Sept 3, 2004 – Hong Kong – AIA Foundation today reported it has raised a record HK$1.32 million for the Oxfam China Development Fund. This is the fourth consecutive year AIA Foundation has supported Oxfam's “Rice Sale Campaign”, a fund-raising event for the China Development Fund with a goal of alleviating poverty in the Mainland.

Over 1400 AIA volunteers, comprising AIA insurance agents, their family members, clients and friends, as well as the Young Leaders Alumni of the AIA Foundation joined hands to support this Campaign. Starting last April, AIA insurance agents embarked on the Oxfam Rice Coupons pre-sale. In May, AIA volunteers held four road-shows on May 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th, setting up thirty-one “Rice Selling Booths” at various locations throughout Hong Kong, selling “Oxfam Rice” to the general public to raise funds.

record by over 30%. The HK$1.32 million raised by AIA Foundation this year accounts for 41% of the total donations received by Oxfam for this Campaign. It is also very encouraging to see that the number of AIA volunteers has increased significantly, which further demonstrates the dedication of AIA's agents to supporting meaningful charity events.”

Mr. Chong Chan-yau, Executive Director of Oxfam Hong Kong said, "This year's Oxfam Rice Sale Campaign was a big success. With the generous support from various parties, particularly the AIA Foundation and its volunteers, we were able to raise a total of HK$3.2million for our China Development Fund. The Fund will be used to support our poverty alleviation programmes in China.”

Oxfam Poverty Alleviation programmes are designed to improve people's livelihoods in a sustainable way, with the active participation of the beneficiaries themselves. Oxfam Hong Kong has organized projects like skills training and community credits to encourage people's participation and to address their practical needs.

Established in April 1995 under the initiative of American International Assurance Co., Ltd, AIA Foundation is a non-profit-making organization set up to extend support to worthwhile charitable causes. The objective of the Foundation is to assist educational, medical, sports and community programs.

Oxfam Hong Kong is an independent development and relief agency based in Hong Kong. It works with poor people regardless of race, sex, religion or politics in their struggle against poverty, distress and suffering. Oxfam Hong Kong is a member of Oxfam International. Since its establishment in 1992, the Oxfam China Development Fund has supported various poverty alleviation and emergency projects in China.

AIA is Southeast Asia's largest life insurer, with branch offices and affiliated companies located in countries and jurisdictions including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Guam, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The Company has been assigned ‘AAA' insurer financial strength rating by global credit rating service Standard & Poor's. In Hong Kong, AIA has also been assigned ‘Aaa' the highest rating, by premier financial rating agency Moody's. AIA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), the world's leading international insurance and financial services organization.