4 September 2001

Card Alliance and Creative Star Launch Automatic Add-Value Service for Personalised Octopus Card

Card Alliance Company Limited ("Card Alliance") and Creative Star Limited ("Creative Star") announced the launch of the automatic add-value service for Personalised Octopus cards at a press conference today. The event was jointly officiated by Mr. Stephen Tan, Chairman of Card Alliance, and Executive Director and General Manager of Asia Commercial Bank, Mr. Peter Leung of Chekiang First Bank, Mr. Felton Lau, Executive Director of Liu Chong Hing Bank and Mr. Rob Noble, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Star.

The new service will enable the member banks of Card Alliance to provide a more convenient and swift payment method for their credit card customers. Whenever the Personalised Octopus card has insufficient value to cover a fare or other payment, $250 will be automatically added and subsequently charged to the credit card account. Customers will no longer need to worry about their Octopus cards running out of value, and they will also enjoy the benefits of interest free repayment period, cash rebate or bonus points while using the service.

Mr. Stephen Tan, Chairman of Card Alliance said in the press conference, "The convenience brought by Octopus cards to Hong Kong people is remarkable and we are delighted to be able to offer our credit card customers this service with the state-of-the-art technology."

Mr. Rob Noble of Creative Star said, "Creative Star is very pleased to cooperate with the member banks of Card Alliance in providing the automatic add-value service. With this service, cardholders not only can travel but also shop and dine around the city without ever worrying about their Octopus running out of value, nor spending time reloading their cards."

Company Profile

Card Alliance

was co-founded by Asia Commercial Bank, Chekiang First Bank and Liu Chong Hing Bank in June 2000. It aims at providing shareholder banks with back office card operation support including computer systems, credit card authorization and customer service, to reduce operating costs and increase competitive edge.

Octopus Card

was launched in September 1997. So far, there are more than 7.6 million cards in circulation with over 6 million daily transactions. Creative Star Limited, the issuer of the Octopus cards, has now entered into agreements with over 40 service providers including public transport, car parks, retailing services such as convenience stores, fast food shops, cake shops, and self-help services like vending machines, phone booths, photocopiers, as well as leisure facilities and access control for housing estates.

For enquiries, please contact:

Mr. Roger Lee
Card Centre Manager
Asia Commercial Bank
Phone: 2853 4686
Fax: 2815 4279

Mr. Peter Leung
Card Centre Manager
Chekiang First Bank
Phone: 2922 1717
Fax: 2865 3138

Ms. Carol Chow
Card Centre Manager
Liu Chong Hing Bank
Phone: 2161 8989
Fax: 2161 8800

Ms. Joan Ng
Director of Marketing
Creative Star Limited
Phone: 2266 2226
Fax: 2266 2254

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