This significant milestone in establishing a permanent presence in Beijing serves to increase the profile of SGX and foster closer working relationships with key stakeholders, including relevant Chinese authorities and SGX-listed companies.

The Guest-of-Honour for the inauguration ceremony held in Beijing is Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore. Joining Minister Lim at the ceremony is Mr Yao Gang, Vice Chairman, China Securities Regulatory Commission; Her Excellency Zhang Xiaokang, China Ambassador to Singapore; and His Excellency Brigadier General (Ret) Chin Siat Yoon, Singapore Ambassador to China. The ceremony is hosted by SGX CEO, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua.

"SGX is the exchange of choice for listing, and the associated raising of capital, of the most number of Chinese companies of any foreign exchange. We believe that this representative office will contribute to the continued strengthening of ties between SGX and the regulatory authorities as well as the business community in China, leading to mutual benefit. We are grateful to the China Securities Regulatory Commission for granting us approval," said Mr J Y Pillay, Chairman of SGX.

As of 31 March 2008, SGX has a total of 141 China companies listed with a total market capitalisation of S$45.1 billion.

"The opening of the SGX representative office in Beijing today marks a milestone in our relationship with our friends, business partners and customers in China. This will help us to better appreciate the environment in which our partners and customers operate. We wish to thank the China Securities Regulatory Commission for their firm support," said Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, CEO of SGX.

The SGX Beijing representative office is headed by Mr Lloyd Loh, Chief Representative. Please see Appendix for Mr Loh's biodata.

The new representative office is located in the Excel Centre, in Beijing's financial district. For details of the new office, please visit the SGX website.