I REFER to last Friday's article, 'At least 218 here have off-the-shelf degrees'. I was shocked that the article, which discusses the use of bogus qualifications by 'businessmen, professional trainers, private school lecturers and financial consultants' to 'bolster their credentials', identified me as a businessman with a 'questionable qualification' from Preston University.

By referring to me specifically, the statements suggest to a reader that I am a businessman who did not have the necessary qualifications to pursue a doctorate qualification from an accredited or non-degree mill institution; that I bought my doctorate off the Internet, without undertaking or completing the rigorous course requirements necessary to be awarded a doctorate; and that I obtained my 'questionable' and 'bogus' doctorate to bolster my credentials and burnish my CV, in order to project a false image.

In the first place, I had the necessary qualifications to pursue a doctorate, having been conferred a Masters in Business Administration degree by the University of East London in 1995. The University of East London has been recognised as one of Britain's leading modern universities.

Further, I did not obtain my PhD without undergoing the rigorous course requirements necessary for such a degree. In fact, in 1996, I had been accepted by the University of South Australia as a PhD candidate, and I was actively engaged in this programme for more than four years before transferring the modular credits I earned there to Preston University. I did so in 2003, after my supervising professor left.

A reputable close associate had recommended Preston, which was represented locally by the Centre for Professional Studies. I obtained the Preston PhD after completing the required modular credits, including a 55,000-word dissertation titled Direct Marketing In Singapore: What Does The Future Hold In Store?

Even though by then I was aware that Preston was unaccredited, this did not concern me unduly. My primary motivation in these further studies was as part of my commitment to lifelong learning and to set an example to my children.

In fact, I am currently in the final stages of completing a Doctorate in Business Administration with the Southern Cross University in Australia, an accredited university. This programme is provided via the Management Development Institute of Singapore. I embarked on this programme in 2005, immediately after completing the Preston PhD.

You will therefore understand my disappointment.

T. Chandroo

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Straits Times had contacted Mr Chandroo, as well as one other PhD holder from Preston University, to inquire about his doctorate from an unaccredited United States-based institution.

For over a month, Mr Chandroo's secretary said he was 'too busy' to answer e-mails or calls.

Preston University is not accredited by any US Department of Education-recognised accrediting body.

The state of Oregon refers to Preston University as a 'degree supplier' and has named it on its list of unapproved schools. Oregon state laws require those with degrees from schools like Preston to disclose that they have a degree from an unaccredited institution in their resumes, letterheads and business cards.

In 2001, the US-based Chronicle of Higher Education reported that Preston University had listed faculty members who had nothing to do with the institution.

The university later admitted that only 15 of the 49 faculty members listed on its website actively teach its students or serve as mentors.

Last year, US media reports said Preston was forced to move its operations to Alabama because of the crackdown on diploma mills in Wyoming.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sept 5, 2008.