24 August 2016
Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung said in a written response to Parliament last week that inappropriate activities at university orientation camps are not widespread, and while personal safety and respect for the dignity of others are key priorities, there is no need for draconian measures.
The suspension of orientation camps at the National University of Singapore (NUS) last month was a move taken only after careful deliberation, and lifting the suspension (last week) only after the university was certain of “righting the wrongs” was the correct response, he added.
Mr Ong Ye Kung described university orientation camps as “fundamentally beneficial”, and that the universities have a number of rules and processes to regulate orientation activities.
Mr Ong also said there is a need to balance the different priorities of personal growth, personal safety, bonding and respect for the dignity of others.