Regarding the case of 24 new students of Macau University of Science and Technology (China) falsifying the results of the Hong Kong Secondary School Graduation Examination (HKDSE) to apply for admission to the school, Ms. Tsai Ruo-lian - Director of the Hong Kong Education Bureau, strongly condemned the cheating.

Sharing with SCMP , she warned students not to commit similar acts because violating the law has serious consequences: "Using fake documents and degrees is a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison."

Based on the investigation results of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA), she confirmed that 24 new students of Macau University of Science and Technology used fake HKDSE results for admission.

Following the incident, she asked Macau universities to work with the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority to verify suspicious cases. In addition, the Macau Education and Youth Development Bureau also coordinated with schools to strictly implement the admission and registration process to ensure accurate verification of academic qualifications and exam results.

Previously, the Macau Education and Youth Development Bureau coordinated with many relevant units to tighten the situation of degree fraud. From June to August 2024, guidelines on admission and determination of academic qualifications were continuously issued.

According to the Global Times, of the 24 students who used fake HKDSE results to apply for admission to the Macau University of Science and Technology, 20 have fled; the remaining 4 students were arrested by Hong Kong police at the school dormitory on October 30 to serve the investigation. Among them, there are 2 men and 2 women (18-19 years old) from Hebei, Shenzhen, Zhejiang and Jiangxi (China).