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Tour Journal Contents Page
Bryce Taylor page 3
Patrick Reilly page 12
Brandon Rowe page 24
Caitlyn McKenzie page 32
Coby Menzie page 42
Mya Kordic page 55
Cale Wilcox page 69
Janka Reynders page 79
Ming Hui Gao page 90
Mitchell Murray page 104
Appendix: Strife & struggle tutorials page 114
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Bryce Taylor
Year 11
Albany Senior High School
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Introduction
The lead up to the announcement of participants for the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour (PAST) truly was
one of the most suspenseful and anxious periods of my life. I checked my email at every opportunity,
eagerly awaiting a response. I made it to the State finals last year as well and unfortunately didn’t make the
final cut. This year I felt I had performed significantly better in the interview stage and had a greater chance
of being selected.
I clearly remember the day I was selected for the tour. It wasn’t a school day for me in Albany, so when I
received a call from my HASS teacher I got worried that perhaps school was still on! Mrs Thomson, my
teacher, built up anticipation over the phone before delighting me with the news of my selection. I’d like to
say I burst into excitement but it really did take a few minutes to sink in. After hanging up the phone I
logged into the website myself and when I saw my name there amongst nine others, that was when the
emotions really sank. I spent the remainder of the day with great anticipation and excitement.
I am both excited and eager for the opportunities which lie ahead. The thing I am looking forward to the
most on the tour is experiencing a new culture. I have never been outside of Australia and I know
Singapore is a culturally diverse country. I am also interested in seeing how it thrives with such a high
population density and how it acts as a centre for trade across the world.
March Briefing
The March Briefing was an amazing opportunity to meet the students and teachers who would be attending
the tour. It was also a great experience to go to the Army Museum, WWII Tunnels and Kings Park, where
we could both learn and reflect on the past.
Meeting everyone filled me with even more
anticipation for Singapore. We began the
weekend with several ice-breakers including
‘historical charades’ and I found everyone
bonded really fast which was great. After getting
to know everyone over the weekend, I knew it
was going to be a better experience than I had
previously anticipated as we would be able to
comfortably share experiences with each other;
something I think is very important in terms of
learning.
Attending the Army Museum was definitely the
highlight of my weekend. Having previously
visited the museum I did not expect to
experience it so vividly. The ability to link specific people, places and events to the topics I had researched
(General Gordon Bennett and trade) made the guided tour especially inspiring and insightful. Our tour
guide, Brian King, amazed us with his knowledge about WWII and was able to answer our questions. This
helped expand my understanding about my research topics and, more importantly, inspired me to continue
to explore them while I am in Singapore.
One thing I found fascinating in both the tour guides and war veterans we met were the stories they told. I
had the privilege of speaking with WWII veteran John Gilmour, who attended our presentation ceremony.
He delighted me with insightful stories such as sabotage of Japanese ships during his years as a POW and
helped me envision what it would have been like as a POW. I will take these stories with me to Singapore
in the hope that I can further develop my perception of WWII and the experience of Japanese POWs.
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I am eager to gain an accurate perception of war and its consequences as I want to help preserve the
Anzac legacy. Thanks to the March briefing, I now realise that this experience will allow me to do so. The
tour will not just be a personal one, but one I can share with my community to help educate them and
preserve our history.
Day 1: 16 April 2017
I must admit, the anticipation for the tour truly didn’t set in until we reached the Perth Airport. Having woken
up at 5:30am, I was more tired than eager during the car trip from Albany. When we finally reached the
airport, seeing the other students filled me with excitement and a new found anticipation. It had been a long
wait, but the tour was finally in action.
The plane trip was pleasant, with minimal turbulence. Although I
was in the middle seat, I caught glimpses of Singapore’s ports
and vast number of ships through the windows. Seeing these
ships helped me make links to the research I had done on the
history of trade and its present state. Later on, our tour guide
mentioned that Singapore imports everything and lead me to
believe that without primary production, trade must be the main
form of labour.
