Hong Kong, July 29, 2009 - ICBC (Asia) and 1872 Club, a subsidiary of China’s largest golf service provider, Reagle Commerce Technology Co. Ltd., jointly launched a new golf-themed credit card – the 1872 Golf Credit Card – to deliver a host of exclusive golf-related privileges for cardmembers. Mr. Stanley Wong, Director & Deputy General Manager of ICBC (Asia), was joined by Mr. Xie Lei, Director of Reagle Commerce Technology Co. Ltd., in an official launch ceremony held at Asia Golf Club today to mark the introduction of the 1872 Golf Credit Card to Hong Kong, enabling cardmembers to “Swing as they wish”.
1872 Golf Credit Card is named after the 18-hole golf course and 72-par. It aims to provide golf lovers with a professional platform to make priority reservations at more than 280 golf courses across China and a selection of 3,000 top courses around the world. Cardmembers can simply dial the service hotline or book through website to enjoy discounts up to 30% to 70%.
Mr. Stanley Wong, Director & Deputy General Manager of ICBC (Asia), said at the ceremony: “Ever since the building of the first golf course in China in 1984, golfing has flourished there over the past 25 years with more than 500 clubs in the country now, creating an enormous cultural and economic impact. Meanwhile, this sport has an even longer history in Hong Kong and becomes more popular in recent years. However, the sport is not able to achieve more rapid development, partly owing to the lack of venue. 1872 Golf Credit Card now provides a great solution to help golf fans in Hong Kong tee up at numerous well-developed golf courses on the Mainland, which will certainly contribute to the positive development of the sport. ICBC (Asia) is delighted to exploit its advantage in collaborating Mainland and Hong Kong and team up with the renowned 1872 Golf Club for the introduction of the 1872 Golf Credit Card, paving a path to more enjoyable rounds for golfers. Furthermore, the 1872 Golf Credit Card targets at golf and promises customized services for golf fans. This card signifies a new direction for driving our credit card business along various themes in order to cater to different customer requirements.”
Mr. Xie Lei, Director of Reagle Commerce Technology Co. Ltd., added that: “The 1872 Golf Credit Card not only provides convenience and benefits for golf fans, but also contributes to the interaction between the golf participants of China and Hong Kong. Through the integration of the resources of Hong Kong and the Mainland, we look forward to an even more dynamic market. We hope to draw on the support of ICBC (Asia) and the 1872 Golf Credit Card to help us better serve the requirements of local golf fans. It is also our wish to progress through learning from Hong Kong golfers and the local industry. With the valuable input and support of all our partners in Hong Kong, we look for enhancement of our service standard and quality, which in turn will play a part in the development of golf in China.”
1872 Golf Credit Card has both Renminbi and Hong Kong Dollar accounts in one card: purchases and cash withdrawals via ICBC and China UnionPay networks in Mainland China will be posted in Renminbi, so cardmembers do not have to pay extra cost for exchange rate difference and overseas purchase handling fee for Renminbi; purchases and cash withdrawals via VISA network in Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas will be posted in Hong Kong Dollars. It saves cardmembers from the risk and burden of carrying cash during outbound travels. Cardholders can also enjoy 24-hour free access to the “Phone Banking Roaming Service”
The 1872 Golf Credit Card has designed a number of customized golf plans for its cardmembers, including a flat green fee of RMB280 for golfing at 45 selected courses. Meanwhile, the “Exquisite 2000 Golf Plan” and “Deluxe 9800 Golf Plan” enable the cardmembers to enjoy golf games at 45 finest golf courses and eight deluxe courses on the Mainland at privileged annual fee. More details are available on http://www.1872.hk. In addition, cardmembers can enjoy special offers at Asia Golf Club for the use of the driving range without joining membership. Firestone Golf Club in Shenzhen also offers green fee and guest room concessions for the cardmembers, while Mango City provides special discounts on hotel and air ticket reservations.
ICBC (Asia)
ICBC (Asia) is a licensed bank incorporated in Hong Kong with its shares listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 349). It has 43 branches, 9 “Elite Club” Wealth Management Centres, 5 commercial business centres and 1 Investment Service Centre in Hong Kong. It is principally engaged in banking, financial and other financial related services with focus on retail banking, commercial banking as well as corporate banking business. ICBC (Asia) is the flagship of Hong Kong banking business of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, the largest commercial bank in the Mainland China (in terms of total assets). On 3 June 2009, ICBC (Asia) was assigned A2/Prime-1 long-term/short-term deposit ratings and C- Bank Financial Strength Rating (BFSR) by Moody’s Investors Service.
Reagle 1872
Founded by Reagle Holding Co. Ltd. (Hongkong) in November 2005, Reagle Commerce Technology Co. Ltd., has been awarded a “National Information Demonstration Company”, “Information Technology Demonstration Bases” and “The Key Service Sector Funds in 2008 to Support and Guide the Project”. The company aims to be the first golf company to be listed on the stock market. Reagle 1872, a high-end golf services operator and online service platform under Reagle Commerce Technology Co. Ltd., is dedicated to building the best quality online golf services platform in China – 1872 Club. 1872 Club’s services include golf course booking, as well as the provision of golf products, games, tours and related information. It aims at leading the way for members to a green life and to enjoy a brand new golf life style. Over the past 4 years, 1872 Club has established 21 offices nationwide (including Hong Kong) with over 200,000 registered members, together with 280 domestic golf courses and 3,300 overseas courses in 30 countries and regions. It offers 7*24 on-line booking service in Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese via service hotline, mobile phone and website. It has also signed golf service outsourcing agreements with 13 banks domestically, making it the top golf service provider in the financial sector in China.
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