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NUS ramps up security, covers bathroom gaps in wake of voyeurism saga

SINGAPORE — The National University of Singapore (NUS) has begun to cover gaps in shower cubicles, increased the number of security guards at hostels and started installing new locks at the entrances of restrooms in hostels.

A shower cubicle at the National University of Singapore before (left) and after the upgrade.

A shower cubicle at the National University of Singapore before (left) and after the upgrade.

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SINGAPORE — The National University of Singapore (NUS) has begun to cover gaps in shower cubicles, increased the number of security guards at hostels and started installing new locks at the entrances of restrooms in hostels.

These are among a raft of measures the university is putting in place to boost security on its campus, after undergraduate Monica Baey revealed in Instagram posts that she was illegally filmed while showering in a hostel toilet.

In an internal circular to students sent out on Friday (May 3) which TODAY has seen, NUS' senior deputy president and provost Ho Teck Hua said that the school is working “expeditiously” to safeguard the well-being of students.

Besides increasing its security force, NUS has also introduced roving security patrols across campus and installed new cameras at more locations.

At least 300 new cameras will be put up by the end of next month, Professor Ho said.

More than 860 shower cubicles will be upgraded in phases from now until early October this year, he added.

In response to TODAY’s queries, an NUS spokesperson explained that these upgrades refer to the covering of gaps in shower cubicles, making it “difficult for people to film” from outside the cubicle.

The new electronic locks installed at the entrances of restrooms in hostels will require residents to tap on them with their transponders, which they already use to open their room doors and hostel gates.

Residents will be able to access only the restrooms of their gender, the spokesperson added. Installation of the locks will be completed by end-June.

“These measures will act as a stronger deterrent against potential offenders and improve overall security on campus,” Prof Ho said.

The university has also started a review of its disciplinary framework and victim support system.

On Friday, Prof Ho and NUS' president Tan Eng Chye held the first engagement session with students on the review, which will carry on through mid-June.

The details of a new Victim Care Unit to be launched in the new academic year are being finalised, Prof Ho added.

At the same time, NUS is developing a new course on respect and consent to be delivered to all students, faculty and staff members from August.

“Our long-term goal is to foster an enduring culture of respect and support, one that makes our campus a place where you feel safe,” Prof Ho said.

Related topics

Monica Baey NUS voyeurism shower

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