Public Bank has been named "Best Asian Bank" by FinanceAsia, beating 10 other cream of Asia's banks including ICBC (China), DBS (Singapore), Shinhan Bank (South Korea) and Chinatrust (Taiwan) which are also Best Bank awardees in their respective countries.

FinanceAsia scored each Bank on 12 metrics which included return on assets, return on equity, growth rate, price to book etc and overlaid this with Standard and Poor's Fundamental Strength rating.

At the presentation ceremony held on 25 October 2008 at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Publisher of FinanceAsia Mr. Jonathan Hirst said, "....after all this... Public Bank emerged the winner against the likes of DBS, ICBC and Shinhan Bank. This award highlights what a great company and bank Public Bank is. You are not only the best in Malaysia but also in Asia. This is a great testament to the prudence, shrewdness and skill of your Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow."

Public Bank's Founder & Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow received the award on behalf of the Bank. He expressed the Bank's pride in winning this illustrious award especially when it's against 10 other top Asian banks. He said, "This is also a tribute to the success of Public Bank's model which is based on sound prudent business management - highly focused on team efficiency, profitability and growth."

The Chairman attributed Public Bank's success to the joint commitment and dedication of its Board of Directors, Management and Staff and the unwavering support of the Bank's shareholders, customers and business associates over the years. He aptly dedicated the award to all of them.

FinanceAsia had earlier in the year honoured Public Bank with two other awards - the "Best Bank in Malaysia" for the tenth consecutive year and the "Best Managed Company in Malaysia" for the seventh time. For the year 2008 to date, Public Bank had also received 23 other awards and commendations from both domestic and international bodies which included Best Bank, Best Corporate Governance, Best Brand and CSR awards.

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Tan Sri Teh receiving the "Best Asian Bank" award from Mr. Jonathan Hirst

Tan Sri Teh receiving the "Best Asian Bank" award from Mr. Jonathan Hirst, flanked by (from left) Executive Director Dato' Lee Kong Lam, Managing Director Tan Sri Dato' Sri Tay Ah Lek, and Chief Operating Officer Dato' Chang Kat Kiam

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For more information, please contact:

En. Razak Dali

General Manager

Public Affairs Division

Tel. No.: 03-2176 6420

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