Dear Faculty, Staff and Students of NTU,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a tragic incident on campus. A final year student from the electrical and electronic engineering school attacked a professor this morning, 2 March 2009. The student subsequently fell off the linkway between S1 and the Research Technoplaza and passed away. The next-of-kin of the student and professor have been notified. Out of respect for the parents of the student, the university will release names officially after the parents have been informed face-to-face of the full details. The professor is receiving medical treatment for his injuries.

We are all deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened. The matter will be investigated thoroughly. I urge the university community to rally together at this difficult time and do our utmost to help the student’s family, the professor and his family, and those traumatised by the incident.

The University’s counselling professionals have been mobilized. For help, do contact the Counselling Centre crisis hotline at 9721-8066. Media queries can be directed to the Corporate Communications office at 9616-4844. The school is assisting the police with investigations.


DR SU GUANING
PRESIDENT


Dear Faculty, Staff and Students of NTU,

The parents of David Hartanto Widjaja, have been informed of the details. Together with Prof Kam Chan Hin, Chair of EEE, Prof Er Meng Hwa, Senior Associate Provost, and Ms Chua Poh Gek from the International Student Centre, I met Mr and Mrs Widjaja and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, management and the NTU community, expressed our heartfelt condolences at the tragic loss. No words can adequately describe how saddened we all are. The university extends every help possible to the family in their moment of grief. Our prayers are with them.

I visited Prof Chan Kap Luk who is recovering at the National University Hospital after surgery which lasted an hour and forty-five minutes. No main arteries or organs were damaged. I am heartened by the many students and colleagues who were also there to offer comfort and support.

DR SU GUANING
PRESIDENT