2009 News Releases

Taiwan - Manulife Taiwan recently launched two variable annuity (VA) products that allow investors to select their level of risk based on their comfort level.

The annuity, which comes in either A or B category depending on premium payment method, allows customers to select the level of risk under a pioneering new core investment strategy called Target Risk Management. This strategy uses three funds with specific risk targets – stable, moderate and aggressive – to help manage the overall risk levels in the investment.

The three underlying funds are each dynamic investment funds that allow asset appreciation with specific risk management appetites so customers can choose among these three funds to match their risk tolerance.

The underlying asset classes include: onshore/offshore mutual funds covering equities, fixed income, foreign currencies and money markets. By searching for the optimal point along the efficient frontier (least risk for the greatest return) and adding analysis on market trends and dynamic asset allocation, these funds situate themselves in the most efficient position to benefit from market movements while at the same time diversifying risk. Adding to these benefits are the early warning systems created by SinoPac Investment Trust to help improve clients' investment safety.

Customers interested in the new VA also have two payment choices. VA-A allows monthly regular premium payments as low as NTD 5,000, while still providing professional VIP service from the investment mandate capability. VA-B is targeted at clients who prefer a large lump sum investment.

VAs are back-end load products, meaning almost 100% of premiums are invested in the underlying investment options. If customers have liquidity needs, a 10% free partial withdrawal benefit is available during the surrender charge period. For customers who make payments over time, VAs can be a useful tool for accumulating wealth – to make a major purchase such as starting a new business for example, a goal for many 30-somethings in Taiwan.

Other than investment, VAA/B Variable Annuities also take into account protection needs. At maturity, the accumulated value can be distributed as annuity payments or as a lump sum and upon death the entire accumulation value is returned to the customer’s estate. On VAA, there is also a loyalty bonus feature1 that awards clients 50% of the monthly planned premium every six policy years.

Manulife Taiwan is the first insurer in Taiwan to sell investment-linked policies and has built its presence in Taiwan for over 18 years. The new VAA/B combines the advantages of investment-linked products with investment mandate capabilities from SinoPac Investment Trust.

Manulife Taiwan VAA/B Variable Annuities are the first products jointly designed by Bank SinoPac and Manulife. They are currently distributed exclusively via Bank SinoPac's branches. Interested customers can contact these branches for more information.

1 The loyalty bonus only applies to VAA. Please refer to the contract provisions for details.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers customers a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$437 billion (US$407 billion) as at September 30, 2009.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

Manulife (International) Limited, Taiwan Branch
2F, No.89 Sungren Road, Taipei 11073, Taiwan,
R.O.C
Tel：02-27575888   Fax：27575889
www.manulife.com.tw

Press contacts：
Suzanne Lee  李淑富
02-2757-2870   0939-359-659
suzanne_lee@manulife.com

Stephanie Wang  王岑懿
02-2757-2874   0963-280-256