(14 December 2017 – 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 Mainland China, is pleased to announce its fourth win of the Gold Award in the category of “Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance” presented by “The Asset Corporate Awards”. The Company’s outstanding sustainability communication was also shortlisted as the final seven under the “Best ESG Communications” category of the “IR Magazine Awards – Greater China 2017” and recognized by a Certificate of Excellence. These accolades illustrate the Company’s leading position in its integrated approach for the environment, our society and corporate governance. They also demonstrate the Company’s timely and active communication with stakeholders from various sectors on both business-related and non-business-related topics. 

NWDS has always believed that upholding ethical values helps its management team formulate compliant, appropriate and efficient growth directions and strategies, and at the same time benefits the communities and the environment where it operates, which in turn creates even bigger economic benefits. Therefore, the Company strives to integrate sustainability values into every segment of its day-to-day operations and corporate governance. To ensure a high standard of corporate governance, the Company has always adhered strictly to the law and regulations in all jurisdictions where it operates; various departments report to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) on a regular basis, and the Audit Committee takes charge of internal control and risk management. The Board also authorized the founding of the NWDS Sustainability Steering Committee in 2010 to oversee the integration and coordination of the sustainability projects of all business units, departments and stores. Since 2014, the Company has started its sustainability reporting based on the relevant guidelines put forward by the Global Reporting Initiative and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. To better understand and respond to stakeholders’ requests, the Company rolled out the “Chief Experience Officer” project and conducted focused interviews and surveys to collect their views regarding the Company’s work on staff benefits and development, operating practices, community services and environmental protection as a way to continuously optimize its sustainability efforts. During FY2017, NWDS’ staff contributed over 6,400 volunteer service hours in total. They also actively responded to the Company’s green initiatives by persistent energy conservation and waste reduction, keeping the annual average carbon intensity low across all stores and offices and achieving remarkable results. 

Both the above-mentioned awards are regarded as the best recognized awards in Asia. “The Asset Corporate Awards” is a major annual event organized by the Asian financial magazine The Asset to reward listed companies with exceptional performance in corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental responsibility and investor relations. Platinum and gold award winners are selected through a stringent and objective process, which includes a corporate questionnaire and interviews with institutional investors. “IR Magazine Awards – Greater China 2017” was founded by IR Magazine - an authoritative international journal on investor relations. The self-nominated awards were newly-introduced this year to encourage corporate participation through self-nomination. Winning entries for the year are selected by a judging panel comprising the magazine’s editorial team and senior executives of the financial and investment sectors.

Going forward, NWDS will continue to delve deep into the retail market of Mainland China by driving consumer-centric business reform and management innovation, actively developing its business in department stores, direct sales and joint venture catering, so as to create long term investment returns for its shareholders. In parallel, the Company will continue to dedicate itself to promote local economic growth, to protect the environment and to care for the communities while maintaining close communication with its stakeholders in order to take its steps further in the scope of sustainable development.

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