The Linguaphone Group, a world-leading provider of distance and classroom language training solutions, is delighted to announce the latest licensing partners for the Group'’s character-based pre-school English language program, Pingu's English. Apple Tree Pte Ltd, leading providers of kindergarten and playgroup programs for pre-school children in Singapore for the last 18 years, have signed as the Pingu's English Master Licensee for Singapore. They plan to launch their first Pingu's English programme in July.

Theo Wessels, an entrepreneur, has secured the exclusive rights to Pingu's English in South Africa. He will be promoting the program through existing pre-schools, community organisations and bookstores from May onwards, and will target, amongst others, children previously excluded from learning English in South Africa.

Egyptian American Cultural Center (EACC), our Direct English partner in Egypt, who have been running adult English language training centres with the Linguaphone Group since 2007, have signed a deal for the exclusive rights for Pingu's English across Egypt. They plan to open their first two Pingu's English Schools in Alexandria and Port Said in May, with more planned across Egypt over the summer.

Pingu's English is a three-level course and teaches English to young children of 3-7+ years and is based on the popular children's character, Pingu™. The course has been inspired by the mischievous and loveable penguin and his everyday adventures in the South Pole. Designed for use within Pingu's English schools and also by parents and children at home through direct-to-market channels, this innovative course is exclusive to the Linguaphone Group.

Derek Price, Chief Operations Officer of the Linguaphone Group, said : 'We are delighted that partners from all corners of the globe are responding positively to Pingu's English and joining our expanding family of Linguaphone Group partners. We look forward to working with them and many others in the months and years ahead.'