Up to RM500,000 to be won in Bursa Pursuit virtual stock challenge

Bursa Malaysia today launched a retail programme aimed to expose, engage and educate the young generation on looking at the stock market as an investment option. This four-month long campaign is the first phase of the exchange's long-term commitment to familiarise and engage the younger target segment into identifying opportunities for investment or career in the capital market. The programme is targeted to the investing population age group of 20 to 29 years of age.

Bursa Malaysia Berhad Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Yusli Mohamed Yusoff said, "There is a strong need for us to engage new retail investors into our capital market. Our ultimate aim is to persuade the younger segment to consider the stock market as a natural investment option."

The retail programme covers a two-pronged approach. The first aims to reach out to the young and create awareness through a hip and innovative advertising campaign entitled "What If...". The latter focuses on the message of what investors can potentially miss out on should they not consider the stock market as an investment opportunity. The second approach will utilise an online investment challenge game called Bursa Pursuit as a medium to engage and educate.

Bursa Pursuit is a virtual stock challenge with real-life trading experience, minus the actual monetary risk. This exciting stock game features educational elements such as trading tools and analyst reports and most importantly, engages participants in the actual analyzing, buying, selling and monitoring aspects of stock trading.

Dato' Yusli added, "We believe that it is imperative to educate young investors to adopt informed investment strategies. Early exposure in trading will hopefully instill in our young the interest in finding out more ways to tap into investment opportunities available in the capital market. We hope that through Bursa Pursuit, participants can look forward to a new learning experience as they are exposed to the basics of stocks and trading."

Bursa Pursuit, which will run from 1 October 2007 to 30 November 2007, will give participants the opportunity to win prizes valued up to RM500,000. This online game opens with a virtual capital of RM250,000 and is open to participants above the age of 18 years. Those interested to participate can register online and the official registration period is 7 September 2007 till 23 November 2007. Bursa Pursuit will consist of 3 leagues: the main league for any individuals above 18 years of age; sub-league with a minimum of 5 players and maximum of 15 players; and a pro-league for individuals licensed by the Securities Commission. Weekly prizes worth RM2,000 each will be given to top 5 performers from the main league. A grand prize of RM100,000 will be awarded to the player/team with the highest virtual earnings from each league at the end of the game. Bursa Malaysia will also run roadshows at campuses and public spots within the Klang Valley to encourage sign-ups.

The retail programme which was launched in Maison in Kuala Lumpur saw local celebrities such as Serena C, Melissa Indot, Arafah Edruce, Moots of Pop Shuvit, DJ Blink, DJ Fuzz as well as Hitz FM DJs Hunny and Junior, showing support and signing up to participate in Bursa Pursuit's Celebrity League.

For more information on this online investment challenge, please visit www.bursamalaysia.com and click on 'Bursa Pursuit'.