- Vizzio’s board issued support for founder Jon Lee after a fake PhD.
- They downplayed credentials, citing successful projects under Lee.
- Concerns remain over authenticity despite unwavering public backing.
CEO credential controversy
The board of directors at Singapore AI startup Vizzio Technologies has issued a public statement backing founder and CEO Jon Lee following the revelation of his faked doctoral credentials.
Lee recently admitted to falsely claiming a PhD in computer science from Cambridge.
Unwavering support
Vizzio Chairman Abu Bakar Mohd emphasized that Lee had informed the board previously about the lack of a doctorate.
“We are resolved to support Jon and continue Vizzio’s mission, which has been marked by many successful projects since its inception,” read the statement. It noted Lee had already paid dues for fabrication from a dot-com role 20 years ago.
While displaying remorse in interviews, discrepancies remain in Lee’s account, including an apparent forged Cambridge certificate sent to a current investor during fundraising diligence.
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Downplaying credentials and commitments
However, the board downplayed credentials importance, stating that Vizzio technology has already proven independent of a doctorate requirement.
Beyond standing behind Lee, the statement doubled down on business goals unchanged by controversy over the CEO’s credentials.
“We cannot, and will not, take his life’s work away from him,” it continued, citing responsibility for past youthful mistakes.
Despite lingering questions, Vizzio’s leadership insists on backing its technological vision, and Lee remains essential without doctorate credentials impeding inventions or business relationships built on authentic technological innovations.
Transparency concerns may not disappear overnight for the AI startup now thrust into unwelcome headlines.
