Japanese Firms Join Cambodia’s Booming International School Market
Japanese companies are entering Cambodia’s rapidly growing international school market as demand for English-language education surges among the country’s wealthy families. More than 80 international schools already operate in Phnom Penh.
In September, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for JISPP (Japan International School Phnom Penh), a new international school offering Japanese-style education on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The project is led by Tokyo-based Wonderfy with a total investment of approximately 3 billion yen ($18.9 million).
Scheduled to open next summer, JISPP will offer an International Baccalaureate curriculum. The Japanese School of Phnom Penh 鈥� currently attended by about 50 children of Japanese expatriates 鈥� will relocate to the same campus as a tenant.
At the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron praised Japanese education for fostering discipline and cooperation, expressing hope that students would become a “bridge” between Cambodia and Japan.
JISPP will charge about $10,000 annually, compared to $30,000 at the most expensive international schools. English proficiency significantly impacts salaries in Cambodia, yet public schools offer only a few hours of English per week, and Cambodia ranks near the bottom among ASEAN nations in OECD’s PISA assessments.
Source: (Kyodo News)