AIA resorts to pyramid scheme to entice customers

Why hobnob with supermodels when you can spend an evening with the world's most famous archaeologist?

Fierce competition for new clients has led financial institutions to offer prizes such as first-class plane tickets to Europe, cute little 999-gold statues, and front-row seats at fashion shows. But AIA, with National Geographic, has come up with a most intriguing, not to say intellectually appealing, prize - an evening with Zahi Hawass.

One thousand new customers who purchase a life, medical or accident policy will have the chance to meet the secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, in Hong Kong.

A lucky winner will fly to Egypt, with Dr Hawass as their guide on an archaeological tour.

The great man will be in the city in June. He was behind such recent discoveries as the cause of Tutankhamen's death - apparently a badly fractured bone from an accident, rather than a murderous blow to the head - and a secret door that had lain hidden for centuries in the Queen's chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza.

As head of the supreme council, no archaeological project can get off the ground in Egypt unless Dr Hawass says so.