Singapore, 14 July 2005 � In a proud moment for Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings and other aspiring Asian entrepreneurs, Banyan Tree Holdings Executive Chairman Mr. Ho Kwon Ping walked onstage recently at the London Business School graduation ceremony to receive the school�s prestigious 2005 Entrepreneurship Award.

The coveted Award was conferred in recognition of Banyan Tree�s success as a leading hotel and leisure brand, in its short period of operation, and its demonstration of innovation that is at the heart of entrepreneurship.

A Winning Philosophy In the first half of 2005, the Banyan Tree Group has amassed 15 awards, including the 2005 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Grand Award. In the 12 years since flagship Banyan Tree Phuket resort and spa was established, the Banyan Tree Group has received over 195 awards from Conde Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, and other top industry establishments. Its success is part of its powerful branding strategy, which allows a sustainable platform upon which to grow.

Says Mr. Ho, �We are happy that we managed to keep our Asian values and spirit while embarking on a global journey. We are the pioneers, never a follower. Moving forward, the Group is expanding at a rapid pace and will soon be opening hotels and resorts in numerous exotic locations worldwide, including Shangri-La and Lijiang in China, and Bahrain by 2006. Other new projects are located in Dubai, Marrakech, Greece, Barbados, Koh Samui, Mayakoba, and Turks and Caicos.�

A Global Perspective The London Business School, one of the top five business schools in the world, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year under the prominent leadership of Dean Professor Laura Tyson. Professor Tyson is a member of the International Advisory Academic Panel (IAAP) of Singapore, which advises the Singapore government on tertiary education policies. She was also Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Bill Clinton.

As part of the London Business School�s vision to be the pre-eminent global business school, its academic degrees include Executive MBAs, Masters in Finance, Sloan fellows and PhDs. In 2005, it awarded 750 graduate degrees to students from over 70 countries, and currently counts 23,000 alumni in 50 international alumni clubs, making it one of the largest global network of business talent. A prominent Singaporean alumnus is Mr. Wong Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore as of 1 July 2005, who was conferred an Alumni Achievement Award in 2004.

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul � a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002) and Seychelles (2002). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.

About Angsana Resorts & Spas Launched in 1998, Angsana is the sister brand of Banyan Tree, inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden flowers. Angsana resorts are designed as contemporary, chic and vibrant retreats to live life spontaneously and sense the moment.

Angsana resorts are found in Bintan, Indonesia (2000), Great Barrier Reef, Australia (2000), Bangalore, India (2001) and Maldives Ihuru (2001).

In 2003, Colours of Angsana joined the Angsana porfolio. This boutique hotel collection appeals to the soft adventurer and cultural tourism sector. The current hotels are Gyalthang Dzong (Shangri-La, China), Deer Park Hotel (Giritale, Sri Lanka) and Maison Souvannaphoum (Luang Prabang, Laos).

To date, the Banyan Tree Group operates 16 resorts, 45 spas and 49 retail galleries in 19 countries worldwide.

For further information please contact: Group Communications Department Simone Chen, Director T +65 6849 5875, E: simone.chen@banyantree.com

Yvette Tee, Manager T +65 6849 5816, E: yvette.tee@banyantree.com

Linda Lee, Executive T +65 6849 5748, E: linda.lee@banyantree.com