Story perspectives

Ex-HKUST Professor Detained for HK$40k Bribe to Admit Mainland Student

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former HKUST professor Liu Hongbin was detained after prosecutors said he took a HK$40,000 bribe to admit a mainland student to a master’s programme.
Insurance agent Priscilla Lam Pui-ling offered bribe, prompting Liu to order lecturer Leung Shui-yee to shortlist student Lin Zhengxi despite unrelated background and low GPA.
Lin Zhengxi was placed in the environmental health and safety master’s programme for 2025-26 after recruitment between March and May 2025.

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Story summary

Former HKUST professor Liu Hongbin was detained after prosecutors said he took a HK$40,000 bribe to admit a mainland student to a master’s programme.
Insurance agent Priscilla Lam Pui-ling offered bribe, prompting Liu to order lecturer Leung Shui-yee to shortlist student Lin Zhengxi despite unrelated background and low GPA.
Lin Zhengxi was placed in the environmental health and safety master’s programme for 2025-26 after recruitment between March and May 2025.