Mohammad Moin tries to realize what he calls "intellectual fair trade" through his operation of an online English conversation school for Japanese — all taught by Filipino teachers.

The inexpensive English lessons are offered to Japanese students via Skype, while at the same time giving employment opportunities to Filipinos — most of whom have graduated from top universities in their countries but have no jobs.

Moin, 33, who was born in Bangladesh, said that several years ago he found out from a Filipino university friend that the Philippines was suffering from high unemployment, especially among women and young people. The two came up with the idea of opening the online school, which is headquartered in Tokyo and a branch in Cebu.