The Shattered Sanctuary: A Story of Betrayal and Justice

It's a truly disturbing case, one that certainly sends shivers down your spine: a promising PhD student, once pursuing his dreams at the National University of Singapore (NUS), has now seen his future utterly dismantled. Zhang Jixiang, whose academic journey at the university's School of Computing was abruptly cut short, has been handed a significant jail term and a caning for the attempted rape of his female housemate. It's a profound betrayal of trust, unfolding right within the supposedly safe confines of their shared university accommodation.

The incident, a terrifying ordeal for the victim, took place late at night on October 29, 2021, at the Prince George's Park Residences, where both Zhang and the victim lived as housemates. Imagine the horror: she was asleep in her own room when Zhang, under the cover of darkness, crept in. Her door, by a tragic twist of fate, was unlocked. He then, with chilling intent, pinned her down, covering her mouth to stifle any cries for help, and proceeded to pull down her shorts. It's a scenario that every woman dreads, a sudden, violent intrusion into one's personal space and safety.

But thankfully, she fought back with incredible bravery. Despite the shock and fear, she struggled, managed to scream out, and ultimately, pushed him away. That struggle, that raw will to survive, was enough to make Zhang flee her room and return to his own. The immediate aftermath, one can only imagine, would have been a torrent of terror and adrenaline. She quickly reported the incident, setting in motion the wheels of justice.

During the proceedings, Zhang attempted to plead a case of intoxication, claiming he was heavily drunk that night and couldn't recall the incident. However, the district judge, Mr. Lim Wen Hui, found this argument unconvincing. The judge pointed to several actions Zhang took that evening – like taking the time to remove his spectacles before entering her room, or his immediate flight and retreat – suggesting a level of awareness and presence of mind that contradicted his claims of profound drunkenness. It really makes you question the sincerity of such a defence, doesn't it?

Ultimately, Zhang Jixiang pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted rape, facing the full weight of the law. He was sentenced to five years and nine months in jail, along with three strokes of the cane. It's a stern punishment, reflecting the severity of the crime and the immense violation it represents. The judge emphasized the significant trauma inflicted upon the victim, who, in her own words, now fears being alone and struggles with a deep sense of betrayal.

Beyond the immediate legal repercussions, Zhang's actions have, quite predictably, led to the complete collapse of his academic career. His scholarship was terminated, and he was summarily expelled from NUS, a stark reminder that such egregious misconduct carries irreversible consequences. This case, while incredibly sad and horrifying, serves as a crucial message about accountability, respect, and the fundamental right to safety, especially within spaces we expect to be secure. It truly underscores that institutions like NUS take such matters with the utmost seriousness.