\u00a0online petition<\/a>\u00a0is calling on the National University of Singapore (NUS) to take serious disciplinary action against a student following the circulation of a video containing offensive racial remarks.<\/p>\nThe petition, which had gathered 590 signatures as of 23 April 2026, states that the student\u2019s conduct has raised \u201csignificant concerns among the student body and wider community\u201d.<\/p>\n
It urges the university to act decisively, warning that failure to address the issue risks damaging institutional integrity and setting a \u201cdangerous precedent\u201d.<\/p>\n
Video resurfaces online<\/h3>\n
The controversy centres on a now-deleted video believed to have been posted in early April and later reshared across social media platforms.<\/p>\n
In the clip, the student, who identified herself as an orientation week recruitment head for 2026, made a series of remarks directed at the Indian community.<\/p>\n
During a self-introduction, she used language widely criticised as derogatory when describing her past relationships and personal experiences.<\/p>\n
She also drew a contrast between what she characterised as her \u201cpast life\u201d and her current identity, which she described as having \u201cturned over a new leaf\u201d and becoming a \u201cwholesome Chinese person\u201d.<\/p>\n
Remarks on hygiene and identity<\/h3>\n
Some of the most criticised statements involved references to hygiene and scent.<\/p>\n
In the video, she said she had \u201cthe willpower determination and resilience to shower up to 3 times a day so that I don\u2019t smell like curry onions\u201d.<\/p>\n
She concluded her introduction by stating, \u201cI am not racist\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nPublic reaction and calls for accountability<\/h3>\n
The remarks triggered widespread backlash online, with many expressing shock particularly given her leadership role in student activities.<\/p>\n
Netizens questioned her judgement and highlighted the reputational impact on the university.<\/p>\n
Some users tagged NUS Student Affairs in posts, calling for accountability and disciplinary measures.<\/p>\n
Commenters also raised concerns about the broader implications for campus culture, noting that such behaviour reflects poorly on a multicultural academic environment.<\/p>\n
Apology video draws criticism<\/h3>\n
In a separate video, the student issued an apology for her remarks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand that it may have offended a few people but it was not my intention on doing so,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She added that she had been \u201cgoing through something\u201d at the time and had \u201cturned it into a joke which may have come across inappropriately\u201d.<\/p>\n
However, the apology was met with scepticism from some quarters.<\/p>\n
TikToker DineshTheBigBaby criticised the response, describing it as a \u201cfake apology video\u201d that lacked genuine remorse.<\/p>\n
He argued that the apology appeared reactive, stating that it was made \u201cbecause people were attacking her\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also questioned whether she would have apologised if the video had not gained attention.<\/p>\n
Concerns over institutional response<\/h3>\n
Dinesh rejected suggestions that the issue should be dismissed, expressing frustration at what he described as a lack of institutional intervention.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one from the school is making her accountable for her actions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted the perceived irony of her role as an NUS cheerleader and criticised what he described as an apparent lack of public relations awareness.<\/p>\n
Petition outlines demands<\/h3>\n
The petition emphasises that NUS has long stood for \u201chigh standards of academic excellence and moral integrity\u201d.<\/p>\n
It argues that allowing such behaviour to go unchecked would undermine these values and harm the university\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n
The document states that the student’s remarks, described as racist and xenophobic, may violate the university\u2019s Code of Conduct and disrupt the safety of a multicultural community.<\/p>\n
It calls for a thorough investigation, including gathering testimonies and reviewing relevant evidence.<\/p>\n
Following this, the petition urges the implementation of appropriate disciplinary measures in line with institutional regulations.<\/p>\n
The petition also calls for consistent and transparent enforcement of university policies to ensure accountability.<\/p>\n
The Online Citizen has written to NUS to ask whether the university is aware of the remarks and whether any action will be taken.<\/p>\n
As of the evening of 23 April, we have yet to receive a response and will provide an update once one is received.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n