In a move set to reshape the Thai education landscape, Zhi-Ler Pattana Trilingual School has opened its first campus on Ramkhamhaeng Road, offering an accessible trilingual education for Thai students. With tuition starting at approximately 100,000 baht per year, Zhi-Ler Pattana distinguishes itself by eliminating additional fees such as admission or registration charges, common in many other institutions.
This initiative directly addresses the Ministry of Education’s vision for universal access to quality education while tackling a significant challenge within the sector – the high cost of quality education. Zhi-Ler Pattana’s Siripen Campus will launch an Intensive Chinese-English Program (ICEP) in the 2025 academic year, designed for children aged 2-11. This program will immerse students in Thai, English, and Chinese, fostering a strong foundation in multilingualism.
Government and Diplomatic Support Underscores Importance
Dr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Vice Minister for Education, emphasized the critical role of multilingual education in today’s interconnected world. He highlighted that early trilingual learning accelerates cognitive development, equipping students with enhanced problem-solving skills, creativity, and memory – essential tools for future success. The establishment of Zhi-Ler Pattana aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s strategies to provide quality education for all and cultivate a globally competitive workforce.
Echoing this sentiment, Bong Yik Jui, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand, stressed the growing economic ties between Thailand and Malaysia. With an ambitious bilateral trade target of US$30 billion by 2027, the demand for a workforce proficient in Chinese is rapidly increasing. Mr. Bong lauded Zhi-Ler Pattana’s initiative as a timely and significant step towards empowering students with the language skills needed to thrive in the evolving economic landscape.
Breaking Down Barriers to Access
Walter Lee, Co-Founder of Zhi-Ler Pattana and Chairman of Zhi-Ler Group of Companies, acknowledged the high cost of quality education in Thailand, often creating a barrier for many families. Zhi-Ler Pattana aims to dismantle this barrier by providing a high-quality trilingual curriculum at an affordable price.
“We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background,” said Lee. “Our goal is to make trilingual learning accessible to all, nurturing the next generation of global citizens.”
Curriculum Designed for the Future
The Siripen Campus, currently running an Intensive English Program (IEP), will transition to the ICEP in 2025. The curriculum will progressively shift towards a balanced distribution of languages, moving from 49% Thai, 27% English, and 24% Chinese in 2025 to 40% Thai, 30% English, and 30% Chinese within two years.
Beyond language acquisition, the Zhi-Ler Pattana curriculum focuses on five key pillars:
- Holistic Development: Fostering well-rounded individuals.
- Critical Thinking: Encouraging analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Arts and Creativity: Nurturing creative expression and innovation.
- Science and Technology: Building a strong foundation in STEM fields.
- Global Perspective: Developing an understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Expanding Reach and Impact
With ambitious plans to expand to 5-7 campuses within the next decade, Zhi-Ler Pattana is committed to ensuring that affordable, high-quality trilingual education is within reach for students across Thailand.
Zhao Yanqing, Chairman & Director of the Commission for China Ministry of Education in Thailand, acknowledged the growing demand for Chinese language skills in Southeast Asia, particularly with the rise of the fifth industrial revolution. He praised Zhi-Ler Pattana’s collaboration with MetaLingo, highlighting its potential to advance multilingual education through digitalization and standardization.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Reinforcing its commitment to educational equality, Zhi-Ler Pattana awarded two scholarships to students with physical disabilities through the “Zy Movement Foundation” during the school’s launch event. This initiative underscores the school’s dedication to inclusivity and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Zhi-Ler Pattana Trilingual School is poised to become a catalyst for change in Thai education, making trilingual learning accessible and affordable for all. By equipping students with the language skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a globalized world, Zhi-Ler Pattana is shaping a brighter future for Thailand and its next generation of leaders.
For more information about Zhi-Ler Pattana Trilingual School, please visit: https://www.siripenschool.ac.th
