The Élan Awards are presented to ICMA member companies in recognition of their advancements and achievements in plastic card design. Gemplus Goldpac Group earned the award based on the combination of the Touch ’n Go Zing Card’s visual qualities and the specific shape of the card body. The card was issued by Hong Leong Bank in Malaysia and is the world’s first contactless MasterCard SideCard. SideCard is an initiative designed to support MasterCard’s customer financial institutions in developing their own specific alternative payment solutions, including card shape and design. The Touch ’n Go Zing card features the MasterCard SideCard’s modified design, small enough to fit on to a key ring and 30% smaller than an average credit card. The Touch ’n Go contactless smart card is a dual-function credit and stored value card, allowing it to be used for credit card purchases as well as at all Touch ’n Go facilities. Drivers and passengers can use the card to make payments for tolls and in public transport where the value is deducted instantly from the stored purse. steve.lacourt@gemplus.com www.gemplus.com