A Chinese model has been sentenced to 240 days in prison after being found guilty of using forged academic credentials to gain admission to a prestigious university in Hong Kong. The case has raised serious questions about academic integrity within the modeling industry in China.
On May 9, 2025, Next Apple reported on the controversial case of Li Shixuan, a 28-year-old model who previously held the title of Miss Universe Shenzhen. Li was accused of submitting fake documents to enroll in a master's program at Hong Kong University. Her case has become a focal point in discussions about educational fraud in China.
Li, who originally hails from Hubei, gained notoriety after winning a beauty pageant in 2024, which led to her participation in the Miss Universe competition. During her time in the spotlight, she claimed to be studying applied linguistics at Hong Kong University, expressing pride in her achievements. However, her academic claims were soon called into question.
In 2021, Li applied to Hong Kong University, stating that she had graduated with a degree in linguistics from Columbia University in the United States. She submitted a diploma as proof of her academic credentials, which was later discovered to be forged. The university found that Li was one of 30 applicants who had used falsified educational qualifications in their applications.
When confronted by university officials, Li failed to attend a scheduled meeting to clarify her situation. Consequently, the university proceeded to terminate her student status and reported her to the authorities. In a police confession, Li admitted to having graduated from Wuhan University of Economics and Law in 2020, not Columbia University as she had claimed. She revealed that she paid an agent 380,000 yuan (approximately 1.7 million baht) to facilitate her admission to Hong Kong University, with the agent providing her with the fake diploma.
Judge Chen Keihong, presiding over the case, stated that Li had employed dishonest means to gain access to higher education and had committed fraud by holding false documents. The judge emphasized that Li's actions constituted a serious breach of trust and integrity.
In addition to the fake diploma from Columbia University, Li also possessed a counterfeit degree from Hong Kong University, which falsely claimed she graduated with honors. In reality, her actual academic record only indicated that she had passed her courses.
The case has highlighted a broader issue of educational fraud in China, particularly among students seeking to study abroad or gain admission to prestigious institutions. Reports indicate that over the past three years, 25 individuals have been arrested for similar offenses related to falsifying academic qualifications in applications to higher education institutions in Hong Kong.
Li's case is not an isolated incident. The modeling industry in China has faced scrutiny over allegations of educational fraud, with many aspiring models reportedly resorting to dishonest methods to enhance their resumes and secure positions in competitive fields.
The Hong Kong University investigation revealed a pattern of fraudulent applications that prompted authorities to take action against those involved. The university confirmed that Li had not graduated from Columbia University, which led them to pursue legal action against her.
Li's conviction serves as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar fraudulent activities. The repercussions of such actions can be severe, not only resulting in legal penalties but also damaging one's reputation and future career prospects.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the modeling industry in China and whether further measures will be implemented to combat educational fraud. The need for stricter verification processes and greater accountability among educational institutions has become increasingly apparent.
In the wake of this scandal, discussions about the integrity of academic qualifications and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their dreams have intensified. Li's story is a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of prioritizing appearances over honesty.
As society grapples with these issues, it is crucial for both educational institutions and aspiring students to uphold the values of integrity and transparency in their pursuits.