Changi airport itself proved to be a very pleasant scene, with low
levels of security, and the presence of nature was immediately
felt in surrounding plants and water features. Another thing which
struck us upon exiting the plane was the humidity and heat. Having come from Albany, it was a big change
to what I am used to which I’m sure will take a while for me to adjust. It also made me think of how some of
the Australian troops may have struggled with climatic conditions during the war.
Day 2: 17 April 2017
Today was an eye-opening experience for me to the possibility
of world-wide multiculturalism. For the first half of the day we
visited a large variety of religious temples and walked through
parts of the city. It was amazing to see the variety of cultural
backgrounds so closely integrated into a community. Our tour
guide Joe informed us that there are no cultural/race specific
areas in Singapore, and in some situations this is even
reinforced by law! I began to think that maybe there is a
correlation between integrated cultures and peace. This idea
was reinforced by Brandon’s speech on multiculturalism which
was largely based upon personal experience. He told us how
his community united in events linked to the different cultures
present, and how people would attend even if the particular
event was unrelated to their own culture.
This sense of unity which emerges from multiculturalism was
something I thought was evident in Singapore. While walking
through the streets, we encountered people of many ethnic
backgrounds and the diversity was apparent in the temples. It
really made me think about the importance of social tolerance, especially in relation to difference in
religious values. I think perhaps during war and the Japanese occupation of Singapore, the community
would have bonded. It’s an odd concept to think that war, ultimately a division of people, could also rally the
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multicultural Singaporean community to unite. This is something I really hope to explore in the next few
days.
The second key thing I really noticed today was the natural side of Singapore. In every direction there were
trees hanging over roads, or vines and flower on the railing of buildings. This incorporation of nature into
such an urban environment inspired me on a personal level, because I know it’s a step towards stopping
climate change. If all cities were as biophilic as Singapore, perhaps we would not be facing the current fear
of global warming.
Day 3: 18 April 2017
While we explored much of Singapore’s past during the Japanese occupation, the main theme of today was
about changing perspectives. We welcomed our articulate tour guide Chris who made a very interesting
point about the way we view things and interpret events. He explained to us that there is always an
alternative side to an event and that these differing
perspectives and contexts can be optimistic and also provide
an understanding of seemingly irrational actions. An example is
the battery that allegedly faces out towards the sea instead of
the land. Many people interpret this as yet another error in the
Fall of Singapore, however there is an alternative view point;
perhaps having those guns facing out stopped the Japanese
from invading from that direction and so in essence was
purposeful. This unorthodox way of viewing things and being
willing to adjust to different ideas is something I think we could
all apply to areas of our lives; however it was great being able
to contextualise the idea with WWII.
When we later visited the Changi chapel and museum I really
put this new found concept into the context of the Japanese
occupation of Singapore. As Chris told us about ‘bushido’ and
the great honour and responsibility Japanese soldiers had, I began to see their motives for war. I think this
is the most valuable life lesson I’ve learnt so far on the tour. Although I don’t approve of the Japanese
cruelty, with different perspectives in mind I can begin to understand their motives for war.
Day 4: 19 April 2017
Our first stop today was the Old Ford Factory (now a historical museum), the site of the official surrender of
Singapore to the Japanese. I found the very first room of the museum very interesting as it split the
perspectives of the Japanese, Allies and civilians during the Fall and Japanese occupation of Singapore.
The civilian experiences were something I had briefly touched upon at the Changi museum yesterday,
however today I really gained insight into this new world. I discovered that while the POWs had
undoubtedly suffered, the locals were treated with the
similar vigour from the Japanese. This theme was
evident throughout the museum, which included very
personal accounts of the Sook Ching massacre. . The
accounts were spoken with a visual projection of five
silhouettes of victims who had eluded the massacre.
This relatively simple visual display allowed me to truly
listen to the personal accounts without distractions
and immerse myself in the experience. This exhibit
was the highlight of the day.
