FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C)
June 06, 2007
 
Citibank Malaysia Strengthens Commitment in Financial Education with Second Edition "Agent Penny" Comic Book Series
 
Kuala Lumpur – Citibank today reinforced its commitment to promoting and improving financial education in Malaysia with the launch of the second edition of the Agent Penny comic book series titled "Agent Penny and Will Power in Operation Finance."
 
This sequel to "The Adventures of Agent Penny and Will Power," which was launched by Citibank in Malaysia in 2005, again targets students aged 10 to 12 years. More than 20,000 students have participated in an Agent Penny program since 2005 and Citibank’s 2007 goal is to reach 40 new schools and another 15,000 school children nationwide by the end of the year.
 
Special guest at the launch, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Haji Ahamad Sipon, Director General of Education from the Malaysian Ministry of Education said learning life skills, including the basics of finance, were important for the overall development of Malaysia’s students.
 
In his speech, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr Haji Ahamad Sipon said, "Our young cannot depend solely on academic qualifications to get ahead in life. Developing life skills through a holistic education is essential to prepare our children for the challenges of a rapidly changing society. Programs such as the Agent Penny comic books series complement our efforts to broaden the learning horizons of our children, to equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will serve them well in the future. I also encourage teachers to take up this challenge today to prepare our students for the future."
 
Also speaking at the launch, Renzo Viegas, Citibank Berhad’s Chief Operating Officer said: "Over the last two years, we’ve noticed, with great pleasure, the positive impact this program has made to the children who have participated in it. They’ve not only enjoyed the skit and comic book but also understood the messages about the importance of saving and budgeting."
 
He added, "Citibank believes financial literacy is a key aspect in life and being financially savvy will help people make better informed financial decisions. Through our financial education programs, our objective is to teach children the correct concepts about money management such as spending wisely, drawing up a budget, and putting money aside in case of an emergency. By cultivating these habits at a young age we hope it will have a positive impact on their lives for years to come."
 
In terms of content, the new Agent Penny comic features five new stories covering more advanced concepts such as: The Agent Penny comic book and learning program is line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s objective of promoting financial education in schools and Bank Negara Malaysia Wang Saku Budgeting exercise books will be also distributed with the Agent Penny and Will Power in Operation Finance comic book.
 
Another loyal Citibank community partner, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Augustine Ong, President, MINDS said, “MINDS is proud to once again partner Citibank to bring such a meaningful project to school children. This year students will given the latest edition of the Agent Penny comic series, as well as have the opportunity to develop their creative side in the interactive skit that they will present to their friends at school. We are indeed looking forward to rolling out the 2007 program in schools.”’
 
The launch, held at the Educational Technology Division of the Ministry of Education at Mon’t Kiara was attended by ministry officials, Citibank representatives, community partners and more than 300 Klang Valley school students. The Agent Penny program is supported by a RM217,000 grant from Citi Foundation.
 
“The Adventures of Agent Penny” program is the latest in a series of financial education initiatives that Citibank has introduced to Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. It also follows Citi’s pledge to commit US$200 million (RM760 million) to financial education globally over the next ten years. Citi has set up an Office of Financial Education in New York, and is now mobilizing its global workforce of 300,000 and working with local partners to implement the initiatives.
 
Citibank has also expanded the reach of the adventures of Agent Penny and Will Power via a website called the “Kids’ Wealth Foundation.” Since June 2005, students have enjoyed making use of the Agent Penny school calendar, wallpaper and interactive learning games. The site also provides parents and teachers a background on the project, a resource section with ideas for other learning activities, and opportunities for feedback on the program. Visit www.kidswealthfoundation.org for a preview.
 
 
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Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Citi Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
 
Citi Financial Education Program
Based on the belief that knowledge is your greatest asset, the Citi Financial Education Program is a global, company-wide effort to support and implement initiatives that help give individuals, families and communities the tools needed to make sound financial decisions. Citigroup’s ten-year, US$200 million global commitment is focused in three areas: Personal Financial Education, Small Business Financial Education and Institutional Financial Education. Additional information about Citigroup’s Financial Education Program, including Foundation guidelines, links and resources and the Citigroup Financial Education Program Curriculum and Facilitator’s Guide may be found at: www.citigroup.com/citigroup/financialeducation.
 
Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation supports organizations that help people improve their lives, businesses to grow, and communities to prosper around the world. The Citi Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. Additional information can be found at http://www.citigroupfoundation.com/.
 
MINDS
Founded in 1986, the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS) is the largest body in Malaysia representing individuals, universities and companies who pursue excellence in invention, creativity, innovation, research and development, and industrial design. MINDS is responsible for promoting high standards of invention and design, fostering professionalism and encouraging continuing professional development amongst its members and the public through organizing invention exhibitions, competitions, conferences, seminars, publications and other activities. MINDS is affiliated to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA) amongst others. Additional information may be found at www.minds.org.my.