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The National University of Singapore (NUS) has ceased all projects with former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Viswa Sadasivan and his company Strategic Moves.

In an email to alumni, the university said a mutual agreement had been reached with Viswa regarding the matter, with the former NMP also stepping down as a member of the alumni advisory board.

The decision came after Viswa found himself at the centre of allegations of sexual harassment by two women, local comedienne Sharul Channa and Kiran Kandade.

"The university does not condone any behaviour or action that is disrespectful and disparaging of individuals, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or age," read the email.

Inconvenient Questions not related to NUS

NUS has also distanced itself from Viswa's sociopolitical talkshow "Inconvenient Questions", clarifying that the series is with a graduate club that is a separate entity from the University.

"This series is a collaboration between Strategic Moves Pte Ltd and the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) – a graduate club and registered society which is a separate and independent entity from the university", it clarified.

On Feb.4, Sharul had shared on Facebook about a "sexual comment" Viswa made to her that she felt was "inappropriate and offensive" while they were preparing to record an episode of the show.

Viswa subsequently gave an unconditional apology to Sharul and explained publicly on Feb. 5 that "there was absolutely no sexual innuendo intended" in what he said.

On Feb.7, Viswa called the incident a "learning experience". At the behest of women's advocacy group AWARE, he denounced those attacking Sharul and Kiran on social media.

Mothership has reached out to Viswa for comment.

NUS's full statement can be read here:

Dear alumnus,

In light of allegations of sexual harassment by Ms Sharul Channa and Ms Kiran Kandade against Mr Viswa Sadasivan, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has reached a mutual agreement with Mr Sadasivan and his company, Strategic Moves Pte Ltd to discontinue all projects with NUS. Mr Sadasivan has also stepped down as a member of our NUS Alumni Advisory Board.

The University does not condone any behaviour or action that is disrespectful and disparaging of individuals, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or age.

As a matter of clarification, the incident between Mr Sadasivan and Ms Channa took place during the online interview series, Inconvenient Questions. This series is a collaboration between Strategic Moves Pte Ltd and the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) – a graduate club and registered society which is a separate and independent entity from the University.

Office of Alumni Relations

National University of Singapore

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Top image from NUSS's YouTube channel

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