The Incident Unfolds at NUS Eusoff Hall

In November 2018, a shocking breach of privacy occurred at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore's premier public research university. Monica Baey, a third-year communications and new media undergraduate residing in Eusoff Hall—a historic all-female undergraduate residence on campus—discovered that a fellow male student had secretly filmed her while she was showering in her hostel bathroom. The perpetrator, Nicholas Lim, a peer at the university, used his phone to capture the non-consensual video before fleeing the scene upon detection. This event, now known as the NUS shower video scandal, ignited widespread debate on campus safety, privacy violations, and institutional accountability in Singapore's higher education landscape.

The discovery prompted immediate reporting to NUS authorities and the police. However, the initial responses drew sharp criticism. Singapore Police issued Lim a 12-month conditional warning instead of pressing charges, citing factors like his confession to his girlfriend and voluntary surrender of the device. NUS imposed a one-semester suspension and required an apology letter, measures perceived as lenient by many. Baey publicly shared details of the incident, including the video thumbnail and Lim's Instagram profile, on her social media, amplifying the story and sparking national outrage.

This case highlighted vulnerabilities in shared campus accommodations, where students from diverse backgrounds live in close proximity. Eusoff Hall, established in 1958 and known for its vibrant community, became a focal point for discussions on voyeurism risks in university hostels across Singapore.

NUSSU Steps In: Condemning Harassment While Advocating Restraint

The NUS Students' Union (NUSSU), the representative body for over 35,000 undergraduates, responded swiftly on April 21, 2019. In an official statement titled "NUSSU Exco Statement on Sexual Harassment in NUS," the executive committee unequivocally condemned all forms of sexual harassment, labeling it a "serious community problem that everyone has a responsibility in handling." They expressed deep regret for the trauma endured by Baey and other victims, emphasizing that open discussions on the issue were vital.

However, NUSSU also warned against vigilante actions. They strongly urged students not to harass the perpetrator or his family, stressing that "justice needs to consider both the victim and the perpetrator, and needs to be proportionate." This balanced stance aimed to prevent a cycle of online abuse and doxxing—maliciously revealing personal information online to incite harassment—while pushing for systemic improvements. NUSSU announced plans to review NUS policies on awareness, education, victim support, and sentencing guidelines, collaborating with university stakeholders.

This dual message resonated amid rising tensions, positioning NUSSU as a voice for ethical advocacy in higher education. Their intervention underscored the union's role in fostering a supportive campus environment without descending into mob justice.

Public Backlash, Doxxing Debates, and Media Storm

Baey's Instagram post went viral, garnering thousands of reactions. Netizens criticized the police and NUS for leniency, with hashtags like #JusticeForMonica trending. Lim faced severe online harassment, including death threats, forcing him to deactivate accounts and leave his internship at Great Eastern Life. Baey later urged netizens to cease bullying, acknowledging the backlash's intensity.

The doxxing element fueled legal discussions. Singapore's Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), enacted in 2014, criminalizes doxxing intending to harass, with penalties up to one year in jail or S$5,000 fine. Baey's sharing of Lim's details skirted this, prompting warnings that victims could face scrutiny. This paradox—victims risking prosecution to seek justice—highlighted tensions in digital accountability.

Media coverage from CNA, The Straits Times, and Mothership amplified calls for reform, pressuring autonomous universities to disclose misconduct stats. The scandal paralleled global #MeToo movements, thrusting Singapore higher education into the spotlight.

NUS Reforms: From Review Committee to Zero-Tolerance Policies

In response, NUS formed a committee chaired by Dean of Students Peter Pang to overhaul disciplinary and support frameworks. Recommendations included harsher penalties for safety-related offenses, mandatory reporting protocols, and peer education programs. By August 2019, NUS implemented a Policy on the Protection of Staff and Students Against Sexual Misconduct, defining misconduct broadly—from harassment to assault—and mandating police notifications for criminal acts.

Key changes: faster investigations (target 60 days), victim-centric support like counseling via the University Wellness Centre, and bi-annual transparency reports. No-contact orders, housing relocations, and academic accommodations became standard. NUS also rolled out "Building a Culture of Respect and Consent" campaigns, integrating consent workshops into freshman orientations.

These reforms set a benchmark for peers like Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU), which strengthened their policies amid similar scrutiny.

Photo by Bing Hui Yau on Unsplash

Sexual Misconduct Trends Across Singapore Universities

Parliamentary disclosures revealed 56 student misconduct cases across six autonomous universities from 2016-2018: 25 at NUS, 20 at NTU, six at SMU. Post-scandal, transparency improved. NUS's bi-annual reports track progress:

• 2023 H1: 8 complaints, one expulsion for assault.
• 2024 H1: 10 complaints.
• 2024 H2: 7 complaints.
• 2025 H1: 9 complaints (3 assaults, 3 harassment/contact, 2 voyeurism, 1 theft), one heavy sanction, decrease overall.

Outcomes emphasize rehabilitation: suspensions (1-4 semesters), community service (120 hours), counseling, campus bans. Voyeurism persists, echoing the scandal, but reporting rates rose due to awareness.

NTU and SMU report similarly low incidences (under 10 annually), with mandatory modules on misconduct. SUTD and SIT focus on tech-facilitated risks like deepfakes.

Legal Evolution: POHA Updates and Online Safety Bill

The scandal accelerated anti-doxxing measures. POHA amendments in 2020 explicitly targeted online harms. By 2025, the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill passed, creating the Online Safety Commission (OSC) operational mid-2026. It addresses 13 harms including doxxing, harassment, deepfakes, with 24-hour takedown mandates for platforms and civil remedies for victims.

This framework balances free speech with protection, crucial for university communities where social media amplifies incidents. Experts note it empowers victims without vigilante risks.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Victims, Faculty, and Experts

Victims like Baey advocated for transparency, crediting public pressure for changes. NUSSU Presidents post-2019 emphasized union-led initiatives like peer support networks. Faculty from NUS Law highlight cultural shifts: from shame to empowerment.

Experts from AWARE Singapore praise reporting surges (up 20% post-2019) but warn underreporting persists—1 in 5 students experience harassment per surveys. Psychologists stress trauma-informed responses, integrating mental health in policies.

International comparisons: NUS aligns with Title IX (US) via proactive disclosures, outperforming regional peers.

Building a Safer Campus Culture: Education and Prevention

NUS's "Respect and Consent" initiative includes annual audits, bystander training, and app-based reporting. Partnerships with police ensure swift filings. Student-led groups like NUSSU's Women's Wing host forums, reducing stigma.

• Consent workshops: 100% freshman participation.
• Hostel audits: Enhanced CCTV, privacy locks.
• Mental health integration: 24/7 hotlines.

These proactive steps foster trust, with satisfaction surveys showing 85% students feel safer.

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities in Singapore Higher Ed

Despite progress, challenges remain: tech-facilitated violence (deepfakes, revenge porn) and hybrid learning risks. OSC's 2026 rollout promises robust tools. Universities eye AI monitoring ethically.

Optimism prevails: declining complaints signal cultural shifts. NUSSU continues advocating, ensuring scandals like 2019 drive enduring change. For students eyeing Singapore universities, robust policies affirm commitment to safe learning.

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