A Japanese educational institution to be a major shareholder of the company limited in Thailand for the first time

On April 9, Sophia School Corporation converted Sophia ASEAN Hub Center in Bangkok into Sophia Global Education and Discovery Co., Ltd., (Sophia GED). The company aims to promote educational and training related programs for both Japanese students and students from ASEAN countries.

Such programs will be unique and distinctive by assisting study abroad in ASEAN countries or in Japan, and designing study tours in ASEAN countries. Sophia School Corporation, as an educational institution, fosters human resources in contributing to international cooperation and this initiative is to embody such a mission.

Background

Sophia ASEAN Hub Center was established upon implementation of the Top Global University Project by MEXT in 2015 aiming to enhance educational, research and social exchanges. After four years since its establishment we have been considering to take on new challenges with our belief that solid outcome of our educational and research activities in ASEAN region shall be shared with others.

As a result, Bangkok, Thailand was chosen as our new business location due to its pro-Japanese culture as well as its geopolitical advantages such as economic corridor development connecting neighboring countries, high concentration of international organizations and also for its growing higher education market.

Business Content and Plans

At first, study tours and/or service learning programs with rich and unique contents are to be designed and delivered in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization’s Regional Center for Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO RIHED) and other international organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, as well as government agencies, private firms, NGOs, and our partner universities, and also by taking advantage of our Jesuit networks.

Our main clients will be students of Sophia University and other schools operated by Sophia School Corporation; however in the near future, students of other universities as well as business executives and local government staff are planned to be included in our target clientele. Also in the long run, it is planned to attract students and professionals of ASEAN countries for study tours in Japan.

Company Profile