Prudential is the exclusive sponsor of "Happy spring" writing contest - 2010

Prudential VN Assurance continues to be the exclusive sponsor for the Writing contest with the theme "Happy Spring" – a contest held by the Tuoi Tre among many activities in “Online with Vietnamese Tet” program organized for Tuoi Tre readers on every Tet occasion. Being open to everyone and lasted from February 1 to February 22 – 2010, "Happy Spring" - 2010 welcomes stories about Traditional Vietnamese Tet, such as family reunion atmosphere, love in traditional Tet holidays, emotions during the spring seasonal transition. The total prize value is VND 25 millions. After two years, the contest has received over 1,000 writing pieces from readers across the country and overseas. Best articles can be read on the official website of the program.

CREDITING RATE DECLARED FOR Q1 2010

Prudential Vietnam would like to inform that crediting rate declared for the Universal Life product for Q1 2010 will be 6.91% per annum.

This new crediting rate will be applied from 26/12/2009 for all in force policies when interest is credited to policy account during Q1 2010.

On Prudential’s 10th anniversary (19 Nov, 1999 – 19 Nov, 2009), Prudential Vietnam Assurance in co-operation with Vietnam National Institute of Hematology & Blood Transfusion and Red Cross Vietnam initiated a blood donation campaign, “The journey for life”. This campaign will take place in over 30 cities and provinces throughout the country. With the message “Donating blood for a life full of laughters, compassion, and love’, this is deemed one of the largest campaigns ever in blood donation in Vietnam, being expected to attract a large number of donors. The campaign starts in Hanoi, Hue, Can Tho on 19 Sep and will finish in HCMC, Nghe An and Lam Dong on 21 Nov, 2009.

Thousands of Prudential staff , agents, their family members and friends have signed up for this campaign..

"The journey for life" focuses on supporting the Hematology Institute to fulfill their blood requirements in their storage bank, which functions a a centre for the country in providing blood for hospitals all over Vietnam for both emergency and regular treatment for our nation’s requirement. The objective of the campaign is also to raise public awareness of the importance of blood donation.

Prudential has a long history of CSR, of which blood donation has been an annunal activity for the past years. With a community of staff and agents of nearly 40,000 and customers of over 1 million, Prudential successfully mobilized 30,000 blood donators during 2003 – 2009.

Prudential Vietnam's CEO Jack Howell commented: "As many of you have been made aware through various public media, either broadcast or print, the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion has issued an urgent public call to supporting blood donation in an effort to fulfill the need of blood reserves in the country. Blood donation is one of Prudential Vietnam's premier corporate social activities and this year we are proud to be given the opportunity to be the first corporate company to partner with the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion and Red Cross in initiating a nationwide blood donation activity. This is the time for all of us to give back to our community and demonstrate our voluntary spirit by contributing to this significant cause."

BLOOD DONATION DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

This new crediting rate will be applied from 26/09/2009 for all in force policies when interest is credited to policy account during Q4 2009.

CSC Edge is now in operation with full functions like other CSCs nationwide (such as accepting application for insurance policies, collecting premium, TRRB distribution/ collection, paying claims…). This is the 4th CSC in HCMC and its presence will bring the total number of Prudential's CSCs, branch and General Agency offices to 139.

To pay policy premiums, Prudential's customers can transact at Post Offcies of VNPost, or at branches of Agribank and Sacombank and the transaction is free of charge.

CREDITING RATE DECLARED FOR THE "PHU - AN HUONG THINH VUONG" PRODUCT FOR Q2 2009

Prudential Vietnam would like to inform that crediting rate declared for the "Phu - An huong Thinh vuong" product for Q2 2009 will be 7.0% per annum.
This new crediting rate will be applied from 26/03/2009 for all in force policies when interest is credited to policy account during Q2 2009.

To subscribe, you have to access into website www.prudential.com.vn, click the icon PRUONLINE at the page right corner, choose the “New Register” and print out the “PRUONLINE Register Form”. After filling in the form, please send the completed form to any of Prudential Customer Service Centers nationwide. The username and password will be provided to you as per your choice of receiving the information. You can also subscribe by directly contact our Customer Service Center nationwide.

Currently, the users of PRUONLINE can request to update or change their address and telephone via this webpage. We are working on the developing of the new functions to make it more friendly and convenient to our customers.

Under the agreement, Standard Chartered becomes official agency of Prudential Vietnam in delivering insurance products to customers. There are three products launched at the initial stage including “Pru Triple EduCare”, “Pru Cash Double” and “Pru Retire Easy”.

With this issurance partnership project, Standard Chartered and Prudential Vietnam will be able to better serve their customers by providing a combined financial package. Customers who wish to buy Prudential's insurance products can now enjoy conveniences such as time - saving money transfer and on-the-site free consultations by Prudential’s well experienced agents. There will be Prudential's agents at every branch of Standard Chartered bank to provide consultation for customers.

On this occasion, Mr. Jack Howell, CEO of Prudential Vietnam said: “We are delighted to build up our relationship with Standard Chartered Bank to explore mutually beneficial business opportunities. The deal today is a testimony of our continued commitment to the cause of Vietnam’s life insurance market and partnership with Standard Chartered will enable us to expand our distribution channel and offer our products to the bank’s large pool of customers.”

