IOC Drama Over Conflict of Interest

Drama

02 September 2025 10:56

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing mounting scrutiny over a potential conflict of interest involving one of its top executives, just as preparations intensify for the debut Olympic Esports Games scheduled for 2027.

Ng Ser Miang, a senior IOC official and Chair of the Olympic Esports Games Steering Committee, is under the spotlight due to his family's financial ties to a virtual reality title expected to feature prominently at the event — Virtual Taekwondo. The game, co-developed by World Taekwondo and Singapore-based Refract Technologies, has emerged as a likely inclusion in the inaugural esports lineup, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Family Ties Raise Questions

At the heart of the controversy is Ng’s son, Ng Chong Geng, who holds key positions in Refract Technologies through Pearl Trust — a private entity that owns around one-third of the company. According to corporate records, Ng Chong Geng is both the sole shareholder of Pearl Trust and a director at Refract Technologies.

Further complicating matters, Ng’s daughter, Ng Xuan Hui, also plays a role in the family’s business interests, serving as a director at Pearl Trust. These overlapping ties have prompted concerns about the integrity of the esports title selection process.

Legal Complaint Sent to IOC Ethics Body

In June, London-based law firm Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen LLP formally raised the issue with the IOC Ethics Commission. Acting on behalf of unnamed clients from within Olympic circles, the legal team called for Ng’s immediate removal from all committees linked to Olympic esports, according to The Times.

The complaint emphasizes the risk of bias in the selection process due to the direct involvement of Ng’s immediate family in a company with vested interests in the competition. The identities of the complainants have not been disclosed, reportedly due to concerns over potential retaliation.

IOC Defends Process, Denies Misconduct

The IOC, however, has stood by its procedures. An IOC spokesperson told The Times that “all IOC Members fulfill their obligations regarding declarations of interest,” asserting that “claims of impropriety were ‘unfounded’ given existing transparency mechanisms.”

The Committee also confirmed that Ng had submitted the required disclosure documents in line with internal governance rules. At this stage, no formal action has been taken against him.

More:Team Heretics Partners with Fulllife

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IOC Drama Over Conflict of Interest

Drama

02 September 2025 10:56

Tags: IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing mounting scrutiny over a potential conflict of interest involving one of its top executives, just as preparations intensify for the debut Olympic Esports Games scheduled for 2027.

Ng Ser Miang, a senior IOC official and Chair of the Olympic Esports Games Steering Committee, is under the spotlight due to his family's financial ties to a virtual reality title expected to feature prominently at the event — Virtual Taekwondo. The game, co-developed by World Taekwondo and Singapore-based Refract Technologies, has emerged as a likely inclusion in the inaugural esports lineup, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Family Ties Raise Questions

At the heart of the controversy is Ng’s son, Ng Chong Geng, who holds key positions in Refract Technologies through Pearl Trust — a private entity that owns around one-third of the company. According to corporate records, Ng Chong Geng is both the sole shareholder of Pearl Trust and a director at Refract Technologies.

Further complicating matters, Ng’s daughter, Ng Xuan Hui, also plays a role in the family’s business interests, serving as a director at Pearl Trust. These overlapping ties have prompted concerns about the integrity of the esports title selection process.

Legal Complaint Sent to IOC Ethics Body

In June, London-based law firm Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen LLP formally raised the issue with the IOC Ethics Commission. Acting on behalf of unnamed clients from within Olympic circles, the legal team called for Ng’s immediate removal from all committees linked to Olympic esports, according to The Times.

The complaint emphasizes the risk of bias in the selection process due to the direct involvement of Ng’s immediate family in a company with vested interests in the competition. The identities of the complainants have not been disclosed, reportedly due to concerns over potential retaliation.

IOC Defends Process, Denies Misconduct

The IOC, however, has stood by its procedures. An IOC spokesperson told The Times that “all IOC Members fulfill their obligations regarding declarations of interest,” asserting that “claims of impropriety were ‘unfounded’ given existing transparency mechanisms.”

The Committee also confirmed that Ng had submitted the required disclosure documents in line with internal governance rules. At this stage, no formal action has been taken against him.

More:Team Heretics Partners with Fulllife

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