(23 April 2010 – 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 Central China Region Semi-Final of “The 1st NWDS Spokesperson” Contest were born successfully. The champion, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up of the female group were Zhang Qian from Wuhan city, Yao Jing from Wuhan city and Li Qian from Wuhan city respectively; while for the male group, the champion was Li Yin from Wuhan city, 1st runner-up was Ma Jie from Changsha city and 2nd runner-up was Xu Kun from Wuhan city. Regional Semi-Finals concluded with success, a total of 30 representatives from five regions will compete for the Championship in “The 1st NWDS Spokesperson” Final Contest to be held in Beijing.

Central China Region Semi-Final was held in Wuhan New World Department Store – Qiaokou Branch Store (“Wuhan Qiaokou Branch Store”) on 17 April and it was full of bustle and excitement. The contestants endeavored to showcase their refresh and new image of “Be Stylist．Be True．With a New Character” in front of the audience in order to tie in with the new image of “Enriching Lives．Enhancing Character” of NWDS. The competition was unveiled with an appealing chordophone performance by a women’s band, then the contestants marched in the stage with a Latin dance performance,  further enlivening the pervading mood of the contest. The competition was divided into four sessions, including thorough self-introduction, exciting impromptu Q & A, fabulous talent performance and amazing group performance. The group performance revolved around the story happened in “New World Space Ship”, guiding the audience to travel around the world. The contestants played with different roles of different countries, demonstrating different local customs and heritages through a series of festively singing and dancing that fully exhibited their stylish, versatile and unique personalities, tying in with the image of trend-setting player and unique characteristics of NWDS. Magic show was performed in the middle of the competition so as to ease the tension. Besides, it is worth to mention that one of the contestants was a deaf-mute came from Xian, his determination and perseverance was admirable. During the training period, contestants participated in an environmental protection campaign named “You Throw．I Pick”, they rode bicycles and cleaned the street to promote environmental conservation. This reflects the endeavors of NWDS to provide quality services to customers, while fulfilling our responsibilities to the society and contribution to the community.
   
Panel of Judges of Central China Region Semi-Final consisted of Mr. Zhao Weiqiao, General Manager of Wuhan Qiaokou Branch Store; Mr. Ma Ling, famous music critic; Mr. Zhou Derong, National Producer and well-known dancer; Ms. Xiang Hongyun, Associate Professor of Wuhan Institute of Technology, Faculty of Costume and Ms. Lei Li, Vice President of Chutian Metropolis Advertising. Ratings from panel of judges contributed 60% of the total marks of each contestant, and the assessment was based on the appearances, temperaments and talents of the contestants, while on-line polling of Sohu from the public and customers’ votes received in-store during 1 April to 14 April accounted for 20% each. Overwhelming responses were received from the on-line and in-store polling with over 5 million online-votes and 30,000 votes were collected respectively.


“The 1st NWDS Spokesperson” Contest will be held in Beijing soon, it will create another climax as 1 male and 1 female spokesperson will be selected. They will be awarded 1-year spokesperson contract which worths a total of RMB 600,000 prize, entitling to participate the VIP activities organized by over 30 stores of NWDS, be the cover models of “Best of New World” magazine and embracing media interviews. In addition, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Most Photogenic Award, Individual Talent Award and Audience Favorite Award will be presented, making the event more exciting.

Mr. Adrian Cheng, Executive Director of NWDS, the Chief of this rebranding program is delighted that the Central China Region Semi-Final took place successfully, “With the triumphant conclusion of the Central China Region Semi-Final, 30 representatives from various regions have been successfully selected, they have been actively preparing for the final contest. For the sake of fully manifesting the best attributes, delivering the unique personalities and revealing their elegant and fashionable style, an intensive and all-rounded training will be provided by our professional team, composing of international ballroom dance instructor, professional stylist and trendy & beauty experts. Equivalent to our image of ‘Enriching Lives．Enriching Character’ after the launching of rebranding program, we will strive to serve our customers with our brand new image and mission, highlighting the unique image of our department stores. I look forward to witness the birth of the NWDS spokesperson in the final contest in Beijing, and wish the 1st spokesperson can implement the innovative spirit of NWDS, pursuing continuous self-improvement and leading the trend.”

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