“This is the first partnership between Standard Chartered and Prudential in Vietnam and we trust it will be the initial step for a fruitful business cooperation in the long-term. We are aware that there is a huge demand on insurance products amongst Vietnamese customers. Therefore, this bancassurance product is a part of our joint efforts to provide innovative products and services to Vietnamese customers,” Ms. Namita Lal, Country Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered Bank in Vietnam spoke at the ceremony.

19/01/2009

Comprehensive protection meets guaranteed growth with Prudential’s new product offering "Phu - An Huong Thinh Vuong"

Also in November, "Vo Truong Toan Award" was given to another 60 excellent teachers of 12 provinces Mekong Delta, bringing the total number of this year’s awards to 90. So far 343 teachers in Ho Chi Minh City and 290 in Mekong region have been grantees of prestigious “Vo Truong Toan Award”.

19/11/2008

THE 9TH "PRUDENTIAL - GOOD ESSAY, GOOD HANDWRITING" AWARD CEREMONY IN HO CHI MINH CITY AND MEKONG REGION

On November 9th 2008, the organizers of "Prudential - Good essay, good handwriting" contest held the awarding ceremony for winning candidates in Ho Chi Minh City. The awarding ceremony for Mekong region took place in Ca Mau on November 30th 2008. The competitions were jointly organized by Departments of Education of HCMC, Mekong provines and Sai Gon Giai phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper, and sponsored by Prudential Vietnam Assurance.  

In Ho Chi Minh City

• 1,549 students participated in the district–round competition; 142 students participated in city –round.
• Nguyen Hoang Vy from Phu My Junior High school, Binh Thanh District won 1st prize in contest for grades 6 and 7.
• Ho Hong Ngoc from Nguyen Du Junior High school, Go Vap District won 1st prize in contest for grades 8 and 9
• The strongest impression of the examiners is: "All candidates’ handwritings are beautiful with many got maximum score".

In Mekong Region

• 300,000 students participating in school – round qualifying competition, 39 students participated in regional contest.
• Pham Ngoc Thanh Thao from Le Ngoc Han Junior high school, Tien Giang province won 1st prize.
• Tran Luu Ngoc Minh from Vo Thi Sau Junior high school, Ca Mau province and Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Que from Ben Tre Junior high school, Ben Tre province won 2nd prize.
• Bui Nguyen Thanh Hien from Le Ngoc Han Junior high school, Tien Giang province and Huynh Hoa Tham from Truong Lac Junior high school, Can Tho City won 3rd prize.
• Nguyen Huu Gia Bao from Tran Hung Dao Junior high school, Can Tho city gained special prize as youngest candidate scoring highest point.
• All contestants from Tien Giang and Ben Tre provinces are prize winners this year.

09/11/2008

9TH "PRUDENTIAL – GOOD ESSAY, GOOD HANDWRITING" CONTEST & 11TH "VO TRUONG TOAN AWARD", 2008 in Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Region

11TH "VO TRUONG TOAN AWARD"

I. About "Vo Truong Toan Award"

This traditional ward, considered a festival for the teacher, is annually held in education & training sector. Since the 1st day, "Vo Truong Toan Award" has been granted on or around Vietnam Teacher’s Day, 20th November, by committed joint effort of Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper and Prudential Vietnam Assurance. This award has earned enormous prestige and popularity from the public, and at the same time created a strong motivation and dedication among teachers.

Between 1998 (1st time) and 2007 (10th time) there were approximately 530 teachers to be honored with “Vo Truong Toan Award”. The teachers who won this are prominent teachers from kindergartens schools, elementary schools, secondary schools, high schools, continuing education centers, and vocational schools under all sectors of education system: public, semi-public and private. They must also have gained the honorable title of "excellent teacher" with sufficient seniority, and tremendous admiration for their exemplification. This year’s 11th "Vo Truong Toan Award" has been organized in Ho Chi Minh City and all 13 Mekong Delta provinces.

II. Prize

• Quantity: 65 teachers (5 teachers/ province)
• Cash value: VND 325 million (VND 5 million/ award)

9TH "PRUDENTIAL - GOOD ESSAY, GOOD HANDWRITING" CONTEST

I. About "Prudential - Good Essay, Good Handwriting” writing contest"

The 9th "Prudential – Good Essay, Good Handwriting" contest is expected to attract the attendance of nearly 300,000 students in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta.

In the past years, "Prudential – Good Essay, Good Handwriting" contest has left good impression on many students and their parents as well as created high social prestige. For the organizers, the biggest success is the increasingly large number of participants year-on-year.

Mr. Binayak Dutta - CEO of Prudential Vietnam Assurance stressed: "After 9 years of successful operation in Vietnam, Prudential Vietnam looks forward to celebrating our 10th anniversary with many meaningful community activities, such as funding Vo Truong Toan Award and organizing "Prudential – Good Essay, Good Handwriting” contest. This is the way we express our gratitude to the Vietnamese, who have allowed us opportunities to develop business here."

