Hong Kong student voluntarily returns tech awards amid AI project "ghostwriting" controversy

The parents of a 16-year-old student from St. Paul's Co-educational College have announced that she will voluntarily return all awards won by her AI-assisted medication safety project, following weeks of online accusations and personal attacks alleging that the software was ghostwritten by a U.S. tech firm.

The parents of Clarisse Poon, a Secondary 4 student, issued a public statement today addressing the controversy surrounding her project, “MediSafe”. 

They confirmed that despite multiple investigations—by the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, and the Hong Kong ICT Awards—all concluding that the project complied with competition rules and upholding her awards, they decided to return the honors to protect their daughter’s mental and physical well-being.

“MediSafe” was developed by Poon as an original AI tool designed to reduce medication errors, inspired by a local news story in 2023 about prescription mistakes. 

Her father, a renowned liver cancer specialist, and her mother emphasized that the software used simulated data—not real patient information—and adhered to all competition requirements.

The controversy arose when online critics accused Poon of violating rules by using a public drug database. 

Her parents clarified that the rule in question was newly introduced this year and was not in effect when “MediSafe” was entered last year. 

Moreover, the project has not been commercialized and has received clarification acceptance from the database provider.

The statement also revealed that in March 2024, Poon’s mother—concerned about the concept being copied—independently approached AI Health Studio to explore commercial potential. She shared the concept and materials without disclosing that the project was already entered in competitions. 

The company began developing a minimal viable product without knowledge of the submissions. Her mother apologized for any misunderstanding caused.

The parents condemned the “overwhelming online attacks” against their family, including targeted harassment against their daughter.

They highlighted that critics had posted photos of Poon with captions such as “Miss Hong Kong 2025 is over,” triggering public discussion about her appearance.

They also criticized those who simultaneously pushed for the revocation of her Geneva award while disrespectfully labelling it a “chicken shed award” or “low-value prize,” arguing that such behavior damaged the reputation of the competition and insulted all participants.

With all investigations concluded, the family hopes that returning the awards will allow Poon to focus on her studies and recover from the emotional distress.