ALLIANCE'S AFFINITY CARD PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTES TO SUPPORT EDUCATION

Penang, 19 August 2007 - As part of its corporate social responsibility programme, Alliance Bank has contributed over RM60,000 to Chung Ling Private High School in Penang as part of its Alliance-Chinese Independent School (CIS) Affinity Card Programme.

Having contributed a total of over RM155,000 to over 14 Chinese independent schools across Malaysia to date, the programme has shown a gradual but steady increase in its CIS Affinity card base, reflecting the growing support for the programme.

The cheque presentation ceremony took place during Chung Ling Private High School's 90th anniversary celebration at the Penang International Sports Arena in Bukit Jambul and was handed over to the Chairman of the Chung Ling Private High School Board, Dato' Oo Jooi Tee by Lim Kim Suan, Alliance Bank Regional Manager Northern. The presentation was witnessed by Penang's Chief Minister, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon and representatives from Chung Ling worldwide network.

"As a nation that is celebrating 50 years of independence, education has been and will always be the foundation of our nation's growth. As a community-centred bank, Alliance Bank is pleased that we are able to do our bit by providing assistance to our local Chinese Independent Schools through our contributions via the Alliance CIS Affinity Card Programme," said Lim Kim Suan, Alliance Bank Regional Manager Northern.

Alliance Bank's CIS Affinity Card Programme is the first to incorporate a micro-donation feature that enables cardmembers to make cash-less donations to a Chinese Independent School of their choice to help fund the school's activities. Donations can be made either as a pledge that will be debited from their CIS Affinity card or as redeemable bonus points which will be converted to cash value by the Bank and then donated to the school.

Further supplementing the cardmember's donation, Alliance Bank will, in turn, contribute a particular percentage of the total retail spending of the card member to the same CIS of choice. This represents an additional and direct contribution from the Bank, a move that will fortify the school's fund-raising efforts while helping cardmembers to fulfil their desire to support education, in general, and their alma mater, in particular.

To date, Alliance Bank's independent contributions range from RM1,000 to RM50,000 per school depending on the cardmembers' spending.

Alliance Bank is one of the leading co-brand credit card issuers in Malaysia, offering a range of successful co-brand and affinity cards that meet the varied lifestyle and business needs of its consumers. From the Alliance Business Platinum MasterCard for entrepreneurs to the fast-growing Alliance-IKEA card to the first co-brand card in the multi-level marketing industry, the Alliance eCosway card, the Bank's year-on-year total card spend had outpaced the industry's trend by 50%.

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About Alliance Banking Group

Alliance Banking Group is a dynamic, integrated financial services group offering end-to-end financing solutions through it consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, Islamic banking, investment banking and stock broking businesses as well as unit trust and asset management, providing products and services that are suited for every customer at every stage of their life.

The Group has had five decades of proud history in contributing to the financial community in Malaysia with its innovative and entrepreneurial business spirit. It provides easy access throughout the country serving its broad base of customers via multi-pronged delivery channels including 79 retail branches, 14 Privilege Banking Centres, 19 Hire Purchase hubs, 24 Business Centres, 12 Investment Bank branches, 6 direct marketing offices and 3 unit trust agent offices located nationwide in a mix of rural and urban areas.

Through strategic partnerships, the Alliance Banking Group is also able to offer customers to regional and global platforms.

The Group's aspiration is to be Malaysia's premier integrated financial services group delivering the best customer experience and creating long term shareholder value. Strategic alliances, enhanced group synergy, excellent technology and human capital will be the key to creating long term value for all stakeholders.

Alliance Bank is wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian Plantations Berhad.