Private school to be shut down due to illegal practices

The Council for Private Eduation (CPE) will be cancelling the registration of Kings International Business School with effect from May 5.

The Private Education Institution (PEI) was found to have offered and awarded some students with diplomas in maritime studies without them having to attend classes or be assessed, said CPE in a statement on Monday, April 20.

CPE said Kings is no longer allowed to offer and conduct private education courses, with immediate effect. It also told the errant PEI to arrange for students to continue their course at another suitable school or refund existing students their full course fees by May 5.

Based on available records, there were 10 existing students undergoing diploma courses at Kings as of Feb 11 this year.

The council also advised the public to be more cautious of, and not take up, offers for a certification without the requirement of attending classes or sitting for examinations.

CPE Chief Executive, Mr Brandon Lee said: "While the vast majority of PEIs are bona fide education providers, we must continue to be vigilant to guard against such egregious players as what they do cast doubt on the integrity of the qualifications of PEI graduates."

It is the first time a PEI will have its registration cancelled for issuing diplomas without ensuring the students had received proper instruction and assessment since CPE was set up in Dec 2009.

CPE asked for members of the public to report any illegal offers made by PEIs to the council at 6592 2108 or CPE_CONTACT@cpe.gov.sg.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg