In recent years, the Bank has constantly expanded its efforts to alleviate poverty in underdeveloped regions of China. Extreme care is taken that these projects should address actual situations "on the ground" and lead to long-term benefits. The Bank has thus played an important role in improving infrastructure though roadbuilding and the construction of potable water works, the establishment of fundamental education, and introducing more effective methods of planting and stock-breeding.

Responding to natural disasters is another strand of the Bank's humanitarian activities. Besides the donation of monies to affected areas, the Bank has actively participated in post-disaster recovery programs in cooperation with institutions like the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Red Cross Society.

A notable example of the Bank's work in disaster response occurred immediately after the serious flooding of the Yangtze, Songhua and Nen River valleys in the summer of 1998. The Bank initiated a global online donation scheme via its international website, while receiving yet more donations from the Bank's own overseas employees. Several million RMB were collected and helped to provide fast relief to those affected by the disaster.

During the SARS epidemic of 2003, the Bank mobilized its branches and employees at every level to take a series of preventative measures, including the donation of disinfection solution, alcohol tampons, respirators and other medical devices. Additionally, a total of RMB7.35 million was donated to Guangdong, Beijing and other regions. In Hong Kong, the Bank's BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited subsidiary gave health protection kits to the elderly through the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department, and donated free traditional Chinese medicines for hospital workers treating SARS in cooperation with Hong Kong Baptist University. In the same year, the Bank was awarded a "Dedicated to SARS Prevention and Care" certificate by Beijing Bureau of Civil Affairs.

At the end of 2004, the Bank aided in helping the thousands affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami with a RMB13.49 million donation to relief efforts. The Bank's BOCHK Charitable Fund also actively participated, delivering HK$7.02 million (including HKD4.80 million from BOCHK and BOCHK Charitable Fund employees) in donations from Hong Kong residents to disaster-stricken areas through the Hong Kong Red Cross Society.

In 2007, the Bank donated a total of RMB117.86 million to poverty and disaster-relief programs.

In early 2008, an unusually severe combination of rain, snow and low temperatures brought most parts of South China to a prolonged standstill. The Bank took the lead in donating more than RMB12 million to the stricken areas. Bank employees extended a helping hand by making private donations. To help the region restore normal order as soon as possible, the Bank opened a "green financial channel" to support disaster relief and recovery via governments in the affected areas. Bank of China branches in these regions overcame enormous difficulties to ensure normal operation.

In support of national policy on educational development and equity, the Bank is playing an active role in all levels of learning. In 2004, the Bank of China was selected as the sole source for state student loans to 115 universities funded by the central government. By the end of 2007, the Bank had granted educational loans totaling RMB7.826 billion to 795,700 students of these universities, with balance of RMB6.901 billion.

The Bank also vigorously supports education in areas affected by poverty. Between 1994 and 2001, materiel and money donated to West Fujian by the Bank amounted to RMB7.9 million, and was used for establishing 15 Hope Primary Schools and creating 13 new classroom buildings. In 2002, the Bank sponsored Hope Primary Schools in Yongshou, Chunhua, Changwu and Xunyi of Shaanxi and the Agricultural 5th Division Organization, Sinkiang Production and Construction Corps. In 2005, the Bank aided in constructing the "Love Teaching Building" at Chengguan No.1 Elementary School in Yongcheng County, Jincheng City, Gansu Province. In 2006, the Bank assisted in building a Hope Primary School in Qinghe County, Sinkiang Uygur Autonomous Region. And in 2007, the Bank helped build the Guo Shoujiu Financial Hope Primary School in Hong'an county, Hubei Province, with a donation of up to RMB3.5 million.

Since 1990, BOCHK has granted scholarships to six universities, including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, for encouraging and aiding excellent undergraduates. To date, this scholarship and financial aid fund has issued over HKD10.40 million for the benefit of almost 1,100 students.

For the purpose of expanding its support for poverty alleviation, education and charity, the Bank is currently working towards the establishment of a "Bank of China Charitable Foundation for Poverty Alleviation and Aid to Education", to be created with donations from both the Bank and its employees.

In 2003, the Bank of China contributed RMB10 million to reestablish the TAN KAH KEE SCIENCE AWARD FOUNDATION in cooperation with Chinese Academy of Sciences. The program included the founding of a Mathematics and Physics Science Award (including mathematics, physics, dynamics and astronomy), Chemistry Science Award, Life Sciences Award (including biology, medicine and agriculture), Geoscience Award, Technology and Science Award, and an Information Technology Award. In 2006, four scientists were granted TAN KAH KEE SCIENCE AWARD for their achievements. In 2007, the Bank decided to contribute a further RMB10 million to the TAN KAH KEE SCIENCE AWARD FOUNDATION

Through its sponsorship and support, the Bank is an enthusiastic participant in the development of cultural and sporting activities. Through the years, we have supported a number of performance groups and worked to promote cultural communication between China and the West.

Notable Bank of China cultural/sporting sponsorships:

• As the chief sponsor of National Ballet of China, the Bank sponsored RMB5 million in total sum.
• Regular donations (a total of approximately RMB4 million to date) to the Children and Young Women Chorus of China National Symphony Orchestra
• Sponsorship of a series of cultural activities, including "China Root" for enhancing communication and exchange between domestic and overseas Chinese
• Sponsorship of China-French Culture Exchange Year in Paris, 2003
• Sponsorship of "Tianjin, China Week" in Italy
• Sponsorship of the "Beijing Olympics Picture Exhibit" for the Festival of China in London, 2006
• Joint sponsorship of the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show with the Royal Bank of Scotland. First introduction of Chinese garden art into Western horticulture
• Donation of RMB2 million toward the construction of the China National Gallery for the Shanghai World Exposition 2010

By virtue of its extensive network of branches and outlets, the Bank enjoys intimate links with communities all over China. As well as providing financial services, the Bank also uses these community- level connections for causes that range from improving people's financial knowledge to caring for the elderly and constructing local infrastructure. Overseas branches of the Bank of China perform a similar function, actively focusing on local development of Chinese communities in particular.

In cooperation with the BOCHK Charitable Foundation, BOCHK also actively participates in community initiatives, including supporting education, sport, cultural activities, medical projects, environmental consciousness and volunteer services, as well as undertaking disaster relief and fundraising. Over five successive years, BOCHK was granted the "Corporate Care-giving Award" by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.