SINGAPORE - The student at the centre of a Starbucks seat-hogging debate has apologised for her actions after being counselled by her school, Millennia Institute.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the school's principal, Mrs Tan Wan Yu, said: " The school has engaged the student and her parents to provide counselling and support to help her reflect on her actions."

She added that the student has apologised for her actions.

She also said that students have access to the school's study facilities such as special discussion rooms within the library and dedicated study areas for self-study throughout the year.

Millennia Institute student Yap Huixin had complained on Starbucks' Facebook page on Oct 26 that its staff moved her belongings which were left unattended for 30 minutes. She and her friends were studying at the coffee chain's Citylink Mall outlet.

Her post went viral online and many netizens criticised what she and her friends did to hog seats, saying Starbucks was right in putting aside their belongings to make space for other customers.