2004 News Releases

Hong Kong— Manulife Financial (stock code: 0945), a Canadian-based leading financial-services provider, has announced the appointment of three senior executives in its Asia regional actuarial division, while Manulife (International) Limited (MIL), a member of the Manulife Financial group, has also announced one corporate actuary appointment.

Gan Leong Hin has been appointed Assistant Vice President and Senior Regional Actuary, Regional Actuarial Services, Asia, responsible for providing actuarial support for Manulife’s operations in Malaysia and Singapore. He is currently located in Singapore where he oversees the merger issues of Manulife and John Hancock in Singapore. Mr. Gan has very solid international exposure in retail life insurance, pensions and mutual funds businesses. He has held various senior positions in corporate finance, financial reporting, valuation, demutualization, product management and marketing. Since 2000, Mr. Gan has been involved in developing and implementing start-up business projects in China, India and Japan. He graduated with first class honours from the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in London and the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Peter Erlandsen has been appointed Assistant Vice President and Regional Actuary, Regional Actuarial Services, Asia, responsible for USGAAP reporting, coordinating the formulation of new business plans, assisting in developing product strategy initiatives and rendering reinsurance support to Manulife’s operations throughout Asia as well as providing comprehensive support for operations in Hong Kong and the Philippines. He has more than 15 years of life insurance experience in five different countries. Prior to joining Manulife, Mr. Erlandsen was the Regional Chief Financial Officer and Actuary of a Swiss-based life insurance company in Hong Kong. Mr. Erlandsen holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from Macquarie University in Australia and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and a Certified Practicing Accountant in Australia.

Edwin Peh has been appointed Assistant Vice President and Regional Actuary, Regional Actuarial Services, Asia, responsible for assisting in the product development, financial reporting and management of Manulife’s business initiatives in China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Mr. Peh also provides regional MIS reporting under the Canadian GAAP as well as financial management liaison with Toronto. Prior to joining Manulife, he was the Appointed Actuary with a leading insurer in Malaysia. Mr. Peh holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Actuarial Studies from the Macquarie University in Australia. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and an Associate of the Securities Institute of Australia.

Tak Lee has been appointed Assistant Vice President and Corporate Actuary, MIL, responsible for Manulife Hong Kong’s actuarial functions, including valuation, earnings and financial analysis, capital analysis and business planning. Mr. Lee has a wealth of 14 years of experience in the actuarial field in Canada and Hong Kong. Prior to joining Manulife, Mr. Lee was the Appointed Actuary of an American-based insurance company in Hong Kong. He holds a Bachelor of Mathematics degree in Computer and Actuarial Science from University of Waterloo, Canada. Mr. Lee is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Fellow of Life Management Institute.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based life insurance group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and most of Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and life insurance services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$360 billion (US$269 billion) as at June 30, 2004.

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: 2202 1050 / 2510 3191
Fax: 2234 6875
Email: helena_lee@manulife.com
jeanie_ho@manulife.com