Manulife Financial Announces "Manulife: Entry Into Asia Challenge" at the International Business Executive of the Year Celebration

• Business students at Canadian universities can compete for a top prize of $100,000

TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC
SEHK:945 

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - At the celebration of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year Award on November 15 in Toronto, Manulife Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Guloien took the opportunity to announce the creation of a one-time only competition, the Manulife: Entry into Asia Challenge.

"Manulife is pleased to announce the establishment of the Manulife: Entry Into Asia Challenge," said Mr. Guloien. "I firmly believe that Canada's ability to diversify into Asian markets is key to our economic future. There can be no half-measures. We are excited to partner with the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management on this unique competition."

The competition will provide undergraduate and graduate business students at Canadian universities the opportunity to create a business plan for a Canadian small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  SMEs are the largest job creators in Canada, yet only account for roughly 28 per cent of Canada's GDP.

The competition will focus on the creation of a business plan for a SME to expand into any country in Asia.  Competing teams will be asked to demonstrate their ability to think strategically about entry into Asian markets while demonstrating their understanding of the unique attributes, challenges and realities facing Canadian SMEs.

The competition will offer a first prize of $100,000 a second prize of $50,000 and a third prize of $20,000.

The Rotman School's facilities and expertise with case competitions lends itself well to this one-time only opportunity. Additional details on the competition are available at manulife.com/asiachallenge.

"We're thrilled to work with Manulife to help promote and build our future Canadian business champions entrance into Asia," said Roger Martin, Dean of Rotman School of Management. "We all know the dynamism of Canadian entrepreneurs and the opportunity to help them plan for development in an Asian market is a privilege."

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$515 billion (US$523 billion) as at September 30, 2012. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

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 manulife.com.

SOURCE: Manulife Financial Corporation

Media Contacts:

Manulife Financial
Laurie Lupton
416.852.7792
[email protected]

Rotman School of Management
Ken McGuffin
416.946.3818
[email protected]