MOE Decides Not to Investigate SJI International Over Student's Death in Maldives School Trip

The Ministry of Education (MOE) stated that it will not investigate the management of St Joseph's Institution International (SJII) following the death of a student during a school trip to the Maldives in November 2024. The student, 15-year-old Singaporean Jenna Chan, passed away during a National Youth Achievement Award overseas expedition in the Maldives, according to Dr Michael Johnston, the school's CEO. MOE mentioned that the school's board of governors, responsible for overseeing operations and policies, has safety processes in place for overseas trips, which were followed for the Maldives trip. Therefore, MOE will not probe into the school's management. The Board has initiated a review into the incident, including an examination of SJII’s safety processes. MOE encouraged collaboration between parents and SJII to determine the cause of the incident. MOE highlighted that privately funded schools (PFSs) like SJII have autonomy over their operations, policies, and governance, being outside the mainstream school system. MOE conducts regular exchanges with PFSs to share best practices for student safety, including planning considerations for overseas trips and safety measures tailored to their circumstances and activities. MOE expressed ongoing support for SJII and the family during this challenging time. The Singapore government has been assisting the student's family within the limits of laws and regulations since the incident. While Singapore authorities lack legal jurisdiction to investigate incidents outside the country, the Singapore Police Force is aiding the Maldivian authorities, who hold primary responsibility and jurisdiction over the case.