Hong Kong to join forces with mainland authorities in false academic credentials crackdown

Law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong will join forces with mainland authorities to crack down on false academic credentials, after revelations from several universities were made of students using fake credentials for admissions.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu told a press conference before his weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday that the government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as an international tertiary education hub in promoting a “Study in Hong Kong” brand.

He said law enforcement agencies will take strict action and collaborate with mainland authorities to combat the use of fake credentials for university admissions

He also noted some universities have strengthened their systems to carefully review academic credential applications.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong leader lauded the city for having excellent universities, which are attractive to students from the Middle East and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"These students believe Hong Kong has the potential to develop into a quality education hub, and the government has increased relevant scholarships to support them,” Lee added.