II. Prize

• City - level
  
  The 1st prize: 3,000,000 VND x 13 provinces : 39,000,000 VND
  The 2nd prize : 2,000,000 VND x 13 provinces: 26,000,000 VND
  The 3rd prize: 1,000,000 x 13 provinces: 13,000,000 VND
  Consolation prizes: 500,000 VND x 13 provinces x 5 prizes/ province: 32,500,000 VND
  
  
• Province - level
  
  The 1st prize: 7,000,000 VND
  The 2nd prize: 5,000,000 VND
  The 3rd prize: 3,000,000 VN
  10 consolation prizes: 10,000,000 VND
  
  

Tentative Award Ceremonies

No.	Date	Award/ Contest	Event
1	4/11/2008	PRUDENTIAL - GOOD ESSAY, GOOD HANDWRITING	Province - level Award Ceremony - An Giang
2	6/11/2008		City - level Award Cerenmony - Can Tho
3	29/11/2008		Pan - Mekong Delta's Final Contest
4	30/11/2008		Mekong Regional Award Ceremony - Ca Mau
5	14/11/2008	VO TRUONG TOAN	Province - level Award Ceremony - Kien Giang
6	15/11/2008		Province - level Award Ceremony - Soc Trang
7	17/11/2008		Province - level Award Ceremony - Vinh Long

25/09/2008

PRUDENCE FOUNDATION AND VIET NAM YOUTH UNION ANNOUNCE IT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

• 5 billions worth Program committe
• In 2008 the program will be implemented in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa

(Ha Noi, 12/08/2008). Prudence Foundation under Prudential plc in cooperation with VN Youth Union and Aptech Viet Nam held a press conference today to announce the Prudence funded IT Scholarship Program.

This program is targeting to outstanding high school graduates but having no chance to go to universities. Priority will be given to needy students and those who are active in community activities.

Students will have to do exams on mathematics, English and go through interview to be qualified and admitted to a 2 year course with 2,400 worth scholarship. They will be then equipped with computer knowledge and skills that will help to formulate a strong foundation to develop their IT career.

During the course, in every week 12 hours are allocated to theory learning. Additionally students will spare time to practice, participate in workshops and visit software companies. After completing the course students will receive Certificate delivered by India Aptech Group and thus they will be recognised as International Computer Programmers.

The program will start in September 2008 in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa with 15, 10 and 10 scholarships accordingly. The first course will open November 2008. All applications can be sent to the local Aptech at the above mentioned cities/provinces

With 120 scholarships over 3 years from 2008 to 2010 Prudence Foundation is fulfilling the commitment to contribute to development of IT industry of Viet Nam.

12/08/2008

PRUDENTIAL INKED A INSURANCE PAYMENTS DEAL WITH SACOMBANK, CITIBANK

Prudential Vietnam Life Insurance Co. Ltd on August 8th officially inked a deal with Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank) and Citibank to activate "Prudential Vietnam insurance premium payment" service via the Sacombank's system.

Thanks to this service; personal customers, enterprises, Prudential’s agents and employees can pay the insurance premium and carry out other transactions at any transaction agencies of Sacombank nationwide. Customers just have to provide the number of their identity card or the number of the insurance contracts without paying any fee. Sacombank would deliver all insurance premiums of customers to Prudential Vietnam's accounts opened at Citibank. Mr Andrew Sims - Vice Managing Director of Prudential Vietnam Life Insurance said "Supplying the customer service with more facilities is one of the most Prudential Viet Nam's highly ranked priorities. We now have a wide customer service network which covers all cities and provinces in Viet Nam, including 100 customer service centres, branch offices, agency offices. With the opening of "Prudential Vietnam insurance premium payment" service via Sacombank and Citibank's systems, we expect to have our service got closer to our customers, help them to save time with convenient transaction."

08/08/2008

PRUDENTIAL VIETNAM RUNS ITS 2008 SERIES OF SEMINARS "INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE"

• Exclusively open to women
• Spread modern knowledge of family finance management
• Around 1,000 women participates

(HCMC) From 21 May to 17 July, 2008 Prudential Vietnam ran the series of seminars "Invest In Your Future" in 5 provinces: Kon Tum (21 May), Son La (6 June), Quang Binh (25 June), Quang Tri (28 June), Soc Trang (17 July), which attracted 961 women to attend. The seminars are part of the Financial Literacy Program of the Prudential financial group to provide women with knowledge and skills with family finances.

"Invest In Your Future" is a program implemented by Prudential in some developing countries including China, India, and Vietnam. The program aims at teaching skills of family financial planning to women, who are playing an increasingly important role in making decision on spending, earnings, savings and quality of life in the family in these countries. In Vietnam alone, “Invest in your future” has become an annual activity since 2005 with a record of 30 seminars in 27 provinces attended by more than 6,000 women.

In the "Invest In Your Future" seminars, female financial specialists from Prudential share their knowledge and experience in basic family finances like planning, implementing and decision - making to secure personal finances at different stages of one’s lifetime. This year's seminars focus on heated topics like cash deposits, gold deposits, stock investment, etc.

