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| Faye Chan Yufei Goes Viral After Alleged 55 Yuan MBA Certificate Sparks Online Debate (Photo: Threads) |
What started as a feel-good personal milestone quickly turned into a full-blown internet talking point. Faye Chan Yufei, also known as Chan Ngai Chi, former member of Hong Kong girl group MISSY, unexpectedly found herself at the centre of online debate after sharing news about completing an MBA. What was meant to be a proud moment soon spiralled into viral speculation that no one saw coming.
Earlier this week, Faye excitedly posted on Instagram celebrating her achievement, calling it a small but meaningful 2025 goal fulfilled. She shared a photo of her MBA certificate, speaking warmly about self-growth, learning new things, and treating life like a stage where improvement never stops.
The tone was positive and aspirational, drawing initial congratulations from fans.
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However, attention quickly shifted from her message to the certificate itself. Sharp-eyed netizens began questioning the issuing institution, Academy Europe Open University, pointing out that it is not a nationally recognised education authority.
Discussions intensified when some users claimed the certificate’s formatting, including the name order, did not align with European academic conventions.
The situation escalated further when screenshots circulated online showing a nearly identical MBA certificate available on Taobao for just 55 yuan.
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The resemblance sparked widespread chatter across Threads and other platforms, with some netizens joking that academic achievements had suddenly become “too accessible”, while others questioned why public figures risk sharing credentials without anticipating scrutiny.
Facing growing speculation, Faye deleted her original Instagram post but addressed the situation directly via her Instagram Stories.
She stated she had no intention of proving anything to anyone, describing the debate as unnecessary noise.
According to her, the value of learning lies in personal growth, not public validation, and removing the post was simply to avoid further distraction.
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Despite that response, the discussion did not die down. Her Threads post remained visible, attracting a flood of comments ranging from sarcastic humour to more thoughtful takes about online pressure on celebrities.
Some fans defended her right to study in any form she chooses, while others felt public figures should expect transparency when sharing academic achievements.
For those unfamiliar with her background, Faye Chan Yufei is a Hong Kong singer born in 1988, originally known as Chan Ngai Chi. She debuted in Guangzhou at 19, later joining mainland bands Project Ace and Yu Fei Men.
In 2023, she returned to the Hong Kong spotlight under her new stage name through TVB’s singing competition Midlife, Sing & Shine 2, where she placed fifth. She later signed with TVB Music Group and became a member of MISSY, before heading to Vancouver in 2025 for programme filming.
Netizen reactions remain sharply divided. Supporters argue that continuous learning, formal or not, deserves encouragement rather than mockery. Critics, however, say public announcements naturally invite public discussion, especially when credentials appear unclear. Neutral voices point out how quickly social media can turn personal wins into viral controversies.
What do you think? Was this simply a misunderstood moment blown out of proportion, or a reminder that public figures need to be extra careful with what they share online?