PETALING JAYA: SEG International Bhd (SEGi), the largest private education group of more than 28,000 students nationwide, achieved 16 per cent increase in revenue to RM80.187 million for its second quarter ended in June 30, 2012 from RM69.236 million in the corresponding quarter in 2011.

Growth in gross profits to RM59.662 million was an increase of 13 per cent from the same period last year.

The Group has recorded a half-yearly profit before taxation of RM51.674 million this year – an improvement of 12 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2011. This shows that SEGi is maintaining a consistent growth in its operating performance.

As of 1st quarter of 2012, SEGi has recorded a student base of 27,000 and by end of 2nd quarter 2012, SEGi's strong momentum in student enrolment recorded more than 28,000 students. SEGi's strong market presence has also gathered some interest from external shareholders.

Recently, SEGi earned the honour of The Edge Billion Ringgit Club (BRC) Best Performing Stock Award (over 3 years) in the Trading/Services, Hotels, IPC and Technology category with the returns of 167.30% for its shareholders.

The Group also recently announced that it is expanding its education business by moving downstream to set up private kindergartens, primary and secondary international schools on a 12-acre piece of land in Setia Alam. They can collectively house approximately 3000 students and are scheduled to open at the end of 2014. The schools will follow the British curriculum. They are targeted at the higher end market and will provide a boost to the Group's top line. -- Bernama