Mr Binayak Dutta, CEO of Prudential Vietnam Assurance expressed his keen interest in this series of seminars specially designed for women: "As an international financial services group in operation in Vietnam, it's one of our missions to contribute to the improvement in the living standard of local people. By sharing our expertise in family finances with many Vietnamese women, we can help them acquire the skill of controlling personal and family finances systematically, which is believed to generate a positive change in financial condition in each family."

17/07/2008

PRUDENTIAL VIETNAM TO SIGN COOPERATION CONTRACT WITH VIETNAM POST TO PROVIDE NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE

(Hanoi - 3 July, 2008) Following the Memorandum on comprehensive cooperation signed by Vietnam Post and Telecommunication group (VNPT) and Prudential Vietnam Assuarance (PVN) in September 2007, a Master Cooperation Contract was signed today by Vietnam Post Corporation (VNPost, under VNPT) and Prudential Vietnam. Accordingly, Prudential Vietnam network of customer service will become more densely distributed through out the country as a result of using VNPost existing network of more than 3,000 post offices nationwide. While the initial focus of the cooperation is on premium collection, the contract also deals with a range of customer services, including paying claims at post offices.

Within the frame of the Memorandum, Prudential Vietnam and VNPost have sought the opportunity to cooperate in agreed areas, namely payment, post service packages custom-made for Prudential Vietnam, and cross-distribution of products. In the first quarter of 2008, VNPost launched a pilot post service package for Prudential Vietnam customers, and positive results have been seen. After the signing of today’s cooperation contract, premium collection of Prudential Vietnam customers will be applied to VNPost post offices in Hanoi, Ha Tay, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong before other cities and provinces.

The cooperation of Prudential Vietnam, the leading brand in life insurance in Vietnam with VN Post, the local delivery provider with largest network brings about an opportunity to provide better service for consumers. Once premium collection at post offices is introduced, Prudential Vietnam customers can have the easy access to a highly convenient method of transaction; in return, VNPost can approach millions of potential customers coming to use its network.

Mr. Binayak Dutta, CEO of Prudential Vietnam Assurance said: "We already have a widely distributed network of customer service with 100 customer service centers, branch offices, general agencies plus over 40,000 agents nationwide. To demonstrate our full commitment to the mission of "listen, understand, deliver", we are seeking every chance for cooperation to diversify our range of services as well as add extra value to our quality of service."

Mr. Do Ngoc Binh, General Director of VNPost was quoted as saying: "In line with our principle of cooperation for combined strength and mutual benefit, VNPost has the strategies for better service for customers, especially in banking and finance, in which Prudential Vietnam plays the role of a significant partner. Services of VNPost are being standardized by electronic payment technology of banking system, which ensures better choice and flexibility of service for all customers. VNPost is taking a focus on developing domestic and international services, e.g. bill claims, collection and payment, facilities for bank cards, deposits, booking, electronic ticket, etc."

03/07/2008

Prudential launches Vietnam’s first investment-linked insurance plan

19 January 2008 - (Ho Chi Minh City) Prudential Vietnam Assurance launched its new PRUlink product, the first investment-linked life insurance product in Vietnam. PRUlink is an innovative combination of protection, saving, and investment that offers customers the benefits of life insurance with the additional option to invest in funds

With the introduction of PRUlink, Prudential aims to offer customers a new and exciting alternative to financial products currently being sold by the company in Vietnam and the wider financial services market. Introduction of this product category further strengthens Prudential Vietnam’s commitment to provide local Vietnamese customers with worldclass, innovative products and services.

Key benefits of PRUlink are:

• 2-IN-1. In addition to providing life insurance protection, PRUlink enables customers to invest in equities and bonds through investment funds.
• FLEXIBILITY. Customers can make additional investments, change investment proportions between investment funds, or change their fund selection. Customers can also change the sums-assured amount or premium, or withdraw money by selling their units in a fund.
• ADDITIONAL PROTECTION. Beyond finanical protection in the event of death, PRUlink offers customers the choice of supplementary protection against accidents, major medical conditions and hospital expenses, etc.
• INVESTMENT EXPERTISE. Customers benefit from the investment expertise of Prudential’s market leading fund management company in Vietnam
• TRANSPARENCY. Information about the performance of the funds is published on a weekly basis, and available through more than 80 customer service centers across Vietnam.

One of the key innovative features of PRUlink is the flexibility to choose an investment fund that matches their individual investment objectives and desired level of risk. To meet the varying investment objectives of consumers, Prudential offers five PRUlink fund options:

• PRUlink Vietnam Bond Fund
• PRUlink Stable Fund
• PRUlink Balanced Fund
• PRUlink Growth Fund
• PRUlink Vietnam Equity Fund

Mr. Binayak Dutta, CEO of Prudential Vietnam Assurance, said: “We are proud to be the pioneer of investment-linked products in the Vietnam market. It is an ideal time for Prudential to launch this product, as the country’s economy continues to achieve sustainable high growth and while financial markets and the investment environment stregthens to provide growth opportunities for the future”.

