Press Release

28 August Marked a Great Day - The Giant ING Logo Neon Sign Glitters on top of the HK Arts Centre

(Hong Kong, 3 February 2004) The giant ING Logo neon sign was lit up on top of the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai on Saturday, 28 August 2004. The sign, which faces Victoria Harbour, signifies the consolidating power, as well as the strong business strength and foundation, of the ING Group in Hong Kong. The lighting-up of the sign was marked with a cocktail party and special switching-on ceremony held inside the Pao's Galleries of the Hong Kong Arts Centre where over 300 guests gathered to witness the historical moment.

Many distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including ING senior management, staff, business partners, clients, agents, the Hong Kong Arts Centre management and representatives from charity organisations. Mr. Patrick Poon, CEO, Greater China Region, ING Asia Pacific, and Dr. Dennis Sun, Chairman, Board of Governors, Hong Kong Arts Centre, delivered speeches and toasted the guests. There was also a talk show hosted by the famous stand-up comedian Mr. Cheung Tat Ming and local drama specialist Mr. Jim Chim. The indoor ceremony and speeches were followed by the highlight of the evening ?all the guests joined in the outdoor countdown and witnessed the important moment when the ING neon sign was switched on. After that, there was even more to come, with a spectacular pyrotechnic and lights show.

The officiating guests at the switching-on ceremony included Mr. Patrick Poon, Dr. Dennis Sun, Mr. Bernard Chan (Member of Legislative Council), Mr. Allen Lee, JP and representatives from other ING business units. Mr. Patrick Poon said, "The Hong Kong Arts Centre was chosen as the site for the neon sign as it shares the same distinctive roles in society as does ING. In addition, ING strongly supports the Arts Centre efforts in arts development. The neon sign itself also carries special meaning because it signifies ING commitment to Hong Kong society, as well as its strong business strength. More importantly, it commemorates the significant synergy of ING business units in Hong Kong."

The theme for the evening was "Ignition of Arts" the lighting-up of the ING neon sign ignites the Arts Centre, and also kick-starts the co-operation between ING and the Centre in forthcoming arts development programmes. Following the sponsorship of the "Master Q" Exhibition in early August, ING and the Arts Centre will again join forces with multi-media performing artists.

Jim Chim and Cheung Tat-Ming in February next year on a series of ING Pleasure in Play Workshops to convey the message of helping others through stage performances and workshops.

In addition, famous local artist Mr. Li Chi Tat was invited to create inspiring cartoons for the lighting-up event. Mr. Li cartoons were seen at the entrance, outside the lift doors and on the big banner (facing Gloucester Road) at the lighting-up celebration venue.

- End -