[220212.EN.SEA] OOCL Distributes More Than 400,000 Books In Asian Developing Countries

HONG KONG's Orient Overseas Container Lines (OOCL) is sponsoring the Books for Asia programme by distributing more than 400,000 new books to students in need from 18 developing countries across the region.

"OOCL is a shining example of generous corporate support of our book programme," said Asia Foundation president David Arnold.

"Its contribution ensures that books donated by the world's leading publishers will continue to reach an impressive number of students in Asia, helping them to develop to their full potential and contribute to their countries' development," said Mr Arnold.

Organised by the San Francisco-based Asia Foundation, the programme has distributed more than 46 million books since 1954. It is widely recognised by publishers as one of the world's most effective book donation programme, said OOCL.

"We are thrilled to partner with Books for Asia and advance our social responsibility values," said OOCL chief operating office Andy Tung.

"OOCL has commitment to education, beginning with our founder, the late CY Tung, who liked to say that ships can be used for carrying ideas as well as cargo," Mr Tung said.

The shipping group will pay to get the books to schools, universities, and libraries in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam this year and next.

Source : HKSG, 11.02.12.