Bangkok--22 Jul--Citibank Citi Foundation and Citi Thailand announced today the launch of a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to help build the financial capacity of Thai SMEs, and that funding support has been awarded to Kenan Institute Asia (K.I.Asia) to manage the Citi Executive Program in Finance: Financial Skills Capability Building for SMEs. As a leading global financial institution, Citi recognizes that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the most important forces for economic development in Thailand and that a strong SME sector is vital to stimulate growth and job creation. They are, therefore, critical to the development of a Thai economy that is competitive, diversified, and vibrant. Citi Foundation and Citi Thailand have provided this program to strengthen the financial capacity of Thai SMEs and to ensure SMEs continue to play a key role in strengthening the Thai economy. Mr. Peter Eliot, Citi Country Officer-Thailand, Citibank, N.A. said that “At a time when the slowing global economy will likely impact Thai SMEs, it is more important than ever that our SMEs are competitive. Proper financial management is often a missing element in SME management and can make the difference between running at a profit or loss, or successfully applying for credit. Too often, however, SMEs have nowhere to turn for proper financial management training. That is why I am so pleased that Citi has partnered with K.I.Asia in order to provide this much needed support to the SME community.” Working in conjunction with Citi, K.I.Asia has developed a custom curriculum for SME participants and will offer financial management training for SMEs. Unlike other courses, the Citi Executive Program in Finance will offer training based upon the level of financial knowledge of SME participants — basic and advanced. The Principles of Corporate Finance - Green Belt Course, is designed specifically for the SMEs who would like to brush-up on or better understand the basics of corporate finance. A more sophisticated course, the Advanced Corporate Finance - Black Belt Course, will be offered to SMEs that already have a good understanding of basic financial management skills, but want or need to increase their financial management expertise. As an added bonus, “financial gurus” from leading SMEs, such as Black Canyon and Spicchio, will provide exciting and valuable insights to training participants. Citi Foundation funding has been provided for approximately 80 SMEs to receive training under this phase of the program, and for K.I.Asia to create the custom training material based upon an extensive needs assessment performed by Citi and K.I.Asia. The custom curriculum is designed to provide participating SMEs and entrepreneurs with intensive, practical learning experiences, while as well as real world experiences and examples. “Citi has shown great leadership in recognizing the important contributions SMEs make to Thailand’s economy and in providing funding support for this program. SMEs will benefit greatly from the classes and the keen insights of program trainers, such as Dr.Varakorn Samkoset, Khun Sathaporn Kotheranurak, Khun Sarita Boonak, Dr.Somjin Sornpisarn, and Citi financial volunteers. During the program, SMEs will also have a rare opportunity to share thoughts and experiences with successful financial managers from Black Canyon, Spichio, Sor Khon Kan and Pranda Jewelry. It is a unique opportunity and I urge SMEs to take advantage of the training,” Mr. Paul Wedel, Executive Director, Kenan Institute Asia said. Course schedule: The Green belt course will be opened on August 5, 7, 14 and 19, 2008. The Advanced Corporate Finance -Black Belt course available on September 9 11 16 and 18, 2008. All the courses will be held at Grand Mercure Fortune hotel Bangkok from 09.00 - 16.00. SMEs interested in receiving training should contact: Khun Parichart Tel. 02229-3131 EXT 315 or download registration form at www.kiasia.org Citi Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com. Citi Foundation The Citi Foundation is committed to enhancing economic opportunities for underserved individuals and families in the communities where we work throughout the world. Globally, the Citi Foundation is focusing its giving on Microfinance and Microentrepreneurship, which helps individuals become economically self-sufficient; Small and Growing Businesses, leading to economic expansion and job creation; Education, which prepares young people for personal and professional success; Financial Education, which helps individuals make informed financial decisions; and the Environment with a focus on sustainable enterprises that generate jobs and stimulate economic growth while preserving the environment. Additional information can be found at www.citigroupfoundation.org. Citi Financial Education Program Based on the belief that knowledge is your greatest asset, the Citi Financial Education Program is a global, company-wide effort to identify, support and implement initiatives that help give individuals, families and communities the tools needed to make sound financial decisions. Citi's ten-year, $200 million global commitment is focused in three areas: Personal, Small Business and Institutional Financial Education. Additional information about Citi Financial Education Program, including Citi Foundation guidelines, links and resources and the Citi Financial Education Program Curriculum and Facilitator's Guide may be found at http://financialeducation.citigroup.com. Kenan Institute Asia (www.kiasia.org) K.I.Asia is the leading provider of CSR services in Thailand; offering training, assessment & evaluation, policy & strategy development, program design, project implementation and research services. Since 2003, over 200 managers from more than 80 companies have completed our certificate training program. Since 1998, K.I.Asia has implemented over $3.5 million USD in corporate-community projects in business training for SMEs and entrepreneurs, education, financial literacy, logistics, health, and the environment. Today, K.I.Asia’s staff of expatriate and local consultants have developed and refined our CSR methodology to ensure cutting-edge, global CSR practices are tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses and communities in Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion. Our goal is to equip our clients with the tools necessary to implement effective, meaningful CSR strategies that align business objectives with stakeholder needs on social, environmental and economic issues, and to produce measurable program results. Key Beneficiaries of K.I.Asia Programming Include: Entrepreneurs and small business managers — raising their management capacity to operate responsibly and profitably. Corporations — training corporate executives in strategic corporate citizenship and partnering with them to design and manage corporate social responsibility programs. Communities and youth — assisting communities to develop sustainably and working with teachers and young people to develop a new generation of independent thinkers and effective, socially responsible leaders Media Contacts: Contact Name Contact 1: Tohphan Tuchinda +66 2232 2706 Contact 2: Hassaya Hasitabhan +66 2232 2904