He had planned a night of revelry with friends at St James Power Station last Saturday, but when National University of Singapore student Matthew Rao flashed his identity card (IC) at the door of the popular nightclub, he was requested to pay the $20 cover charge.
His four friends - from England, Germany, France and Finland - filed in for free.
The reason: They were foreign students on exchange in Singapore, while he was local.
"I thought the IC was for age verification, but the bouncers said I had to pay because it was proof I was Singaporean," Mr Rao, 25, recalled. He was upset because the policy seemed unfair and discriminatory.
"Why should foreign students get different treatment? If they live here, why shouldn't they pay as well?" he added.
Ms Cheryl Khong, marketing manager at St James, confirmed its policy of giving foreign guests free entry any day of the week if they produce a valid foreign student pass. The little-publicised policy has existed since St James opened in 2006, but it only applies to Powerhouse, the nightspot's main dance room.
Ms Khong said the policy aimed to "encourage a cosmopolitan party atmosphere for our young partygoers" and added that St James regularly hosts parties thrown by local tertiary institutions and students.
Still, Mr Rao said that the incident has changed his mind about frequenting theclub.
"I like rules that are fair and open. If the club can at least publicise those rules on the door, then I'll respect them."
