Octopus Holdings Limited - Press Releases

(Hong Kong, 27 September 2008) Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme is an initiative that helps underprivileged students break the mould by providing extra-curricular activities for them. Only two years after its launch, positive results have been derived with over 75% of participating students considering the Programme helpful for developing their interests and potential. Over 75% said their self-confidence had been enhanced and 90% of parents believed the Programme had provided practical support to their families.

Octopus Cards Limited joined with St. James' Settlement to launch the Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme in 2007. The Programme, together with financial support from the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, has so far allocated over HK$1 million for a total of 420 underprivileged students. Students with resource deficiency have the chance of joining a variety of 13 extra-curricular courses free-of-charge, from Chinese painting and playing musical instruments to physical and artistic training.

"I watched people performing martial arts on TV, but never expected I would have a chance to learn it," a student participating in the Wing Chun Kung-fu class said. "The most exciting thing about Wing Chun is when I find myself able to break wood plates with a punch. This has really boosted my self-confidence. It would be great if I could continue with this class. I promise I would work hard on it."

"Many existing programmes and resources are deployed on boosting academic performance while little focus is put on students' whole person development," Mr Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement, noted. "Learning opportunities aside from attending school depend largely on family support which explains why children from lower income groups are less competitive as they grow up. This is largely how poverty is passed on to the next generation." Some surveys reveal that over 79% of poverty-stricken students cannot afford extra-curricular activities outside school, compared to 36% on average.

"As a corporate citizen, it is our long-term goal to nurture future talents for society. Today's ceremony is not just a testimony to the children's efforts over these months, but it has set a good example for 120 new participants," said Prudence Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus Cards Limited. "In order to arouse public awareness of development opportunities for underprivileged children, we encourage our employees to join this meaningful initiative. For two years, our volunteer service hour count has topped 1,600 hours, and we are delighted that our employees share the company’s aspiration to become a responsible corporate citizen."

"Students generally show a lower degree of self-confidence if their family cannot afford a fee-charging course for them. Some of these students even dare not talk with others. The Programme offers equal learning opportunities for these children, including today’s stage performance, which is a great boost for them," said Miss Leung, a teacher at a participating school in Sham Shui Po.

Photo Description
1.	Ms. Prudence Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus Cards Limited (first from right) received a gift from Mr. Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement (first from left) and a student representative at the graduation ceremony of Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme held on 27 September 2008.



2.	Graduates of Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme took a group photo with Ms. Prudence Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus Cards Limited, Mr. Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement and Ms. Beatrice Fung, Sales and Marketing Director of Octopus Cards Limited at the graduation ceremony held on 27 September 2008.