(24 November 2009 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited ("NWDS" or the "Company"; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in the PRC, is pleased to announce that the winners of the Southwestern Region Semi-Final of "The 1st NWDS Spokesperson" Contest were born. The champion, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up of the female group were Li Jia from Chengdu, Zhao Jing from Chengdu and Yang Yu Wen from Kunming respectively; while for the male group, the champion was Wang Jia Yang from Chengdu, 1st runner-up was Zhang Chun from Chengdu and 2nd runner-up was Lou Jun from Chongqing.   Regional Semi-Final of Northeastern district, Northern district and Southwestern district have been completed successfully while the Eastern Region Semi-Final and the Central Region Semi-Final will be held in January 2010 and April 2010 respectively, leading to a keen competition in the Final contest that will be held in May next year.

Southwestern Region Semi-Final was held on 22 November.   The contest was full of bustle and excitement with contestants endeavored to deliver the theme of "New Character" of the contest. The competition was unveiled with an energetic dance performed by the 18 contestants who had showcased their dynamic attributes, further enlivening the pervading mood of the contest. First of all, contestants performed talent shows including magic, costume making at the scene, dancing and singing etc so as to demonstrate their unique characteristics and strive to impress the audience.   In the follow-by casual wear catwalk show, contestants put on their own mix & match of clothing. Not only their young spirit was revealed, but also their fashion sense was exhibited, fully tying in with the new image of "Enriching Lives Enhancing Character" of NWDS. In the evening gown Q&A session, contestants wore gorgeous self-selected evening gown and grouped into pairs of male and female to answer questions about updated trendy information and news of environmental protection and social concerns. Contestants not only showcased their perfect body figure but also manifested their concerns to public affairs.

Panel of Judges of Southwestern Region Semi-Final consists of Mr Raymond Zhang, Assistant General Manager of Kunming Store of NWDS; Mr Lee He, Assistant General Manager of Chongqing Store of NWDS; Ms Zou Yun, Deputy Editor of Chengdu ShangBao; Mr Chou Dian, Senior Reporter of Trendy Column of WCC Daily; Mr Chen Xiao Gang, Director of Culture Planning of Sichuan TV Station; Mr Zheng Yu, Assistant Operating Director of Xinchao Weekly; Mr Li Ze Qi, Managing Director of A Qi Ze Culture Media and Mr Kang Ting, Top Ten Event Planner of China.   Ratings from panel of judges contributed 60% of the total marks of each contestant, while on-line polling of Sohu from the public and customers' votes received in-store during 6 November to 20 November 2009 accounted for 20% each. Overwhelming responses were received from the on-line and in-store polling with over 310,000 online-votes and 12,000 votes were collected respectively.

"The 1st NWDS Spokesperson" Contest will select 1 male and 1 female spokesperson who will be awarded 1-year spokesperson contract which worths a total of RMB 600,000 prize, entitling to participate the tailor-made spokesperson activities which include attending various club promotional activities organized by over 30 stores of NWDS, be the cover models of "Best of New World" magazine and embracing media interviews.

Schedule of Nationwide Contest

* Exact date will be announced later.
** Tentatively planned location

Mr. Adrian Cheng, Executive Director of NWDS, the Chief of this rebranding programme as well as the third generation of the billionaire Dr Cheng Yu-Tung and the new generation of leader for the family business, is delighted that the Southwestern Region Semi-Final took place successfully, ‘Representatives of Southwestern Region each has distinctive charisma, with some in modern styles while some in natural and classical styles. They possess not only outstanding appearances, but also a passionate heart for caring the society. During the training period, contestants participated in the cleaning campaign to facilitate the environmental protection works. They also assisted to instruct pedestrians to follow traffic rules, striving to contribute to the society and foster the traffic civilization among citizens. Contestants not only equip with trendy personality but also have considerate attitudes towards the community, equivalent to the new image of "Enriching Lives．Enhancing Character" of NWDS. This also reflects the endeavors of NWDS to shoulder our responsibilities to the society and care for the community while offering excellent commodity and services to consumers.'

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