NUS faces calls for action after student video draws backlash over racial remarks
A resurfaced video of an NUS student making offensive racial remarks has triggered backlash online, with a petition demanding disciplinary action now gaining traction. Critics say her apology lacks sincerity, while calls grow for the university to respond decisively.
- A resurfaced video shows an NUS student making offensive racial remarks targeting the Indian community.
- An online petition with 569 signatures urges the university to take disciplinary action.
- Critics have questioned the sincerity of the student’s public apology and institutional response.
SINGAPORE: An online petition is 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.
The petition, which had gathered 590 signatures as of 23 April 2026, states that the student’s conduct has raised “significant concerns among the student body and wider community”.
It urges the university to act decisively, warning that failure to address the issue risks damaging institutional integrity and setting a “dangerous precedent”.
Video resurfaces online
The controversy centres on a now-deleted video believed to have been posted in early April and later reshared across social media platforms.
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.
During a self-introduction, she used language widely criticised as derogatory when describing her past relationships and personal experiences.
She also drew a contrast between what she characterised as her “past life” and her current identity, which she described as having “turned over a new leaf” and becoming a “wholesome Chinese person”.
Remarks on hygiene and identity
Some of the most criticised statements involved references to hygiene and scent.
In the video, she said she had “the willpower determination and resilience to shower up to 3 times a day so that I don’t smell like curry onions”.
She concluded her introduction by stating, “I am not racist”.
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Public reaction and calls for accountability
The remarks triggered widespread backlash online, with many expressing shock particularly given her leadership role in student activities.
Netizens questioned her judgement and highlighted the reputational impact on the university.
Some users tagged NUS Student Affairs in posts, calling for accountability and disciplinary measures.
Commenters also raised concerns about the broader implications for campus culture, noting that such behaviour reflects poorly on a multicultural academic environment.
Apology video draws criticism
In a separate video, the student issued an apology for her remarks.
“I understand that it may have offended a few people but it was not my intention on doing so,” she said.
She added that she had been “going through something” at the time and had “turned it into a joke which may have come across inappropriately”.
However, the apology was met with scepticism from some quarters.
TikToker DineshTheBigBaby criticised the response, describing it as a “fake apology video” that lacked genuine remorse.
He argued that the apology appeared reactive, stating that it was made “because people were attacking her”.
He also questioned whether she would have apologised if the video had not gained attention.
Concerns over institutional response
Dinesh rejected suggestions that the issue should be dismissed, expressing frustration at what he described as a lack of institutional intervention.
“No one from the school is making her accountable for her actions,” he said.
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.
Petition outlines demands
The petition emphasises that NUS has long stood for “high standards of academic excellence and moral integrity”.
It argues that allowing such behaviour to go unchecked would undermine these values and harm the university’s reputation.
The document states that the student's remarks, described as racist and xenophobic, may violate the university’s Code of Conduct and disrupt the safety of a multicultural community.
It calls for a thorough investigation, including gathering testimonies and reviewing relevant evidence.
Following this, the petition urges the implementation of appropriate disciplinary measures in line with institutional regulations.
The petition also calls for consistent and transparent enforcement of university policies to ensure accountability.
The Online Citizen has written to NUS to ask whether the university is aware of the remarks and whether any action will be taken.
As of the evening of 23 April, we have yet to receive a response and will provide an update once one is received.
