Former part-time lecturer of THEi gets eight months’ jail for bribery over student graduation
2025-12-17
A former part-time lecturer of the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), charged by the ICAC, was sentenced to eight months’ in prison today (December 17) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts for taking a bribe of $20,000 for securing a passing grade for a student in his final year project.
Tony Ng Shui-ting, 69, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Principal Magistrate Mr David Cheung Chi-wai reprimanded the defendant for affecting the credibility of the institute, its students and the professional degree, adding that he did not commit the crime impulsively as he persuaded the student concern premeditatedly.
The court heard that at the material time, the defendant was responsible for supervising students of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering programme in their final year projects. Since November 2024, he told a student on various occasions that he would not give a passing grade to the student in regard of the final year project. The defendant consequently solicited a bribe from the student and promised to give a passing grade to the latter’s final year project.
The THEi forbade its staff members to solicit or accept any advantages from students. The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. During the investigation, the THEi and the student rendered full assistance to the Commission.
The defendant admitted that he had instructed the student to prepare $20,000 cash and arranged a meeting with the student on December 10, 2024. After the meeting, the defendant was arrested by ICAC Officers. Body search on the defendant recovered the $20,000 cash.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Issac Chong.
The ICAC has always placed high importance on upholding integrity in the education sector. In addition to stringent enforcement actions, the Commission will continue to organise anti-corruption seminars for staff and students of educational institutions to help enhance their knowledge on the anti-corruption laws and assist institutions in strengthening a culture of integrity.
Tony Ng Shui-ting, 69, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Principal Magistrate Mr David Cheung Chi-wai reprimanded the defendant for affecting the credibility of the institute, its students and the professional degree, adding that he did not commit the crime impulsively as he persuaded the student concern premeditatedly.
The court heard that at the material time, the defendant was responsible for supervising students of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering programme in their final year projects. Since November 2024, he told a student on various occasions that he would not give a passing grade to the student in regard of the final year project. The defendant consequently solicited a bribe from the student and promised to give a passing grade to the latter’s final year project.
The THEi forbade its staff members to solicit or accept any advantages from students. The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. During the investigation, the THEi and the student rendered full assistance to the Commission.
The defendant admitted that he had instructed the student to prepare $20,000 cash and arranged a meeting with the student on December 10, 2024. After the meeting, the defendant was arrested by ICAC Officers. Body search on the defendant recovered the $20,000 cash.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Issac Chong.
The ICAC has always placed high importance on upholding integrity in the education sector. In addition to stringent enforcement actions, the Commission will continue to organise anti-corruption seminars for staff and students of educational institutions to help enhance their knowledge on the anti-corruption laws and assist institutions in strengthening a culture of integrity.