Billionaire Peter Lim, Wellington College To Set Up International Schools In Southeast Asia

Wellington College has partnered with Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim to set up international schools across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to tap into the rising demand from Asia’s growing affluent middle class as well as expatriates relocating in the region.

Established in 1859, Wellington College is among the world’s top 10 schools for International Baccalaureate curriculums. It has been expanding its footprint across Asia and currently has campuses in China and Thailand, with another one opening in India next year.

“The region is growing fast, spurring demand for international schools like Wellington that offer well-rounded academic experiences and unrivaled opportunities,” Scott Bryan, international director of Wellington College International, said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Lim’s WCI Regional Management signed a master license agreement to establish international schools for children aged three to 18 years old in the three Southeast Asian countries. Each school can accommodate up to 2,000 students, offering them early years, preparatory and senior school programs based on the English National Curriculum and culminating with an IB diploma.

“We are delighted to partner Wellington College to offer expatriates and parents in Asia the opportunity to provide the very best of British education to their children at campuses in Southeast Asia,” Lim said in a statement. “Wellington College is an ideal choice. We believe the Wellingtonian values of courage, respect, integrity, kindness and responsibility are well suited for Asia.”

With a net worth of $2.6 billion, Lim was ranked No. 15 when the list of Singapore’s 50 Richest was last published in August. After cashing out of palm oil giant Wilmar a decade ago, the former stockbroker focused on investing in property, healthcare and sports. Lim, 68, is the owner of Spanish football club Valencia and Singapore-based hospital operator Thomson Medical Group.