Prudential Vietnam is the first life insurer in the market to be license to market investment-linked products by the Ministry of Finance (GPÐC7/KDBH/ BH-BTC dated 15 January 2008). This reflects Prudential’s oustanding business performance in Vietnam and ability to satisfy several requirements to market investment-linked product successfully, such as its capital, solvency, infrastructure and system readiness, professionalism and experience of agency force and investment team.

Prudential Vietnam launched a new website (www.prulink.com.vn) to provide detailed information about the product.

About Investment - Linked Products (ILP)

Investment-linked insurance is an insurance product where the benefit and premium is divided into insurance coverage and investment. The policyholder can choose the premium and the sum assured during the policy term. The policyholder can also choose their desired investment funds. The policyholder earns the investment return and bears all investment risks from the selected investment funds

ILP is widely marketed in Europe, North America and Asia and has proven very popular with consumers.

Prudential, with 160 years of experience and strong financial growth, is managing assets worth over USD 510 billion (as at 30 June 2007). Prudential has successfully introduced ILP products into the Asian market in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines with millions of customers.

19/01/2008

Vo Truong Toan 10th Award granted to 30 excellent teachers in Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC People’s Committee granted certificates of merit to 30 awarded teachers

HCMC – 30 excellent teachers from HCMC were awarded Vo Truong Toan 10th Award 2007 at the city hall on November 19, 2007. The annual event is held by a joint effort of Sai Gon Giai phong Newspaper and HCMC Department of Education, sponsored by Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited, in honor of dedicated prominent teachers for “Good education for future generations”. The awarding ceremony takes place on a yearly basis on the occasion of Vietnam Teachers’ Day, and has been organized since 1998. Vo Truong Toan Award winners include prominent teachers from schools of all levels with high seniority, outstanding performance, and exemplary manner, etc. So far 513 teachers have been presented this prestigious award.

It is a fine tradition of Vietnamese people 'Gratitude is the sign of noble souls' that one must be grateful to those who have helped him. Therefore, every Vietnamese student bears in mind that he owes his education to teachers. Teachers in Vietnam don’t just teach students academic knowledge, they teach them moral lessons as well. We all have heard about teachers that are exemplary and wholly devoted to the teaching career. This tradition has been preserved from generation to generation in Vietnam creating countless elite people 'Deep respect to teachers and moral principles' for our nation.

Commenting on this year’s awarding ceremony, Mr Phan Xuan Bien – Chief of HCMC Culture Committee, said: ‘Teachers is one of three fundamental factors in improving education quality. In the context that education is at the central point of public concern, the award to honor committed teachers is a meaningful act of Sai Gon Giai phong Newspaper, HCMC Department of Education, and Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited.

In addition to 30 awards for teachers from HCMC, another 60 awards were given to excellent teachers in Soc Trang Province (November 14), Can Tho City (November 15), and Ben Tre Province (November 17), which adds up to a total of 90 awards for this year’s ceremony. Each award is worth VND 5 million in cash.

The CEO of Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited, Mr Binayak Dutta, said: ‘After 8 years of operation in Vietnam, Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited marks its 8th founding anniversary with many significant community activities, through which we want to express our gratitude to Vietnamese people for giving us a good opportunity and environment to do business.’ In this November, several events are held by Prudential to celebrate Vietnam Teachers’ Day, such as Prudential “Good essay, good handwritting” Award for students and Vo Truong Toan Award for excellent teachers.

19/11/2007

8th Prudential "Good handwriting , Good essay" awarding ceremony, Ho Chi Minh city

• More than 520,000 entrants from Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta provinces participated in the competition.
• Nguyen Hong Nhat Tan from Hung Phu A, District 8, HCMC won first prize in the competition for students of grades 8 and 9.
• Nguyen Dzung Phuong Tam from Kim Dong Junior High School, District 5, HCMC won first prize in the competition for students of grades 6 and 7

HCMC - Winners of 8th Prudential "Good handwriting, Good essay" were awarded prizes at HCMC Youth Cultural House on 10 November, 2007. The competition was jointly organized by HCMC Department of Education and Sai Gon Liberation (Saigon Giai Phong) Newspaper, and was sponsored by Prudential Vietnam Assurance plc.

The prizes include:

• District level prizes: 6 flat prizes (worth 500,000 VND each).
• City level prizes: 14 prizes for 2 categories (grades 6-7 and grades 8-9) including 2 first prizes (worth 5,000,000 VND each), 2 second prizes (worth 4,000,000 VND each), 4 third prizes (worth 3,000,000 VND each), 6 consolation prizes (worth 500,000 VND each).

After a month of competition (24 October – 28 November 2007), Nguyen Hong Nhat Tan from Hung Phu A School, District 8, HCMC won first prize in the competition for students of grades 8-9 with a moving and creative essay expressing her serious thinking about help and share in a community. The second prize went to Duong Thi Dieu Hien from Hoang Hoa Tham School, Tan Binh District. Third prizes went to Nguyen Duong Anh Thu from Le Quy Don School, District 3, and Le Thi Thanh Hang from Hoa Lu School, District 9. Consolation prizes were awarded to Bui Thi Ngoc Mai, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thu, Le Thi Nha Nhi from An Phu School, District 2, Nguyen Du School, Go Vap District and Tran Van On School respectively.

