz new generation C180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY or one of the Weekly Lucky Draw prizes of lifestyle vouchers for Dining, Shopping, Travel, Gadget and Furniture worth between BND100 to BND500.


HSBC staff

Grab the opportunity to speak to HSBC staff on your financing needs and get to know more on HSBC exclusive offers. Visit HSBC Booth B8 and B10, Home and Lifestyle Exhibition at Times Square Atrium and/or Booth S20, Plenary Hall, International Women's Fair 2011 at International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 June 2011 at 10.00a.m. to 10.00p.m.

      STAND TO WIN 500,000 REWARDS POINTS WITH HSBC PREMIER MASTERCARD IN JUNE AND JULY 2011
Wednesday, 8th June 2011

HSBC recently launched an exciting and exclusive promotion for its HSBC Premier customers. HSBC Premier is an internationally recognised premium proposition which prioritises the local and global financial needs of customers as well as their families.

From now till 31 July 2011, all the credit card transactions charged to HSBC Premier MasterCard credit card will automatically be entered into a monthly lucky draw to stand a chance to win 500,000 rewards points.

Moreover, HSBC Premier MasterCard credit cardholders who charge their purchases to their credit card in June 2011 will also automatically be entered into July 2011 draw to stand a chance to win another 500,000 rewards points.

With 500,000 rewards points, HSBC Premier MasterCard credit cardholders can convert it into Cash Back of more than BND2,500 worth or Royal Skies miles for more than 10 round trips to any South East Asian destinations with Royal Brunei Airlines or KrisFlyer miles for 2 round trips to Los Angeles or London or Paris via Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

In addition, for every BND1 charged to the HSBC Premier MasterCard credit card, cardholders will receive 1 Rewards Point. HSBC Rewards Points offer cardholders a wide range of exclusive benefits that allow them to explore life to the fullest, whereby HSBC Premier MasterCard credit cardholders are entitled to 15% discount redemption on HSBC Rewards Programme (excluding Air Miles, Love Rewards and Go Green Rewards). HSBC Premier MasterCard credit card also allows its customers to enjoy exclusive offers, discounts and exceptional worldwide privileges under our Home and Away Programme. Moreover, you can now access www.homeandaway.hsbc.com and search for offers near you via your iPhone.

"HSBC Premier is relationship banking without boundaries, designed to give customers the service they deserve whether at home or abroad, and the Premier MasterCard credit card is a key component of our service for our customers. With the help of a dedicated Relationship Manager, customers can grow, manage and protect their wealth anytime and anywhere around the world," said Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management , HSBC Brunei.

HSBC Premier MasterCard® credit card truly merits the HSBC Premier status, and it is accepted at over 24 million merchants located around the world and provides excellent emergency support worldwide. Further more, customers can enjoy the privileges that comes with HSBC Premier, which includes a dedicated Premier Relationship Manager and 24/7 PhoneBanking assistance.

To learn more about the current promotions and what HSBC Premier has to offer, please visit the nearest HSBC branch, alternatively, you can go on-line at www.hsbcpremier.com.bn or call the HSBC Premier's dedicated hotline at 2252 256.

      HSBCnet BENEFITS CORPORATE CUSTOMERS
Tuesday, 7th June 2011

HSBCnet is an excellent portal for the banking world. HSBCnet offers a comprehensive suite of flexible online financial solutions - all designed to help you increase productivity and manage your cash flow. With real-time global account access and customisable setup features, you gain control over your critical financial functions at every level of your organisation. Keep track of your payments, receivables, liquidity and the changing value of your assets - all with one secure, global solution.

Last year, HSBC Brunei won the Best Corporate & Institutional Internet Bank Award for the third consecutive year, awarded by Global Finance, a global award to measure internet banking services.

With HSBC internet banking platform, HSBCnet and Business Internet Banking (BIB) allow our corporate customers to manage their business more efficiently with Real Time account activities and also enable customers to make secured transactions simpler and faster, 24 hours a day. HSBCnet and BIB allow our Corporate customers to make a variety of payment types including Domestic Payment, Telegraphic Transfer, Demand Drafts, Cashier Orders and Salary Payment.

Recently, HSBC held a prize presentation for the lucky winners of the second Monthly Draw for the HSBC Online Telegraphic Transfer Campaign which runs until 15 June 2011. The fortunate winners were Icklebooks Company who won a Lenovo Desktop, while AES Engineering Sdn Bhd Company won a Samsung Laser Printer.


A group photo taken with Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei, together with the representatives from Icklebooks Company (front row, first Right) and AES Engineering Sdn Bhd Company (front row, first Left).

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present and congratulate the representatives from Icklebooks Company and AES Engineering Sdn Bhd Company.

New or existing customers who perform online telegraphic transfer transactions through HSBCnet or Business Internet Banking will stand a chance to win a Lenovo Desktop or Samsung Mono Laser Printer for the monthly lucky draws. While for the Grand Draw, HSBC is giving away a Company Retreat Package for 10 persons which includes one night of accommodation and dining. For more information, please visit www.hsbc.com.bn.

      HSBC CUSTOMERS GO ON A SHOPPING SPREE
Friday, 3rd June 2011

FIVE grand prize winners of HSBC "You Shop We Pay Campaign" shopped till they dropped for two hours during the winners shopping spree session held at The Mall, Gadong yesterday.

The winners, Lim Ming Tai, Yong Sue Fui, Lim Boon Kok, Min Bahadur Gurung and Hick Grace Evelyn Katherine, were selected from the HSBC "You Shop We Pay Campaign" which ran from April 1 to April 30, 2011.

During the campaign, HSBC cardholders stood a chance to be one of the five to win an amount of $2,000 each that will be spent in the shopping spree during the Grand Draw event, by swiping their HSBC credit cards at any of the 51 participating merchants in The Mall, Gadong.

On hand to welcome the winners during the event were Vincent Ho, chief executive officer of HSBC Brunei and Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, acting head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.


Vincent (Right) and Dk Hamidah (Left) officiated the start of the exciting shopping spree.

Before the start of the exciting shopping spree, the winners were briefed on the mechanics of the event. It was explained that the amount $2,000 will be spent at the winners' preferred participating merchants. Each of them were given two hours to do their shopping and they will be chaperoned by HSBC volunteers throughout the period, who will also pay for the items that the winners have selected.

At the blow of the whistle, the winners began their shopping spree by rushing to the many participating merchants of the campaign including Secret Recipe, Pazzion, Wywy Enterprise.

At the end of the shopping spree, satisfied smiles could be seen on the winners' faces with shopping bags in hands.


A memorable shopping spree for the winners.

      HSBC BRUNEI AWARDED ASEAN CHAMPION OF BIODIVERSITY
Friday, 3rd June 2011

HSBC Brunei, Retail bank of the year 2010, added another accolade to its title when ASEAN Center of Biodiversity awarded HSBC Brunei as the ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity in Business category. The award ceremony was held in Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila yesterday.

The award organized by ASEAN Center for Biodiversity is a recognition program for ongoing projects on Biodiversity conservation and advocacy in ASEAN. The award is aimed at generating greater leadership, public and media awareness of the problems facing the region rich but highly threatened biodiversity and the need for concerted effort in biodiversity conservation and advocacy.


Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability of HSBC Brunei with the award together with (left to right), Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Mr. Rodrigo Fuentes, Executive Director of ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; Dr. Berthold Seibert, Project Manager of ACB-GIZ Climate Change Project; Dato Misran Karamin, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community; and Dr. Makarim Wibisono, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation.

HSBC Brunei was nominated into ASEAN Champion of Biodiversity by the Forestry Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. HSBC's nomination was strongly supported by Dr Mike Kavanagh, Special Advisor, WWF Heart of Borneo Initiative and Dr Stuart Davis of Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

In Dr Mike Kavanagh letter of recommendation, he said "HSBC Brunei deserves to be considered for the ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity Award for its steadfast support of the Heart of Borneo initiative. HSBC was the first corporation to support the initiative back in April 2005 when the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources (MIPR), aided by WWF, hosted an exploratory international workshop to look into the options for joint conservation and sustainable development of a forested landscape by the three countries on the island of Borneo."

While Dr Stuart Davies of Smithsonian said that "The establishment of the 25ha Forest Dynamic research plot by CTFS and University Brunei Darussalam in Kuala Belalong Research Center would not have been possible without the generous contribution from HSBC Brunei. The research will give insights to the impact of climate change on Brunei's forest and the result will benefit relevant authority in formulating the best policy to preserve the rich biodiversity that exist in Brunei's pristine forest"

In addition to the plaque and trophy, HSBC Brunei will also receive USD5,000.00 as part of this recognition.

"My colleagues and I are extremely proud to have been recognized as Champion of Biodiversity in ASEAN. This award not only recognized all our hard work in the past, it will motivate us to do even more in the future. We will be channeling the prize money into an environment education program. We want to open the eyes of Bruneian youth to biodiversity treasure troves that exist a stone throw away from our own doorstep." remarked Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei.

      HSBC APPRECIATES SUPPORT FOR SUCCESSFUL WALKRUNCYCLE
Friday, 3rd June 2011

HSBC APPRECIATES SUPPORT FOR SUCCESSFUL WALKRUNCYCLE Sunday, 22 May 2011 - Bruneians turn up in the thousands at Taman SOAS to participate in the HSBC 'WalkRunCycle' Charity event which aimed to raise funds for three great local institutions dedicated to the education of special needs children; Pusat Ehsan Al-Hajah Maryam, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA) and SMARTER Brunei.

"Based on our own estimate, the final turnout was close to 2,000 people. This is an impressive turnout rate given the heavy downpour in the morning. The turnout also speaks volumes about the Bruneian spirit for charity" said Vincent Ho, CEO, HSBC Brunei.





The charity event managed to raise more than $106,000 which will be handed over to the three institutions next week.

"On behalf of the children at the three benefiting institutions, I would like to thank all participants who made the effort to fill up their donation cards. $106,000 is a fantastic result and I am sure the children from these institutions will benefit from it." said Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability.



The event also received much support from HSBC's corporate customers and local SMEs. The 45 lucky draw prizes worth more than $20,000, was a key highlight of the event and would not have been possible if not for the generous sponsorship from various corporate companies and SMEs .

"The sponsorship we received from our corporate customers really made a positive difference to our event. We trust that the event has been a good platform for them to showcase their products while contributing to charitable causes." said Rosdi Amin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking.

The event was truly designed to be family oriented with many sides of interesting activities such as face painting and bouncers. In particular, the "Hawaiian Shake and Dance" competition organised by Red Bull, attracted a lot of interest and participation on that day.





While the marching band played songs to entertain the crowd, many were seen having a good time taking photos with participants in costumes. Even Brunei's very own international star, Wu Chun, made a special appearance at the event and delighted many fans when he made time to meet the fans and take photos with them.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability continued, "The response to the event has exceeded all our expectations. On behalf of HSBC, I would like to thank all participants especially our Royal guests for being there with us despite the heavy downpour. My appreciation also goes out to my HSBC colleagues, the police and medical personnel who did a fantastic job to ensure everyone's safety. We are strongly encouraged by the positive feedback, we will definitely make it bigger and better next year. Hope to see everyone again in WalkRunCycle 2012!!"

The HSBC WalkRunCycle event was supported by Triple Star, SCOTT, Fitness Zone, Laneige, SotoRindu restaurant & catering, Red Bull, Kingston Beverage Sdn Bhd and Shopping.com.bn. Other sponsors included Interhouse Co, Armtrix Enterprise, Madmilk, IBIC Sdn Bhd, Gardenia and G4S.

This event was also supported by Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata as exclusive media supporters, Kristal FM as the official radio station and by BruneiTweet.

      LEARNING THE BASICS OF MONEY WITH HSBC
Friday, 3rd June 2011

With a bag over her shoulder and two small boxes in her arms, a lady got out of her car and walked into the hall of a primary school with bright blue roofs in the district of Tutong. After her, a team of twelve entered the hall, carrying with them more small boxes, a few medium boxes, three cameras to capture the moments, and a laptop.

The team of bankers, from the oldest bank in this country - HSBC Brunei, was at the school to conduct a financial workshop. The workshop at PDN Pg Jaya Sengkarai Primary School was first of the four that were held over four days for students of four primary schools across Brunei.


An interesting speech to students of SR Mentiri by Vincent Ho, CEO HSBC Brunei.

According to Salyahrinah DP Hj Yahya, Treasurer of Global Markets, HSBC Brunei, the main objective of these financial workshops was to teach our children about smart financial habits at an early age, and continue to ingrain these habits in them so that one day, they can move on with their adult lives well prepared for their futures.

"Recently I came across a toy cash register at a department store. Toy like this is trying to teach children at an early age to shop and spend. Our children are the shoppers of the future and we need to ensure that they are well trained to consume by the time they earn their first paycheck," she continued. "A successful living involves knowing how to manage money smartly, and this can be achieved by an early financial education."

HSBC Brunei named these financial workshops for Year 5 students 'Money101' to depict entry-level educational programme into money management. The initiative was led by the Global Markets department of HSBC Brunei.


Students from Sekolah Rendah Mentiri working their way through the Money101 board game.

This was the second year the department ran the initiative, and so far, 7 primary schools, 310 students, over 50 HSBC staff volunteers, and 9 clients from 4 different companies were involved. Vincent Ho, CEO of HSBC Brunei was also present at one of the primary schools to provide an interesting insight on money management.

"Saving money is a fundamental but frequently disregarded money management skill. Understanding the importance and benefits of savings is, in fact, the key message in financial education. Exposure to money skills at an early stage will greatly assist children in becoming financially responsible adults."

Asked how the idea of financial workshops came about, Hiew Tzee Yin, HSBC money market dealer as well as the programme devisor, said: "We were discussing the debt crisis and how it affected so many around the world. The parties or areas responsible ran from lax regulators to shady institutions, from financial innovations to contagion, and ultimately, our discussion simmered down to the ordinary people."

Indeed, the late-2000s financial crisis made the world poorer. Brunei may seem to have endured relatively unscathed but the people are not free of financial problems. Over consumption and poor money management skills have resulted in uncontrolled spending and excessive personal debt.

"The contents of our financial workshops were designed to motivate and inspire children to make better financial decisions," said Tzee Yin. "The habit of savings is a money management basic. Children who understand the reasons and ways to save money are better prepared to manage their finances when they grow up."

The core design and contents of Money101 are constantly reviewed to ensure that the programme is capable of effectively teaching the children value of money and responsible behaviours regarding finances - lesson that will serve them through life - in a fun and engaging setting.

This time round, while the concept of money management basics is the same as it was first introduced a year ago, the approach was now different yet more interesting than ever.

The workshop started with a short opening and an ice breaker game. A few minutes for the ice breaker game worked well to break the ice and enhance mutual connection between the HSBC staff members and the students really quickly, mean while get them all warmed up for a series of activities to follow.


Students warming up during an icebreaker with Lim Boon Teck, Corporate Sustainability Manager, HSBC Brunei.

After the ice breaker, three HSBC staff members, each wearing a huge name tag, stood before the students. Another staff member walked onto the ground and introduced herself as the narrator. She started with a line familiar to all children 'Once upon a time, in a land not far away'. A story about money was then told.

"We introduce income and expenses through a captivating story in a typical Bruneian family setting that works around basic budgeting and rationing skills which are learned as the children receive their pocket money from their parents. As they manage their allowance money, their money management skills will improve," explained Diana Han, HSBC foreign exchange dealer who was also a coordinator and narrator for the workshop.

"Children are not born with 'money sense'. Money management skills must be learned. Whether one realizes it or not, what children see and hear at home highly influence their attitudes and values about money. Through this way, we are able to portray good role models of parents in the process of nurturing money management culture at home as they discuss money, spend, save, share and invest with their children in the daily lives," said Diana.


Keen students engaged in play and learn of Money101 board game as an HSBC staff volunteer facilitated the activity.

The workshop continued with a board game designed specifically for the workshop. Money101 board game is an educational game of income, expense, deposits, interests, loans and business opportunities. Created locally by the Global Markets team, the game reinforces both play and learning in a non-threatening yet competitive atmosphere, allowing the students to make their own decisions and take ownership of the consequences. Play is derived from the fun elements while learning comes from game elements as well as guidance from the HSBC staff members who facilitated the student groups.

"One square reads: You need a new bag. Do you buy (A) a normal one $5 or (B) one with a cool design $15. This essentially demonstrates the concept of needs and wants. If the student chose (B), we would explain that a cool bag is not a necessity, and that the extra $10 spent could be saved and perhaps invested into a business some day," as further explained by Tzee Yin.

As the students worked their ways through the board game, they understand how money works in term of dollar value and spending power. They also learned to accrue wealth as the game empowered them to earn money through working part time jobs and becoming entrepreneurs. While making payments along the way for real life expenses such as food, hobby, etc, landing on some of those 'expenses' squares provoked good thoughts about distinctions of needs and wants; and how these decisions affected their finances. The game also encourages charitable giving as it introduces philanthropy to children early so that they will likely become eager volunteers and donors in future. The concept of investing is also incorporated into the game as they earned interest on the money they deposited into their bank accounts as part of their savings plan.


All smiles from students and teacher from Sekolah Rendah Mentiri; as well as a staff volunteer from HSBC Brunei.

Holding a water bottle at one hand and an orange dinosaur-shaped money box in the other, the students were both happy and ready to pose for some nice camera shots after receiving the gifts from their dedicated HSBC group leaders. "Smile! You are on camera!" someone shouted. The children put up their best poses and the camera went clicking away, capturing this truly memorable moment.

"HSBC is known for our long standing commitment to the local community. This money management programme for students is a worthy instance. We value the commitment of our staff members and thank them for their support and participation," said Lim Boon Teck, Corporate Sustainability Manager of HSBC Brunei.

"Again, I have to reiterate that it is critical that we, as grown-ups, reach out to establish and secure a solid financial future for our children," said Salyahrinah. "Our Money101 financial workshops were great successes. Last but not least, we would like to express our appreciation to our colleagues and clients who had taken time out of their schedules to join us in this meaningful initiative."

The two-hour workshops were held over a four-day period at Sekolah Rendah PDN Pg Jaya Sengkarai in Tutong, Sekolah Rendah Sultan Hassan Bangar in Temburong, Sekolah Rendah Mentiri in Bandar Seri Begawan and Sekolah Rendah Panaga in Kuala Belait.


