2004 News Releases

Internet users acknowledge company’s bond with public

Hong Kong– In recognition of its success in building a meaningful relationship with the public, Manulife (International) Limited has been voted top of the insurance category in the “Yahoo! Emotive Brand Awards 2003-2004”.

The Yahoo! Emotive Brand Awards, created by Yahoo! Hong Kong in 2002, aims to encourage consumers to vote for the brands that are most appealing to them. More than 300 brands in 21 industry categories were nominated to compete for the Awards this year – including a new insurance category - after a five-week survey of 225 marketing professionals from 4As advertising firms and leading marketing agencies by ACNielsen.

A public online ballot was then conducted on Yahoo! Hong Kong’s Web site for a month, prompting site visitors to select their most-favoured brands. The three that scored the highest number of votes in each category were deemed the winners.

“Manulife places heavy emphasis on the quality of its products as well as the professionalism of its staff and advisors,” said Nick Crouch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited, who received the award at a special ceremony.

“Our ongoing efforts to achieve excellence not only in product offerings but also dedicated after-sale services have facilitated the weaving of very close ties between our customers and the company, and helped earn us an enviable reputation among the public. We are delighted with this new award as it further acknowledges our endeavours.”

Manulife was nominated in view of its outstanding achievements in the following areas: quality, trustworthiness and reliability, innovation, understanding customers’ needs, customer loyalty and effective marketing efforts.

Last year, Manulife topped the “Best Insurance Company” category in Capital Magazine’s 4th Outstanding Information Technology & Financial Enterprise Awards, underscoring its commitment to continuously providing superior, tailored-made services to its customers.

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 operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth-management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were Cdn$156.7 billion (approximately HK$941.2 billion) as at December 31, 2003.

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