SINGAPORE - Nine students from Millennia Institute, who were on a school trip in Cambodia, sustained minor injuries after the bus they were on was involved in an accident on Sunday (May 27) in the capital, Phnom Penh.

The Straits Times understands the injured students were taken to Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, where they were treated for scratches and bruises.

"The school has been in contact with parents of all the students," principal Tan Wan Yu said in response to queries from ST.

A total of 30 mostly second-year students, accompanied by four teachers, were on an Overseas Values in Action Trip, which began on Saturday.

The Ministry of Education website says the programme teaches students to be "socially responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to the community, through the learning and application of values, knowledge and skills".

The trip was slated to last until Thursday. But, as a safety precaution, the students and teachers will be returning on Monday, said Mrs Tan.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, an MOE spokesman said schools purchase travel insurance for all staff and students going on overseas school trips.

"Where warranted, travel itineraries are adjusted and trips could be postponed or cancelled," added the spokesman.

When planning overseas school trips, MOE and the schools always take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students. These include conducting proper risk assessment and having adequate mitigation measures.

Schools also closely monitor developments in the country and the region, consulting MOE-appointed travel consultants before departing.

"If an incident occurs while school groups are overseas, MOE will work with school teams on the ground to provide the necessary support and assistance to affected staff and students," said the spokesman.