The Incident and Initial Complaints

In late August 2020, Tembusu College at the National University of Singapore (NUS) received the first complaint against Dr. Jeremy Fernando, a non-residential fellow and associate professor. The undergraduate student alleged non-consensual sexual advances by the academic. NUS swiftly suspended Dr. Fernando on August 31, issuing a No Contact Order to protect the complainant.

A second complaint followed on September 7 from another undergraduate, echoing similar claims of inappropriate behavior. Internal probes revealed Dr. Fernando had maintained an 'intimate association' with one complainant, breaching NUS's staff code of conduct that prohibits romantic or sexual relationships between faculty and students due to inherent power imbalances.

This case highlighted vulnerabilities in residential college environments where dons interact closely with undergraduates in mentoring roles.

NUS's Internal Investigation Process

NUS's Victim Care Unit (VCU) and relevant offices conducted separate interviews. Dr. Fernando was cooperative but denied misconduct. On October 7, 2020, NUS terminated his employment, citing professionalism lapses. The university informed complainants of the outcome but delayed public disclosure, later admitting transparency shortcomings.

Under NUS's Policy on Protection Against Sexual Misconduct, investigations prioritize fairness, trauma minimization, and support. Interim measures like no-contact orders and counseling are standard.NUS Sexual Misconduct Policy

The Controversial Police Report

Despite both complainants opting against police involvement, NUS filed a report on October 21, 2020, invoking 'civil duty' under Singapore's Criminal Procedure Code for arrestable offenses like outrage of modesty. NUS argued legal obligations outweighed victim preferences to prevent recurrence.

This sparked backlash from AWARE Singapore and victims' advocates, questioning victim autonomy and potential re-traumatization. Prof. Tommy Koh, Tembusu Rector, defended the move, considering mental health impacts.

Court Case and Resolution

The police probe culminated in March 2023 charges against Dr. Fernando for molestation—kissing a woman's lips on July 4, 2020, outraging modesty. Potentially punishable by up to two years' jail, fine, or caning.

In January 2025, prosecutors compounded the charge after victim agreement and compensation. State Courts granted discharge amounting to acquittal on January 29, barring retry.

Dr. Fernando maintains innocence on original allegations, focusing on academic pursuits abroad.

NUS Policy Framework Explained

NUS defines sexual misconduct broadly: harassment, exploitation, non-consensual contact. Consent must be affirmative, voluntary, ongoing. Reporting channels include Office of Student Conduct for students, HR for staff. Mandatory police reports for arrestables; support via Nurture Care Unit (NCU).

Processes ensure due process: investigations by trained staff, interim protections, confidentiality. Penalties range from warnings to expulsion/dismissal.

Photo by (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin on Unsplash

Recent Statistics and Trends

NUS's half-yearly 'Building a Culture of Respect and Consent' reports show steady cases: 8 in 2H2024 (7 student-related), 11 in 2H2023. Outcomes: expulsions, suspensions, warnings. 1H2023: 8 complaints, 3 assaults.

• Underreporting prevalent; surveys indicate nearly 50% NUS/NTU students experienced misconduct.
• Parliament 2019: 56 cases across 6 unis over 3 years (0.20/1000 students/year).

Technology-facilitated violence rising, per 2024 studies.

Responses from Other Institutions

NTU, SMU mirror NUS: zero-tolerance, consent modules, dedicated units. NTU flowchart guides reporting; SMU emphasizes bystander intervention. All enhanced post-2019 reviews.

For faculty jobs emphasizing ethics, check faculty positions with clear conduct codes. Rate professors via Rate My Professor.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Lessons Learned

Victims criticized NUS for overriding consent on reporting, fearing stigma. AWARE calls for mandatory reporting reviews. NUS improved transparency via public reports.

Experts advocate cultural shifts: ongoing training, power dynamics education. Residential colleges uniquely risky.

Prevention Initiatives and Training

NUS mandates RC1000A Respect & Consent module for freshmen: e-videos, workshops. Staff e-courses refined yearly. Bystander programs, awareness campaigns.

Seek career advice on safe academic environments at Higher Ed Career Advice.

Implications for Singapore Higher Education

Case underscores power imbalances, reporting dilemmas. Boosted policy standardization, victim support. Yet challenges persist: underreporting, digital harms.

For university jobs in Singapore, explore Singapore academic opportunities.

Photo by Addy Spartacus on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

With AI ethics rising, integrate misconduct prevention. Universities pledge zero-tolerance; monitor via reports. Students: know rights, report confidently. Faculty: uphold boundaries.

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