DBS And MasterCard Unveil Singapore's First World Cup Card Featuring Soccer Legend Pelé
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DBS Pledges Up To S$100,000 To Charity In Conjunction With Card Launch
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Customers Can Bid For Limited Card Sets Autographed By Pelé
SINGAPORE, DEC 4 - DBS and MasterCard International launched Singapore's first 2002 FIFA World Cup Card today at an event with none other than the "King of Football" himself. To commemorate the first FIFA World Cup to be held in Asia, DBS Cards and MasterCard are pleased to introduce the special edition DBS MasterCard 2002 FIFA World Cup Card, which is currently the only World Cup Card available in Singapore.
Pelé is in Singapore in his official capacity as MasterCard's World Cup Soccer Spokesperson for a two-day visit.
Hot on the heels after having raised more than S$56,000 for the School Pocket Money Fund, DBS Bank's card unit also announced today that it will pledge up to S$100,000 to the fund in conjunction with the launch of its new World Cup Credit Card.
DBS Cards will pledge S$10 for every successful DBS MasterCard 2002 FIFA World Cup Card account applied for, up to S$100,000, to help children from low-income families meet school pocket expenses.
Philippe Paillart, Vice Chairman and CEO of DBS, said, "The pledge by DBS Cards is an extension of our commitment to support a worthy cause. The project touches on a core philosophy behind our community relations projects about enabling young Singaporeans to help themselves.
"While offering our DBS credit card holders a unique opportunity to experience the 2002 FIFA World Cup, we wanted to take this occasion to share and give something back to our community. We hope the pledge will go a long way in supporting our less privileged children in the community."
For every DBS MasterCard 2002 FIFA World Cup Card account approved, cardholders will be rewarded with a set of complimentary exclusive DBS Pelé MasterCard - Electronic Cards. The electronic card is a stored value card. The Card will have MasterCard acceptance and customers may use the electronic card to sign for their purchases. DBS officials said they believe many soccer fans will likely keep these limited edition electronic cards as mementoes. Presented in a set of three, each of the electronic card design features the soccer legend's moments of glory.
In addition, five sets of the specially framed commemorative DBS Pelé MasterCard - Electronic Card will be signed personally by the legend. These sets will be put up for charity auction to DBS/POSB MasterCard cardholders at a starting bid of S$188 per set. The five highest bidders will get to keep the priceless memento, and all proceeds raised will be donated to the School Pocket Money Fund.
"The World Cup has always had a very special place in my heart and I'm truly delighted to be able to launch Singapore's first World Cup Card," said Pelé.
Customers can view the commemorative sets and submit their bids at DBS Card roadshows from 7 December onwards at the following locations - Parkway Parade (Dec 7-9), Jurong Point (Dec 8-9), IMM (Dec 14-16), IMM and Tampines Mall (Dec 21-23).
Besides doing their part for charity by dropping in bids for the auction, applicants at the road shows can also look forward to an instant win lucky dip to get World Cup collectible merchandise. As a special treat to reward soccer enthusiasts with yet another priceless memento, five successful applicants from the road shows stand to win a FIFA World Cup football personally autographed by Pelé.
Andy Chan, Managing Director, DBS Cards Singapore said, "We are very excited to be in partnership with MasterCard to bring the first World Cup Card to Singapore and to launch the world's first set of World Cup Electronic Cards. We believe many soccer fans here are equally excited that the world's biggest soccer event is being staged so near home in Asia. Being a leading bank in Asia, we want to extend the priceless opportunity to our customers with this new card launch."
According to Ajay Bhalla, Vice President and Country Manager, Singapore, MasterCard International, "MasterCard has been a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup since 1991. We are very excited to work with DBS to launch yet another first. The FIFA World Cup is the single most anticipated and watched sporting event and MasterCard is thrilled to join forces with DBS to bring the game to the people and the people to the game."
The specially designed World Cup credit card is offered to customers for a limited period till 31 March 2002. All approved applicants will stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to experience the World Cup opening match in Seoul, Korea on May 31, 2002, including return air tickets and accommodation at Crown Price Hotel.
The DBS MasterCard 2002 FIFA World Cup Card is an all-in-one credit card, which includes ATM and Nets functions. The card is accepted at over 22 million establishments in 210 countries and territories worldwide. Customers have access to the largest ATM network in Singapore, with the convenience of nearly 900 DBS/POSB ATMs located islandwide. A 24-hour worldwide emergency service is also available through DBS Assist for medical and legal assistance. Applicants must be at least 21 years old with minimum annual income of S$30,000.
About DBS
DBS Group Holdings Ltd is the holding company of DBS Bank and is the largest banking group in Southeast Asia. Ranked among the top banks in Asia, DBS Bank is a recognised leader in Internet banking and e-commerce. Beyond Singapore, DBS Group serves corporate, institutional and retail customers through subsidiaries and associated companies in Hong Kong, The Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, and international banking services through a network of overseas branches and offices. With its acquisition of Dao Heng Bank in June, 2001, DBS is the fourth largest bank in Hong Kong by assets.
About MasterCard
MasterCard International has a comprehensive portfolio of well-known, widely accepted payment brands including MasterCard®, Cirrus® and Maestro®. More than 1.7 billion MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro logos are present on credit, charge and debit cards in circulation today. An association comprised of more than 20,000 member financial institutions, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses, both large and small, in 210 countries and territories. MasterCard is a leader in quality and innovation, offering a wide range of payment solutions in the virtual and traditional worlds. MasterCard's award-winning Priceless® advertising campaign is now seen in 80 countries and in more than 40 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. With more than 22 million acceptance locations, no card is accepted in more places and by more merchants than the MasterCard Card. As of June 30, 2001, gross dollar volume was US$458.8 billion. MasterCard can be reached through its World Wide Web site at http://www.mastercard.com.
About Pelé
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Tres Coracoes, Brazil on October 23, 1940, Pelé burst onto the international soccer scene as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Pelé scored a total of six goals including two in a 5-2 triumph over Sweden to give Brazil its first-ever World Cup. He finished his career with 1,282 goals in 1,365 games and led Brazil to World Cup victories in 1962 and 1970. In 1999, Pelé was named by Time Magazine as one of the century's most influential people in the category of " Heroes and Icons." Most recently, Pelé was voted the greatest sportsman of all in a Reuters poll to find the century's top personality-ahead of Muhammad Ali and Carl Lewis.
Pelé has been global spokesperson for MasterCard since 1991. His stature and worldwide popularity have been a proven asset for MasterCard and its member financial institutions.
About The School Pocket Money Fund
The School Pocket Money Fund was set up by The Straits Times to help needy school children pay for day-to-day school expenses and is administered by The National Council of Social Service. Expected to benefit 5,000 students this year, the Fund gives out $30 a month to recipients in primary schools, and $50 to older students.
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