In the competition for students of grades 6-7, an excellent essay on his school won Nguyen Dung Phuong Tam from Kim Dong Junior High School, District 5 the first prize. The second prize was given to Nguyen Thi Nhat Thanh from Colette School, District 3. Two third prizes were won by Nguyen Anh Nhu, Cu Chi II High School, Cu Chi District and Nguyen Thanh Duong from Binh Chieu School, Thu Duc District. Consolation prize winners were Vu Tuyet Song Anh from Le Loi School, District 3, Vo Ngoc Anh from Truong Van Ngu School, Thu Duc District, and Le Thanh Thuy Phuong from Tan Phu Trung School, Cu Chi District.

All prize winners were excellent at knowledge, hand writing and writing skill. Mr Le Xuan Giang, a specialist in literature of HCMC Department of Education, who wrote the writing test questions, said: "The test question for this year’s competition deals with a social topic. For students of grades 6-7, the test question asked them to write about their school as a wonderful place. By giving this test we hope to teach them to love their school where they learn from teachers, obtain knowledge, and make friends. In the meantime, those of grades 8 and 9 were asked to write about a "sharing shoulder". This question teaches them about a principle in life: “Man is not for himself."

Since 2004, Prudential writing competition has been extended to provinces in Mekong Delta. This year the competition attracted more than 520,000 participants, among them 122,000 from HCMC, which reveals a fact that more and more students have become interested in this competition. The final competition in Mekong Delta (November 4) and the regional awarding ceremony (November 25) are to take place in Vinh Long.

In line with its principle of "always listening, always understanding", Prudential understands that "Literature Makes Humans", and hopes to be side by side with schools and parents in building a good emotional life for school children. Ms. Le Hoang Lan, General Manager of Prudential Vietnam was quoted as saying: "Prudential writing competition does not only develop student ability in creative writing but also helps them realize their responsibility in family and social community."

10/11/2007

The Grand Opening Ceremony Of Prudential Vietnam Finance Company (PruFC)

(HCMC – October 9, 2007) Prudential has opened its Prudential Vietnam Finance Company (PruFC) , which is seen as a milestone in the corporation’s business strategy in Vietnam. This is the first time such a global giant as Prudential has participated in the new financial area of consumer credit in the country. The ceremony was attended by Mr Mark Tucker, Group Chief Executive of the London-based Prudential plc, and Mr Kieu Huu Dung, Head of Department of Banks and Non-Bank Credit Institutions under The State Bank of Vietnam.

PruFC was licensed by Vietnamese government in October 2006 to operate in two fields: capital mobilization and consumer credit with a chartered capital of USD 7.5 million. PruFC is headquartered on 23rd floor of Saigon Trade Center Building (STC), 37 Ton Duc Thang St, Dist 1, HCMC.

Mr. Tucker was quoted at the ceremony as saying that the establishment of PruFC has realized Prudential’s long-term commitment to developing full financial services in Vietnam by means of integrating insurance, investment and finance. He also expressed sincere thanks to Vietnamese Government for its strong support to Prudential Vietnam and other foreign-invested companies here. He added with emphasis: "Together with Prudential Fund Management Company (FMC), the existence of PruFC has proved the sustainable growth of Prudential Vietnam. This important event promises a future of acceleration of Prudential-owned subsidiaries in Vietnam, which will definitely help boost Vietnam’s financial market as well as the local economy."

PruFC's CEO, Mr Kalidas Ghose specified the wide range of services that the company provides, including:

• Mortgages, credit card issuance, loans;
• Consumer credit guarantee;
• Credit intermediacy.

PruFC has a roadmap to expand its network throughout Vietnam with the view to making its services accessible to every Vietnamese person. On the other hand, the company will mobilize capital from individuals and institutions in and outside Vietnam by:

• Issuing bills of exchange, bonds, money deposit certificates, and other valued papers;
• Borrowing/accepting entrusted capital;
• Attracting money deposits investment of one or more years from Prudential subsidiaries.

Along side with Prudential Vietnam Assurance plc and Prudential Vietnam Fund Management Company, PruFC is intended to provide more options and better opportunities for Vietnamese individual and corporate investors to achieve their financial goals.

On this occasion, Mr. Kieu Huu Dung, representative of The State Bank of Vietnam, said: "The establishment of PruFC will create a new channel of credit and satisfy the growing need of Vietnamese consumers for credit. I place my trust on Prudential’s sound financial strength and extensive experience in risk management to give a boost to the infant credit market in Vietnam."

The PruFC Customer Service Center was opened on the same day at its location on 1st floor of Saigon Trade Center Building, 37 Ton Duc Thang St, Dist 1, HCMC.

Expert analyses say the market for consumer credit in Vietnam has been too small in line with its economic strength. However, statistics have shown that Vietnamese average people’s living standard and public savings have increased sharply, and that the local consumer trends have become quite similar to those of the developed world, which has created a new demand for credit. PruFC’s new services of consumer credit are eagerly awaited to satisfy this demand.