HSBC staff volunteers, clients as well as students and teachers from SR PDN Pg Jaya Sengkarai.

The Global Markets department of HSBC Brunei, which led the initiative, manages the bank's treasury business, which comprises foreign exchange, money market and balance sheet management. Foreign exchange business performs trading and provides up-to-date market intelligence. Money market business is a conduit for personal and corporate deposits. Balance sheet management runs the bank's asset and liability books.


HSBC NEWS May 2011


1 DAY TO FINAL PREPARATION FOR HSBC Walk Run Cycle Charity Event

Tuesday, 24th May 2011

On May 22nd, HSBC will mark its 'WalkRunCycle' Charity event at Taman Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien with over 2,000 participants helping to raise funds for Pusat Ehsan Al-Hajjah Maryam, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA) and SMARTER Brunei.

Participants will either cycle on the 45 km route or choose to walk, run or cycle on the 8km route. With family members taking part across different categories, WalkRunCycle is clearly a special event for the whole family.


WalkRunCycle - 45km Route


Continue - Inset for the 45km Route

'8km route' category, will stand a chance to win the latest ipad 2 and other fabulous prizes. Participants who are in their costumes are encouraged to register themselves at the registration booth prior to the event.

Although the event will start at 7.00 am, all participants are advised to arrive at Taman SOAS by 6 a.m. to avoid the anticipated traffic congestion.

For safety reasons, HSBC would like to remind all cyclists that wearing safety helmets is compulsory irregardless if the participant is cycling on the 8km or 45 km route. Cyclists are also advised to ensure their bicycle is in safe working condition.

Participants are also reminded to take precautionary measure against dehydration and use proper solar protection such as hats and sunscreen.

Participants who feel that they are unable to complete the 8km route, especially those in costume, can opt for a shorter 2,5 km route.


WalkRunCycle - 8km Route


WalkRun Fun Route - 2.4km Route (Participants in costume)

Participants who feel that they are unable to complete the 8km route, especially those in co There will be plenty of support vehicles to assist cyclists on the 45km route. The Royal Brunei Police Force has advised family members of the cyclists not to follow behind the cycling peloton as it will create unwanted traffic congestion.

Royal Brunei Police Force would also like to remind motorists on the 8km and 45km route to take extra care and to be mindful of participants between 7.00a.m. and 10.00a.m.

More than $15,000 worth of lucky draw prizes are up for grabs in this charity-driven event, with the support of sponsors namely Triple Star, SCOTT, Fitness Zone, Laneige, SotoRindu restaurant & catering, Red Bull, Kingston beverage Sdn Bhd and Shopping.com.bn. Other sponsors include Interhouse Co, Armtrix Enterprise, Madmilk, IBIC Sdn Bhd, Gardenia and G4S, exclusive media supporters Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata as well as exclusive radio station Kristal FM and Brunei Tweet.

      HSBC REWARDS CORPORATE CUSTOMER
Wednesday, 18th May 2011

HSBC Brunei held a prize presentation for the winner of the first monthly draw in the HSBC's Trade and Supply Chain campaign at HSBC Bandar branch on Monday, 16 May 2011. The lucky winner was Madewa Agensi (B) Sdn Bhd, who walked away with an office furniture voucher worth BND500.

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei was on hand to present the prize and congratulate the winner.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer HSBC Brunei presenting the prize to Mr Wong Ah Chai from Madewa Agensi (B) Sdn Bhd.

The Trade and Supply Chain campaign will run until 31 July 2011, existing or new customers who have successfully complete trade transactions during this period will earn themselves one lucky draw chance per transaction for the monthly draw.

In addition to the monthly draw, there will be a Grand Draw at the end of the campaign, where 3 lucky winners will get to win an office supplies bundle set, which consists of a canon all-in-one printer, coffee maker, paper shredder, water and ice dispenser and cordless phone.

      HSBC'S WALKRUNCYCLE CHARITY EVENT ADDS ON AN ELEMENT OF FUN
Friday, 13th May 2011

As the community of Brunei Darussalam looks forward to the upcoming HSBC's biggest charity event to date, the HSBC WalkRunCycle adds on an element of fun, specifically for the participants who are taking part in the walk and run 8km category.

Participants who make a special effort dressing up in their most creative costume in this category, will stand a chance to win the latest ipad2 and other fabulous prizes.


HSBC CEO, Vincent Ho with some costumed characters for the HSBC WalkRunCycle Charity Event.

Participants who are in their costumes are encouraged to register themselves at the registration booth prior to the event. The announcement of the winners for best costume will be made during the prize presentation.

The HSBC WalkRunCycle event is supported by Triple Star, SCOTT, Fitness Zone, Laneige, SotoRindu restaurant & catering, Red Bull, Kingston beverage Sdn Bhd and Shopping.com.bn. Other sponsors included Interhouse Co, Armtrix Enterprise, Madmilk, IBIC Sdn Bhd, Gardenia and G4S.

This event is also supported by Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata as exclusive media supporters, Kristal FM as the official radio station and by BruneiTweet.

      HSBC TARGETS FIVE 'BILLION DOLLAR' MARKETS IN ASIA
Friday, 13th May 2011

***US$1bn profits each in India, Singapore and Malaysia/Indonesia***
***Greater China leadership a key growth driver***
***International connectivity to capture trade, investment and wealth flows in Asia***

HSBC expects India, Singapore and Malaysia/Indonesia to each deliver over US$1 billion in profit before tax in the medium term, joining Hong Kong and mainland China as 'billion-dollar' businesses, to accelerate the Bank's growth in the region. A sharper focus on building scale at a faster pace in the region's fast-growing markets is a key part of the strategy articulated for Asia in the HSBC Group Strategy Day held in London recently.

Peter Wong, Chief Executive of HSBC in Asia-Pacific, said: "As Asia's global bank, HSBC will cement our leadership in the region by growing aggressively in key markets as we continue to lead in Greater China. We have a solid platform for growth and a proven track record to deliver on our strategy to build a balanced and diversified business in Asia. Our distinct ability to connect customers to global opportunities in trade, investments and wealth will drive our ambitions in the world's strongest economic region."

In setting the Bank's strategic direction for Asia, Mr Wong underscored three areas of focus to drive growth: expand leadership in Greater China; build scale in key markets (Hong Kong, mainland China, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia) and strengthen cross-border capabilities to lead in international connectivity.

HSBC is the largest foreign bank in Greater China with over 270 outlets across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. In Hong Kong, where the Bank delivered profits of US$1.6 billion and grew revenues by 8 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, HSBC holds the largest market share in deposits, credit cards, mortgages and local bonds. HSBC aims to break into new leadership segments such as insurance and equity capital markets while capturing opportunities from the emerging mass affluent Chinese and businesses with international needs.

Mr Wong stressed that stronger connectivity with mainland China will not only redefine the strategy for HSBC's business in Hong Kong, but will become a key driver of revenues across HSBC's network in Asia and globally.

Mr Wong said: "China is increasingly becoming a major trade and investment partner for many countries in Asia and across the world. HSBC currently works with 60 per cent of the top 100 PRC companies with overseas investments and we expect to grow these relationships as we continue to invest in our cross-border capabilities, such as expanding the coverage of our dedicated China desks beyond 14 markets globally."

Outside of Greater China, which is expected to continue to deliver multi-billion dollar profits, the Bank is looking to the potential of Asia's fast-growing economies to boost the contribution of the rest of Asia-Pacific.

In India, where HSBC made nearly US$700 million in 2010, the Bank is aiming to reach US$1 billion in profit before tax in the medium term. The strategic focus is to lead financing for the country's top domestic and international companies while tapping into mass affluent overseas Indian populations to grow wealth management.

As Singapore strengthens its position as a regional wealth and trading hub, HSBC plans to add relationship managers for Premier and Private Banking while expanding its structured trade finance capabilities to reach its US$1 billion profit ambition in this market.

HSBC also aims to generate US$1 billion from Malaysia and Indonesia combined in the medium term, as the Bank strengthens its Islamic finance capabilities and builds on its recent investment in Bank Ekonomi to expand relationships with Indonesia's significant SME segment.

Australia is also seen as a priority market with its increased trade connections with Greater China and its growing mass affluent population with Chinese linkages, providing HSBC with a clear competitive advantage to lead in the international banking segment.

Mr Wong said: "HSBC is wherever our customers plan to grow their wealth or expand their business. The breadth of our capabilities and unrivalled international network mean that we can work harder for our customers across a range of needs as their personal and corporate growth ambitions evolve."

      FINAL PREPARATION FOR HSBC'S WALKRUNCYCLE CHARITY EVENT
Monday, 9th May 2011

In about two weeks, HSBC will hold its biggest charity event to date called the 'HSBC WalkRunCycle Charity event 2011' to raise funds towards the education of children with special needs.

For the past years, HSBC has been holding cycling events that raise funds to benefit several different causes. This year, the cycling event has been expanded to include a walkathon and a fun run to involve the wider Bruneian community.

Over 2000 participants will gather at Taman Sir Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien on 22nd May 2011, all geared up to either walk, run or cycle for three great local institutions dedicated to the education of special needs children; Pusat Ehsan Al-Hajah Maryam, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA) and SMARTER Brunei.

All participants received a bib number as well as well as a donation card to help raise fund for the three local institutions mentioned above. Participants are reminded to return their donation cards and any funds collected to their nearest HSBC branch from the 9th to 14th May 2011. Participants will then receive exclusive HSBC merchandise comprising of a t-shirt and a water bottle, a one week free pass for two (2) people at Fitnesszone and a gift from Laneige.

In addition, participants will also receive a chance at the lucky draw, which offers a host of attractive prizes ranging from Scott Bikes, Fitness Zone Memberships, various electronic devices, DVD players, cameras and much more. Collectively the prizes are worth more than $15,000.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability said," We are extremely excited at the overwhelming response and we're very humbled by the sheer number of Bruneians that have demonstrated their support for this event. Even after the closing date, we continued to receive participation requests. Although we are not taking any more participants, members of the public can still contribute to the three institutions by donating through HSBC branches until 20th May 2011. The overwhelming response and support has given us the motivation to provide a memorable experience for all participants".

The HSBC WalkRunCycle event is also supported by Triple Star, SCOTT, Fitness Zone, Laneige, SotoRindu restaurant & catering, Red Bull, Kingston beverage Sdn Bhd and Shopping.com.bn. Other sponsors included Interhouse Co, Armtrix Enterprise, Madmilk, IBIC Sdn Bhd, Gardenia and G4S.

This event is also supported by Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata as exclusive media supporters, Kristal FM as the official radio station and by BruneiTweet.

      HSBC ADVANCE LUCKY CUSTOMER AWARDED BND4,000
Monday, 9th May 2011

HSBC has awarded a total of BND16,000 to four lucky customers who signed up for HSBC Advance during the HSBC Advance Promotion from 01 March 2011 to 30 April 2011. HSBC Advance is an unique banking relationship that helps customers to manage money more efficiently, make better informed financial decisions, develop realistic plans for one's future and achieve one's plans by providing the right knowledge, products and support.

On Friday, 6 May 2011, HSBC held a prize presentation event, for the final lucky winner who was awarded BND4,000 by simply joining HSBC Advance during the promotion period. Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, presented the prize to Md Louis Abdullah.


Md Louis Abdullah receiving his prize from Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.

Dayangku Hamidah commented, "HSBC Advance complements our 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 our customers from one stage of wealth to the next. In Brunei, we are excited to support our mid-market customers, from their day-to-day banking, to their wealth management and protection goals, to their emerging international banking needs. We are committed to build a lifelong relationship with them as they advance towards financial success."

With HSBC Advance, customers get a comprehensive view of their financial status from an easy-to-read consolidated statement with the benefit of one integrated account which offers convenient access and efficient financial management.

      MEET HSBC YEA TOP 3 TEAMS
Thursday, 5th May 2011

Today, HSBC announced the top three teams who will be competing for the Gold Award in the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA) Competition 2010-2011 Brunei Finals, which will be held on Saturday, 21 May 2011 at Dewan Raya, Radio Televisyen Brunei.

The successful finalists selected to compete in the Brunei Finals:


Marzianatul Farhana Muda Yusran (Business School) and Mardhiah Zawani Muda Yusran (Sekolah Menengah Masin) of White Rose


Vaishnavi Malarazhagan (Pusat Tingkatan Enam, Katok), Hettiarachchige Dona Prasadi Nirmalie Samaranayake (Pusat Tingkatan Enam, Katok) and Jah Izzati binti Dato Paduka Haji Jaidin (Pusat Tingkatan Enam, Katok) of Green Gems


Goh Chai Li (Universiti Brunei Darussalam) and Nuruldiana Mak Haji Mohammad Sufri (Universiti Brunei Darussalam) of Net Circle.

The top three teams in this competition will win themselves attractive prizes with the Gold Award winners taking home BND3,000, trophies and certificates, while the Silver Award winners will receive BND2,000, trophies and certificates, and for the winners of the Bronze Award, they will receive BND1,000, trophies and certificates. The three winning teams (Gold, Silver and Bronze winners) will be given the opportunity to take a weeklong study trip to Hong Kong, where the Gold Award winners will be competing with the winners from other regions for a cash prize of HK$100,000 (approximately BND16,000).

All three teams will attend a week long entrepreneurial trip in Hong Kong where they will have the chance to experience the real world of business by mingling with successful entrepreneurs and visit the successful companies in Hong Kong. On top of all that, participants will also attend workshops on communication and leadership skills with seminars on successful businesses and eco-businesses.

During the HSBC YEA Competition 2010-2011 Brunei Finals, the results for the Best Visual Presentation Award, Eco-Business Innovation Award and Social Responsibility Award will be announced. The Eco-Business Innovation Award looks at how the business plan can create a positive impact on the environment, while the Social Responsibility Award which looks at how the business plan can create a positive impact on the society,. In addition, the Best Visual Presentation Award will be awarded to the team that has received the most votes online for the one minute visual presentation which was uploaded on the HSBC YEA website.

HSBC Young Entrepreneurs Award (YEA) was launched in Brunei in January 2008 to give incentives to young entrepreneurs from the local tertiary level institutions to promote their entrepreneurial skills. This year, the HSBC YEA competition also runs in six other countries; Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and China-Shanghai.


Ms Ruey Chong, Manager Commercial Banking HSBC conducting the Presentation Skill workshop.

"The presentation skill was helpful as I learnt how to include important contents in our presentation slides and how to summarise to create an impact. Our mentor, Judy, is very professional and helpful. We managed to do a dry-run with her last week and I must say, because of the practice that we had with our mentor, we are very confident today and we are ready to win this competition", said Marzianatul Farhana Muda Yusran, the team leader of White Rose.


One of the Top 8 team presenting their business proposal to the panel of judges during the Presentation Skills workshop.

The top three teams in this competition will win themselves attractive prizes, with the winning team taking home a self-development fund of $3,000, trophies, certificates and an opportunity to compete in the regional competition in Hong Kong this coming June 2011, where they will stand the chance of winning a business development fund of HK$100,000.

HSBC Young Entrepreneurs Award (YEA) was launched in Brunei in January 2008 to give incentives to young entrepreneurs from the local tertiary level institutions to promote their entrepreneurial skills. This year, the HSBC YEA competition also runs in six other countries; Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and China-Shanghai.

      SELECTING HSBC YEA TOP 3 TEAMS
Thursday, 5th May 2011

HSBC will be announcing the top three teams of the Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA) Competition 2010-2011 tomorrow, 5 May 2011.

The eight teams Peyton, Ayer, Green Gems, Net Circle, Q & A, White Rose, Focus to Square and Triple A qualified to the third round where they presented their business plan and were interviewed by a panel of judges on their business proposal on Friday 29 April 2011 at HSBC Conference Room, Bandar.


Judges sharing their views.

It was a challenge for the judges when selecting the top three teams, especially in terms of determining whether an imaginative idea can survive in the real world.

David Lee, Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking, HSBC Brunei, who is also one of the judges, said that he was pleased and impressed with the teams' overall performances, especially on the detailed explanation of the products as well as the confidence and creativity they showed in delivering the presentation. The teams also showed great team work during the presentation.


Ricky Lim, Business Relationship Manager from Commercial Banking, HSBC Brunei in a discussion with his team members during the couching session after the workshop.

He added, "In order to convince the judges on the vialibility of a product or service, participants need to show that they have an understanding of the current market and focus on a realistic financial planning."


Panel of judges reading through the proposal and give out the scoring on each of the proposal after the team's presentation.

Before the teams compete for the top three, they attended a presentation skills workshop conducted by Ruey Chong, Manager Commercial Banking, HSBC Brunei, to refine their business plan presentation as well as to sharpen their public speaking skills. Ruey commented, "The workshop is geared towards providing them with the tools and support in the form of mentors, to help build up their self confidence and presentation skills based on knowledge sharing from the HSBC Speakers Group under the Toastmaster's International umbrella. The mentors were in place to help the teams focus on their presentations, crystallize what is their Unique Selling Point and also provide constructive feedbacks on their dry-run presentation ahead for the Friday's presentation and panel review."


Ms Ruey Chong, Manager Commercial Banking HSBC conducting the Presentation Skill workshop.

"The presentation skill was helpful as I learnt how to include important contents in our presentation slides and how to summarise to create an impact. Our mentor, Judy, is very professional and helpful. We managed to do a dry-run with her last week and I must say, because of the practice that we had with our mentor, we are very confident today and we are ready to win this competition", said Marzianatul Farhana Muda Yusran, the team leader of White Rose.


One of the Top 8 team presenting their business proposal to the panel of judges during the Presentation Skills workshop.

The top three teams in this competition will win themselves attractive prizes, with the winning team taking home a self-development fund of $3,000, trophies, certificates and an opportunity to compete in the regional competition in Hong Kong this coming June 2011, where they will stand the chance of winning a business development fund of HK$100,000.

HSBC Young Entrepreneurs Award (YEA) was launched in Brunei in January 2008 to give incentives to young entrepreneurs from the local tertiary level institutions to promote their entrepreneurial skills. This year, the HSBC YEA competition also runs in six other countries; Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and China-Shanghai.

      HSBC REWARDS CUSTOMERS WHO PERFORMED ONLINE TELEGRAPHIC TRANSFER
Thursday, 4th May 2011

HSBC held a prize presentation event for the first two lucky winners of the HSBC Online Telegraphic Transfer Campaign's Monthly Draw on Tuesday, 3 May 2011.

