Int'l schools boom in Cambodia as Japanese firms join market

Phnom Penh, Cambodia is experiencing a boom in international schools, driven by demand from wealthy families seeking better educational opportunities for their children. Over 80 such schools currently operate in the capital city, where increasing contact with foreigners has raised the importance of English-language education.

Japanese firms are also entering the market, with a recent example being the groundbreaking ceremony for JISPP, an international school offering Japanese-style education. The project, led by Tokyo-based Wonderfy with investments totaling about 3 billion yen ($18.9 million), is scheduled to open next summer. The school will provide a curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate program, a global standard.

Interestingly, the Japanese School of Phnom Penh, catering to children of Japanese expatriates, will relocate to the same campus. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron expressed appreciation for Japanese education, which he believes fosters discipline and cooperation. He hopes the students will serve as a bridge between Cambodia and Japan.

Most students at the existing Japanese School are expected to be Cambodian. While lessons will be held separately at JISPP, the elementary division principal, Moe Funamizu, aims for shared activities and exposure to Japanese educational practices like participation in cleaning and school lunches.

English proficiency is crucial in Cambodia, as the economy heavily relies on foreign investment and tourism. Notably, Prime Minister Hun Manet studied at the U.S. Military Academy and completed postgraduate education abroad. However, public school English instruction is limited, and Cambodia ranks near the bottom among ASEAN member states in the OECD's PISA assessment.

Tuition at international schools can reach $30,000, while JISPP will charge about $10,000. The education system remains divided, with wealthy families able to afford international schooling while middle- and lower-income households rely on public schools. This disparity is rooted in Cambodia's history, particularly the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970s, which devastated the public education system and left the country with a relatively small pool of educated individuals. Despite this, affluent parents continue to invest heavily in education for their children's future.