Tokyo, January 29, 2008 - JCB International (JCBI), JCB’s international subsidiary, announced today a new agreement with United Overseas Bank (UOB) to expand JCB card acceptance in Singapore. In mid-2008, UOB will start opening its merchant network, the largest in Singapore, to JCB cards. With this agreement, JCB cardmembers traveling and dwelling in the country will enjoy a significant increase of convenience in using their JCB card.

Mr. Akira Matsuo, Senior Vice President of JCB International Asia Pacific, said that Singapore will remain a popular destination especially for Asian travelers with new tourist attractions such as Formula One racing, integrated resorts, as well as new mega malls. “Singapore is one of the top destinations for both business and pleasure because it is located in the center of Asia and so has easy access to the other countries and territories in the region, and the city also offers excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and numerous tourist attractions.”

“In the past, JCBI has been directly acquiring JCB merchants in Singapore”, said Mr. Matsuo. “To respond to fast changing trends and customer needs, it has become essential for us to work with local acquirers. We chose UOB as our first acquiring partner, due to its position as a leading company in the credit card business in Singapore. JCBI has had a relationship based on mutual trust with UOB since 1990 for processing JCB card transactions, and since 1993 for issuing JCB cards. I am confident that the increasing numbers of UOB merchants will provide JCB cardmembers with greater convenience. And in return, those merchants will also benefit from sales generated by JCB’s solid cardmember base in Asia." Mr. Matsuo added.

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