The lucky winners of the first Monthly Draw were the Raya Bersama Sendirian Berhad Company who won a Lenovo Desktop, while NBT (Brunei) Sendirian Berhad Company won a Samsung Mono Laser printer.

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present and congratulate the representatives from Raya Bersama Sendirian Berhad Company and NBT (Brunei) Sendirian Berhad Company.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer HSBC (centre) with the representatives from Raya Bersama Sendirian Berhad Company and NBT (Brunei) Sendirian Berhad Company as well as HSBC Relationship Managers.

The Online Telegraphic Transfer Campaign will run until 15 June 2011. New or existing customers who perform online telegraphic transfer transaction through HSBCnet or Business Internet Banking will stand a chance to win a Lenovo Desktop or Samsung Mono Laser Printer for the monthly lucky draws. While for the Grand Draw prize, HSBC is giving away a Company Retreat Package for 10 persons which includes one night accommodation and dining.

      HSBC PREMIER CELEBRATES MOTHER'S DAY
Monday, 2nd May 2011

HSBC Premier celebrates Mother's Day with a gift-making event for its Premier customers and their children at HSBC Premier Centre, Bandar Branch on Friday, 29 April 2011.

For this special occasion, HSBC has invited Beverly Sim, the owner of Shabby Chic for a scrapbooking demonstration. Scrapbooking is the practice of combining photos, memorabilia and stories in a decorated album.

"Scrapbooking is a hobby that has been growing in popularity. We have organized this fun activity especially for children from four to eight years old to express themselves, as well as to preserve their memories in a unique and creative way." commented, Christina Ong, Relationship Manager, International Banking Centre, HSBC Brunei.

About 20 HSBC Premier customers and their children participated in the scrapbooking activity, accompanied by their Premier Relationship Officers. They were all smiles upon the completion of their wonderful scrapbooking.

Rohani Haji Mohd Salleh, Manager Premier Centre, HSBC Brunei, said, "Our Mother's Day projects are fun for the whole family, and the children get such a sense of accomplishment and pride from giving their mother a gift they have made. Personal handmade gifts are so much more meaningful to the recipient, and our activity has lots of great ideas for making that special gift."


Christina Ong, Relationship Manager, International Banking Centre, HSBC Brunei, participated in the activity.


The children are engaged in the activity.

HSBC Premier reinforces one of the core pillars, You and Your Family, which takes family dimensions into account. Longer life spans and growth in trans-generational matters, as well as changing family structures with blended families require high quality advice on how to organise assets and protect one's family. The children of our HSBC Premier customers also benefit at various stages of their lives with free access to HSBC Premier international services up to the age of 25 - particularly useful for young people studying overseas. HSBC Premier KidzSaver is also available which is an exclusive banking service tailored for the children of HSBC Premier customers.


HSBC NEWS April 2011


HSBC WELCOMES MAKTAB SOAS FOR AN EDUCATIONAL TRIP

Friday, 29th April 2011

HSBC hosted an educational visit for a group of Year 11 Accounting students and teachers from Maktab SOAS on Wednesday, 27 April 2011.


A memorable group picture of the visit with Alan Liew, Assistant Manager Human Resources, HSBC Brunei (2nd row: Right) at Banking Hall.

On hand to greet the students was Alan Liew, Assistant Manager Human Resources, HSBC Brunei. This was followed by a short briefing about HSBC Brunei and the highlights of the day-to-day banking operations.


Alan Liew, Assistant Manager Human Resources, HSBC Brunei gave a brief presentation about HSBC.

After the presentation, all students were taken on a brief tour to various departments such as Marketing and Group Communications, Global Markets, Premier Centre and the BSB Branch. They were welcomed by the department representatives followed by a brief introduction. The students had opportunities to interact with the HSBC staff in a question and answer session during the tour.


The students were listening attentively during the tour.

Teo Seh Chien, Head of Human Resources, HSBC Brunei commented, "We are very keen to support local education institutions to widen their students' awareness and exposure to the banking operations and the possibility of a career within banking institution. We hope that this visit will provide the students a valuable insight of how HSBC works and the challenges on its day-to-day operations."

      HSBC BRUNEI GOES GREEN FOR EARTH DAY
Monday, 25th April 2011

On Friday 22 April 2011, HSBC Brunei staff decided to go green in celebration of Earth Day. As an organisation that both actively promotes and pro-actively supports green initiatives, Earth day is one of the important days in HSBC's Corporate Sustainability calendar.

HSBC staff were also encouraged to do at least one green act this Earth Day. Several staff took alternative means to work, such as choosing to cycle from home which is a more environmental friendly mode of transportation, instead of driving. Staff also took the opportunity to bring in recyclable waste from their homes which were then duly deposited into the available recycling bins. Staff also wore green to work, to show their support and promote awareness of this green campaign.


HSBC staff supports Earth Day by wearing green.

All these efforts were in support of the Earth Day Network's theme, 'A Billion Acts of Green' with the goal of amassing one billion environmental actions in advance of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable development in Rio di Janeiro.


Some staff took the initiative to bring in their recyclable waste from their homes to deposit into the recycling bins.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei, commented, "The current environmental problem that we are encountering is a result of our own lifestyle choices. Thus, if every individual commits to doing one act of green, the accumulative result will be significant. By encouraging our staff to pledge their own commitment, individually and collectively as a bank, we too can contribute to this positive change."

In addition to its environment commitment, ensuring education is accessible to disadvantaged children is also an important part of HSBC's Corporate Sustainability strategy.

In the upcoming HSBC charity event 'WalkRunCycle' on the 22 May 2011, members of the public will have the opportunity to help raise funds for three local NGOs dedicated to the education of special need children; Pusat Ehsan Al-Hajah Maryam, KACA and SMARTER. Members of the public who are interested to participate can obtain registration forms from all HSBC branches, Triple Star Kiulap and FitnessZone. The closing date for registrations in on the 30 April 2011. For more details and information, visit www.walkruncycle.com


Manager Corporate Sustainability, Lim Boon Teck, together with other HSBC colleagues showing by example by cycling to work.

      CUSTOMER WALKS AWAY WITH BND4,000 CASH COURTESY OF HSBC ADVANCE
Monday, 25th April 2011

HSBC Advance is much more than a traditional banking service, it's a whole new way of managing your money and helps you to grow it. HSBC Advance aims to satisfy all your banking needs today and help you achieve your financial goals tomorrow. HSBC Brunei has just rewarded the third lucky winner with BND4,000 by simply joining HSBC Advance during the promotion period. The prize presentation ceremony was held at the Banking Hall of HSBC Main Office on Friday, 22 April 2011.

For customers who have not sign-up for HSBC Advance, there is still one more week left to seize the opportunity and stand a chance to win up to a maximum of BND4,000, as one (1) more lucky winner will be drawn until the end of the promotion, 30 April 2011. Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present the prize to Pehin Dato Mohd Tahir Metasan.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present the prize to Pehin Dato Mohd Tahir Metasan.

Dayangku Hamidah commented, "We believe a financial aspiration is the key to everyone's future financial independency. We are delighted to bring HSBC Advance as a pioneer in a truly integrated wealth management proposition to facilitate our customers in achieving their financial aspiration and to gain better control of planning and managing their financial in the future. The foundation is to facilitate customers to have a better tomorrow by creating, protecting and accumulating their wealth."

Dayangku Hamidah also added: "HSBC Brunei offers many benefits and services, and with HSBC Advance you'll get even more. HSBC Advance is more than a bank account as we strive to provide a comprehensive range of products and ongoing benefits which our customers can benefit from regardless of what's next on their horizon, so they can deal with life's key events - whether they're planned or unplanned."

HSBC Advance customers would also be able to enjoy much greater convenience with free access to their accounts on the Personal Internet Banking and/or manage their money around the clock safely and securely whenever and wherever, it suits our customers. HSBC Advance customers will benefit from emergency assistance in any of our 7,000 plus global branches worldwide, such as receiving emergency cash, subject to availability of funds, if they lose their cards or cash while they're aboard.

      HSBC REWARDS 5 GRAND DRAW LUCKY WINNERS
Monday, 18th April 2011

HSBC held a prize presentation for the five Grand Draw lucky winners who won themselves 10 times the credit card amount spent on a single transaction, up to a maximum of BND5,000, on Friday, 15 April 2011.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present the prizes to the Grand Draw lucky winners, Janis Margaret Seymour, Lim Tsui Feng, Lim Chee Lee, Kwan Shau Vai and Ong Jin Bee.


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei (left) taking a group photo with the winners namely, Mr Lim Chee Lee (2nd left), Ms Ong Jin Bee (middle), a representative of Ms Lim Tsui Feng (2nd right) and Ms On Phui Li, HSBC BSB Branch Manager (right).

In addition to the Grand Draw, HSBC has announced a total of 40 lucky weekly winners who have been drawn from the first week to the eight week of its credit card promotion. For the ninth and tenth weekly draws, the 10 lucky winners who won themselves BND500 each by making credit card purchases during the period of 14 March to 31 March 2011, are as follows:

Poh Hiong Kua, Mdm Liaw Shuk Chin, Agus Dida Gustiawan, Philip Brian Doyle, Chin Moi Moi, Salma Bee Noor Md Abd Latiff, Andrew Simon Mildenhall, Ayman Gamal El Din I Shafei Salem, Yoseph Susatyo and Yu Sin Kuan.

Dayangku Hamidah commented, "I would like to thank all of our customers who have been so supportive of our campaign. For HSBC cardholders who are using their cards overseas or locally, you can continue to enjoy our benefits and promotions that we offer such as HSBC's Home and Away Privilege Programme. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the 55 winners who have been selected as the lucky draw winners for this campaign."

From now till 30 April 2011, HSBC cardholders stand a chance to be one of the five (5) lucky winners to win a BND2,000 worth of shopping spree in the Grand Draw by swiping their HSBC credit cards at any of the 50 participating merchants in The Mall, Gadong.

      LUCKY HSBC ADVANCE CUSTOMER WON BND4,000
Monday, 18th April 2011

HSBC held a prize presentation event for the second lucky winner who won BND4000 by simply joining HSBC Advance during the promotion period at the Banking Hall, HSBC Bandar on Friday, 15 April 2011.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present the prize to Miss Melinda Jean Asher.


Miss Melinda Jean Asher (left) receiving her prize from Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei

HSBC rewards the lucky winner who was drawn from the pool of customers who sign up for HSBC Advance from 1 March 2011 until 30 April 2011. For customers who have not signed up for HSBC Advance, you still have two more weeks to seize the opportunity and stand a chance to win up to a maximum of BND4,000, as two (2) more lucky winners will be drawn until the end of the promotion, 30 April 2011.

Dayangku Hamidah commented, "HSBC Advance has an unrivalled mix of product features and ongoing benefits which our customers can benefit from when their financial needs changed. Besides, HSBC Advance customers will also be introduced to relationship-based banking and wealth management services where market information updates were provided by the expertise of our international banking resources. HSBC Advance brings together a unique proposition which tailor-made to fit our emerging mass affluent customers, combining the best suits of products and services addressing all your banking needs."

HSBC Advance is built around the following key areas:

Growing your wealth

A team of Accredited Financial Professionals readily to work hand in hand with you to provide professional services and support, regular financial review, market information update and tailored Investment product solutions you need to reach your financial goals.

Protection for you and your finances

Straight forward protection solutions that meet the protection needs for yourself, your family, your money and everything you valued most.

Day-to-day banking

We make your banking experience a lot easier and faster by providing multi-channel accessibility under a single integrated account. In addition, you can take advantage of preferential pricing for day-to-day banking with HSBC Advance.

International services

You can access to a range of international services as and when you need them. Alongside International Account Opening, you'll also have access to Emergency Assistance at any HSBC branch worldwide.

With online banking you are able to access, view, monitor and make real-time fund transfers amongst your HSBC global accounts* (*subject to a per transaction fee).

To get customers started on the road to wealth management, HSBC Advance provides a range of resources including a team of trained and accredited financial professionals, financial tools and monthly HSBC's views on the outlook of investment markets.

      HSBC REWARDS LUCKY WINNERS WITH PAZZION SHOES
Wednesday, 13th April 2011

HSBC presented a total of twenty (20) pairs of Pazzion shoes to the three lucky winners at Pazzion, The Mall, Gadong.

HSBC cardholders who purchased their shoes at Pazzion, during the promotion period from 25th to 29th March 2011 enjoyed 15% discount and were eligible to receive one lucky draw chance for every credit card transaction made with a minimum of spending BND50.00 in a single receipt.

Chong Nyan Mee, the lucky winner of the Grand Draw won herself 10 pairs of shoes, while the consolation prizes go to Hong Jyh Jye and Teo Ai Mooi whom each won themselves five pairs of shoes.


The three lucky winners (From left to Centre) took a group picture with Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, (2nd Right) and Pazzion owner, Emily (Right).

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present the prizes to the winners.


The Grand Prize winner received the prize from Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei.

"HSBC credit card has always been convenient for me. I'm very lucky to win 10 pairs of shoes as I will be sharing the prizes with my daughters and friends. I'm looking forward to the next promotion", commented Chong Nyan Mee, the Grand Prize winner.

HSBC cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts and rewards from now till 30 April 2011 at 50 participating merchants in The Mall, Gadong. In addition, customers who use their HSBC credit card to pay for their purchases at the participating merchants during the promotion period can also stand a chance to be one of the five (5) lucky winners to win a BND2,000 worth of shopping spree in the Grand Draw.

      HSBC CELEBRATES THE BEST RETAIL BANK 2010 AWARD WITH CUSTOMERS
Monday, 11th April 2011

HSBC hosted a high tea to celebrate with its customers upon receiving 'The Best Retail Bank 2010 Award' in Brunei at HSBC Serusop Branch recently.

Present at the event was Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei and HSBC senior managers. Over 60 customers attended the event.


Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, thanking the customers for their attending the event.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, in her welcoming remarks said, "I am also proud to announce that the Asian Banker has recently awarded HSBC Brunei as the Best Retail Bank for 2010. We are committed to provide our customers, with a "best-in-class" banking experience with our dedicated team. Our qualified and dedicated Personal Bankers and Relationship Managers have been trained to offer wealth management and Financial Planning services to our customers".


Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, gave a welcoming remarks to the customers.

The event started with a presentation by Diana Han, Foreign Exchange Dealer of Global Markets HSBC Brunei, who shared with the audience the changing landscape of the foreign exchange market and the dominant themes and market factors that are driving the prices' action today and forward. Against this backdrop, she followed to provide an interesting snapshot of foreign exchange trends and outlooks for six majorly traded currencies in 2011 from a fundamental perspective.


Diana Han, Foreign Exchange Dealer of Global Markets HSBC Brunei, gave a presentation on the Foreign Exchange outlook.

Andy Yong, Manager Product and Proposition, HSBC Brunei, shared the product information alongside the economic outlook of China and Renminbi currency. HSBC first started offering Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposit accounts and foreign exchange services to HSBC Premier, HSBC Advance and also to all retail customers in Brunei. HSBC customers who attended the event were offered special Time Deposit rates for three months upon purchasing an Open Ended Unit Trust. This promotion was part of the bank's Best Retail Bank Campaign in celebration of the bank's recognition as the Best Retail Bank in Brunei in the 10th International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards Programme.

In 2010, private retail banks in Brunei went through a tough year as they had to deal with a completely different business environment. This created a challenge which resulted in private retail banks adopting changes and working at sustaining their business. HSBC Brunei was best able to deal with the new operating environment as its business was more diversified than that of their peers. HSBC registered an impressive year-on-year growth of over 7% in retail deposits. It also managed to record impressive increases in attracting customers to its upmarket products "HSBC Premier" and "HSBC Advance".

      HSBC ADVANCE REWARDS LUCKY WINNER
Monday, 4th April 2011

HSBC Advance is a unique banking relationship that helps customers to manage money more efficiently, make better informed financial decisions, develop realistic plans for one's future and achieve one's plans by providing the right knowledge, products and support. Customers who sign-up for HSBC Advance from 01 March 2011 to 30 April 2011 will receive a chance to win up to a maximum of BND4,000 and a total of four lucky winners will be drawn throughout the promotion period.

On Friday, 01 April2011, HSBC held a prize presentation event at the Banking hall, HSBC Serusop Branch, for the first lucky winner who was awarded twice his salary by simply joining HSBC Advance during the promotion period. Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, was present at the event. Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, presented the prize to Pengiran Kahar Pengiran Md Salleh.


A group picture taken with the winner with Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei and Dk Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management.

Dayangku Hamidah commented, "HSBC Advance complements our strategy to be the leading Retail Banking & Wealth Management provider for the world's growing emerging affluent segment through a global standard of services that will take our customers from one stage of wealth to the next. In Brunei, we are excited to support our mid-market customers from their day-to-day banking to their wealth management or protection goals and to their international banking needs. We are committed to build a life-long relationship with our customers as they advanced towards financial success."

To get customers started on the road to wealth management, HSBC Advance provides a range of resources including a team of trained and accredited financial professionals, financial tools and monthly HSBC's views on the outlook of investment markets. In addition, customers have a comprehensive range of products such as investment, insurance and savings products to choose from.


HSBC NEWS MARCH 2011


HSBC PREMIER BONDS WITH CUSTOMERS

Thursday, 31st March 2011

HSBC Premier held a basic cross stitch demonstration for its Premier customers and their children yesterday at HSBC Premier Centre, Bandar Branch.

About 20 HSBC Premier customers and their children were hands-on with the cross-stitch activity demonstrated by Farah Lisa Farid, Premier Relationship Officer, HSBC Staff.


HSBC Premier customers and their children showing their beautiful cross-stitch patterns.

Cross-stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture and it makes one's past-time worthwhile. The customers and their children were accompanied by HSBC Relationship Managers, together they showed their creativity in different unique cross-stitch patterns.


HSBC Relationship manager guiding the customer and the children on the cross-stitch activity.

Rohani Haji Mohd Salleh, Manager Premier Centre, HSBC Brunei, said, "It's an enjoyable activity which we have conducted especially for Premier customers and their children during the school holidays. We would like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation for our customers and also be more connected with them."


