IOC Defends Ng Ser Miang Against Conflict of Interest Claims

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has firmly stated that its member, Ng Ser Miang, has adhered to established rules amid allegations of a conflict of interest. This response follows a report by the German website Sport & Politics, which claimed a complaint was filed against Mr. Ng with the IOC Ethics Commission. The complaint suggested that Mr. Ng allegedly “mixed his many positions with family business” in connection with esports initiatives, including the upcoming Olympic Esports Games.

In a statement responding to inquiries from the media, the IOC emphasized that Mr. Ng has operated in “full conformity with the Olympic Charter” and stated there is “no evidence to prove the contrary.” The IOC expressed its full confidence in Mr. Ng to lead the development of the Olympic Esports Games, scheduled to take place in 2027 in Riyadh.

“Mr. Ng Ser Miang, like all IOC members, has fulfilled his obligations. Therefore, the allegations made in this complaint are unfounded,” said an IOC spokesperson. They highlighted that the claims lack a factual basis, noting that there is complete transparency through the IOC Declaration of Interests Form, which requires all members to disclose their interests in various entities to mitigate potential conflicts.

The IOC clarified that Mr. Ng had not been significantly involved in the esports sector until “very recently.” The development of esports initiatives has primarily been managed by the IOC Esports Commission, of which Mr. Ng has never been a member. This commission was responsible for steering the Olympic Virtual Series 2021 and the Olympic Esports Series 2023, culminating in the successful Olympic Esports Week 2023.

The IOC also noted that Mr. Ng did not serve on the organizing committee for the Olympic Esports Week but co-chaired the steering committee alongside the relevant minister. Key decisions regarding the series, including game title selections, were made by the IOC Executive Board based on proposals from the Esports Commission and collaborated with various IOC departments.

Recently, Mr. Ng was appointed as chair of a joint committee between the IOC and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) to oversee the Olympic Esports Games. The IOC stated that his expertise was “fully known and appreciated,” with all relevant connections declared transparently in the IOC Declaration of Interests Form.

While the steering committee is currently preparing recommendations for the games to be included in the Olympic Esports Games, the final decision will rest with the IOC Executive Board and/or the IOC Session. The committee emphasized that involving IOC members with relevant expertise is beneficial, provided that their interests are declared appropriately.

In a previous incident, Mr. Ng faced a fine of €1,000 (approximately US$1,165) and received an official warning in January 2023 after being found guilty of interfering in a World Sailing election. He and former Ethics Commission chairman Dieter Neupert were deemed to have acted without integrity during the election process.

Mr. Ng has been an IOC member since 1998 and served as vice president of the Singapore National Olympic Committee (SNOC) from 1990 to 2014. He currently holds several positions within the SNOC, including chairman of the Games Appeals Committee and the Finance Committee, as well as being a member of the Singapore Sports Awards Selection Committee.

As the situation unfolds, the IOC remains committed to ensuring transparency and integrity within its operations, reinforcing its dedication to upholding the values of the Olympic movement.