ING Becomes Sponsor of Asian and Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund

PRNewswire-FirstCall
NEW YORK
Oct 31, 2008

ING announced today that it has become a platinum sponsor of the annual gala of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, the country's largest non-profit organization devoted solely to providing scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. The organization's annual gal, Today's Minds, Tomorrow's FutureĀ® Gala, took place last night in New York City.

"We're thrilled to be sponsoring this extremely worthwhile event. ING's commitment to youth and diversity aligns perfectly with APIASF mission to help deserving Asian-American students," said Kathy Murphy, CEO of ING U.S. Wealth Management. She added, "As our country becomes increasingly diverse, education will be an even more important component of our nation's prosperity."

Wai-Ling Eng, chair of the APIASF board of directors, said, "APIASF is very pleased to have ING join our list of distinguished companies that provide unwavering support of education, diversity and inclusion. These companies are strengthening our communities and setting a wonderful example for others to follow."

"While we are going through major economic challenges, it is important that we don't lose our focus from our priorities," said Tariq Khan, senior vice president and head of market development for ING U.S. Wealth Management, member of the APIASF board of directors and chair of the event. "We must continue to invest in our next generation because our future depends on them. I am proud to work for a company and represent an organization that supports these students who are pursuing their educational goals."

About APIASF

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is based in Washington, D.C., and is the country's largest non-profit organization devoted solely to providing scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. APIASF also manages the Gates Millennium Scholars/APIA, which provides outstanding Pell Grant-eligible Asian and Pacific Islander American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose and a graduate degree in specific fields. Supporters of APIASF include members of the general public and a wide spectrum of community and professional leaders, organizations and corporations.

About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 130,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 17 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com .

  Press inquiries:
  Philip Margolis
  ING
  (860) 580-2676
  phil.margolis@us.ing.com

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SOURCE: ING

CONTACT: Philip Margolis of ING, +1-860-580-2676,
phil.margolis@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing.com/