      HSBC GLOBAL MARKETS CONDUCTED FX WORKSHOPS FOR CUSTOMERS
Wednesday, 30th March 2011

HSBC Brunei Global Markets Team hosted two sessions of Currency Outlook workshops for their Corporate and Premier customers in Bandar and Kuala Belait recently. Salyahrinah Yahya, Treasurer, Global Markets HSBC Brunei, On Swee Long Senior Corporate Dealer, Global Markets HSBC Brunei, and other Corporate Banking and Premier Relationship Managers were also present at the event.


A group photo of Global Markets Team from HSBC Brunei with Salyahrinah Yahya (front row, 1st from right), Diana Han, Foreign Exchange Dealer (front row, from left) and On Swee Long (back row: 5th from left) and the customers at KB session.

Salyahrinah, commented, "At HSBC Brunei, we recognise that our role as a bank is not only to meet the various banking needs of our customers, but also the importance of providing value-added services like sharing our market knowledge which can help customers with their business decisions. More than ever now, understanding of price dynamics in the forex market has made it more difficult by the ever changing dominant forces, excessive volatility, huge uncertainties and unforeseen events unfolding around the world. For continuously five years in a row, Global Markets has been conducting informative currency outlook workshops, and we are proud and will continue to stay committed to this meaningful initiative by keeping our customers up to date with the latest and best of research".

Swee Long added that the event was indeed a great opportunity to mingle around with the bank's valued customers, allowing the team to share thoughts and gain better understanding of their banking needs. "We always believe in building a foundation based on strong partnership and long-term relationship, and this is definitely our way forward to improve and ensure better services and experience for our customers," said Swee Long.





On Swee Long, Senior Corporate Dealer from Global Markets, HSBC Brunei, mingling with valued customers at the BSB workshop.

During the workshops, Diana Han, Foreign Exchange Dealer of Global Markets HSBC Brunei shared with her audience the changing landscape of the FX market and the dominant themes and market factors that are driving the FX price action today and forward. Against this backdrop, she followed to provide an interesting snapshot of FX trends and outlooks for six majorly traded currencies in 2011 from a fundamental perspective. She wrapped up the sessions with 2011-12 FX rates and global policy rates forecasts; and at the conclusion, showed two short videos titled "The Broken Nexus in Currency Market" by David Bloom, Global Head of FX Research, HSBC and "Spotlight on Technical Analysis: What the charts say about markets in 2011" featuring Murray Gunn, Head of Technical Analysis, HSBC. At the end of the talk, customers had the opportunity to network and share information with the Corporate Banking and Premier Relationship Managers; as well as the Global Markets Team from HSBC Brunei.


Diana Han, Foreign Exchange Dealer from Global Markets, HSBC Brunei, presenting currency outlook to audiences at the BSB session.

      MORE LUCKY HSBC CUSTOMERS REWARDED
Wednesday, 30th March 2011

HSBC has announced a total of 30 lucky winners who have been selected from the first week to the sixth week of its credit card promotion. For the seventh and eight weekly draws, the 10 lucky winners who have made credit card purchases during the period of 28 February to 13 March 2011, are as follows:

Hajah Dayang Yusmawati Haji Awang Abdul Alim, Ismi Bismi, Franciscus Johannes Hermsen, Jodelson Pilar Ricamara, Viswanathan Bharathi, Lee Khin Pek, Carlos Eduardo Pinillos Ramirez, Koh Chin Kok, Wong Chui Ping and Ta Wei David Mok.

As tomorrow is the final day of the promotion, HSBC cardholders can still seize the opportunity, and stand a chance to enter into the 5 weekly draw prizes of BND500 each. In addition to the weekly prizes, HSBC cardholders can also look forward to the exciting prizes in the Grand Draw. All cardholders who swipe their HSBC credit card on any daily purchases until 31 March 2011 will be entered into the Grand Draw, where a further five (5) lucky winners will win 10 times the credit card amount spent on a single transaction up to BND5,000 maximum.

HSBC credit card holders who are travelling and use their HSBC credit card overseas can also enjoy more rewards with HSBC's Home & Away Privilege Programme, which offers an array of fabulous discounts and privileges around the world, at over 19,000 outlets in more than 160 countries and territories.

      HSBC SUPPORTS EARTH HOUR FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING
Tuesday, 29th March 2011

During the weekend, Giant Hypermarket, Rimba, Hua Ho Manggis Mall and Supa Save Beribi welcomed Team HSBC Brunei during the inaugural "No Plastic Day" in distributing out HSBC re-usable bags to shoppers when making their purchases.

The personnel at the respective supermarkets were extremely pleased with the HSBC teams that were deployed to the various branches not only in providing free re-usable bags but also to assist shoppers in packing up their groceries.


HSBC team member with a happy customer using the HSBC re-usable bag

HSBC's team accompanied the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Development , Awang Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos and his officers to some of their rounds in the distribution.


Permanent Secretary distributing HSBC Re-usable Bags to customer

In the evening, on the same day, HSBC participated in Earth Hour and switched off all non-essential lighting in its headquarters in the capital while volunteers symbolically spelt out the number '60' and plus sign using candles as well as HSBC Sun Jars at the Yayasan Shopping Complex.


HSBC Bandar Branch during Earth Hour.

HSBC Serusop branch also conducted several fun activities to educate children on Earth Hour. The participants took part in Earth Hour games as well as art activities using re-cycled materials. A Go-Green mini exhibition will also be held till 31 March at the branch.

"I am pleased with the positive feedback that we have received from both the shoppers and the personnel from the respective supermarkets on the distribution of the HSBC re-usable bags and at the same time showing our continued commitment to the environment by participating in Earth Hour. There is only one Earth and we hope that our efforts in HSBC globally will ensure that our future generation will be able to enjoy living on this planet longer", commented Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei.

      HSBC "LED" THE WAY IN GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday, 29th March 2011

With the recent re-opening of the HSBC Serusop Branch, the contemporary look with its modern interiors is also equipped with green technology.

In 2010, HSBC Brunei became the first company in Brunei to opt for FSC certified papers.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization devoted to encourage the responsible management of the world's forests. Products bearing the FSC logo guarantees that the wood / paper pulp are from a certified well-managed forest.

In 2011, HSBC Brunei further demonstrates its leadership in green technology by becoming one of the first organisation in Brunei to use LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting system in its office premises.

The power rating of a single LED lighting fixture is 85% lower than conventional fluorescent lighting fixture. Although LED consumed far less energy, illumination is comparable to conventional florescent lighting system. LED lighting system is expected to last 5 times longer than conventional florescent light tube. Furthermore, unlike florescent light tube, LED is mercury free, so it does not release toxic substance when disposed.


The LED Lighting


The inside of the LED lighting

Over 50 of these LED lighting fixture have been installed in the back office area of the newly renovated HSBC Serusop Branch. Annual energy saving from the LED light is estimated to be about 7000 KWh or equivalent to the reduction of 560 kg of Carbon Dioxide emission.


LED Lighting at the back office in HSBC Serusop Branch

"Over the years, we have taken many concrete actions to lower our operation impact on the environment. FSC paper, Prius and LED lights are just a few examples. We will continue to look for opportunities to adopt green technology and practices. More importantly, we hope other local companies will adopt these new technologies and practices as well, because they save monies and the environment."commented Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei.

      HSBC BRUNEI LAUNCHES RENMINBI DEPOSITS AND REMITTANCES
Monday, 28th March 2011

HSBC is the first bank in Brunei to cater 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 affirmed HSBC's leadership position in international trade and it has paved way for more exciting trade opportunities for local businesses with China. HSBC's global footprint and longstanding presence in China strongly position us to help our clients benefit from RMB business opportunities.

Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei, said "With our new capability to trade in RMB, we are well positioned to provide our corporate banking customers with direct RMB services to grow their international trade business with mainland China."

HSBC's RMB services for our corporate customers include Account Opening, Term Deposits, Payments Settlement and Remittances designed to provide the flexibility to facilitate your cash management and trading needs in RMB locally and internationally. Its trade settlement services will also cover all common types of outward remittances and import and export trade transactions including Documentary Credits and Documentary Collections.

With around 7,500 offices in 87 countries and territories around the world, including a strong presence in China, HSBC has an established international network to support its corporate customers in cross border business.

      HSBC'S NEW LOOK IN SERUSOP BRANCH
Thursday, 24th March 2011

HSBC has relaunched its Serusop Branch, which was recently revamped with an innovative look. The opening ceremony took place at HSBC Serusop Branch, and it was officiated by the Guest of Honour, Haji Mohammad Rosli Bin Haji Sabtu, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam.


The opening ceremony was officiated by the Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia, Haji Mohammad Rosli Bin Haji Sabtu, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam (C) accompanied by Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei (R) and Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei (L).


Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei (R), presents the souvenir to Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia, Haji Mohammad Rosli Bin Haji Sabtu, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam (C).

Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei in his welcoming remarks said, "Our newly refurbished Serusop branch follows the launch of our Global Design Standards which was from the feedback of our customers and colleagues across the Group. Within the next few years, we will see the same exciting transformation to all our other branches as well. With our recent winnings as the Best Retail Bank for 2010, we are committed to provide our customers with a "best-in-class" banking experience leveraging from our Global Proposition."

With the relaunch of HSBC Serusop Branch, it now has a contemporary look that comes with modern interiors and a new Premier meeting room. This was especially designed to allow the bank's team of experts to bring the best of services to its customers.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei said, "HSBC Serusop Branch is strategically located to serve customers within the residential and commercial areas around Berakas. I would envisage that customers welcome the expansion as the branch can now accommodate and serve more customers during the branch opening hours. Moreover, HSBC Serusop branch is the only branch with extended opening hours for customer servicing."

Customers are welcome to perform their day to day banking at HSBC Serusop branch with its operational extended hours. For general account and product services, the opening hours are from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm (Mondays to Fridays), 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (Saturdays) and 11.00 am to 4.00 pm (Public Holidays). As for counter services, the opening hours are from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (Mondays to Fridays) and from 9.00 am to 11.30 am (Saturdays).

      HSBC ONLINE GIVES BUSINESS BANKERS INTERNATIONAL PRIVILEGES
Tuesday, 22nd March 2011

At a time when companies are consolidating their local and international banking arrangements and looking for solutions to manage their payments more effectively, HSBC's electronic banking can simplify clients' banking arrangements by providing a range of online products and services on a single global platform.

HSBC launched its Online Telegraphic Transfer Campaign from now until 15 June 2011. New or existing customers who perform online telegraphic transfer transaction through HSBCnet or Business Internet Banking will stand a chance to win a Lenovo Desktop or Samsung Mono Laser Printer for the monthly lucky draws. While for the Grand Draw prize, HSBC is giving away a Company Retreat Package for 10 persons that include one night of accommodation and dining. For more information, log onto www.hsbc.com.bn.

"HSBC's business customers need individual and local attention," said Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei. He added, "But they also want real time access to manage and control over their finances when they want it, where they want it and how they want it. They can take full advantage of our comprehensive global network and utilize our award winning Internet Banking platform to conduct international payments safely and conveniently".

HSBC was voted Best Corporate Institutional Internet Bank in Brunei in 2010 for the 3rd subsequent years by clients in the Global Finance award. This award highlights HSBC world class internet banking platform.

      HSBC WINS BEST RETAIL BANK AWARD IN BRUNEI
Monday, 21st March 2011



HSBC Brunei is the sole winner in Asia for Best Retail Bank in Brunei.

In a challenging economic market, HSBC Brunei adopted an all-rounded theme of improving its retail banking on various fronts. It increased resources and provided a "one-stop solution" for mortgages.

Over 170 banks and financial institutions from 29 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa were evaluated as part of the International Excellence in Retail Financial Services programme.

HSBC has been named the winner of the Best Retail Bank in Brunei at the 10th International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards Programme. The bank received the award at The International Excellence in Retail Financial Services 2011 Awards ceremony, held in conjunction with the region's most prestigious retail banking event, the Excellence in Retail Financial Services Convention. The ceremony was held at the Shangri La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on March 11th 2011.

About 150 senior bankers from award-winning banks in 29 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa attended the glittering event that recognises their efforts in bringing superior products and services to their customers.

The awards programme, administered by The Asian Banker and refereed by prominent global bankers, consultants and academics, is the most prestigious of its kind.

A stringent three-month evaluation process based on a balanced and transparent scorecard used to determine the winners and the positions of various retail banks in the region is attached.

HSBC is the winner for Best Retail Bank in Brunei.

Private retail banks in Brunei went through a tough year as they had to deal with a completely different business environment. The introduction of new credit policies created a challenge which resulted in private retail banks adopting changes and working at sustaining their business. HSBC Brunei was best able to deal with the new operating environment as its business was more diversified than that of their peers. HSBC registered an impressive year-on-year growth of over 7% in retail deposits. It also managed to record impressive increases in attracting customers to its upmarket products "HSBC Premier" and "HSBC Advance".

In a challenging economic market, HSBC Brunei adopted an all-rounded theme of improving its retail banking on various fronts. It increased resources and provided a "one-stop solution" for mortgages.

In its attempt to diversify its portfolio, mortgages were a critical success factor-it managed to increase its market share by 3% in the first half of 2010. SME Banking was another key area that registered impressive growth for the bank.

Innovation also played a key role in enabling the bank to outperform its competitors. It extended its reach by developing new applications catering for specific platforms such as the iPhone. This saw it gain popularity among the increasingly tech-savvy Brunei population. Process-enhancement was also important for the bank in 2010, as it revamped its business model and sought opportunities for outsourcing management of its self-service terminals.


Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei with the Best Retail Bank Award 2010 in Brunei.

Chris Kapfer, head of Asian Banker Research, says: "By leveraging on the support of its global network, HSBC Brunei has been able to enrich the lives of its customers in Brunei through the offering of superior products at reasonable prices. At the same time, improvements to back-end operations were paramount in ensuring that an excellent retail banking platform was available to all customers."

Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer HSBC Brunei said, "We are thrilled to win the Best Retail Bank 2010 Award in Brunei. Our key business goals are three folds: Our Customers, Our Infrastructure and Our People. Leveraging on our Global Propositions (Premier, Advance and Business Banking), we remain committed to providing our customers with a 'best-in-class' banking experience. We also continue to simplify our infrastructure and operating procedures to improve efficiency and customer experience".

"I am privileged to work with such a committed team here in Brunei and this award is a testament to their efforts. This win is dedicated to our customers, for their support in our drive for products and service excellence and to our staff, for their courageous efforts in challenging themselves to outperform." added Mr Ho.

Over 170 banks in 29 countries across Asia, and this year for the first time Africa, were evaluated as part of The International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Programme.

"This year over 170 banks and financial institutions in 29 countries across Asia were evaluated as part of The Excellence in Retail Financial Services Programme in what has become the most prestigious, comprehensive and anticipated awards programme that recognises the pursuit of excellence amongst retail financial institutions anywhere in the world today" said Philippe Paillart, chairman of The International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Programme. He added: "It is amazing to see the rapid development of the retail financial services industry every year, and to experience the narrowing gap between mature and emerging market banks in terms of operational efficiency and technology."

The transparent award evaluation process uses a balanced scorecard approach and a comprehensive methodology to evaluate the strength of individual banks' retail banking businesses that involve extensive research and probing interviews, and taps the combined experience of a team of experienced researchers.

Paillart, formerly vice chairman and CEO of DBS Bank and a pioneer in the retail banking industry in the Asia Pacific region, elaborated: "The Asian Banker Excellence Programme was instituted in 2001 on the premise that an outstanding player in the retail financial services industry should build business franchises that are sustainable, competitive and profitable over a period of time. To stay abreast of the rapidly growing geographic scope of the programme, The Asian Banker has renamed the awards 'The International Retail Financial Services Awards' in 2011."

      HSBC CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Monday, 21st March 2011

On 8th of March every year, International Women's Day (IWD) is observed as a major day of celebration for the economic, political and social achievement of women.

For HSBC, it is a day to embrace diversity in the workplace and an inspiration for both female and male employees to achieve their full potential.

It was in this spirit that HSBC's Corporate Sustainability and Human Resources departments recently organised a series of activities to commemorate the recent International Women's day.

Amongst the activities were a staff photography competition and a high tea forum held at the Grand Hall of the Empire Hotel. Employees were also encouraged to wear something purple to work to raise awareness and to support IWD.

HSBC staff showed great enthusiasm and took the initiative to submit creative photos for the photography competition. The top five (5) photos were awarded with prizes which were kindly sponsored by Paloma.


All smiles as they show their support to mark the event.


HSBC staff showed their creativity in the Staff Photography Competition that marks IWD

On the 11th of March, over 70 staff were invited to attend a High Tea Forum where HSBC's female senior management shared their personal stories of achievement and adversity. The three panelists; Dayangku Fatimah Pengiran Haji Jadid, Senior Human Resources Manager, and Caroline Chong, Senior Personal Finance Services Consumer Credit Risk Manager addressed the theme of "Achieving Success in Career and Family".


A sweet treat for all HSBC female staff during the High Tea forum.

The forum was followed by a special grooming and beauty demonstration by Laneige and was followed by a prize presentation. The prizes were kindly contributed by Laneige, Paloma, Vincci, Escapade Sushi and Zen Spa.

Dayangku Fatimah Pengiran Haji Jadid, Senior Human Resources Manager said, "This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) and it is very much in line with our diversity and inclusion agenda. Diversity is a significant part of our Group's Diversity and Inclusion framework as well as a key lever to growing our business".


Dayangku Fatimah Pengiran Haji Jadid, Senior Human Resources Manager (Right), highlighted important note on diversity and inclusion 2011 agenda.


All participants were listening attentively to the Forum presented by Senior Female Leaders of HSBC Brunei.


A grooming and beauty demonstration by Laneige beauticians.

"Our staff has embraced this particular initiative with much interest. It helped to reinforce our efforts to build a more inclusive culture within HSBC and promoted the importance of diversity in the workplace," added Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability.

As part of its Diversity and Inclusion agenda, HSBC is a strong supporter of gender equality across its markets. Stuart Gulliver, Group CEO said, "Inclusion involves everyone at HSBC; we are all responsible for removing barriers that exclude people. It encompasses diversity, culture environment, process and behaviour. In an inclusive culture, we want to make sure that people feel valued, know that their views are heard, feel that their opinions count, know that their concerns will be attended to and can be confident that they are working in a culture where discrimination and harassment are not tolerated."

