Singapore investigates basketball coach for allegedly taking bribes to put children in top schools

SINGAPORE: A basketball coach is being investigated by the Education Ministry as well as Sport Singapore for allegedly accepting improper payments to get students into secondary schools, under the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme. 

In response to CNA's queries, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said the coach has been deregistered since April and is no longer working in any MOE school. Coaches must be registered with MOE to be engaged by schools.

His National Registry of Coaches membership has also been suspended, according to the Sport Singapore statutory board.

When approached by CNA, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), citing confidentiality issues, said it was unable to confirm or provide further information on whether the coach was being probed.

Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily first reported on Wednesday (Jul 24) that the coach allegedly charged parents S$45,000 to S$50,000 to ensure their children entered schools of their choice. 

The Shin Min report was based on a tip-off from a member of the public, who was identified only as Mr Tan.

Mr Tan told Shin Min that he had recorded a phone conversation with the coach, where the latter reportedly claimed to have over 10 years of experience in ensuring students entered their desired schools. 

CNA has attempted to contact Mr Tan for more information. 

Through the DSA programme, Primary 6 students can gain direct entry to certain secondary schools based on their talent in sports, co-curricular activities and specific academic areas.

MOE said that while schools have their own DSA selection processes, they are required to adhere to the ministry's guidelines.

These include upholding key "principles of transparency, objectivity, inclusiveness and student-centricity".