Lapses in accountability and conflicting priorities reveal the growing disconnect between student unions and their constituencies.
SINGAPORE: Like many ambitious first-year undergraduates, I joined my university’s student union hoping to make a name for myself. But my motives, admittedly, were less about making an impact and more about padding my resume. As I quickly learned, this wasn’t uncommon among my peers.
The idea of creating change felt inspiring, yet my experience working with the student union’s public relations branch revealed a stark truth: there was an overwhelming gap between the union and the students it was meant to represent.
This disconnect has come into sharp focus with the recent saga involving the NTU Student Union (NTUSU). Former student leader Ethan Ong was disciplined for an “alcohol-related” incident in October 2022, where he allegedly intoxicated a junior to the point of unconsciousness during a campus drinking session. Despite being found to have acted “overboard” by the union’s disciplinary committee, Ong was allowed to continue his work and even run for the presidency of NTUSU the following year.
This incident underscores a troubling reality—student unions today face systemic challenges, including inadequate accountability, a lack of engagement with the student body, and conflicts of interest that compromise their purpose.
What’s Wrong with Student Unions Today?
Ong’s case highlights the apparent lack of enforcement of consequences within NTUSU. Despite the severity of the allegations, his disciplinary measures were light, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
Rachel, an NTU student, summed it up:
“Seeing how the union allowed him to be a nominee, it’s clear that NTUSU isn’t invested in prioritising the interests of their fellow students.”
This situation reflects a deeper issue. Student unions often straddle two conflicting roles: representing the student body while maintaining their institutions’ reputations. This duality creates an inherent conflict of interest, one that hinders their ability to take meaningful action on behalf of students.
Elijah, another NTU student, noted:
“As long as the structure of student unions remains tied to the school, their hands will always be tied toward serving those in power.”
During my time in the student union, I witnessed similar struggles. Outreach events, designed to bridge the gap between students and the administration, often fell flat. Most attendees showed up for freebies rather than providing genuine feedback, citing cynicism about whether their concerns would lead to meaningful change.
A Broader Issue of Accountability
The NTUSU controversy also shines a light on the broader issue of unchecked power within student unions. When unions prioritize political maneuvering or personal agendas over student welfare, they risk becoming echo chambers for a select few rather than true advocates for the student body.
This dynamic was evident in Ong’s case. Despite being found guilty of misconduct, his ability to continue in his role and contest for leadership reflects a system where accountability is more symbolic than substantive.
The Decline of Student Union Activism
Student unions in Singapore were not always this way. Historically, they were hubs of activism and political engagement. In the 1970s, the University of Singapore Student Union led protests against public transport fare hikes and advocated for retrenched workers.
However, the physical and structural design of campuses, such as NUS’ Kent Ridge, was deliberately intended to limit large-scale student organization. Over time, unions became more aligned with institutional interests, trading political activism for administrative support.
What Needs to Change?
For student unions to regain relevance and effectiveness, they must prioritize representing students over appeasing institutional authorities. They should also commit to fostering accountability and transparency, particularly when addressing misconduct within their ranks.
Had NTUSU adhered to these principles, Ong’s case might have been handled differently, with clear consequences meted out long before media scrutiny arose.
If student unions fail to adapt, they risk alienating the very students they are meant to serve, reinforcing cynicism and disengagement among the larger student body.
Ultimately, the NTUSU saga is a sobering reminder that student unions must strive to be more than resume-padders or institutional mouthpieces. They must embody the values of advocacy and representation they were founded upon, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and respected.
