Singapore Considers Joining Donald Trump's Proposed Board of Peace

Singapore has been invited to join US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Authorities said the invitation is under assessment. The board would focus on conflict-affected regions and post-war reconstruction, starting with Gaza. Its scope is not limited to a single conflict zone. Membership involves financial contributions, with long-term seats linked to payments of at least US$1 billion. Singapore has not indicated whether it would seek such a role. The MFA said Singapore prefers contributing constructively without holding prominent leadership positions. This aligns with its long-standing diplomatic approach. Several other countries have yet to respond, while some leaders have declined outright. The board’s structure remains a key point of uncertainty. Explainer: Trump’s “Board of Peace” What is Trump’s “Board of Peace”? The Board of Peace is a proposed international body initiated by former US President Donald Trump. It is intended to address global conflicts and oversee post-conflict reconstruction, initially linked to Gaza but with a broader mandate. Who would lead the Board of Peace? Trump would chair the board. Under the proposed charter, he would hold significant authority over membership terms and expulsions, subject to a two-thirds board vote. How does membership work? Countries can join for a standard three-year term. Those contributing at least US$1 billion within the first year may qualify for long-term or permanent membership. Why is the US$1 billion fee controversial? Critics say the fee could give wealthier nations disproportionate influence. Some allies have questioned whether financial contributions should determine decision-making power. How is this different from the United Nations? Trump has positioned the board as an alternative to existing multilateral institutions, which he has criticised as ineffective. Unlike the UN, the board would not rely on established international governance frameworks. Which countries have been invited? Multiple countries, including Singapore, have received invitations. Several governments are still assessing the proposal. Has anyone declined to join? Yes. French President Emmanuel Macron has declined the invitation, citing reservations about the board’s structure and role. What is Singapore’s position? Singapore has confirmed it is assessing the invitation. The MFA said Singapore prefers contributing constructively without holding prominent positions. Is the Board of Peace operational yet? No. The board remains a proposal, with its structure, funding, and membership still being discussed. What happens next? The board’s future depends on whether enough countries agree to participate and commit funding. Further details are expected if the proposal gains traction. Nearly 150 students from North View Primary School reported gastroenteritis symptoms, with one child hospitalised as a precaution. The cases emerged from 13 Jan, triggering an immediate investigation, according to reports by the local media. The school confirmed most affected students have since recovered. Parents were notified as monitoring efforts intensified. The Ministry of Education (MOE) said the school, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) are jointly investigating. Officials are examining possible food contamination vectors, according to CNA. Cleaning and sanitisation measures were carried out across the campus. Food handling processes are also under review, Mothership reported. The school assured families it remains vigilant and continues to track student well-being. Singapore gastroenteritis timeline E-Bridge food supplier suspension lifted (7 Jan 2026) – The SFA lifted the suspension of Middleton International School’s central kitchen after 263 people reported gastroenteritis symptoms linked to meals served at E-Bridge pre-schools. Four people, including a pupil, were hospitalised and have since been discharged. Large E-Bridge pre-school outbreak (19 Nov–10 Dec 2025) – A total of 263 pupils and staff at six E-Bridge pre-schools developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food supplied by the same central kitchen. This prompted the suspension of the supplier’s operations. E-Bridge previous infections and investigations (Nov 2025) – Before the larger outbreak, E-Bridge pre-schools reported past clusters at several centres including Dawson Road in Sept–Oct 2025, affecting pupils and employees. Preliminary testing of food samples showed no contamination, although investigations are ongoing. Raffles Girls’ Primary School cluster (1 Oct 2025) – Fifteen pupils reported symptoms potentially linked to a canteen food item, leading the school to suspend sale of the item as a precaution. Mulberry Learning Punggol centre (27 Aug–2 Sept 2025) – An outbreak at Mulberry Learning’s pre-school centre saw 18 people, including 17 children and an employee, fall ill, with two children hospitalised before most recovered. PCF Sparkletots pre-school incident (Aug 2025) – At a Mountbatten pre-school, 24 children and two staff developed symptoms; none were hospitalised and all returned after recovery. Total Defence Day (Feb 2025) – Ready-to-eat (RTE) meals reports During Total Defence Day exercises, 187 suspected gastroenteritis cases were reported after consumption of ready-to-eat meals by a mix of students and other participants. Investigations later found no conclusive evidence directly linking the meals to the cases.