How to hire people who really are what they say they are

EDUCATION is considered central to human development. It is seen as a tool in eradicating poverty and promoting inclusive and equitable economic growth. The increased affluence in Asia-Pacific (Apac) coincided with the rise of education in this region over the past three decades. About 60 per cent of the world's youth population - or 750 million young persons aged 15 to 24 years - reside in this region, and many hunger for the elusive degree certification. The global slowdown - on the other hand - has taken a toll on jobs, and undoubtedly the youths in Apac are not immune to this. According to the International Labour Organization, youth unemployment in Apac rose to over 10 per cent in 2013. Competition for the best jobs is rife, and some will do whatever it takes to beat the competition.

Academic credentials are essential to any candidate as they open the doors to a wide range of career opportunities. But there could be a range of reasons that someone was unable to pursue their educational choices - socio-economic barriers, geographical barriers, lack of interest, to name a few. For those who cannot afford a degree or even a diploma, they may be tempted to turn to the "degree mill".

One example is China, an emerging economic powerhouse in Apac. The country alone has more than 100 phony universities offering fake degrees or diplomas. Many of them have websites and use names similar to those of real colleges. With about seven million eager students graduating from colleges every year, the competition to land a decent job is getting tougher. One can get a bachelor's or master's degree in half an hour by submitting a photograph, some personal details and about 200-300 yuan (S$43-64). He or she can pay more or less depending on the "standing" of the university and the quality of the seal that is reproduced on the forgery. What is more, this package includes report cards too. But China is just the tip of the iceberg as fake degrees and bogus universities have become a major headache for employers across the globe.