Lingnan financial chief quits over credentials row
Resignation follows his suspension pending investigation into doctoral plagiarism claims
Lingnan University's financial chief resigned yesterday amid claims of plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation and that his doctorate was fast-tracked from a university in the Philippines.
Dr Herdip Singh, Lingnan's vice-president and comptroller, quit the university with immediate effect yesterday, a day after he was told he would be suspended pending an investigation. In a statement, he apologised to those affected.
A three-strong committee of academics set up to investigate the plagiarism claim said it was no longer looking into the case.
"Regarding recent reports on my doctoral degree, I regret that I have erred in my judgment," Singh said in the statement. He said he "would like to express my sincere apology to all who have been adversely affected, in particular Lingnan University, where I have served for over 30 years". Singh did not specify what his error of judgment was.
According to the university, the position of associate vice-president ranked third in the institution's management. As comptroller, Singh was responsible for accounting and facility management.
Reports from a Chinese language newspaper revealed Singh's dissertation for his doctoral degree obtained in 2013 was a 96 per cent match for a 2010 master's dissertation in Sweden.
Singh was also accused of fast-tracking his PhD, awarded by Tarlac State University in the Philippines, through a referral by a private school, Lifelong College, founded by Lingnan council member Alex Lee Ye-lick.
The three-strong investigation body, chaired by economist Professor Jesus Seade, confirmed there would be no further action.
"Herdip Singh has already admitted his mistakes and resigned, therefore we will take no more follow-up actions," a Lingnan spokesman said.
The spokesman refused to comment on whether Singh would face further consequences for his actions.
Education sector lawmaker Ip Kin-yuen welcomed Singh's decision but said he should clarify in "what judgment he erred".
"Plagiarism is a serious offence in high-level education that cannot be tolerated. He could not possibly face his students if he stayed," Ip said.
Ip said it was too early to comment on whether Lee should also quit, but said the Education Bureau should look into the dodgy- degree claims as soon as possible.