ASX media release - Take the ASX challenge - invest in your future…

11 January 1999

The Australian Stock Exchange is issuing a challenge to the people of Australia to invest in their future by playing the ASX Charity Sharemarket Game on the Internet.

There are a great many benefits to participating in this inaugural game.

Those who are new to investing in shares will be able to learn how the sharemarket works, while the more experienced will be able to test their trading skills.

Cash prizes are being offered of $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third.

But most importantly, your entry fee will be contributed to two great causes, organisations that ASX sponsors as part of its commitment to the community in which it operates - the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Taronga Zoo’s national conservation program.

For a modest investment of $100, participants will be allocated a hypothetical $50,000 in cash to trade shares on the Australian Stock Exchange via the Internet, in a game that simulates the real sharemarket.

Just 2,000 people will have the opportunity to support these two worthwhile causes and win cash prizes by taking part in ASX’s Charity Sharemarket Game.

The object of the Game is to be the person with the most valuable portfolio after 12 weeks of play. In the meantime, entry fees help ASX in its role as a major sponsor of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Taronga Zoo.

Participants will be able to monitor their progress in the Game by checking current rankings on our Internet site. They’ll also find research on stocks and news on dividends, rights issues and bonus issues on the site. Regular electronic newsletters will keep them up to date with play, answering common questions.

The Game runs from Monday, 8 February until Friday, 30 April. Entries close on Wednesday, 3 February.

Official entry forms and more information about the Game can be found on ASX ShareNet. The Sharemarket Game Coordinator is also available to answer questions on 1300 300 279.

The first 2,000 correct entries will be allocated an identification number and password for the Game.

Entry is conditional upon agreeing to comply with the Terms and Conditions and Game Rules specified on the site.

Unfortunately, residents of Queensland and the ACT are unable to participate at this time because of restricting legislation in that state and territory. ASX has written to both governments asking them to modify present legislation with a view to allow participation in the game.

Investing in your future
ASX has long been a major sponsor of medical and environmental research, through its support of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Taronga Zoo.

Money raised from the ASX Charity Sharemarket Game will help fund, in particular, the Garvan Institute’s research into breast and prostate cancer - two remarkably similar diseases which result in more than 5,000 deaths in Australia each year.

The Garvan is a world leader in medical research, and its scientists are discovering more every day about the genetic causes of some of the most widespread diseases in our community.

ASX is also long-term supporter of Taronga Zoo in its efforts to understand more about some of the world’s most endangered creatures. Money raised from the Game will go toward launching a program aimed at increasing the numbers of Australian frogs.

The Australian population of frogs has been declining for a number of years. Frogs are a leading indicator of the health of the environment and their decline confirms the ill-health of our ecosystems. Working together with local communities, tadpoles will be released back into their natural environment to help repopulate frog species and conserve the environment in which they live.

If you’d like to know more about the good work being performed by these two organisations, further information is available on ASX ShareNet.

The Game will be organised and conducted by ASX Operations Pty Ltd ACN 004 523 782.

Important Note
Entry to the ASX Charity Sharemarket Game is open to all residents of Australia except Queensland and ACT. A participant must not play the sharemarket game from within Queensland or ACT. Any breach of this rule will result in immediate disqualification. Employees and families of ASX, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Zoological Parks Board of NSW are not eligible to play the game.

Technical Requirements
ASX recommends that you use either Netscape 3.0 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or later versions of either browser. ASX’s Internet site relies on the following browser functions: tables, java script, frames. Your PC/Mac should have a minimum of 8MB of RAM and your graphic card should support 256 colours.

ASX accepts no responsibility for any computer error, inability or failure to access any electronic site, howsoever caused.