      HSBC CONTINUES TO REWARD LUCKY CUSTOMERS
Thursday, 17th March 2011

HSBC has announced another 10 lucky winners selected from the fifth and sixth weekly draws for credit card purchases made during the period of 14 February to 27 February 2011. The lucky winners are as follows:

Han Leong Goo
Zul Azmi Abdullah
Erdina Matussin
Ahmed Saleh Abdallah Al Shaibani
Angela Bee Hung Sim
Baharuddin Zainuddin
Dr T Devarajan Theyventheran
Charles Albert Tiltscher
Chek Sung Mok
Kung Ching Lau

HSBC cardholders have two more weeks to seize the opportunity, and stand a chance to enter into the 5 Weekly Lucky draw prizes of BND500 each. On top of the weekly prizes, cardholders can also look forward to win 10 times the credit card amount spent on a single transaction up to BND5,000 maximum in the Grand Draw where a further five (5) lucky winners will be selected. Any credit card transactions made during the promotion period,will be accumulated and entered into the Grand Draw, including customers who have won in the Weekly Lucky Draw.

HSBC cardholders can enjoy HSBC SmartPay, which is an additional feature available for customers who prefer to pay for their credit card purchases over their preferred repayment period at zero percent (0%) interest. HSBC SmartPay is conveniently available at both local and overseas merchants.

      HSBC BRUNEI WELCOMES VINCENT HO AS THE NEW CEO
Wednesday, 16th March 2011

HSBC recently organized an informal luncheon to meet and to get acquainted with the new HSBC Brunei Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Ho.


Vincent Ho, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, mingling with the media.

Mr Ho joined HSBC in Malaysia in 1991. Following assignments in personal and corporate banking, he was quickly selected to join HSBC's International Manager Cadre. He went on to hold both local and regional roles covering trade finance sales and marketing, products, operations and planning in locations such as mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico.

Prior to his appointment to HSBC Brunei, Vincent Ho was Executive Director, Cards and Collections for Latin America based in Mexico City, leading the business transformation and implementation of processes and technology platforms for HSBC's credit card operations in the region. He has also been instrumental in regionalising customer servicing processes in Latin America.

Prior to his posting in Latin America, Mr Ho was in mainland China during 2005 - 2007 where he played a key role in managing the Group's joint business initiatives with its strategic Mainland partners before becoming Head of Trade of HSBC Bank (China). Between 2001 and 2005, he led HSBC's Asia Pacific Trade sales and marketing function, based in Hong Kong.

"I am delighted to return to Asia, and I am excited to be working with our talented and dedicated Brunei team to continue providing world-class services and products to our customers, which include helping them connect to our comprehensive global network and our recent launch of Chinese Yuan Reminbi deposits," Mr Ho said.

"Success of our institution lies in our People, and I am extremely keen to continue our focus on talent development and diversity, in particular creating more dynamic roles for women. Also, HSBC Brunei has an important role to play in the local environment and I will continue to support activities focused on creating a better environment for our future generation, such as Earth Hour." he added.


Vincent Ho, CEO HSBC Brunei together with media partners.

      HSBC GUIDES CUSTOMERS TO THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS
Tuesday, 15th March 2011

As you grow older, your goals in life changes, and planning for a secure future is inevitable. With a host of Accredited Financial Professionals to guide you through each step of the way, HSBC is well equipped to prepare you for the unexpected and for the future you've been dreaming of. To support the HSBC Brunei's Wealth Management Campaign, all branches held a financial planning talk for their customers to explain the importance of financial planning and savings.

Seyed Ali Abdul Rahman, was the Grand Prize winner of the recent HSBC Wealth Management Campaign and he walked away with a 3Days-2Nights round trip for four persons to Singapore including hotel accommodation and entrance tickets to Universal Studio. Ms Lim Pea Chia, Marketing Manager of HSBC Brunei was on hand to present the Grand Prize to the winner.


Ms Lim Pea Chia, Marketing Manager of HSBC Brunei was on hand to present the prize to Mr Seyed Ali Abdul Rahman, Grand Prize winner.

"HSBC's guidance on debt management and financial planning services enable you to achieve your goals for your future needs." said Ms Lim. She further added: "HSBC Brunei not only offer you a one-stop solution and services to address your banking, investment and insurance needs, we also wish to impart relevant knowledge of wealth creation and management to our customers."

Last year, when the HSBC Wealth Management Campaign was launched, HSBC hosted a 2 days road show to promote free financial health checks and provided guidance on Wealth Management, Protection, Retirement and even some financial planning tips. Apart from that, the customers who successfully signed up for the financial health check were also given a chance to win a BND1,000 shopping spree which was held earlier this year at Giant Supermarket, Times Square.

HSBC's comprehensive range of wealth management products can help customers manage their wealth and provide protection for themselves and their loved ones.

      UBD STUDENTS EXPERIENCE HSBC CLIMATE CAMP
Tuesday, 15th March 2011

To raise awareness and inspire action against climate changes, HSBC recently invited 14 UBD undergraduate students onto its Climate Camp program. The two days program at Kuala Belalong Field Study Centre (KBFSC) provided the students the opportunity to learn about science and the impact of climate change.

"The program helps me to better appreciate the richness of Brunei's green heritage and it also gave me a better understanding on the climate change research done here in KBFSC" said Lim Teng Luan a third year Business Administration student.

Apart from seminar and open discussions, students were also given the opportunity to participate in real scientific research on the 25-hectare Forest Dynamic Research Plot.

In 2009, under the Heart of Borneo Initiative, HSBC Brunei together with University Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) established a 25-hectare Forest Dynamic Research Plot to understand the impact of climate change on Brunei's rainforest. With more than 160,000 trees to be surveyed, research work by scientists from UBD and CTFS is still on going after more than one and a half year.

"It is not very often that student from my faculty to have this opportunity to partake in real scientific research. It's rewarding to know that my effort will contribute to the research results which may have big impact in the future. I really appreciate this unique opportunity and experience." said Khairunnisa Ash'ari, a final year student.


All smiles after making a long and challenging journey to the top of the hill.

Tackling climate change requires concerted effort from individuals, businesses and governments. Through education and engaging program such as Climate Camp, HSBC hope more people will be inspired to take action against climate change.

"The learning session and discussions really made me rethink about my own lifestyle and consumption. I am now more aware of the changes that I need to make to ensure that I play a part in contributing to forest and biodiversity sustainability" said Nurhaziqah bte Alisa, a student from the Brunei Academy Studies, UBD.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said, "I am really glad that the students enjoyed the program. Personally, it's rewarding to know that the program has inspired these future leaders to take action".

      HSBC JOINS EARTH HOUR 2011
Friday, 11th March 2011

HSBC offices in 60 countries will be switching off their lights this year to show support for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is a global campaign that calls for individuals and businesses across the world to switch off their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26th at 8.30pm. Since 2009, HSBC Brunei has participated in this symbolic act to help raise awareness on climate change and the over-consumption of the world's resources.

Simon Martin, Head of HSBC Group Corporate Sustainability commented,"HSBC will again be supporting Earth Hour by switching off lights in its offices around the world. This symbolic act is a way of increasing awareness among our employees, customers and the wider public of the continued importance of consuming our resources responsibly. Climate change remains a clear challenge to society and it is vital that we all play our part in responding to that challenge."

The Sun Jars contain LED lights that are powered by solar panels and rechargeable batteries.


HSBC Staff with the exclusive Sun Jar.

The public will also have a chance to win these exclusive Sun Jars in the "Beyond Earth Hour Race" which will be held by Earth Hour Brunei at The MALL, Gadong, this Sunday, 13th March 2011. Members of the public who are interested to participate in the race may register at the Earth Hour Booth in the Mall starting from 10 am.

      HSBC ANNOUNCES GLOBAL ISLAMIC SECURITIES SERVICES LAUNCH
Thursday, 10th March 2011

HSBC Securities Services (HSS), in conjunction with HSBC Amanah, the HSBC Group's global Islamic financial services division, today launches HSBC Amanah Securities Services.

Amanah Securities Services has a superior footprint, offering Shariah compliant fund accounting and administration, global custody, transfer agency, banking and treasury services in 17 markets across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. With teams on the ground in each market, our clients receive the advice and assistance they need in their own time zone, language, and currency.

Germain Birgen, Head of HSBC Amanah Securities Services, says 'While we have serviced our clients in a number of locations with locally implemented Islamic solutions, we now present a globally consistent offering. Customers stand to benefit from our end-to-end Shariah compliant securities services proposition, including access to HSBC Amanah's liquidity, risk management and Shariah compliant investment solutions.'

Razi Fakih, Deputy CEO of Amanah says 'Our team of Shariah scholars have ensured that HSBC Amanah Securities Services is certified by, and strictly aligned to, Shariah principles. The launch of HSBC Amanah Securities Services demonstrates our continuing commitment to offering best in class products and services that are designed to meet the needs of our customers.'

HSBC was named Islamic Custodian of the Year by The Asset at the Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2010, which recognises and honours leading players in the Islamic finance market. HSBC Amanah recently won 'Best International Islamic Bank' at Euromoney's Islamic Finance Awards 2011 for the second consecutive year.

      HSBC REWARDS INTERNET BANKING CUSTOMER A RETRUN TRIP TO HONG KONG
Monday, 7th March 2011

Mr Edwin Lau Yew Lee, an user of HSBC Internet Banking services was the last winner of HSBC's recent campaign where all HSBC Internet Banking services user will receive a lucky draw chance when they performed online transactions such as Telegraphic Transfer, Cashier's Order, Demand Draft, Unit Trust subscription, open a Demand Deposit/Time Deposit account, perform bill payments and/or account transactions.

Mr Lau was all smiles after winning a return trip to Hong Kong and Noor Sharon Tan, Manager Channel Management, HSBC Brunei was on hand to present the prize to the the HSBC Bandar branch banking hall. Also present was Sukinah Ghani, HSBC's Self Service Banking and E-Channel Manager.


The winner

HSBC's Personal Internet Banking offers services that allow its customers to access and manage their accounts through a secure and comprehensive website. The user-friendly online service enable customers to make payments to merchants such as TelBru, DST, B.Mobile Communications, Brunei government's Electrical and Water services departments, AIA Co Ltd Premium, Great Eastern Life Co Ltd, National Insurance, Jerudong International School and International School Brunei. Customers can also make payment to their credit card as well as HSBC car loans through this online service.

HSBC's Personal Internet Banking is convenient as it allows customers to access their accounts at anytime. It also saves time, and customers can receive discounts up to 50 per cent on transaction fees for International Transfers at the comfort of their own homes.

Customers can also instantly reset their password online with the "Online Reset Password" feature. Meanwhile, HSBC Premier Customers can enjoy the convenience of the Global Transfer Function, which allows customers the real-time ability to view and transfer funds instantly between any of their HSBC accounts across the world.

      HSBC REWARDS STAFF FOR THEIR EXCELLENT AND CONSISTENT SERVICES
Monday, 7th March 2011

HSBC Brunei recently held a staff recognition event to reward its staff for their outstanding performance in customer service. Over 150 of the bank's staff and management attended the event at Holiday Lodge. The staff recognition programme is an initiative spearheaded by the bank's Service Quality team, to encourage staff to sharpen their customer service skills as well as to develop higher standards in professionalism.

Tareq Muhmood, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei was on hand to present the awards. HSBC Tutong Branch was awarded the Outstanding Retail Store Award twice for the fourth quarter in 2010, for its highest branch service performance. Jo Ann Embran, Manager of HSBC Tutong Branch said, "I'm thankful towards my team for their effort and hard work because without them, we wouldn't be able to achieve this prestigious award. This recognition reflects their commitment towards providing excellent customer service. It is my sincere hope that this award will further motivate and inspire my team and others to go the extra mile and to keep up their stellar performance. We place huge emphasis on sincerity as this generates good feelings and trust. Every morning we commit and take ownership to becoming a better and more effective listener, to be more helpful, courteous and professional. We are proud to be focused on serving our customers better".

There were four staff being awarded the Service Elite Award for their excellent and consistent service. They are: Linda Fang from Muara Retail Store, Norlena Md Daud from HFBN, Dk Mariawana Pg Idris from Jerudong Retail Store and Ak Sufi Pg Md Rambli of Kiulap Retail Store. While Lim Eng Boon from HFBN, Azizul PD Omar from PMR and Norfatinazurin Mohd Afandi from BSB Branch, who have been in the bank for less than six months were awarded the Star Performer Award, for their fast development in excellent customer service delivery.

There is an increase of support staff being awarded the Best Internal Service Partner Award for their strong support and excellent service to their colleagues. They are: Dk Yani Suriana Pg Hj Yahya, Erni Amat Hj Md Khairuddin Hj Md Kassim and Hjh Norhuwaini Mohiddin from Service Delivery; Md Salridhwanshah Hj Shahari, Siti Mainadeera Abdullah and Tan Ai Hong from Consumer Credit Risk; Zalinah Hassan from Human Resource, Oon Siew Sien from Security and Fraud Risk; Tan Boon Sin from Technical Services, Lim Shia Khim from Change Delivery and Haryani Hj Md Taib from Service Quality. All of the recipients received certificates and shopping vouchers.

For the top 20 sales and service performers in 2010, they were treated to a weekend treat in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. There, they attended the bank's annual Sales Conference from 25 to 27 Feb 2011.

Dayangku Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei said, "We could not have achieved so much throughout the year without the hard work and dedication of all our staff, and I commend everyone for their tremendous effort. The event is part of our ongoing effort to reward, recognise and ultimately motivate our staff for their service excellence. We truly believe our employees are our greatest asset and by investing in our own people and thereby making the Bank a better place to work, we're systematically building a better business for us today and for the future."

Noting that 2011 would continue to be a challenging year for all businesses, Dayangku Hamidah encouraged all employees to continue to support the Bank's goal by performing at the highest level that underpinned its success in 2010.

      BE A HSBC LUCKY CUSTOMER TO WIN BND500 EACH
Thursday, 3nd March 2011

Today, HSBC is delighted to announce the 10 lucky winners selected from the third and fourth weekly draws for credit card purchases made during the period of 31 January to 13 February 2011. The lucky winners are as follows:

Phua Tiew Chin Jenny
Philip Spencer Quinn
Haji Shamsul Ariffin Md Mansor
Marilyn Yun Mei Yap
Fung Hsiang Liaw
Felicity Margaret Corrie
Salinah Md Salleh
Md Ashraf Kizhakkini Yakath
Bacirea Gabriel Nicolae
Elvis Fong Shiaw Yiing

HSBC cardholders still have four more weeks to seize the opportunity, and stand a chance to enter into the 5 weekly draw prizes of BND500 each. In addition to the weekly prizes, HSBC cardholders can also look forward to the exciting prizes in the Grand Draw. All cardholders who swipe their HSBC credit card on any daily purchases from now until 31 March 2011 will be entered into the Grand Draw, where a further five (5) lucky winners will win 10 times the credit card amount spent on a single transaction up to BND5,000 maximum.

With the daily credit card transactions that HSBC cardholders spent on, they can accumulate their reward points to redeem the gift of their choice. The choices range from holidays to fine cuisine, and from household essentials to fashion apparels of the highest quality. For every BND1 charged to the credit card, cardholders will earn 1 reward point. One of the examples of reward redemptions available is the HSBC's Air Miles Programme with Royal Brunei Airlines (Royal Skies) and Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer). HSBC cardholders may convert their Reward points to Air Miles and fly to their preferred destinations.

      HSBC ADVANCE CUSTOMERS RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGES
Wednesday, 2nd March 2011

From today until 30 April 2011, sign up for HSBC Advance and stand a chance to win up to a maximum of BND4,000. Customers with a minimum gross salary of BND2,000 are eligible for HSBC Advance.

HSBC Advance is a new banking relationship that helps to manage money more efficiently, make better informed financial decisions, develop realistic plans for one's future and achieve one's plans by giving the right knowledge, products and support.

HSBC Advance customers will benefit from an integrated financial services platform that will also introduce them to relationship-based banking and wealth management.

Growing your wealth - Helping you to grow your wealth and do more with your money A team of financial experts would like to work hand in hand with you to provide professional services and support, regular financial review, market information update and tailored Investment product solutions you need to reach your financial goals.

Protection for you and your finances - HSBC Advance protects what is important to you. Straight forward protection solutions that meet your needs.

Day-to-day banking - Multi channels to make banking more efficient and easier We make your banking alot easier and faster by providing multi-channel supervisor under a single integrated account. With HSBC Advance you can take advantage of preferential pricing for day-to-day banking.

International services - Provides international support. You can access to a range of international services as and when you need them. Alongside International Account Opening, you'll also have access to Emergency Assistance at any HSBC branch worldwide. With online banking you will have access to view and make real-time fund transfers among your HSBC global accounts* (*subject to a per transaction fee).

In addition, customers are able to refer their family and friends to sign up for HSBC Advance by logging on to the website at hsbcadvance.com.bn, or by completing the customer referral form attached to the leaflet. For each successful referral, customers will receive shopping vouchers worth BND100.


HSBC NEWS FEBRUARY 2011


TOP 8 SHORTLISTED IN HSBC YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

Monday, 28th February 2011

HSBC announced that eight teams made it to the third round of the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA). The teams, which submitted the one-minute visual presentation to demonstrate how innovative and commercially viable their proposed product or service is, will now turn these ideas into an actual business plan.

20 teams submitted their one-minute visual presentation for an online public vote to choose the Best Visual Presentation Award as well as an assessment by a panel of judges to choose the top eight teams. The visual presentations submitted by the teams are still available for viewing inclusive of submission from six other countries at the HSBC YEA website, www.asiayea.com. Over 2000 members of the public voted online for their favourite presentation, and the winning team will receive BND500, a team trophy for the Best Visual Presentation Award and certificates. The result will be announced in the HSBC Young Entrepreneur (YEA) Brunei Final in May 2011.

The one-minute visual presentations were judged based on creativity, originality and commercial viability. The judges were chosen from different areas of the bank, such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Marketing. The eight short-listed teams attended a business plan writing workshop, where they were guided on how to write a business plan by Ricky Lim, Business Relationship Manager, Lim Pea Chia, Manager of Marketing, Alex Lee, Business Relationship Manager from HSBC Brunei. After attending the workshop, the teams will then submit a 10-page business plan and present their proposals for another round of judging.


The students listen attentively during the presentation.


All speakers and the Top 8 teams were all smiles after completing the workshop.

