SINGAPORE: The parents of Jenna Chan, the 15-year-old student who died during a school expedition to the Maldives in November 2024, filed a lawsuit on Monday (Jul 20) alleging negligence against St Joseph's Institution International (SJII).Jenna's parents, Dr Jennifer Liauw and Mr Alan Chan, who are suing as co-administrators of her estate, said they resorted to litigation after more than 20 months of trying to obtain answers about her death from the school."We did not want to be here," said Dr Liauw."For over a year and a half we asked the school to work with us to find out what happened so this can never happen to another child. Every door was closed. This claim is about accountability, and about making sure Jenna is the last."
The claim, which seeks damages arising from Jenna's death, was filed in the General Division of the High Court on what would have been the teenager's 17th birthday.Jenna, a Singaporean who was a Grade 9 student at SJII, died on Nov 8, 2024, after reportedly being struck by the propeller of a reversing boat while snorkelling near Dhigurah Island in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
From left to right: Mr Alan Chan, Dr Jennifer Liauw, their daughter Jenna, who died during an SJI International school trip to the Maldives in November 2024, and her sister Alice. (Photo: Jennifer Liauw)
