SWFC

On November 2nd, 2009, Ernst & Young (E&Y) and SWFC jointly held a lease signing ceremony, announcing E&Y’s plans to relocate their offices to SWFC in 2010. Occupying 30,000 square meters across 8 floors (43F to 50F) of SWFC, E&Y will be co-locating a total of 2,500 staff from its current three separate Shanghai offices to a single location under one roof for the first time. E&Y expects to move into SWFC in July of 2010.

On August 27th, 2009, the SWFC Observatory received the ultimate birthday present for its First Anniversary, with its being certified as the world’s highest observation deck (477.96 meters high above sea level) by Guinness World Records. In addition, the Park Hyatt Shanghai, which occupies the 79th to 93rd floors of SWFC, was officially recognized as the highest hotel in the world by Guinness as well. Even with the official opening of the Buji Khalifa on January 4th, 2010, SWFC still maintains these two Guinness World Records. SWFC also celebrated its First Anniversary with a variety of events throughout October.

On June 16th, 2009, SWFC introduced its first public art project ‘Global Magnet’ to the world. Designed by Mr. Liu Jianhua, a renowned Chinese contemporary artist, and supervised by the Mori Art Museum of the Mori Group, the project embodies the concept of SWFC as a ‘Global Magnet’. Three months before its unveiling, the State Council approved Shanghai’s “two-center” plan to turn the city into both an international financial center as well as an international logistics center. As a symbol of the area, the SWFC Global Magnet is a vision on the future, utilizing vibrant colors and design.

In the morning of July 22nd, 2009, a total solar eclipse occurred in Shanghai China, with throngs of astronomy enthusiasts experiencing the breathtaking moment from the SWFC Observatory even in spite of the fact the full solar eclipse was not directly visible due to the cloudy weather. Solar Eclipse enthusiasts began arriving at 5A.M., and ranged in age from 7 to 70’s. SWFC Observatory also held its “Amazing Summer 2009” event between July 25th and August 26th, 2009 in collaboration with the Total Solar Eclipse event to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

On September 19th, 2009, the Shanghai World Financial Culture & Media Center (SWFCMC) held the official opening ceremony for its media conference facility. Located on the 29th floor of SWFC, the SWFCMC houses a media conference facility for government offices and other organizations to conduct press conferences, as well as a media working area and a journalist salon for journalists from all over the world to collect and disseminate information. In addition, there is an on-site television studio as well as VIP meeting facilities. The opening of the SWFCMC has enriched the functions of SWFC as information engine and increased its presence as a ‘Global Magnet’.

By the end of 2009, a total of 11 foreign banks had already located or committed to locate their Shanghai offices in SWFC. These banks include globally recognized firms such as BNP Paribas and CALYON from France, EFG Bank from Switzerland, Commerzbank AG, EUROHYPO AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT and Helaba from Germany, Korea Development Bank from Korea, Union National Bank from United Arab Emirates, and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and The Bank of Yokohama from Japan. We are very proud that these global institutions have chosen SWFC as the home for their new offices, and highlights SWFC’s role as a true financial center in the region.