The top three teams in this competition will win themselves attractive prizes with the winning team taking home a self-development fund of $3,000, trophies, certificates and an opportunity to compete in the regional competition in Hong Kong this coming June 2011, where they will stand the chance of winning a business development fund of HK$100,000 ($20,000).

HSBC Young Entrepreneurs Award (YEA) was launched in Brunei in January 2008 to give incentives to young entrepreneurs from the local tertiary level institutions to promote their entrepreneurial skills. This year, the HSBC YEA competition also runs in six other countries; Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh and China-Shanghai.

      HSBC AMANAH IS EUROMONEY'S BEST INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK FOR SECOND YEAR
Thursday, 24th February 2011

HSBC Amanah has again been named Best International Islamic Bank by Euromoney magazine, in its Islamic Finance Awards 2011. The awards are widely considered to be the most high profile accolades in the Islamic finance industry and annually recognise outstanding performance, quality, service, and innovation in the sector.

Besides Best International Islamic Bank, HSBC Amanah has also won the Best Sukuk House award for the second consecutive year, in recognition of its leading role in Islamic debt capital markets.

In 2010, HSBC Amanah continued to grow its operations in the core markets of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Malaysia, while expanding in key growth territories of Indonesia, Bangladesh, Bahrain and the UK. The business also continued to lead in several global, landmark transactions, including:

Largest Sukuk deal of the year: Saudi Electricity Company's SAR 7 billion Sukuk

Largest US dollar sovereign Sukuk: US$1.25 billion Government of Malaysia Sukuk

World's largest Shariah-compliant REIT and first Shariah-compliant listing in Singapore: US$664.4 million Sabana REIT

First project finance Sukuk by a foreign borrower in the Malaysian Ringgit capital markets: Trans Thai-Malaysia (Thailand) Limited MYR 600 million Sukuk

Mukhtar Hussain, Global CEO of HSBC Amanah, said: "HSBC Amanah is delighted to be at the forefront of a global industry which increases in scale, sophistication and penetration each year. Shariah-compliant financial services continue to grow in line with customer demands and HSBC Amanah is proud to be recognised as the premier, cross-border financial institution by Euromoney.

HSBC Amanah will continue to invest in our franchises both in the Middle East and Asia. The potential for the industry remains considerable but further efforts will need to be made to institutionalise and operationalise best practices. Notwithstanding the challenges, this remains an exciting era of opportunities."

      HSBC SERUSOP CELEBRATES CNY WITH CUSTOMERS
Monday, 21st February 2011

To liven up the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year festivities, recently HSBC Serusop Branch was decorated with ornaments and the staffs were dressed up to the occasion in colourful Cheongsams and Chinese traditional costumes.

The fun-filled activities lined up for the customers that day were The Giant Chopstick game, Guess the number of Ang Pow packets in the glass jar, Roll the Giant Dice, Crack the Cracker. Mohd Jeffrey Hj Mohd Sunny Lai was the winner of Crack the Cracker game as he managed to answer all the 5 questions related to HSBC in general and HSBC Serusop branch. Another winner for the day was Madam Yong Yong Suok, who managed to guess correctly the numbers of Ang Pows packets. Both winners received HSBC items.


A customer trying out The Giant Chopstick Game.


Mohd Jeffrey Hj Mohd Sunny Lai received HSBC item from Ms Hazlim Jack Leece, HSBC Serusop Branch Manager.


Ms Hazlim Jack Leece, HSBC Serusop Branch Manager, was on hand to present HSBC item to Madam Yong Yong Suok.

All customers were treated to an array of sumptuous buffet, which includes various types of traditional chinese delicacies. Overall, it was a memorable and successful event.


Customers enjoying the scrumptious meals.

Ms Hazlim Jack Leece, the Serusop Branch Manager, said, "As part of HSBC's diversity culture, we took the opportunity to welcome our customers to our branch to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit."

      HSBC BRUNEI STAFF HELP PLANT TREES FOR A GREENER FUTURE
Monday, 21st February 2011

As part of the ongoing efforts by the Forestry Department in planting 60,000 trees to offset tree loss, HSBC Brunei assisted with planting 150 tree seedlings at the Mangkubau water treatment plant in Kampong Mentiri recently. Over 50 HSBC Brunei staff and 20 Forestry department officials took part in the tree planting campaign.


HSBC staff working together to plant the trees.

The area around the Mangkubau water treatment plant has experienced slight deforestation due to land slides and soil erosion and the tree planting efforts were concentrated there to prevent further forest degradation.


All smiles for HSBC staff after successfully planting a few trees.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said, "We are extremely thankful to the Forestry Department for presenting us with this opportunity - our staff enjoy these chances to contribute their time and efforts . We are certainly proud to be helping in the restoration of our forests."


HSBC staff carefully place the tree seedling.


HSBC staff looking for an appropriate area to plant the tree seedling.

"HSBC Brunei has always been extremely supportive of our mission in ensuring the sustainability of the Brunei Forests. Heart of Borneo, PRYNSA, Nature Camp, Green Wave are just some of projects that HSBC supports. I applaud their ongoing efforts and look forward to future opportunities for further collaboration," added Mahmud Yussof, Deputy Director Forestry Department.

Simon Martin, Head of Group Corporate Sustainability, stresses the value of partnership between private and government agencies. Speaking at the launch of the HSBC Climate Partnership Review at Canary Wharf, he said, "Solutions to climate change require collective action involving governments, NGOs, the public and the business community.

The scale of the achievements by HSBC Climate Partnership shows that tangible results can be achieved by going beyond corporate sponsorship and adopting a more collaborative approach."

      TEN HSBC lUCKY CUSTOMER WON BND500 EACH
Wednesday, 16th February 2011

As part of HSBC's current credit card promotion ending on 31 March 2011, 10 lucky customers who used their credit card to pay for their daily expenses during the promotion period were announced as the winners of the weekly lucky draw prizes.

The lucky winners won themselves BND500 each and were selected during the weekly draws for spending made during the period of 17 January to 30 January 2011. The lucky winners are as follows:

Mr Chong Chuong Shing
Mr Lim Chin Teik
Mr Hii Hau Yi
Dayang Hajah Norhayati Metasan
Madam Yap Chai Yin
Ms Huang Shek Yin Tracy
Kamis Kassim
Dr Noorainun Awg Mohd Yusof
Awg Sabli Haji Ali
Mrs Susana Seno Harijano

HSBC cardholders can still stand a chance to win the remaining 5 weekly draw prizes of BND500 each. On top of this, all cardholders who swipe their HSBC credit card on any daily purchases during the promotion period will be entered into the Grand Draw, where a further five (5) lucky winners will win 10 times the credit card amount spent on a single transaction up to BND5,000 maximum.

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations, from 16th to 17th February, family members can gather for Chap Goh Meh (the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period), at Dynasty Restaurant and Kaizen Sushi Restaurant. All HSBC cardholders will be able to enjoy huge savings on dining discounts at the participating merchants for a maximum spending amount of BND500 in a single transaction. Premier and Platinum cardholders will have the privilege to receive a 40% discount, while a 30% discount is offered to Advance and Gold cardholders. Classic cardholders are also eligible to enjoy 15% discount when they dine at these participating restaurants.

      VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE IN HSBC YEA VIDEO COMPETITION
Monday, 14th February 2011

The HSBC Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA) 2010-2011 with the support of the Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam is gearing up for an exciting ride. In the second round, the top twenty (20) teams will be airing their one minute visual presentation on the HSBC YEA website (www.asiayea.com) and members of the public are encouraged to go online and vote for their favourite presentation. The team receiving the most votes online will be awarded the newly introduced Best Visual Presentation Award.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition which was first held in Hong Kong in 2000. There are some new changes which includes the introduction of two new awards - the Best Visual Presentation Award and the Social Enterprise Award.

The top eight (8) teams will then go through to the third round, which requires them to submit a complete business plan. In this round, there will be mentors assigned to each team to provide them with the necessary guidance and support. They will also be invited to attend a business plan writing workshop on 25 February 2011.

The top three teams in this competition will win themselves attractive prizes with the winning team taking home a self-development fund of BND3,000, trophies, certificates and an opportunity to compete in the regional competition in Hong Kong this coming June 2011, where they will stand the chance of winning a business development fund of HK$100,000 (approx. BND20,000).

In addition, all three teams will also be attending a week long entrepreneurial trip in Hong Kong where they will have the chance to experience the real world of business by mingling with successful entrepreneurs and go on corporate visits to successful companies in Hong Kong. On top of all that, participants will have workshops lined up on communication and leadership skills with seminars on successful businesses and eco-businesses.


      HSBC REWARDS INTERNET BANKING CUSTOMER A RETURN TRIP TO BANGKOK
Monday, 14th February 2011

HSBC announced the lucky winner of its on-going Personal Internet Banking promotion, rewarding customers who perform online transactions such as Telegraphic Transfers, Cashier Orders, Demand Drafts, Open Demand Deposit, Unit Trusts subscriptions and other account transactions.

A draw was conducted and the lucky winner of the promotion was Mohamad Ariffin Haji Md Ali who has won himself a return trip to Bangkok.


The winner received the prize presented by Noor Sharon Tan, Manager of Channel Management, HSBC Brunei.

The presentation took place at the HSBC Bandar branch banking hall. On hand to present the prize was Noor Sharon Tan, Manager of Channel Management, HSBC Brunei. Also present was Sukinah Ghani, HSBC's Self Service and E-Channel Banking Manager.

HSBC's award winning Personal Internet Banking offers services that allow its customers to access and manage their accounts through a secure and comprehensive website. The user-friendly online service enables customers to make bill payments, to pay school fees and to pay their credit card as well as HSBC car loans.

HSBC Brunei won the Best Consumer Internet Bank award for the sixth year running and the Best Corporate & Institutional Internet Bank award for the third consecutive year, both awarded last year by Global Finance.

Apart from the convenience, customers can also receive discounts up to 50 per cent on transaction fees for International Transfers and access to updated foreign currency conversion rates.

      HSBC WELCOMES THE YEAR OF RABBIT
Monday, 10th February 2011

HSBC customers and members of the public had the opportunity yesterday to enjoy the amazing lion dance performances by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Chung Hwa KB Lion Dance troupe at the HSBC branches in Bandar and Kuala Belait respectively.

In ushering the new lunar Year of the Rabbit, the sounds of drums and colourful lion dances bring excitement to the crowds. The lion dance is a form of traditional dance, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in lion costume. It is normally performed during the Chinese New Year and as a ceremony to scare away evil spirits and to summon luck and fortune.


One of the lions in a performance

Also present at the performance was Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Corporate Banking and other senior managers of HSBC Brunei.


Rosdi Amin and other senior members of HSBC posing in front of the lions.

Customers visiting any of HSBC's 10 branches were treated to an atmosphere of celebration where customers enjoyed complimentary food and drinks whilst doing their banking transactions.

"During this festive season, it is a great opportunity to foster better ties between our staff and customers as well as respect each other's culture. We hope that the Year of the Rabbit brings further opportunities for HSBC and the business community," said Rosdi Amin Yaakub, Deputy CEO and Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC Brunei.


      HSBC ANNOUNCES CONTINUED SUCCESS OF CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP
Wednesday, 9th February 2011

Today the HSBC Climate Partnership celebrates the continuing achievements of a pioneering programme creating long-term environmental and commercial value. Speaking at the launch of the HSBC Climate Partnership Review 2010 at Canary Wharf, Simon Martin, Head of Group Corporate Sustainability said, "Solutions to climate change require collective action involving governments, NGOs, the public and the business community. The scale of the achievements announced today by the HSBC Climate Partnership shows that tangible results can be achieved by going beyond corporate sponsorship and adopting a more collaborative approach."

"HSBC has seen direct commercial benefits from the Climate Partnership through a number of initiatives implemented by our employees. To date more than 100,000 colleagues have actively taken part in the Climate Partnership, creating a more engaged workforce."

Since 2007, the innovative Climate Partnership programme with The Climate Group, Earthwatch, The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF has:

Generated scientific information to help the Panama Canal Authority secure the long-term viability of the Panama Canal and its vital role in global trade by researching the factors that control seasonal water flows, and the role that different types of trees and vegetation play in regulating these flows;

Increased the income of 56,000 fish farmers in China by encouraging them to employ sustainable aquaculture techniques which significantly reduce water pollution;

Involved more than 100,000 HSBC staff in primary field research, local volunteering projects and online learning modules about climate change;

Invested 75,000 staff hours in field research, contributing to scientific understanding about the role of forests in climate change and increasing organisational commitment among employees;

Worked to embed sustainability across HSBC's global operations by implementing sustainable business projects. One such project saw the introduction of automatic shutting down of PCs overnight. Since 2008 this has saved over 4.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity and 907 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to taking 363 cars off the road for a year; HSBC Climate Partnership Review 2010

Enabled the Partners to work with government bodies. As a direct result of the programme's work on the Yangtze, the Chinese Ministry of Water has asked WWF to advise on its next 25 year master plan for sustainable water management; and

Established three practical initiatives across 12 global cities, bringing together business and government to roll out clean technologies - LED lighting, electric vehicles and Smart IT applications. These could cut global emissions by 15%.

For more information and to read the full Review please visit www.hsbc.com/sustainability


HSBC Climate Partnership - a snapshot of our work

- Working with governments in China, India and Brazil

- Advising the Chinese Ministry of Water on its next 25 year master plan for sustainable water management

- Following a successful trial of a low carbon, low tech, bacteria technology to reduce sewage pollution into the Ganges, the municipal authorities of Kanpur and seven other major cities on the Ganges are about to implement this cost-effective model

- Improving freshwater sources, directly benefiting 26 million people in China and two million in Brazil

- Preventing pig slurry from polluting the Yangtze through a simple unit which captures the slurry and turns it into methane, providing free gas to local villages

- Introducing sustainable aquaculture to reduce pollution and increase the income of 56,000 fish farmers along the Yangtze

- Developing a methodology with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute for calculating the financial value of 'environmental services' provided by the forests along the Panama Canal, helping to keep the canal open for the 5% of global trade that passes through it

- Implementing trials of key low carbon technologies in cities around the world

- Significantly increasing organisational commitment among staff who have participated directly in the programme through the Earthwatch Institute

      HSBC TO HOLD CNY OPEN BRANCHES ON FEB 9
Monday, 7th February 2011

HSBC Brunei will be celebrating the Lunar New Year, Year of the Rabbit with exciting lion dance performances and 'open houses' at all of its 10 branches and HSBC Finance.

HSBC customers and members of the public are invited to join in the festivities.

The traditional lion dance performances will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2010 at its main branch in Bandar Seri Begawan at 9.30am and its Kuala Belait branch at 2.00pm.

Siti Rozainah DP Haji Mohd Yunos, Manager RBWM Service and Support commented, "It is important to HSBC that we continuously show our appreciation to our customers. Celebrating with them on this joyous occasion is our way of saying thank you and to wish them a good year ahead. It also helps to promote greater teamwork and allow for some creativity to surface. Over the years, we continue to receive good feedback from our customers on this event and these are encouraging to the bank and our teams of branch staff who worked really hard to make it a special day for our customers."

Customers and members of the public are cordially invited to the 'open houses' which will be held at all of HSBC's branches on February 9, 2011 during banking hours. HSBC wishes those who celebrate the festivities a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

      HSBC ANNOUNCES THE FINAL 10 WINNERS
Wednesday, 2nd February 2011

HSBC has finally announced the final ten lucky winners of its credit card promotion which successfully ended on 15 January 2011. The winners won themselves up to BND1000 payback on their credit card purchases made during the promotion period. The lucky winners selected based on daily lucky draws for spending made from 6 January to 15 January 2011 are as follows:

Syazwanee Suzanti Mohd Tarif for 6 January, Miss Voo Nyuk Lai for 7 January, Gustavo Adolfo Chavez Villaraus for 8 January, Hamdani Matali for 9 January, Laila Binti Johari for 10 January, Arellano Angelito Abdon S for 11 January, Joseph Fen Chu Chin for 12 January, Mr Meng Ho Ngu for 13 January, Madam Liaw Shuk Chin for 14 January and Imran Yusof for 15 January.

HSBC continues to offer more rewards to its cardholders by launching another brand new exciting promotion which will benefit them especially when they use their HSBC credit card to pay for their necessary expenses either on routine billings or preparations for various celebrations. From now until 31 March 2011, cardholders simply need to swipe their HSBC credit card on any daily purchases and stand a chance to win 5 weekly draw prizes of BND500 each. In the Grand Draw, a further five (5) lucky winners will win up to 10 times of the credit card amount spent on a single transaction up to BND5,000.

For details, visit the nearest HSBC branches or go online at www.hsbc.com.bn.

      HSBC AND JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LIVEN LEARNING LADDERS WITH COLOURS
Wednesday, 2nd February 2011

Recently, over 40 HSBC Brunei staff together with a group of Jerudong International School students and teachers volunteered to spend their Saturday painting murals at Learning Ladders.


The lovely painting on the walls at the end of the day.


The lovely painting on the walls at the end of the day.

That same morning, Tareq Muhmood, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to present the BND9,000 cheque over to Dr. Sharina Haji Yunus, President of Learning Ladders. The donation to Learning Ladders will go towards the training courses for new ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapists. This in turn served to expand Learning Ladders' capacity to cater educational needs for more autistic children.


A group photo with Tareq Muhmood, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei (Middle, holding the check), Dr. Sharina Haji Yunus, President of Learning Ladders (To Tareq's left) to commerate the event

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said, "Through our sustainability projects where first and foremost, we encourage our staff to give back to the community for a good cause. We are pleased to work with Jerudong International School students and teachers who came up with the mural designs and lent a helping hand to be apart of this particular project. Without our staff's, teachers and students effort and time, none of this would have been possible."






HSBC staff were hands-on and dedicated in painting the wall.

Learning Ladders Society is a registered non-profit society established in 2007 for children with autism, brain injury, developmental delay, dyslexia and other learning disability. Dr. Sharina said, "Through HSBC's supports, only then we are able to increase our staff from three to currently seven staff. With the on-going support, the qualified ABA therapists will have the skills developed to pass on to the children with quality assurance."

Light refreshments were served and the volunteers took the opportunity to mingle with the staff who were working at Learning Ladders. A group photo session was then held to commemorate the event.

"I'm so glad that I'm given an opportunity to be a part of giving back to the community. Even though it's a minor contribution, but it is a big impact for the childrento see how colourful the walls are." said Siti Nurulzamin binti Haji Zaini from Security & Fraud Risk, HSBC Brunei.


