KinderWorld: Spreading Singapore’s Educational Values in Vietnam

Vietnam and Singapore have recently upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with education remaining a key pillar of cooperation that contributes to developing high-quality human resources for the new era. Over its 25 years in Vietnam, KinderWorld - Singapore’s leading international education group - has not only delivered international standard education programs but also promoted advanced educational values in many localities. To learn more about its operation, Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Mr. Ricky Tan, Chairman of KinderWorld International Group (KIG).

Students of Singapore International School

As a flagship international education project within the framework of Vietnam–Singapore cooperation, what are the expectations for the recently inaugurated SIS Hai Phong in spreading Singaporean educational values to Vietnam’s emerging economic hubs?

Hai Phong is well-positioned to attract more FDI, and KIG is excited about the future growth of this vibrant city and contributing towards Vietnam’s long-term development. The warm welcome extended by the local authorities has given KinderWorld much confidence for the success of Singapore International School (SIS) @ Le Chan, Hai Phong and future projects in this city.

SIS @ Le Chan is part of KinderWorld’s vision in developing international school campuses, together with a comprehensive vocational training center, as well as an outdoor education and ecotourism site in the city. With this holistic educational proposition, KinderWorld takes pride in contributing towards human capital development in Hai Phong city.

We continue to invest in purpose-built campuses, with very recent developments in Vietnam which includes the expansion of SIS @ Binh Duong New City and the newly built SIS @ Swan Bay, Dong Nai. We are proud to be the first foreign investor to bring international education programs in Dong Nai – a province with growing population and significant economic growth. With a total investment of about VND330 billion, we are committed to supporting the province’s development by strengthening its appeal to FDI enterprises and growing expatriate community, particularly professionals commuting between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai.

After 25 years of operation in Vietnam, what are the key factors that help the Singapore education brand win the trust of Vietnamese parents and students in an increasingly competitive environment?

Our students consistently receive Top in Vietnam and Top in the World awards from Cambridge International Examinations across various subjects, reflecting the effectiveness and quality of our curriculum and the high academic standards maintained across all campuses.

We are the only schools in Vietnam that have teaching methodologies based on Singapore early childhood guidelines (for KinderWorld International Kindergarten - KIK) and the Singapore curriculum adds rigor to the teaching and delivery of Math and Science subjects in SIS schools, together with the internationally recognized Cambridge curriculum.

Singapore’s renowned education reputation has been consistently ranked among the top worldwide such as No. 1 in Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) administered by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Additionally, the National University Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are placed as No. 8 and No. 15 respectively in the global university ranking in 2025.

We partner with Outward Bound Vietnam (OBV), a member of the global Outward Bound International network, to deliver outdoor experiential learning in our curriculum. These courses are professionally organized and delivered by OBV in consultation with SIS to ensure students are well prepared as future-forward citizens with a keen understanding of the environment.

Our curriculum also offers strong focus on STEM. We offer a comprehensive K–12 STEM education that includes both foundational and advanced learning in Robotics & Coding and Applied Sciences with a focus on AI literacy. To support hands-on learning, we collaborate with leading educational technology providers for access to specialized tools and kits. Our students have achieved notable success in regional and international STEM competitions, reflecting the strength of our curriculum and practical learning approach.

KinderWorld has grown extensively in Vietnam offering through-train education for students from Pre-Nursery up to High school.

Over the last 25 years, KinderWorld has established 16 campuses of KIK, SIS, and Singapore Vietnam International School (SVIS) across 7 cities and provinces in the country, having one of the largest networks of international schools in Vietnam

While many international schools are concentrated in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, KinderWorld has strategically expanded to second- and third-tier cities such as Vung Tau, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. This enables more Vietnamese students across the country to access quality international education.

KIG continually adapts to global education trends, invests in modern infrastructure and integrates new technology and teaching methodologies to remain relevant and ahead of the curve, in a fast-changing world.

Outward Bound Vietnam course for students of Singapore International School

Beyond academics, KinderWorld’s education model integrates life skills training, practical experiences, and a holistic development environment. Could you share the educational philosophy being implemented at SIS and how it adapts to Vietnamese culture?

Guided by our philosophy of “Eastern Values, Global Education,” SIS blends respect, community, and resilience with a robust global curriculum combining the best of Cambridge and Singapore programs from kindergarten to high school. This unique approach fosters academic excellence and develops well-rounded global citizens with the creativity and innovation to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

At SIS, our Virtues Program supports the holistic development of each student through 20 virtues taught across all grade levels. These virtues underpin good character, guiding young people to become socially just and responsible global citizens. Respect is a central virtue, especially vital in our multicultural international school environment. Using a multi-layered approach, teachers introduce each virtue, explain its meaning, and show how it shapes human behavior. This program nurtures integrity, ethical character, and a commitment to making a positive impact. SIS also builds character and essential soft skills - including perseverance, resilience, self-confidence, and teamwork - through outdoor experiential learning delivered by OBV.

What are your expectations for the development of the international education ecosystem in Vietnam, and KinderWorld’s connecting role in this new phase of cooperation?

The elevation of Vietnam-Singapore relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership creates new momentum for collaboration across key sectors, especially education.

The strategic partnership is expected to create favorable conditions for Singaporean investors like KIG to expand educational projects across Vietnam.

KinderWorld is honored to continue to play a modest role in leading the way in investing resources to promote human capital development across Vietnam, through its network of international pre-schools and international schools. In the coming years, we confidently aim to grow our presence in Hanoi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

Student exchange, study tours and summer camps in Singapore will be organized, giving students direct exposure to international learning environments. At the same time, we welcome students from Singapore to visit our campuses in Vietnam and take part in OBV programs.

Looking ahead, we hope to see more meaningful partnerships between KIG schools and leading Singaporean education institutions, creating more pathways for student success and strengthening the long-term cooperation between the two countries.

Thank you very much!

Source: Vietnam Business Forum