November 25, 1998 For Immediate Release

On Wednesday, November 25th, Mr Youssef Nasr, President and CEO of Hongkong Bank of Canada participated in a ceremony to recognize the Bank's support of the University of Northern British Columbia's unique Northern Advancement Program (NAP).

The NAP was created to assist students from rural and First Nations communities in making a successful transition to University. This year, eighteen students are registered in the program from communities throughout northern BC, such as Tachie, Fort Nelson, Telegraph Creek, Hazelton, Nak'azdli, and Nazko. Last year was the first year for the Northern Advancement Program.

"Hongkong Bank of Canada is very pleased to donate $150,000 to UNBC for the Northern Advancement Program as a way to thank the community for supporting our Bank," says Mr Nasr. "Investment in education is critical for ensuring future prosperity and this program, which helps rural and First Nations students, is truly admirable. Hongkong Bank of Canada has already been fortunate to hire two UNBC graduates in Prince George, and we hope to make employment opportunities available to other graduates in the future."

"UNBC is very grateful to Hongkong Bank of Canada, and to Mr Nasr personally, for this generous gift," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "The partnerships we have forged with the Bank and others are vital to the success of the Northern Advancement Program."

The Northern Advancement Program is entirely funded from private contributions. Hongkong Bank of Canada joins Westcoast Energy, BC Hydro, and the Maurice Young Foundation as Program Partners.