PHINMA Education, Southeast Asia’s largest private tertiary school network, is marking its 20th anniversary with a resounding success story: a record-breaking 146,474 enrollees and 174 topnotchers since its inception. The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality education and employment opportunities to underserved youth across the Philippines and Indonesia.
“Quality education towards gainful employment is our continuing mission. We keep our tuition fees low and provide all the financial, academic, and psycho-social support they need to get a degree and succeed in any industry. This is how they are able to uplift themselves, their families, and their communities,” according to Dr. Chito Salazar, President and CEO of PHINMA Education during a press briefing held in Makati City this week.
Since its establishment in 2004, PHINMA Education has expanded to nine schools in the Philippines and one in Indonesia. The network’s dedication to student success is evident in its impressive financial performance and academic achievements. In the academic year 2023-2024, enrollment surged by 18%, driving a 26% increase in revenue to PHP5.69 billion. The network boasted an overall board exam passing rate of 84%, with 31 topnotchers added to its roster.
“We are proud of our ability to meet students where they are and guide them towards their aspirations. Considering that only 3% of our low-income students and 15% of our middle-income students are college-ready upon enrollment, these results are truly remarkable,” said Chief Learning Officer Francis Larios.
To accelerate its growth and expand its reach, PHINMA Education has partnered with global investment firm KKR. KKR’s investment, channeled through its Global Impact Fund II, aligns with the company’s commitment to addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“We seek businesses that tackle significant global challenges, and education is a critical sector, especially in developing Asia. PHINMA Education exemplifies a business that generates positive social impact while achieving financial success,” said George Aitken, KKR’s Managing Director and Head of Global Impact for APAC. Aitken highlighted PHINMA Education’s focus on underserved communities, market leadership, and strong management team as key factors in KKR’s investment decision.
In line with its expansion plans, PHINMA Education is investing in campus infrastructure improvements. Construction is underway in several Philippine campuses, including PHINMA Araullo University and PHINMA University of Pangasinan. In Indonesia, Horizon University Karawang is preparing for increased enrollment with a new ten-story building.
The network is committed to environmental sustainability. Most PHINMA Education schools have eliminated single-use plastics, and eight out of nine Philippine campuses have installed solar panels. PHINMA Araullo University and PHINMA Saint Jude College Manila have also implemented sewage treatment plants to protect public health and the environment.
As PHINMA Education celebrates its 20th anniversary, Dr. Salazar emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to its students. “Our students are our driving force and our ultimate goal. We aspire to reach and serve more underserved youth, not only in Southeast Asia but globally.”