Singapore basketball coach under investigation for alleged bribery in top school admissions

SINGAPORE: Singapore authorities are investigating a basketball coach for allegedly accepting improper payments to secure spots for students in secondary schools under the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme.

The coach is accused of charging parents between S$30,000 and S$50,000 to gain admission for their children into top schools.

On Wednesday (24 July), Singapore’s Chinese media outlet Shin Min Daily News reported that the coach, identified as Mr Ling (transliteration), allegedly used his connections to help students gain entry into prestigious secondary schools through the DSA.

The DSA scheme allows Primary 6 students and those taking the O-level exams to apply to certain secondary schools based on their talents in sports, co-curricular activities (CCA), and specific academic areas.

According to Shin Min, a tip-off from a member of the public led to the investigation.

The tipster claimed to have recorded a phone conversation with Mr Ling, who allegedly boasted over 10 years of experience “securing student school placements.”

The tip-off indicated that Mr Ling charged fees ranging from S$30,000 to S$50,000, depending on the school.

Specific fees mentioned included S$50,000 for Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), S$45,000 for Dunman High School, and approximately S$30,000 for Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), which required an in-person interview for admission.

It remains unclear which schools the coach successfully placed students into via the DSA route.

According to CNA, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has stated that the coach has been deregistered since April and is no longer employed in any MOE school.

Additionally, the Sport Singapore statutory board suspended his membership with the National Registry of Coaches.

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has cited confidentiality concerns and thus is unable to confirm or provide further details regarding the ongoing investigation into the coach.

The MOE emphasized that while schools have their own Direct School Admission selection processes, they must adhere to the ministry’s guidelines, which include principles of transparency, objectivity, inclusiveness, and student-centricity.

According to MOE, schools are required to establish selection panels led by the school’s leadership team to evaluate applicants.

Non-school staff, such as coaches, may play a supportive role but do not have the final authority on admissions. Coaches are also required to declare any potential conflicts of interest.

The MOE assured that it will continue to ensure the DSA selection process remains fair and accessible to all students.