Law enforcement agencies to collaborate with mainland authorities on false academic credentials issue if necessary: John Lee

Any act of providing false academic credentials is against Hong Kong law, and will be strictly punished, Chief Executive John Lee said at a press conference before the Executive Council meeting today (Oct. 22) when asked about the recent revelations from several universities regarding false academic credentials for admissions.

Lee emphasized that the government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as an international higher education hub and will vigorously promote this goal.

"Any actions that do not meet the requirements will be followed up with proactive and effective measures," he added.

Lee pointed out that instances of fake academic credentials often arise from agents acting unscrupulously for profit.

"Once law enforcement identifies such situations, they will take strict action and collaborate with mainland authorities to combat these illegal activities."

However, Lee noted that the vast majority of agents comply with the law, and universities must also strengthen their systems to carefully review academic credential applications.

Lee continued by stating that the government believes that Hong Kong's excellent universities are attractive to students from the Middle East and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. "They believe that Hong Kong has the potential to develop into a quality education hub, and the government has increased relevant scholarships to support this goal."

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