NANYANG Technological University said yesterday it regretted the
inappropriate choice of words by its valedictorian during her
speech at its graduation ceremony last Friday.
Ms Trinetta Chong, 23, who graduated from the Wee Kim Wee School
of Communication and Information, used the F-word after delivering
a rousing speech on behalf of her cohort that had the auditorium
cheering. She then congratulated her peers and added: 'We f***ing
did it!'
According to those at the ceremony, the remark shocked many in
the hall, although it also drew applause from sections of the crowd
- which included parents, deans and professors.
A video clip of her speech has since been uploaded on YouTube,
where it has attracted a mix of comments. Some have condemned her
use of the expletive, while others have lauded her boldness.
In a statement last night, an NTU spokesman said Ms Chong's
inappropriate choice of words was regrettable.
However, the statement added that 'graduands at Ceremony 14 were
in extremely high spirits on Friday evening'.
-- ST
