The Asset, a leading international financial publication has voted Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow, Founder and Chairman of Public Bank as "Asia's Banking Grandmaster" at the closing dinner of the Public Bank Management Seminar 2010, held at Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre on Saturday, 13 March 2010.

The award was presented to Tan Sri Teh by Mr. Daniel Yu, Editor-in-Chief of The Asset, who also presented Public Bank with the 'Best Domestic Bank in Malaysia' for the eighth consecutive year and "The Asset Platinum Award for All-Round Excellence in Financial Performance, Management, Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility, Environmental Responsibility and Investor Relation", the highest award bestowed by The Asset Corporate Awards in 2009.

Referring to the "Asia's Banking Grandmaster" award presented to Tan Sri Teh, Mr. Daniel Yu in his speech said, "The secret to the success of Public Bank is the leadership by example, led by the Founder and Chairman. So like a thoroughbred in a race, this leadership is able to ensure that Public Bank is able to gallop ahead of the pack."

When the presenting the "Best Domestic Bank in Malaysia", Mr. Daniel Yu said, "Public Bank's ability to continue to grow its business during the most difficult period in global financial markets, while at the same time maintaining the quality of its assets underpin the decision of the board of editors in selecting Public Bank as the Asset Triple A Best Domestic Bank in Malaysia, for eighth year in a row."

In describing "The Asset Platinum Award", Mr, Yu said, "Public Bank scored among the highest in the annual The Asset Corporate Awards, joining a small and select group of Asian corporate, which have excelled in financial performance, management, corporate governance, social and environmental responsibility and investor relations. It is the only bank in Malaysia to have secured The Asset Platinum Award, the highest honour in The Asset Corporate Awards."

At the same ceremony, The Malaysia Book of Records has certified Public Bank as the 'Most Award-Winning Bank' for having achieved 270 awards over a 19-year period (1990-2009). These awards were accorded by over 45 reputable institutions and publications, many of which are "Best Bank" and "Best Managed Company" awards that recognised repeatedly the Bank's impressive performance and exemplary corporate governance.

Datuk Danny Ooi, Founder and Managing Director of The Malaysia Book of Records presented Tan Sri Teh with the certificate, which recognised and listed Public Bank's achievement as a national record-holder and placed the bank amongst the 'Best of the Nation'.

Tan Sri Teh feels especially exhilarated with all the coveted awards and said, "To be given such honour gives me a great sense of satisfaction and all these recognitions make my 60th year in the banking industry very rewarding and enriching experience. And it is certainly a wonderful birthday gift."

Tan Sri Teh also expressed his delight that Public Bank's culture of excellence, developed through the 44 years of Public Bank's operations, has once again received recognition. He continued that these awards will further spur the Bank to push the boundaries of excellence while continuing to demonstrate outstanding performance in the banking industry.

Tan Sri Teh has also been the past recipient of The Asset's "Asia's Banker of High Distinction" and other prestigious awards as FinanceAsia's "Best CEO in Malaysia", "Asian Banker Par Excellence", "Lifetime Achievement Award"' and "One of Asia's Most Influential 1996-2006" and Asiamoney's "Best CEO in Malaysia" , all of which acclaim his exceptional foresight and leadership.

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Tan Sri Teh receiving the 'Asia's Banking Grandmaster' award from Mr. Daniel Yu

From left to right: Executive Director Dato' Sri Lee Kong Lam holding the certificate for the 'Most Award-Winning Bank' by The Malaysia Book of Records, Tan Sri Teh with the 'Asia's Banking Grandmaster' award, Managing Director Tan Sri Dato' Sri Tay Ah Lek holding 'The Asset Platinum Award' and Tan Sri Dato' Sri Thong Yaw Hong Co-Chairman of Public Bank with 'Best Domestic Bank in Malaysia' award.

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