09/10/2007

Prudential Vietnam helped to release destructive aftermath of Can Tho Bridge collapse

(Can Tho) Through Prudential Humanitarian Fund, Prudential Vietnam donated 50 m dong (USD 3,000) on October 1, 2007 as a joint effort to alleviate the after-effect of the partial collapse of Can Tho Bridge. The donation was given to the victims or their families in the worst-affected provinces of Can Tho (25 m dong) and Vinh Long (25 m dong).

Representatives of Prudential Vietnam in Can Tho, accompanied by those of Can Tho People’s Committee, Binh Minh District People’s Assembly and Ninh Kieu District Executive Council, visited and consoled the sufferers at their home or in the hospital.

Prudential Vietnam has recently been hailed for its participation as the main sponsor in ‘Fun Run for Charity’ on 30 September in which the Trade Union Unit of the company raised 7 m dong from its members to help the victims of the Can Tho bridge collapse.

Prudential Vietnam understands that the duty to build a better community in Vietnam is equally important to its goal to develop a successful business. In line with this principle, Prudential Vietnam has always been in close cooperation with various local agencies and charities all over Vietnam to run support campaigns to help the needy, namely blood donation, emergency supplies to flood victims, eye operations for poor blind people, free medical checkup and treatment or even houses for the disadvantaged or the Agent Orange victims as well as scholarships for poor talented students, etc. This charitable work is considered a high priority in the strategic policies for global development of Prudential plc.

01/10/2007

OPENING CEREMONY OF
JOINT PROGRAM ON CONSUMER LOANS BY PRUDENTIAL VIETNAM FINANCE COMPANY AND DE NHAT PHAN KHANG SHOPPING MALL

(HCMC) In a joint venture Prudential Vietnam Finance Company (PruFC) and De Nhat Phan Khang Shopping Mall (DMPK) launched a new program to provide consumer loans at DNPK’s complex at 431 Hoang Van Thu St, Tan Binh Dist.

In the cooperation agreement, the two sides are committed to offering loans to consumers with easy paperwork and small installments. The service is expected to bring about a lot more convenience to shoppers at DNPK.

Express loan service:

PruFC and DNPK provide non-deposit and interest-free borrowings for all those who wish to buy appliances worth from 4 to 10 m dong by three-month advance payment and nine monthly installments.

Non-express loan service:

Customers can seek a non-deposit loan of 10 to 32 m dong with 12, 18 or 24 monthly installments.

Products on purchase are at fixed price with less-than-one-hour procedure, prompt free delivery and installment besides other standard aftersales services. This is commented as a great effort by PruFC and DNPK to provide the best financial service possible to boost consumer spending.

Mr Kalidas Ghose – CEO of PruFC, said: "The close cooperation between PruFC and DNPK will make our services more accessible to Vietnamese consumers, who have more sophisticated demands for quick financial and efficient aftersales serives. This is also our special offer on the occasion of PruFC's birth."

26/09/2007

Prudential "Good Handwriting, Good Essay" writing contest 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta provinces

(HCMC) - On the morning of 19 September 2007, the organizing committee of “Prudential Good handwriting, Good essay” contest held a press conference to announce the 8th contest. The contest is jointly held by Sai gon Giai phong Newspaper and HCMC Department of Education, and has been sponsored by Prudential Vietnam Assurance plc.

For the past 7 years, “Prudential Good handwriting, Good essay” writing contest has left a strong impression on many pupils, their parents, and others. The organizers view the enthusiastic participation of more and more school students as their biggest success. This year’s contest is expected to attract an estimate of over 550,000 contestants in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces.

It is common knowledge that many pupils underestimate literature, handwriting and essays at school. Only when they go to work and have difficulty communicating will they begin to realize how important the subjects are, but it is usually too late. The contest is aimed at helping school students build the skill for good handwriting and writing essays as well as develop a healthy sentimental life towards their family, school, and nation.

To improve the quality of this year’s contest, the organizing committee has added a new test of writing an essay on a social issue.

Contestants will be categorized into two groups: one for students of grades 6 & 7 and the other for those of grades 8 & 9 with the view to more accurately assess the writing ability of each participant.

The contest for entrants in Ho Chi Minh City consists of three rounds: school level (24 – 30 September 2007), district level (8-13 October 2007), and city level (28 October 2007).

1. Prtzes for District level:
• 06 flat prizes × 500,000 VND/prize = 3,000,000 VND/district
  
  
2. Prizes for City level: (equally divided by two groups)
• First prize: 02 prizes × 5,000,000 VND/prize = 10,000,000 VND
• Second prize: 02 × 4,000,000 VND/prize = 8,000,000 VND
• Third prize: 04 prizes × 3,000,000 VND/prize = 12,000,000 VND
• Consolation prize: 06 prizes × 500,000 VND/prize = 3,000,000 VND

The prize awarding ceremony is planned to take place at Youth Cultural House at 9 a.m. 10 November, 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City and between September and November 2007 in Mekong Delta provinces.

