Parents whose children were enrolled at the Australia International English School (AIES) in Ho Chi Minh City are in shock after the center unexpectedly closed for “repairs” and never reopened.

Attempts to contact the center’s director have failed, raising suspicions of a possible abscondment involving large sums of prepaid tuition.

Director unreachable, family says he went abroad

Parents of students at the AIES branch on Kha Van Can Street, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, say they were notified on May 8 that the center would temporarily close for a week due to infrastructure issues caused by heavy rain.

The announcement, posted on Zalo parent groups and at the center, stated that operations would resume on May 15.

However, shortly after, all communication with the director ceased. Staff revealed that on the morning of May 8, they received a notice from management suspending all classes and operations from noon onward. By 11 a.m., none of the center’s employees at any of its branches could reach the director.

When some staff contacted his wife, she said he had gone abroad a few days earlier and the family was also unable to contact him.

By May 9, the director’s wife's phone number had been deactivated. The center’s website, Facebook pages, and internal platforms were also taken down.

All employee login credentials were deleted, raising further alarm. Staff reported the situation to the local police in Tang Nhon Phu B Ward for advice.

As of noon on May 15, the staff still had not received any official update or instruction from the director. In a letter to parents, employees expressed regret and uncertainty: “We sincerely apologize and ask for your patience. Teachers and staff are also affected, with unpaid wages and disrupted contracts, but we are ready to cooperate with authorities to resolve the issue.”

Parents out millions, center remains closed past scheduled reopening

Despite the closure being initially blamed on storm damage and safety repairs, the center did not reopen on May 15 as promised. Frustrated parents are now submitting formal complaints to police and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training.

One parent, Mr. H., told VietNamNet that just eight days prior to the shutdown, he had enrolled his child in a three-year English course at AIES under the Kid 1–Kid 6 program. He transferred VND 31 million (around USD 1,220) as tuition, with assurances that classes would begin as scheduled. Instead, the center suddenly shut its doors, removed signage, and ceased all contact.

“I haven’t received any notice or refund. This looks like a deliberate escape. I will file an official complaint,” he said.

More than 200 parents have now compiled a collective report detailing the funds paid to the center, with individual losses ranging from tens of millions to nearly VND 100 million (approximately USD 3,900).

AIES is operated by Duy Khang Education and Training Co., Ltd., directed by Ho Dang Duy. The company, established in 2007, is headquartered at 182-184-186 Le Van Viet Street, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.

As of this writing, the AIES website remains inaccessible. VietNamNet has contacted the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, and a department representative confirmed they are aware of the situation.

Le Huyen