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Manulife’s “Happiness Indicator” Survey Uncovers Key Drivers of Happiness in Hong Kong - Financial Planning Plays Important Role - Hong Kong – “Having a harmonious family” is the most important factor contributing to Hong Kong workers’ happiness, according to the “Happiness Indicator Survey,” released today by Manulife (International) Limited (MIL). The survey uncovered the happiness levels of Hong Kong workers and the factors contributing to this state of mind. Conducted at the end of November 2002 by the Social Sciences Research Centre of The University of Hong Kong for Manulife on 482 workers aged 21 or above, the study aimed to find out the factors leading to “happiness” and the importance of each factor were. It also sought to understand how respondents achieve “happiness,” with particular focus on their financial aspirations. Despite the uncertain economic times and overall atmosphere of pessimism, a significantly higher proportion of the respondents felt that they were happy (27.4 per cent) than those who felt otherwise (19.7 per cent). There was a clear resurgence of family values among the factors that contributed to happiness, combined with the peace of mind that came from financial planning. “Having a harmonious family” emerged as the strongest factor leading to happiness. An additional factor influencing happiness was financial planning. Individuals with a financial plan in place were found to be four times as likely to be happy as those who felt it was not feasible to start a plan. “Through this survey, it is clear that a combination of family values and financial security for themselves, and their families, is uppermost in people’s minds,” said Alan Ng, Assistant Vice President, Individual Product Marketing, MIL. “It is likely that people are looking for ways to safeguard their family’s future happiness even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.” Highlights of the survey: Family and health are critical to happiness Rating 12 different factors of happiness on a scale of one to 10, respondents overwhelmingly felt that family provided them with the most happiness.
Does wealth lead to happiness? Respondents were also asked whether they had any financial plans in place to achieve a better future, and, if so, what were their preferred investment methods to do so. Results included:
“Manulife’s business is all about helping individuals and their families be ready for whatever the future holds, enabling them to achieve peace of mind,” concluded Mr. Ng. “It is our hope that those members of Hong Kong’s society who have never thought about planning for the future will now be more fully aware of the benefits resulting from being prepared.” About Manulife (International) Limited Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies. Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were Cdn$146.2 billion (approximately HK$721.8 billion) as at December 31, 2002. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. - 30 - For more information, please contact:
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