Penang’s sole expatriate school is Penang Japanese School, located in Georgetown. The school serves the Japanese expat community on the island, many of whom are linked to the electronics and manufacturing firms in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. Penang has hosted a steady Japanese community for decades, and this school provides continuity for children who will eventually return to the Japanese education system.
Expatriate school curricula in Penang
Penang Japanese School follows the Japanese national curriculum (Monbukagakusho). Instruction is in Japanese, and the school calendar, textbooks, and assessments align with schools in Japan. This allows students to re-enter the Japanese system at the correct grade level when their family’s posting ends. Families seeking English-medium or Cambridge IGCSE options should look at Penang’s international or private secondary schools instead. Our guides section covers the differences between school types.
Expatriate school fees in Penang
Fees for Penang Japanese School are typically lower than those at Penang’s international schools. Japanese corporate employers often cover part or all of tuition as part of expatriate packages. Contact the school directly for current rates. For wider fee comparisons across Penang, see our fees page.