HSBC staff and Jerudong Internal School students drawing the outline on the wall.

To find out more about HSBC Brunei and its Corporate Sustainability initiatives, visit www.hsbc.com.bn.

      HSBC TREATS ITS CARDHOLDERS TO EXCLUSIVE CHINESES NEW YEAR DINING OFFERS
Tuesday, 1st February 2011

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, HSBC has partnered with a selection of great restaurants and lined up exclusive dining offers to its Cardholders.

From 2nd to 3rd February, customers can enjoy a scrumptious reunion dinner to celebrate Lunar New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day at Vanda Chinese Restaurant and Kitaro Japanese Restaurant. From 9th to 10th February of the following week, credit cardholders can continue to celebrate the auspicious year of the Rabbit at Emperor's Court and i-Lotus Restaurant. From 16th to 17th February, family members can gather for Chap Goh Meh (the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period), at Dynasty Restaurant and Kaizen Sushi Restaurant.

During those dates, all HSBC cardholders will be able to enjoy huge savings on dining discounts at the participating merchants for a maximum spending amount of BND500 in a single transaction. Premier and Platinum cardholders will have the privilege to receive a 40% discount, while a 30% discount is offered to Advance and Gold cardholders. Classic cardholders are also eligible to enjoy 15% discount when they dine at these participating restaurants.

Not only are HSBC cardholders able to save from the exclusive discounts, they will also automatically earn 10 times Reward points on the transaction amount for every BND1 spent during this promotional period. Free Yee Sang will be given away to the first 100 cardholders who dine at Emperor's Court and i-Lotus Restaurant from the 9th to 10th February, with a minimum spending of BND300 in a single transaction.

These exclusive Lunar Year dining discounts and privileges are offered to HSBC cardholders to reward them for their continuous support as well as their loyalty to HSBC throughout the years.


HSBC NEWS JANUARY 2011


HSBC Recognises and Rewards Long Service Staff

Monday, 31st January 2011

HSBC in continuing to be the best place to work recently recognized and awarded their long service staff for their ongoing commitment, dedication and loyalty to HSBC. There are two (2) recipients for the ten (10) years service award and thirteen (13) recipients for the twenty (20) years service award.

Tareq Muhmood, Chief Executive Officer HSBC Brunei was on hand to congratulate and present the awards to the staff together with other senior management.


Group Photo with some of the awardees

According to Dayangku Fatimah Jadid, Senior Human Resources Manager, "This presentation is also an opportunity for the management to sincerely thank each individual recipient for their dedication and commitment to their job and to congratulate them personally on the achievement of their respective milestones in their careers".

The recipients for the twenty (20) years service award are Hjh Hamdiah Hj Hussin, Sulaiman Isa, Adanan Hj Zainal, Asyikin Abdullah, Lisa Liew Lih Tzu, Hj Mohd Noor Hj Haris, Tan Ai Hong, Zalinah Hj Hassan, Suriayati Bujang, Pg Sufri Pg Ali, Wong Ing Mei, Alita Alias and Maureen Chong. Whereas the recipients for the ten (10) years service award are Ong Chee Siang and Afsah Hj Mohammad.


Sulaiman Isa receiving his recognition


Asyikin Abdullah recognised for her dedication


Hjh Hamdiah Hj Hussin with her 20yrs certification

"Apart from their skills and knowledge, what makes a person a role model employee is good attitude. HSBC Brunei is fortunate to have staff with excellent attitude. There are many fine examples in our group of recipients today. We are proud to have such dedicated staff in the organization who will continue to make significant contributions to HSBC in the days ahead." Dk Fatimah further commented.

      HSBC NAMES NEW CEO FOR BRUNEI
Monday, 31st January 2011

HSBC has appointed Vincent Ho as the new Chief Executive Officer for its operations in Brunei, a country that has one of the highest per capita GDP in Asia due to its abundant crude oil and natural gas resources.


Vincent Ho - New Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei

Mr Ho, succeeding current Brunei CEO Tareq Muhmood, is expected to take up his new post in March 2011, pending local regulatory approval.

Guy Harvey-Samuel, Group General Manager, Head of International for HSBC Asia Pacific, said: "Asia's significance to the Group continues to expand, particularly as the world's attention increasingly turns east. HSBC has established 11 branches in a country that has a population of over 400,000. Our international business capabilities and global reach are suited perfectly to the needs of Brunei's large crude oil and natural gas exporting industries as well as to businesses that are heeding the government's call to diversify into new industries. Our global HSBC Premier and HSBC Advance wealth propositions also resonate with Brunei's affluent population.

"We look forward to Vincent's return to Asia to head our operations in Brunei - an operation that will benefit from his extensive overseas experience and strong operational management capabilities."

Mr Ho is currently in Mexico, heading a regional team in charge of implementing new measures for HSBC's credit card support operations across Latin America. He has also been instrumental in introducing new business continuity action plans and regionalising customer servicing processes in Latin America. Prior to his postings in Mexico, he was Head of Trade for HSBC Bank (China).

Mr Ho joined HSBC in Malaysia in 1991 as a management trainee. Following assignments in personal and corporate banking, he was quickly selected to join HSBC's International Manager cadre. During his career with HSBC, he has held roles covering trade finance sales and marketing, operations and planning in locations such as mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico.

      HSBC Internet Banking Customer Rewarded
Monday, 31st January 2011

Mr Abidin Abdul Hamid was all smiles after winning himself a return trip to Kuala Lumpur during the HSBC Personal Internet Banking prize presentation ceremony held at the HSBC Bandar branch banking hall.

Noor Sharon Tan, Manager Channel Management, HSBC Brunei was on hand to present the prize to the winner. Also present was Sukinah Ghani, HSBC's Self Service Banking and E-Channel Manager.


On hand to present the prize to the winner, Noor Sharon Tan, Manager Channel Management, HSBC Brunei (Left) accompanied by Sukinah Ghani, HSBC's Self Service Banking and E-Channel Manager (Right).

HSBC customers who conduct transactions such as Telegraphic Transfers, Cashier Orders, Demand Drafts, Open Demand Deposit, Open Unit Trusts and account transactions online will be rewarded in HSBC's ongoing Personal Internet Banking promotion.

This promotion runs until February 28, 2011, whereby customers who go online to perform transactions will still be able to stand a chance of winning an exciting trip to either Bangkok or Hong Kong. The main aim of this promotion is to encourage customers to embrace the concept of e-banking, the details of which can be viewed at www.hsbc.com.bn. Registration for HSBC Internet Banking is free and comes with other free services such as e-statements and SMS alerts.

      HSBC launches Korean Equity Fund
Thursday, 27th January 2011

With increasing investor interest in Asian markets, HSBC Brunei has launched the HSBC Global Investment Funds (GIF) Korean Equity Fund.

The fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing mainly in a diversified portfolio of investments in equity and equity-equivalent securities of companies listed on a major stock exchange or other regulated market of South Korea, as well as companies which carry out a preponderant part of their business activities in South Korea.

HSBC customers can invest in any of the three currencies available: United States Dollar (USD), Singapore Dollar (SGD) or Euro (EUR) at a minimum of one thousand (1,000) in the respective currency. The monthly investment plan (MIP) is also available at a subsequent minimum monthly subscription of USD/SGD/EUR 100.

From now till 18 February 2011, customers who subscribe to the HSBC GIF Korean Equity Fund will receive a 50% discount on the initial sales charge on lump-sum subscriptions.

For more information on the HSBC GIF Korean Equity Fund, please visit any HSBC branch to speak to your Relationship Manager, or visit www.hsbc.com.bn for general information.

      HSBC celebrates its first retail Chinese Yuan Renminbi in Brunei
Friday, 21st January 2011

HSBC hosted a high-tea with invited guests and media at I-Lotus Restaurant to celebrate the launch of its Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposit accounts and foreign exchange services. HSBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tareq Muhmood together with the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mr. Min Yongnian, China's Ambassador to Brunei officially unveiled the official launch of the first Renminbi deposit accounts and services followed by a cake cutting ceremony. Also present were 50 guests from HSBC's Business and Retail Banking.


HSBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tareq Muhmood together with the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mr. Min Yongnian, China's Ambassador

Mr. Tareq Muhmood, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, was on hand to welcome guests alongside the bank's Business and Retail Banking Managers. In his opening remarks, Tareq said: "Renminbi, the currency of one of the world's fastest growing economies is now more within your reach than ever. Taking advantage of HSBC's regional network and our presence in China over 145 years, HSBC Business Banking introduced Renminbi trade settlement services across all ASEAN sites including Brunei during 2009."


Tareq Muhmood giving his welcoming remarks.

"HSBC continues to provide innovative products to our customers and being the first to introduce Renminbi Savings, Time Deposits and Foreign Exchange to our retail customers in Brunei in view of the growing demand." Tareq further added.

Later on, product information was shared alongside the economic outlook of China and Renminbi currency. HSBC first started offering Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposits accounts and foreign exchange services to HSBC Premier, HSBC Advance earlier this week and will now extend it to all retail customers in Brunei. The minimum placement amount for both savings and time deposits is CNY5,000. Such deposit accounts will enable depositors to benefit from the yuan's appreciation.

To find out more about HSBC Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposit accounts, please call the Bank's Phone Banking Centre at 2252 252, visit www.hsbc.com.bn or any HSBC branches.

      HSBC encourages to give the Gift of Blood
Tuesday, 20th January 2011

HSBC kicked off its blood donation drive for 2011 marking the first blood donation campaign for the year.

The one-day event was held at HSBC Bandar Branch on Wednesday, January 19. Over 50 of the bank's staff, customers and members of public donated blood. Among the bank's senior management team participating in the campaign was Mr Nabel Huwazan, Chief Technology and Services Officer and Mr Lim King Fui, Financial Controller.


Medical screenings prior to blood donations.


Mr Nabel Huwazan, Chief Technology and Services Officer HSBC Brunei, showing his support.

"We are indeed delighted that we have received good responses not only from our staff, but the customers and members of public who turned up today to support this worthy cause," Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said.

A team of dedicated Medical Officers of the Blood Bank Unit, Ministry of Health was on hand throughout the day to help facilitate the campaign.

The campaign is organised as part of the HSBC Corporate Sustainability programme and its pioneering role in serving the local community and meeting its needs. Mr. Lim also commended the staff, customers and public's positive response to the campaign, citing quite a sizeable turnout at the donation center in a bid to meet the increasing demand on donated blood, especially rare types, by public and private hospitals and thus help save lives.

WHO recommends that blood donation by at least 1% a country's population is generally sufficient to meet a country's basic requirements for safe blood. Requirements are higher in countries with more developed health systems. Among the greatest needs: to replace blood lost in childbirth (a major cause of maternal deaths worldwide),and to treat the anaemia that threatens the lives of thousands of children who have malaria or are undernourished.

In May 2010, WHO Member States agreed on a resolution on the availability, safety and quality of blood products. The resolution paves the way to increase access to safe blood transfusions and to safe and affordable blood products in developing countries. It also echoes the Melbourne Declaration, released on World Blood Donor Day 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, which calls on countries to achieve 100% voluntary unpaid blood donation by 2020.

      HSBC rewards internet banking customers
Monday, 17th January 2011

In its continuous efforts to promote the use of Internet Banking, HSBC has recently launched its Personal Internet Banking promotion, rewarding customers who perform transactions such as Telegraphic Transfers, Cashier Orders, Demand Drafts, Open Demand Deposit, Open Unit Trusts and account transactions.

In this promotion which runs until February 28, 2011, customers who go online to perform transactions stand a chance of winning a trip to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Hong Kong.

A prize presentation for one lucky winner was conducted yesterday and on hand to present the prizes was Sharon Tan, Manager of Channel Management, HSBC Brunei at HSBC's Bandar Branch. Also in attendance was Sukinah Ghani, HSBC's Self Service Banking & E-Channel Manager. One of the fortunate winners, Mr. Christopher Webb won a return ticket to Singapore.


Winner with Sharon Tan


Group Photo

Last year, HSBC Brunei won the Best Consumer Internet Bank award for the sixth year running and the Best Corporate & Institutional Internet Bank award for the third consecutive year awarded by Global Finance, a global standard award to measure internet banking services.

HSBC's Personal Internet Banking offers services that allow its customers to access and manage their accounts through a secure and comprehensive website. The user-friendly online services enable customers to transfer their funds to make bill payments to merchants such as TelBru and DST, to pay school fees to Jerudong International School and International School Brunei and to pay their credit card as well as HSBC car loans.

      HSBC selected as a role model for its Customer Service and People Management
Monday, 17th January 2011

HSBC conducted a one-day presentation on Customer Service, Staff Development and Performance Management for 23 Government Graduates from the Civil Service Institute at HSBC Bandar on Thursday, 13 January 2011.


A group photo with the graduates and officers

The presentation started with a warm welcoming address by Dayangku Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei. The programme was introduced by Siti Rozainah DP Haji Mohd Yunos, Manager RBWM Service and Support, who also conducted the presentation on Customer Service.


Dayangku Hamidah Pg Hj Othman, HSBC's Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management gave a welcoming speech to everyone


Siti Rozainah DP Haji Mohd Yunos, HSBC's Manager of RBWM Service and Support conducted the workshop

"We are very pleased and honoured to have been selected to share our experience and expertise towards the development of the Government Officers in terms of customer service improvement and people development in the Government Sector. I hope the officers have benefited from this visit. For HSBC, it also took some time to achieve the level of customer service that is being projected today, and we are still continuously working towards improving our level of customer service," commented Siti Rozainah DP Haji Mohd Yunos, Manager RBWM Service and Support.

The presentation provided the officers with practical, relevant and meaningful information, giving them a first hand experience of the initial ideas on how to get started or develop further initiatives that may be in place at their respective departments or ministries. Through this presentation, HSBC has given opportunities for the graduates to learn and gain any take backs from the sharing of activities and initiatives on the three areas.

She further explained on the highlights of customer service in the presentation, "The presentation touched on the importance of providing great customer service, customer handling and most importantly the development of the employees or staff members to ensure they are equipped to deliver quality service. We also shared on the handling and management of customer comments and feedback and why this is important for organisations to manage."

The graduates took part in several activities and were given a special tour of the HSBC Bandar Seri Begawan Branch and the Premier Centre.


Rohani Salleh, HSBC's Manager of HPC Premier gave a briefing during the tour at HSBC Premier Centre


Teo Seh Chien, HSBC's Manager of Human Resource presenting on People Management

HSBC is very pleased to be able to help and support the officers to see the other side of the world and to help them in their career development. It also encourages the officers to learn the different styles and techniques employed in other sectors. This visit also showed the officers a new behaviour, culture understanding and approach taken by organizations that solely rely on customers.

      HSBC invites public to save lives
Monday, 17th January 2011

HSBC through its Corporate Sustainability Programme once again invites its customers and the general public to give the gift of blood during their annual blood drive. The event will take place next Wednesday, January 19, at the 5th floor, HSBC Bandar Branch from 9.30a.m. to 11.00a.m. and 2.00p.m. to 4.00p.m.

Lim Boon Teck, Manager Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Brunei said, "Giving blood is a way to support the community by helping to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients, or the many people who suffer accidents and other illnesses which may require transfusions."

The dedicated Medical Officers of the Blood Bank Unit, Ministry of Health will be on hand to facilitate the blood donation drive for a day.

Any healthy person age between 18 and 60 years of age and weighing at least 50kg are encouraged to donate blood.

Donors should be in good health with no cold or flu symptoms. They must eat well prior to donation, drink fluids and present photo identification at the time of donation.

Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and, therefore, must continually be replenished. Donors can give blood every 56 days, or up to six times a year.

      HSBC launches Brunei's first retail Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposits
Monday, 17th January 2011

HSBC Brunei announced the expansion of its foreign currency deposits range to meet the rising demand of its customers' overall banking solutions and in view of the mounting role China's currency has in international trade and investment.

Dayangku Hamidah binti Pengiran Haji Othman, HSBC Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, said: "As the leading international bank, HSBC Brunei is the first bank in Brunei to offer Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposits following China's contribution in global trade and the gradual internationalization of Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Chinese Yuan Renminbi will become an important currency in the region in the coming decade. Chinese Yuan Renminbi is an attractive currency to investors because it has appreciated against the US Dollar since being depegged from the US Dollar in June 2010 and there are pressure for further appreciation."

Earlier this week, HSBC launched Chinese Yuan Renminbi deposit accounts to existing HSBC Premier and HSBC Advance customers, and will open a similar product to the retail market this coming Monday. The minimum placement amount for Chinese Yuan Renminbi for Savings and/or Time Deposits is CNY5,000. Such accounts will benefit depositors and/or investors through the Chinese Yuan Renminbi's appreciation.

      HSBC Brunei moving forward with its offer to HSBC Premier customers
Friday, 14th January 2011

As HSBC Premier in Brunei Darussalam continues to evolve, it reinforces its four core pillars of You and Your wealth, Your day-to-day banking, You and your family, and Your bank around the world. Capitalising on its strengths of wealth management advice, international banking services and a multi-channel approach, HSBC Premier is incomparable as the world's local bank.

You and your wealth - A personal approach

HSBC Premier customers value a personal relationship with a pro-active Relationship Manager who is equipped with knowledge on savings and wealth management, and their expectations in this area are growing continually. Our HSBC Premier Relationship Managers will guide you in fulfilling your financial needs at various life stages even under different market conditions.

Your day-to-day banking - A daily recognition

As HSBC Premier offers a long-term recognition of their banking relationship with their customer as opposed to one-off promotional campaigns, HSBC Premier customers are given exclusive access to Premier Centres all around Brunei Darussalam and abroad. And with its Premier Global View access, they can monitor their assets and transfer their funds to their overseas HSBC accounts at no cost. A pre-approved HSBC Premier MasterCard and up to two supplementary HSBC Premier MasterCard with waived annual fee are also on offer.

You and your family - Taking family dimensions into account

Longer life spans and growth in trans-generational matters, as well as changing family structures with blended families require high quality advice on how to organise assets and protect one's family. The children of our HSBC Premier customers also benefit from advantages at various stages of their lives with free access to HSBC Premier international services up to the age of 25 - particularly useful for young people studying overseas. HSBC Premier KidzSaver is also available which is an exclusive banking service tailored for HSBC Premier children's banking needs.

