A PROFESSOR at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has been accused of misconduct towards one of his female graduate students.

The student, who was supervised by him, sought legal representation in August after filing a formal complaint with the university earlier this year.

When contacted, the graduate student, a Singaporean in her early 30s, confirmed that she had made a complaint against the unmarried professor but declined to say more.

The Sunday Times understands that after the complaint was filed, the school launched a disciplinary inquiry.

The professor, an Asian expatriate said to be about 50 years old, was due to meet a disciplinary panel in August, just after the new school semester had started.

But the week he was supposed to face the panel, he resigned and left Singapore on the same night, saying that his mother was ill.

His office and home were apparently left intact. He had been with the school for around five years.

Under normal circumstances, a staff member who quits without serving notice has to pay back three months in salary.

The graduate student's lawyer, Mr Anand Nalachandran of Harry Elias Partnership, said that he has been in touch with the professor's lawyer in Singapore and the university's lawyers.

He declined to say what the professor allegedly did to his client or what they were seeking from the professor.

The professor's lawyer, Mr Lionel Tan from Rajah & Tann, declined comment when contacted.

The Sunday Times understands that two other female graduate students, both foreigners, had also complained to the school about alleged impropriety by the professor, although they did not pursue the matter.

The students have since completed their studies.

The NTU told The Sunday Times it could not respond by press time.

It has told the academic staff from the professor's department not to speak to the media about the matter.

The professor's profile on the faculty webpage has been taken down.

He has published many papers and is well known in his field, having won several teaching and research awards.

The graduate student has since switched supervisors.

dawntan@sph.com.sg