by Rosli Mansor
Ipoh has been named the most affordable city in Asia and the world for international schooling in 2022 by the International School Database (ISD), United Nations.
According to the study, as in the previous year, China continues to dominate as the most expensive country in Asia for international schools.
The mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud, said that for the first time, Ipoh is listed in the database along with 19 other cities.
“Other cities listed are Beijing (China), Shanghai (China), Shenzhen (China), Guangzhou (China), Taipei (Taiwan), Yangon (Myanmar), Bangkok (Thailand), Kyoto (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Kobe (Japan), Pattaya (Thailand), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phuket (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Bali (Indonesia) , Penang (Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia).
“Ipoh is a new city included in ISD’s latest research and has been named the cheapest location in Asia.
“While the cost of international schools from Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh ranked second lowest this time.
“Prices in Ipoh range from US$2,316 to US$3,065 per year, which is very different from the most expensive city in Asia, Beijing.
“Prices in this Chinese metropolis range from over US$10,000 to almost US$40,000 a year,” he said.
He said this while chairing the January 2023 Council Plenary Meeting at the Ipoh City Council Meeting Hall (MBI), today.
Rumaizi said, of the 20 cities included in the Asian ISD analysis, 16 have prices below US$15,000 per year, namely Taipei, Yangon, Bangkok, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Manila, Johor Bahru, Bali, Penang , Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh and Ipoh.
He also said that Malaysia and Thailand are the most affordable countries in Asia when it comes to the cost of international education.
“Three Thai cities (Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket) and four Malaysian cities (Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh) are included in the 10 cheapest locations on the Asian continent.
“Globally, New York City remains the most expensive metropolis worldwide for international schooling.
“In fact, it has become more expensive since 2021, with the maximum price topping US$60,000 per year for the first time,” he said.
He said Switzerland remains the most expensive European country for international schooling. Copenhagen remains the cheapest city for international schooling in Europe, despite its reputation as a high-cost destination.