Your bank around the world - International banking services

Most HSBC Premier customers are concerned by the international banking services on offer, because they travel abroad for leisure or business, are moving to another country or because their children are studying abroad.

HSBC Premier ATM card offers free withdrawals from all of the HSBC Group's 17,000 ATMs worldwide, as well as emergency services such as instant cash advances of USD 2,000 or the equivalent value or international assistance via the +1908- PREMIER(7736497).

Moving to another country is made much easier thanks to the service enabling customers to open an account remotely in three days and making payment methods available within 10 days.

HSBC Premier customers can also view and manage all of their HSBC accounts worldwide and make free international transfers between these accounts.

The network of HSBC International Premier Centres offers specialist services and a guaranteed warm welcome across the globe. HSBC Premier customers are given access to more than 6,000 HSBC branches and 250 international HSBC Premier Centres worldwide.

Under its current campaign where HSBC Premier will assist you in building a life without boundaries, 40,000 HSBC Rewards Points will be on offer for new HSBC Premier sign-ups which can be redeemed for a free trip to various destinations in South East Asia or for any rewards of your choice. At the same time, existing HSBC Premier customers can refer their family and friends to join HSBC Premier and stand a chance to win 50,000 HSBC Reward Points which can be used to redeem a free trip to various destinations in South East Asia, Shanghai or Hong Kong. This offer is valid only until 7 March 2011.

For further information on HSBC Premier, customers can call the 24-hour Premier Phonebanking line at 2 252 256, visit any of the 10 HSBC branches or alternatively go on-line at www.hsbcpremier.com.bn

      HSBC Emerging Markets Index
Tuesday, 11th January 2011

Emerging market growth quickened in the final quarter of 2010, rebounding from a temporary lull in the third quarter and accentuating the growth gap between emerging and developed nations, the HSBC Emerging Markets Index (EMI) shows.

But presenting the key risk to growth in 2011, input cost inflation quickened to the fastest level since Q2 2008, highlighting the rapid build up of inflationary pressures across the emerging world first identified in the HSBC EMI for Q1 2010. Surging inflation reflects higher commodity prices, the impact of loose monetary policy in the United States and low stock holdings at suppliers leading to delivery delays and hiked charges.

The EMI rose to 55.7, from a five quarter low of 54.2 in the preceding quarter, above the long-run series average of 54.7. Nonetheless, the pace of expansion remained slower than rates recorded in Q4 2009 and H1 2010.

The uptick in emerging market growth primarily reflects a rebound in manufacturing activity, as service sector growth held steady in the final quarter. Rates of expansion were almost identical across both sectors.

Stephen King, HSBC's Chief Economist, said: "A strong rebound in emerging markets growth from the temporary lull in the third quarter is a resumption of the long-term trend, driven primarily by a broad-based rebound in manufacturing output. As emerging nations increasingly trade with each other, we could be on the cusp of another economic 'golden age', an emerging market version of the extended period of rapid growth seen in the developed world in the 1950s and 1960s, when tariffs fell and international trade blossomed. If emerging nations can work together to remove the still considerable tariffs between them, we could witness an explosion of world trade on a truly momentous scale."

"The sting in the tail comes from inflation. Not since the food and energy scares seen in the early months of 2008 have the cost and price components of the EMI touched such worrying levels. Whether policymakers in the emerging world can tame inflation is one of the big issues for investors to confront in 2011. With most emerging nations reluctant to significantly raise interest rates and inflate their currencies, attention will turn to the impact of 'quantitative tightening' measures such as Hong Kong and China's recent attempts to restrict the supply of credit."

Manufacturing output rose across Eastern Europe, with the Czech Republic, Poland and Turkey all recording substantial rates of growth in Q4. Both China and India recorded sharp and accelerated rates of expansion that were the fastest in three quarters. In contrast, manufacturing output growth was only marginal in Taiwan and stagnated in South Korea.

The performance of emerging market manufacturers improved in line with an uptick in new export order growth. Of the big-four emerging markets, India recorded by far the strongest increase in new export business. China recorded modest growth (fastest in three quarters), but falling exports were indicated in Brazil and Russia.

In the emerging market service sector, activity growth remained substantial in India, despite easing to a four-quarter low. China also recorded a slowdown in output growth (eight-quarter low). Conversely, Russia saw a strong acceleration in growth and despite quickening to a three-quarter high, Brazilian service sector growth remained modest in Q4.

Frederic Neumann, HSBC's Co-Head of Asian Economics, said: "In 2011, emerging markets will continue to outperform developed economies, ushering in a new age of global decoupling. Asia has entered a self-sustaining expansion cycle led by China, which has replaced the US as the world's engine of economic growth. More importantly, growth is rotating within Asia with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and ASEAN markets like Singapore building momentum. This reinforces emerging market economic stability in the face of lingering uncertainties in the West."

The key risk to future growth, input cost inflation quickened to the fastest since Q2 2008, when global commodity prices peaked before plummeting amid the fallout from the global financial crisis. The input prices index climbed almost six points from the previous quarter, highlighting the rapid build up of inflationary pressures across the emerging world. Manufacturers felt the brunt of higher purchasing costs in Q4, with input cost inflation hitting a ten-quarter high. Service providers recorded a much slower rise in average input prices than manufacturers, but the pace of inflation was still the fastest since Q3 2008.

The Q4 EMI report includes supplementary analysis on the trends identified by the index throughout 2010. Overall, based on the long-term historical correlation between the EMI and GDP, the EMI points to emerging markets GDP growth of 8% per annum in the final quarter of 2010, down from a 9.6% peak rate in Q1.

Domestic and export demand factors have played important roles in explaining divergent national economic growth trends in 2010. The EMI survey data show how domestic demand has helped prop up emerging market growth rates in 2010 while many developed countries have seen domestic demand hit by high unemployment, public sector spending cuts and deleveraging by indebted households.

In a consistent trend throughout 2010, EMI data illustrate that domestic demand in emerging markets has been boosted relative to the developed world by stronger labour markets. However, there are signs that domestic demand in the developed world may soon start to pick up as a result of improving job market data.

As first identified by the Q4 2009 EMI, drivers of the global economy continue to shift to the East as emerging markets become increasingly dependent on trading links with each other, most notably the south-south trade, as analysed by the Q2 2010 EMI. It is these relationships, repaving the old Silk Road in place of traditional links with the developed world, which offer the potential for an emerging markets golden age over the next decade.

The HSBC EMI is calculated using the long-established PMI data produced by global financial information services company Markit. HSBC announced a partnership in 2009 with Markit to sponsor and produce a number of emerging market PMIs.

The HSBC EMI will be released quarterly and is available via: www.hsbc.com/emergingmarketsindex

      HSBC Young Entrepreneur Award Round One - 10 January
Tuesday, 11th January 2011

The HSBC Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA) 2010-2011 with the support of the Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam will see some exciting changes in the format of the award. The competition - Round One, which ends on the 10 January 2011 just before mid-night, begins with an outline of an innovative business idea of only 1,000 words which could lead to a successful business, whether it is a new product or service that fulfils a market niche or even an enhancement of an existing product or service that has the potential to create value, increase sales or reduce cost. It may even consist of an entirely new idea or it could focus on a new way of doing things.

Roadshows to various schools and institutions and headed by the HSBC Group Communications Team took place at the end of 2010, to brief students and teachers on the new format and further details about the competition.


Business School students listening attentively to the talk

Business School students listening attentively to the talk

Twenty teams will be shortlisted in round two whereby teams will prepare a one minute visual presentation which will be uploaded on the HSBC YEA website for public online voting. The team receiving the most votes online will be awarded the Best Visual Presentation Award. This will then narrow down the teams to those who will be invited to attend a Business Plan Writing Workshop.

Apart from the Eco-Business Innovation Award, which looks at how business plans can make a positive impact on the environment, HSBC will also be awarding business plans that can affect the society positively under the Social Responsibility Award.

The top three teams will win themselves attractive prizes with the winning team taking home a self-development fund of BND3,000, trophies, certificates and an opportunity to compete in the regional competition in Hong Kong this coming June 2011, where they will stand the chance of winning a business development fund of HK$100,000 (approx. BND20,000).


Team member from HSBC Group Communications giving the talk

All three teams will attend a week long entrepreneurial trip in Hong Kong where they will have the chance to experience the real world of business by mingling with successful entrepreneurs and go on corporate visits to successful companies in Hong Kong. On top of all that, participants will have workshops lined up on communication and leadership skills with seminars on successful businesses and eco-businesses.

For more details about the HSBC YEA competition, please visit www.asiayea.com.


Students from MTSSR listening to the HSBC YEA talk

      HSBC CONTINUES TO REWARD CUSTOMERS IN 2011
Thursday, 6th January 2011

As we welcome the new year 2011, HSBC continues to reward its customers with its latest Credit Card promotion. For any credit card transaction made with a HSBC credit card until 15 January 2011, whether it is for paying bills, buying groceries or school necessities or even spending on loved ones, HSBC cardholders are entitled to receive one lucky draw chance to be entered into the daily draw where they can win back the amount they spent up to BND1,000.00.

The lucky HSBC customers rewarded in the earlier daily draws are:

16 December - Kamsani Kamis
17 December - Mr Joseph Chukwumah Mordi
18 December - Ms Shew Lan Chin
19 December - Mr Kong Yun Keong
20 December - Dyg Nur Suria Ideris
21 December - David Wong Hock Khiong
22 December - Dato Ibrahim Hj Mohammad

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Rosdi Amin Yaakub said “HSBC would like to say a big thank you to all our loyal customers. As we continue with our rewards, we look forward to an exciting year ahead in 2011”. He also added “And with our payback offer for any purchases on our current promotion, we hope that our credit card holders will enjoy the New Year with more rewards from HSBC.”

Daily lucky draw winners were will be notified by phone and through announcements printed in the local newspapers.

The promotion is in addition to HSBC’s existing home&Away Privilege Programme which was launched in March 2008 as part of the many benefits HSBC cardholders are eligible for. This programme allows customers exclusive discounts and special offers at over 19,000 dining, entertainment and travel retailers in over 40 countries/territories.

For details on HSBC’s promotions, please visit the nearest HSBC branches or go online at www.hsbc.com.bn.

      HSBC BRUNEI DELIVERS ITS CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Wednesday, 5th January 2011

The year 2010 proves to be a prolific year for HSBC Brunei on delivering its Corporate Sustainability strategy.  HSBC Brunei employees participated in over 4,000 hours of Corporate Sustainability related activities, showing an impressive 73% increase from 2009.

HSBC employees volunteered to raise funds for charitable causes, rolled up their sleeves to donate blood, painted hospital rooms, tutored school children, learnt about environment conservation, spread awareness on the effects of climate change and so much more.


HSBC staff collecting scientific data for research project conducted by University Brunei Darussalam and  Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Globally, HSBC is a well-known advocate of action on climate change and HSBC Brunei too supports this cause. In January, in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint and set an example in this support of climate change issues, HSBC Brunei replaced its senior management car fleet to the eco-friendly Toyota Prius hybrid car. To date, the amount spent on fuel for the bank’s whole fleet is 42.6% less than the previously owned car fleet and also reduces the Bank’s carbon emission by 8 tonnes per annum.


HSBC Toyota Prius promoting National Environment Conference

The bank also demonstrates its solid commitment to reducing the impact its operations has on the environment by opting to only use paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council(FSC). FSC is a non-profit organisation devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests. Products bearing the FSC logo guarantee that the wood and paper-pulp are from a certified well-managed forest.

By incorporating environmental concerns into the way HSBC conduct its business, HSBC is not only ensuring the sustainability of environment but its business as well. HSBC also urges other organisations and individuals to support the cause through events that educate Brunei businesses on the importance of incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their business model. 

In June, the bank held a free workshop called 'Living Business' showing companies how to implement socially responsible business practices as well as receive guidance on how to build a sustainable business while improving its operating efficiency. More recently, HSBC sponsored a business luncheon seminar where CSR practitioners shared their view on why CSR is the next megatrend similar to the IT revolution in the 1990s.

Apart from the business community, HSBC Brunei is also active in promoting environmental education through schools. In collaboration with the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, HSBC Brunei instigated Brunei's participation in the international “Green Wave” movement this year. More than 40 schools participated in "Green Wave" which saw more than 100 trees planted at various schools across the nation. Through "Green Wave”, an estimated 2,000 students were educated on the importance of preserving biodiversity.


HSBC Climate Champions with Participants of Nature Camp, an annual event organised by Forestry Department, MIPR


Tree Planting with school Student as part of Green Wave movement

Active involvement with school students and investing in education is also a priority in the HSBC Corporate Sustainability strategy. A well educated population is vital to the development and prosperity of the country. Investing in education is one of main focus within HSBC's Corporate Sustainability programme in the belief that it provides the fundamental building blocks for the development of communities that the bank operates in. Recently HSBC donated $20,000 to help 200 primary school children who face financial difficulties in meeting the cost of buying their educational necessities.

In addition to financial contribution, HSBC employees also play an active role in the education of Bruneian youth. In April, the HSBC Speakers Group under Toastmaster's International organised a Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) for students from Pusat Tingkatan Enam Meragang and Jerudong International School.  The programme, which is in its 5th year, teaches students to become more confident in public speaking and on how to present ideas in a logical and more convincing manner.

The bank also introduced Money 101, a series on money management, to selected primary schools across the nation to educate school children the importance of savings while enhancing their understanding of the value of money in a fun and entertaining way.

Almost all HSBC CS activities are initiated, planned and executed by HSBC staff.  From fun-filled days at the beach and fishing with special individuals from KACA and Pusat Ehsan, physical labour work to beautify a hospital ward and houses of people in poverty; these activities provides HSBC employees with the opportunity to give back to the community and demonstrate their commitment to supporting charity organisations and welfare of the community.

The two biggest community events organized by HSBC employees in 2010 was Cycle for SMARTER and the HSBC Charity Golf Tournament @ The Empire. Through these 2 events, HSBC successfully raised over BND40,000 to SMARTER and over BND10,000 to KACA and Pusat Ehsan respectively.

"The well being and development of our community is vital to our business sustainability. We are extremely proud that HSBC employees understand that link and are supportive of the causes that we take up. The Bank is pleased to present our staff with the opportunities to give back to the community, opportunities that they may not have access to as individuals. By participating in these activities, our staff also acquires a great sense of achievement; this is a win-win situation" said Tareq Muhmood, CEO HSBC Brunei.


To learn more about HSBC and its Corporate Sustainability initiatives, log on to www.hsbc.com.bn. 




      HSBC REWARDS CUSTOMERS ON PURCHASES
Tuesday, 4th January 2011

Whether it is paying your bills or making purchases locally or abroad with your HSBC Credit Card, this time around with HSBC's current promotion you will stand a chance to receive back what you have spent up to BND1,000.00.

More customers have recently been rewarded for using their HSBC credit cards to make their purchases.  The lucky customers are as follows:

02 December - Ikponmwosa Edomwandagbon
03 December - Chandana Nilanka Athauda Athaudaa
04 December - Lim Lam Keong
05 December - A Muhamad Zulhilmi A Matassim
06 December - Church John Patrick Drummond
07 December - Kandathil Vikraman Anil
08 December - Simon James Rohan
09 December - Hj Duraman Hj Tuah
10 December - Novelas Nino Sandoval
11 December - Tang Pow Ling
12 December - Poh Gim Cheong
13 December - Ivy Ai Bee Lim
14 December - Matthew Dennis Gordon Rose
15 December - Goh Kim Tian

This exciting promotion will run until 15 January 2011 and is open to all HSBC credit card customers. Customers will receive one lucky draw chance for every credit card transaction made during the promotion period to stand a chance of winning back the amount they spent,  up to B$1000.00,  in the daily draw. 

Use your HSBC credit card to pay for your purchases, be it groceries, treats for the family or holidays and stand a chance to be the lucky winner. HSBC Brunei has been awarded by Global Finance the Best Consumer Internet Bank Award for six consecutive years from 2005 to 2010. At your own convenience and peace of mind, with HSBC Brunei's award winning Internet Banking services, you can also pay your bills or purchases online with HSBC's award winning internet banking facility.

For further details about HSBC's promotions and its products and services, visit your nearest HSBC branches or go online at www.hsbc.com.bn

      HSBC PREMIER HOSTED "ONE BEST DAY" EVENT
Monday, 3rd January 2011

As an international bank centered on its globally connected financial services capabilities, HSBC Brunei recently celebrated its Asia Pacific milestone on surpassing its one millionth Premier customer mark, the first HSBC region globally to do so.

A "One Best Day" event was held at Radisson Hotel in conjunction with HSBC's latest Premier campaign launched recently. The rest of HSBC Asia Pacific sites (Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam) have also held local celebrations to recognize this significant achievement.

Dayangku Hamidah Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management, HSBC Brunei, welcomed guests upon their arrival and said in her opening remarks: "HSBC Premier is a world class package that provides personalised services, wealth management solutions, worldwide recognition and exclusive benefits and rewards, tailored to provide total banking relationship programme to HSBC Premier customers."


Invited customers greeted by HSBC Premier Relationship Managers.

In order to better serve internationally minded affluent customers, as well as leverage on cross border and international business, the HSBC Premier pillars are being repositioned around the idea of "Are you building a life without boundaries?". The "One Best Day" event ties in with the refreshed HSBC Premier’s four new Global Pillars: You and your wealth, Your da--to-day banking, You and your family and Your bank around the world.

Dayangku Hamidah further added: "HSBC Premier is relationship banking without boundaries, designed to give HSBC Premier customers recognition and benefits whether at home or abroad. HSBC Premier personally takes care of your finances with a dedicated Relationship Manager, uses its global expertise to find the best opportunities to enhance and protect your wealth, makes your day-to-day banking easy with preferential rates and global privileges, helps you to relocate and travel easily, providing accounts overseas and emergency support for you and your immediate family when you are far from home and also gives you an online 'Global View' of your accounts around the world and free transfers between them."

The network of HSBC International Premier Centres offers specialist services and a guaranteed warm welcome across the globe. HSBC Premier customers can access to more than 6,000 HSBC branches and 250 international HSBC Premier Centres worldwide.

For further information on HSBC Premier, customers can call the 24-hour Premier Phonebanking at 2 252 256, visit any of the 10 HSBC branches or alternatively go on-line at www.hsbcpremier.com.bn.



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