2006 News Releases

Kuala Lumpur – In conjunction with the recent launch of the Company’s Education Series, Manulife Insurance (Malaysia) Berhad (Manulife Malaysia) has donated essential education-related items to Rumah Hope, a home for underprivileged children.

Manulife Malaysia contributed RM9,000 worth of school uniforms, shoes, school bags, workbooks and stationery items for the Home’s children who will be attending primary and secondary school in 2007. Funds will also go towards the purchase of two much-needed printers to replace aging ones that are currently being used.

The items were presented by Manulife Malaysia President and CEO, Mr. Peter Robertson to Rumah Hope Chairman, Dr. Christie Samuel.

According to Mr. Robertson, while the children of Rumah Hope will benefit from these items, it is more important that the children realise how vital it is to receive an education. With this contribution, the children will be ready for the school year without any worries over uniforms and school supplies.

“Currently, we have 56 children aged three to 17 years staying at the Home. Manulife’s contribution will go a long way towards stretching the funds we have allocated for the children’s future education needs,” said Dr. Samuel.

Today’s presentation is part of Manulife Malaysia’s RM41,000 commitment to highlight the importance of education among underprivileged and needy children at seven children’s homes and one school nationwide. The recipient organisations are Methodist Children’s Home, Sibu; Kiwanis Down Syndrome Centre and Agape Shelter, Kluang; Hannah Home, Ipoh; Pusat Harian Tunas Harapan Pektas, Butterworth; The Salvation Army Children’s Home, Kuching, and Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Lembing, Kuantan. A total of 402 children will benefit from this programme.

Mr. Robertson said that the objective of this programme goes far beyond merely donating monetary gifts to these organisations.

“We are trying to stress to Malaysians that every child, regardless of what their status in life is, deserves an education. More specifically to the children at our recipient organisations, we want to encourage them not to give up on their education as it will be their passport to a bright future,” said Mr. Robertson.

“The continued donations and assistance from corporations such as Manulife will enable Rumah Hope to fulfil our charter of providing a loving and nurturing environment to our children for them to develop into contributing members of our society,” concluded Dr. Samuel.

About Rumah Hope
Rumah Hope started in 1994 under the patronage of Good Hope Church as a sanctuary for abused, neglected and underprivileged children. Funds for Rumah Hope are mainly raised through donations from corporate bodies, societies and various individuals. Rumah Hope is run by volunteers along with staff who provide academic, emotional and spiritual guidance to the children. The home is situated in Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya and the present Chairman is Dr Christie Samuel.

About Manulife Malaysia
Manulife Insurance (Malaysia) Berhad, established in 1963, is a member of Canada-based Manulife Financial Corporation. Manulife Malaysia offers an innovative range of financial protection and wealth management products and services to meet different customer needs. The Company currently serves the needs of more than 270,000 policyholders and is one of the most financially sound life insurance companies in the country. Manulife Malaysia has been listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia since 1984. As at October 31, 2006, Manulife Malaysia’s assets under management were in excess of RM2.5 billion

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$381 billion (US$341 billion) as at September 30, 2006.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

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