Sex tape scholar's conduct "reprehensible & unbecoming": Heng Swee Keat

Sex tape scholar's conduct "reprehensible & unbecoming": Heng Swee Keat
Posted: 12 November 2012 1823 hrs
     
SINGAPORE: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat called the conduct of ASEAN scholar Alvin Tan reprehensible and unbecoming of a scholar.

The NUS scholar had posted sexually explicit videos and photos of himself and his girlfriend on their blog.

Mr Heng said his ministry does not condone this and he is confident that NUS will take the matter seriously.

He was replying to a query by a Member of Parliament on the selection process for scholarships.

Mr Heng said: "I share the concern and disappointment of the members as well as of the public on the conduct of the student in question. The conduct of the student is reprehensible and unbecoming of a scholar. The ministry does not condone this, nor does NUS. And I'm confident that NUS takes the matter seriously and will do the right thing."

Asked if in such a case, the scholarship should be stripped from the student or a probation meted out, Mr Heng noted that the matter should be left to the NUS board of discipline.

The proceedings of the board are governed by NUS' statutes and regulations.

As for the selection process of such scholars, Mr Heng said the best judgement is exercised at the point of entry.

But from time to time, Mr Heng said lapses do occur despite the best care that is exercised.

Therefore, he said the proper disciplinary process has to be to be undertaken and punishments meted out.

Last week, the NUS Board of Discipline said it had "concluded that Alvin Tan's inappropriate conduct was detrimental to the reputation and dignity of the university".

He has been notified of the decision.

NUS did not specify the nature of the action, and its spokesperson said all matters relating to NUS disciplinary proceedings are confidential.

- CNA/fa


- wong chee tat :)