Opinion

Credential lies

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-10 15:16

Scores of Chinese entrepreneurs are in the spotlight for allegedly lying about or faking their academic qualifications. The most prominent among them is Tang Jun, president and CEO of Xin Hua Du Industrial Co.

Tang has been chosen among China's Top 10 Economic Persons, Top 10 IT Persons and Top 10 Valuable CEOs. These are just a few of the honors bestowed on him. That should have made the 40-something entrepreneur a role model for youths who have the vigor, acumen and vision to move up the corporate ladder.

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In an autobiographical book, the "darling" entrepreneur has said he got his doctoral diploma from California Institute of Technology. But now he says that he got his doctorate from Pacific Western University, a diploma mill in the US.

No role model is perfect. But nobody can be a role model without being honest.

Tang's supporters argue that he is a perfect example of an entrepreneur for whom academic qualifications do not matter. So, do successful people have the right to lie? But success in business cannot hide the basic drawbacks of a character.

The diploma scandal has soiled Tang Jun's reputation and given people enough reason to doubt the claims of his company.

Moreover, it will make people keep a watchful eye on degrees and diplomas brought home by an increasing number of Chinese students returning from overseas, for not all of them clear exams well and meet their parents' high expectations.