The Goh Yong Le suicide case involved an 11 year old Primary six student in Singapore who died by suicide on 29 July 2024 following school dismissal, shortly after a disciplinary process at school earlier that day concerning a missing item. The subsequent news release by national paper Straits Times attracted national and international attention.[1] In addition to public discussions, this incident triggered reviews of disciplinary and mental well being protocols.[2][3]
Singapore has seen a troubling rise in youth suicides in recent years. In 2023, there were 434 suicide deaths, and 476 in 2022. Provisional data for 2024 recorded 314 suicides, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death among youths aged 10–29 for the sixth consecutive year.[4] In response, advocacy group Project Hayat launched Singapore’s first suicide prevention White Paper in 2024 and initiated further studies to improve policy guidance.[5][6]
Incident and coroner's findings
On 29 July 2024 Goh Yong Le was taken out of mathematics class and brought to a conference room. He was questioned by two teachers about taking a classmate’s belonging the previous week. According to his father, Yong Le cried three times during the disciplinary process:[1][7]
During a search for the missing item in the school garden.[1]
After being asked to write a statement and having his schoolbag searched.[1]
During an apology to the classmate outside the classroom before dismissal.[1]
Teachers reported that he stopped crying each time and appeared “okay” afterward. The school attempted to contact his parents after the session, scheduling a call for 4:00 PM. However, the parents were unaware that the matter involved disciplinary action or that their son had been crying.[1]
Yong Le was dismissed from school at approximately 1:37 PM. Surveillance footage showed that he walked to a nearby HDB block and died by falling from height roughly 13 minutes later.[7] Coroner findings released on 19 May 2025 concluded that he had been in a state of emotional distress and made the decision to end his life shortly after school.[1][8]
Public and media response
The case drew national and international attention.[1][9] The Straits Times featured Yong Le's story prominently in its September 2025 series titled Let's Talk About Suicide,[10] which included interviews with his father and mental health experts.[1]
Dr. Jared Ng, psychiatrist and founder of Connections MindHealth, emphasized that suicide in young people can be impulsive and triggered by acute emotional pain. He advocated for empathetic responses to signs of distress, such as repeated crying or withdrawal, and stressed the importance of open communication between schools and families.[1]
The story ignited conversations about academic pressure, emotional support, and systemic reform in Singapore’s education system.[2]
Political and advocacy reactions
Former President Halimah Yacob expressed sorrow over the incident, calling it a “complex problem” shaped by a stressful environment, societal expectations and youth aspirations. She urged greater support for young people navigating stressful periods of their lives, especially for those who face greater difficulty in coping with their challenges and navigating their emotions.[11]
Mental health advocate and former Nominated Member of Parliament Anthea Ong also called for systemic change and a national suicide prevention strategy.[12]
Member of Parliament Gabriel Lam stresses the need to build a culture that values not only achievement, but also mental well-being, resilience, and the freedom to grow at one’s own pace, and to surround young people with compassion, understanding, and support.[13]
The Goh family began working with local and international NGOs to advocate for reforms in school disciplinary procedures and emotional safety protocols.[14]
Singapore based NGOs PleaseStay Movement[15] and Child Bereavement Support Singapore[16] have linked to the child's memorial in support of the family's cause.
Policy impact
Following the incident, Yong Le’s school revised its disciplinary procedures. Fact-finding sessions are now conducted in less formal, non-intimidating spaces.[1] The family notes that the Ministry of Education confirmed that the case was included in its annual review and noted improvements will be implemented across schools under their purview.[17]
The Goh family submitted a document titled Urgent Call For Child Safety and Accountability to the Ministry of Education and Members of Parliament. Their proposals included:[18]
Greater empathy in school discipline.
Timely communication with parents during incidents.
Enhanced emotional support for students.
Improved post-incident protocols.
Safety as a core mandate in school operations.
The family expressed hope that Yong Le’s legacy would lead to a more compassionate and supportive environment for future generations of students.[1][18]
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