19/09/2007

“The special value added offer” has been launched from July 11, 2007 to 30 Sept, 2007 for the owners of one policy of either of two products above and its validity until participating date of the new contract.

Either the product Pru Triple Educare or Pru Cash Double with the initial premium of VND 3 million or more, and attached with riders, policy owners will be offered with the rider “Accidental Death” with the par-value of VND 50 million free of charge within 5 years. After 5 years, the policy holders will extend the term of the rider without any assessment.

The fact that insurance policy holders are shared special bonus and value added offer reflects the efforts and commiment of Prudential Vietnam to bring the most benefits to its customers.

27/07/2007

Prudential Vietnam always understands that its involment in social activities for community development and its contribution to better the lives of Vietnamese is as significant as its business operations. Therefore, during its establishment and growth, Prudential Vietnam has always tightly cooperated with various organizations, departments, charity associations to have launched and implemented many practical & effective activities nationwide of great commiment to community such as assistance for victims suffering from flood, sponsorship for eye operation for the poor, blind patients, financial funding for dioxin victims, scholarships for needy excellent students... This is one of the leading principles of growth strategies of Pru Plc.

24/07/2007

The one-off special bonus increases the guaranteed benefits of the policy and is on top of the annual reversionary bonuses declared on all participating policies earlier this year.

This is the first time Prudential Vietnam has declared a special bonus and it results from the recent exceptional investment market performance. As a result, Prudential has generated investment returns higher than those projected.

The face amount of VND 521 billion will be shared by more than 740,000 eligible policyholders. The amount of special bonus and increase in maturity value of each policy will depend on the policy type, the policy term, the policy size and the year of commencement.

Said Binayak Dutta, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Vietnam, “We are always trying to deliver good value to our customers. We are very pleased that the strong investment performance has given us the opportunity to reward our policyholders with this special bonus. Prudential Vietnam is proud to be the first life insurance company in Vietnam to do this. “

The amount of reversionary bonus to be declared in each future year can vary up or down depending on an assessment of the past actual experience and the future outlook, particularly the outlook in terms of the future investment performance of the company. The bonuses which have already been declared will be guaranteed and paid upon the insurance events or policy maturity.

In July 2007, individual statements showing the amount of special bonus will be sent to all eligible policyholders.

Watch video

15/06/2007

Nearly 100 children with cleft lips or deformed faces from poor families of suburb areas have been operated during the launch “For the Children’s Smiles”. The Central Dentistry Hospital is generously funding all surgery, accommodation and medical service expenses. Health check-up and medicine for each surgery case is worth of 800.000 VND. The total cost of VND 80.000.000 has been financially funded by Prudential Vietnam as main sponsor (with total sponsorship amount of VND 70.000.000 and FAHASA Book Publishing House as co-sponsor ( with total sponsorship amount of VND 10.000.000 and nearly 100 gift packages).

Over past 8 years (1999-2007), in cooperation with The Branch of The Association of Poor patients’ Assistance belonging to Department of Culture and Information of Ho Chi Minh City, Prudential Vietnam has successfully organized a great number of charitable activities such as For Needy people’s vision and children’s smile, Free Health check up and Medicine given to 18.000 persons; Donation of charitable 200 houses of love and 2400 scholarships. In addition, there are such programs as donation of wheel chairs, financial support for Vietnamese heroic mothers, etc...The Association continues carrying out activities as follows:

• Program “for the children’s smile”
• Free medicine and health check up for the poor at Tien Gang and Dong Thap.
• Donation of charitable houses.

12/06/2007

400 scholarships will be awarded at the presentation to excellent needy students, children of disabled ex-soldiers or martyrs belonging to 6 districts (Nha Be, Cu Chi, Can Gio, dist. 9, Thu Duc and Binh Chanh), as well as orphans and vision shorted children at Thien An Orphanage. Each scholarship is worhty of VND 500.000. Especially, this year the scholarship is extended to 5 typical examples who have made their great effort for better achievement and 10 students of medical school with the hope that those would be doctors shall help to poor in future. Each scholarship costs VND 2.000.000. The total expense of “Wings for children’s dreams” is financially funded by Prudential Vietnam. At this year Awarding ceremony there are presence of lots of singers and actors from Branch of the Association of Poor Patients’ Assistance belonging to the Department of Culture and Information of Ho Chi Minh City such as Anh Tuyet, Quang Linh, Nguyen Phi Hung, Duc Tuan, AC & M band, Kim Quy Dance band… Who voluntarily do their free performance and some of whom have been with the Program “Smile and Vision for the kids” for the past 7 years.

Since 1999- 2007, The Association has raised 6 billions for socially responsible activities… Many programs have been of great success and repercussion to society such as: eye/ lip operation programs for 600 needy and underprivileged people, free medicine and health check-up for over 18.000 persons; donation of 200 charitable houses and 2000 scholarships. In addition, there are such programs as: donation of wheel chairs, financial support for Vietnamese heroic mothers, etc... The Association continues carrying out following activities: • Program “for the children’s smiles” • Free medicine and health check up for the poor at Tine Gang and Dong Thap. • Donation of charitable houses.

30/05/2007