Basketball coach charged for taking frees from parents to getting children into top school

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is investigating a basketball coach for allegedly accepting money in exchange for pupils' secondary school admissions. He reportedly exploited his contacts to get children into elite schools through the Direct Admissions Scheme (DSA), according to the Chinese tabloid Shin Min Daily News on July 24. The program enables Primary 6 students to achieve early admission to secondary schools by demonstrating non-academic abilities such as athletics and the arts.

In response to questions from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Education (MOE) confirmed on July 25 that it is aware of the situation. “The individual has been de-registered since April 2024, and is no longer working in any MOE school,” the ministry said, as per The Straits Times.

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Adding to it they will continue to make sure that the DSA section becomes clear and fair to all the students. “MOE takes a serious view of such reports, and will investigate to ensure that DSA selection was conducted in accordance with our selection guidelines,” it said.

A tip on a basketball coach named Mr. Lin who supposedly instructs students at many elementary schools was provided to Shin Min Daily News by a member of the public only known as Mr. Tan. As per Mr Tan coaches charge $45,000 to $50,000 fees from parents depending on the school they want to get the spot for their children. What educational institutions the coach has been able to get children into through the DSA program is unknown. 

In response to queries, CPIB said: “Due to confidentiality issues, we are unable to provide information on whether any individual or entity is being investigated for corruption.” In order to honour students accomplishments in extracurricular activities including athletics and the arts, the DSA program was created in 2004. It gives Primary 6 students admission to secondary schools prior to their taking the Primary School Leaving Examination.