2006 News Releases

To improve reading and writing abilities for children with dyslexia

Hong Kong - The Manulife Centre for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities is organising a free open seminar on Saturday, December 9, 2006, to discuss ways to help enhance the reading and writing abilities for children with dyslexia.

Dr. Alice Cheng-Lai, Centre-in-charge of Manulife Centre at the Polytechnic University and also one of the speakers at the seminar, said, “Neuroscience research findings show that the ‘mirror neurons’ in humans may have impact on their behavior pattern. The neurons are believed to be able to mirror the behavior of another animal or human, as if they were performing the action. Thus, problems with the ‘mirror system’ may underlie cognitive and language disorders in reading, writing, emotional and social skills.”

“In this seminar, we will share strategies to help improve literacy, reading, writing and social abilities through the mirrors of the mind,” added Dr. Lai. “It is specifically suitable for parents and teachers with children with dyslexia and/or other specific learning disabilities. We will also introduce various resources and services available to students with learning disabilities.”

Conducted in Cantonese, the seminar will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at TU201, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Interested parties are asked to contact the Manulife Centre for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities at 2766 6313 or email info@mccsld.org for further details and registration. All seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

About Manulife Charitable Foundation
The Manulife Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization set up by Manulife (International) Limited in 1998 to support and promote educational, health and charitable activities for the betterment of public welfare in Hong Kong. It has sponsored the Manulife Centre for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities since 1999 with a mandate to assist children with specific learning difficulties, and their parents and teachers, by studying how to identify children in need of assistance and help them develop to their full potential.

About Manulife (International) Limited
Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies. 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 (approximately HK$2,659.8 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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For more information please contact:
Helena Lee / Jeanie Ho
Manulife (International) Limited
Tel: (852) 2202 1050 / 2510 3191
Fax: (852) 2234 6875
Email: helena_lee@manulife.com
jeanie_ho@manulife.com