Premier's Anzac Student Tour 2017

I was fortunate enough to have been selected as a recipient for the 2017 Premier's ANZAC Student Tour, which provided me with the opportunity to travel to Singapore with nine other students from across the state, to acknowledge the monumental defeat of the Allies at the ‘Fall of Singapore,’ the consequences this had on Australia’s relationship with the Asia-Pacific region, and also commemorate Anzac Day at Kranji War Memorial. 

Over the ten days, we visited several sites of historical and cultural significance, including the Johore Battery, Alexandra Hospital, Fort Siloso and Fort Canning Hill. We also visited Hwa Chong Institution and Stamford American International School, to gain an insight into life in Singapore as a teenager, and also learn about different perspectives of the Fall of Singapore. 

Our first day consisted of a cultural tour of Singapore, where we were able to witness the harmonious nature of the nation; it was incredible to be able to acknowledge the multiculturalism of Singapore, and to immerse myself in a new world. Visiting the Old Ford Factory Museum was an incredible opportunity to absorb the impact of the Allied surrender of Singapore, as we were able to stand in the room where British General Arthur Percival signed the official surrender of Singapore to the Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita. We also had the privilege of visiting the Australian High Commission, where we had the opportunity to speak to Colonel David Hay, and gain an insight into Australia's modern day relationship with Singapore, and how this connection was influenced by the alliance of World War Two. 

Our tour culminated with the Anzac Day service at Kranji War Memorial; the service was incredibly moving, as it highlighted the strong relationship between New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and numerous other nations, too. Following the commemoration, we had the opportunity to pay our respects to the 4461 graves of fallen Commonwealth soldiers, some marked with touching inscriptions from loving family members, others only ‘known unto God.’ This was an emotional experience which enabled me to fully absorb the magnitude of war, and the consequences it has on armies, nations and families. 

Reflecting on my ten days in Singapore, I feel very proud of everything that I accomplished as a Western Australian Youth Ambassador. I learnt so much about the history of Singapore over the course of the tour, and I am quite honestly astounded about how rich and deep the Singaporean history is. I feel as though I not only travelled physically through Singapore, but also journeyed mentally from colonial Singapura to the modern day ‘Lion City.’ Becoming aware of the events that shaped one of the most urban cities in the world was an incredible opportunity, and I am truly grateful to have been able to experience this growth. Singapore provided me with many opportunities to gain an understanding of how little events that may seem very minor in the scheme of history, actually have a profound impact.

Caitlyn McKenzie

College Captain

18 May 2017