Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive Ng Ser Miang is facing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest as the organisation prepares to select titles for its first Olympic Esports Games in 2027.
Questions have emerged regarding Ng’s role as Chairman of the Olympic Esports Games Steering Committee whilst his son holds financial interests in Virtual Taekwondo, a title expected to feature at the Saudi Arabia event, according to reporting by The Times.
Legal representatives for unnamed parties within Olympic circles have formally challenged the appointment, arguing it could compromise the selection process for the landmark esports competition.
Family Business Connections
The controversy centres on Refract Technologies, a Singapore-based company that co-developed Virtual Taekwondo alongside World Taekwondo. Company records indicate Pearl Trust owns roughly a third of Refract, with Ng Chong Geng — the IOC executive’s son — listed as Pearl Trust’s sole shareholder and a Refract director.
Additionally, Ng’s daughter Ng Xuan Hui holds a directorship at Pearl Trust, further intertwining family interests with the virtual reality martial arts title.
London-based Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen LLP sent formal correspondence to IOC’s Ethics Commission in June, with The Times reporting the firm called for Ng’s immediate removal from esports-related committees. The legal team represents clients who remain anonymous, citing concerns about potential backlash.
IOC Responds to Allegations
Responding to the allegations, the IOC maintains proper protocols were followed, with Ng completing required disclosure documentation.
“All IOC Members fulfill their obligations regarding declarations of interest,” an IOC spokesperson told The Times, adding that claims of impropriety were ‘unfounded’ given existing transparency mechanisms.
The organisation emphasises Ng’s appointment reflected his established esports expertise, with final game selections requiring approval from either the executive board or full IOC Session.
Current Games in Olympics
Saudi Arabia’s 2027 event will award trophy-style honours rather than traditional medals, focusing on titles linked to established Olympic sports. According to the report, anticipated selections include cycling simulators, sailing games and motorsport titles alongside Virtual Taekwondo.
The IOC’s approach to esports has drawn criticism from industry observers who note that Olympic-endorsed virtual sports often lack the established competitive ecosystems found in mainstream esports titles.
Unlike games such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2 or VALORANT — which support professional leagues, substantial prize pools and dedicated player bases — virtual sports simulations typically operate without year-round competitive circuits or professional pathways for athletes, and have no tangible viewer base.
