Many parents and students were shocked to learn that Saigon Star International School (SGSIS) in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City would have to cease operations and relocate due to land disputes.

Friday marked the last day of operations for SGSIS at its current location on Land Plot No. 94, 811 in Thanh My Loi Ward, Thu Duc.

The school, with approximately 300 students, will remain closed until February 12, 2025.

A school representative confirmed that the school is scheduled to reopen on February 12 at a new campus at 577 National Highway 13, Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc.

However, according to T., a parent, the plan to relocate and reopen the school seems difficult to implement, as the new campus at 577 National Highway 13 is currently almost empty.

G., another parent, said that on October 31, 2024, when enforcement officials posted a notice regarding the school's forced land handover in December, parents were learning about the move for the first time.

G. added that the school had failed to inform parents about the situation for several months, despite the fact that this was crucial information directly affecting students’ rights. 

As a result, many parents felt unprepared and passive in dealing with the situation.

SGSIS, established in 2005 by an Indian businessman residing and working in Vietnam, caters to children aged 2-11, according to its website.

Land dispute

According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper’s research, Land Plot No. 94, 811 in Thanh My Loi Ward, is owned by ACB Asset Management Company Limited (ACBA).

On December 31, 2016, ACBA and SGSIS signed a land lease agreement, with the lease term running from January 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018.

In October 2018, based on the agreement between the two parties, ACBA and SGSIS entered into a land sale and purchase contract. 

However, SGSIS failed to make payment as agreed, despite multiple requests from ACBA.

ACBA later filed a lawsuit seeking to annul the sale and purchase contract.

The suit requested the court to order SGSIS to return the land to ACBA and compensate for the accumulated rent during the period it occupied the property.

In January 2020, the People’s Court of District 2, now Thu Duc City, conducted a first-instance trial and ruled in favor of ACBA. 

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court later upheld the decision on appeal, rejecting SGSIS’ challenge.

On October 12, 2020, the Thu Duc City Civil Judgment Execution Sub-Department issued an order to enforce the judgment, instructing SGSIS to return the land to ACBA and pay the outstanding rent.

However, SGSIS requested a review of the judgment under the cassation procedure, which led the enforcement agency to temporarily suspend the judgment’s implementation. 

On May 7, 2021, the High People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City issued a cassation ruling, upholding the previous appeal judgment.

On May 3, 2024, the Thu Duc City Civil Judgment Judgment Execution Sub-Department issued another decision for the compulsory enforcement of the judgment, directing SGSIS to return the land to ACBA.

On July 29, 2024, the sub-department issued a notice to SGSIS instructing the school to publicly inform employees, teachers, students, and their families of the upcoming land handover. 

The notice mandates the school to cease operations at the current location during the 2024-25 school year and ensure the rights of those affected.

Furthermore, the sub-department has announced that the compulsory land handover will take place this month.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!