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Later in the afternoon, we ventured to the Labrador Nature Reserve and the first thing that hit me was the
sound. The constant screeching of cicadas was almost deafening and allowed me to envision the Allied
soldiers’ experience of sound. Not only would they have trekked through harsh, unforgiving marshes, but
they would have to put up with the shrill sounds of the jungle at all hours of the day and night. I am now
eager to view and even venture into some of the marshlands like our Aussie troops did to gain a real sense
of their experience. I am hopeful this opportunity will present itself in the coming days. I’ve come to realise
today that reliving experiences truly is amazing and better than anything a textbook or even documentary
could provide. It gives me something I believe I can better reflect on during Anzac or Remembrance Day in
the future. It is certainly an experience I will continue to hold close to heart.
Day 5: 20 April 2017
Visiting the Fort Canning Battle Box today allowed us to
appreciate what the Fall of Singapore meant, and the immense
pressure placed upon military officers. We saw the navy, air force
and army split into different sections which heightened the lack of
each. One by one, the tour guide explained to us the Japanese
superiority in all of the military branches (including army because
despite their lack of troops, the Japanese had tanks). This
breakdown really proved to me that it wasn’t the fault of the
officers in Singapore for the loss of the island. There were many
competing pressures from the British Government, to the speed
of the Japanese, to the Battle Box itself. Filling the air would have
been loud noises amongst the intense heat from the high density of personnel crammed in the tunnels. The
experience shifted my blame more so to the British Government, however I also understand their reason for
not sending reinforcements.
I think many people fail to appreciate Singapore’s history and its impact the world in which we live. During
our visit to the Battle Box, I came across a statement indicating that many believe Singapore’s history only
dates back 50 years. I was amazed that people could have this view especially after learning the impact of
Singapore’s fall around the world. The Fall of Singapore for instance, has much more significance because
of its effect on British colonies. The failure of the British in defending Singapore, both through lack of
supplies and conflict between officers lead to a rejection of British colonial rule. This had direct implications
in Singapore of course but, due to the scale of the loss, was of global significance. As other British colonies
heard about the failure of the British, they too lost faith and began a movement of nationalism and
independence. This has largely impacted the world we live in today and perhaps without this great failure,
many British ruled colonies would still be present.
Returning to the mythical 50 year history, I think now it’s vital that we share our experiences with the
community, to preserve this knowledge of how independence can occur and ultimately predict future
outcomes.
Day 6: 21 April 2017
The visit to Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) today gave us insight into the local perspectives of the Fall of
Singapore and allowed us to compare our two nations in many ways. I found the comparison of our
education systems very interesting as HCI has a very focused academic structure whereas Australia’s is
more open and opportune. At HCI their score in exams determines which subjects they take and there’s
little personal input. In that sense, I’ve learnt to appreciate the variety and freedom we have to choose
subjects directly affecting our own education.
There is an alternative side, however, as Hwa Chong students are able to specialise in certain subjects with
much more depth than we do in Australia. However, I personally value a balanced education more, and
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again I appreciate what I have a lot more after today. One of the students also mentioned to me that after
they have finished school, many travel abroad for university because of the variety of choices available. We
later discussed national identity and how Australians always tend to think of Gallipoli as our defining point in
history. The ideas of mateship, courage and leadership are evoked when we consider Anzac Day. It’s come
to form our national identity and is why I believe we have a strong commemoration of our troops’ sacrifice
to this day. In contrast, the Singaporean students believed there wasn’t such a strongly flavoured national
identity present in their country. While Singapore is a well-
integrated and very culturally accepting country, it lacks a
sense of belonging and true national identity.
What surprised me was that Singaporeans don’t consider the
Fall of Singapore to be a defining moment in their history. The
students explained that this was because, at the time, the
majority of people didn’t feel Singapore was home. Rather,
they had emigrated from China, Indonesia, Malaya and
various other countries causing them to think of these places
of origin as their true home. A lot of focus is placed on the
evolution of society in Singapore, and I found it interesting that while we have a stronger identity as a
nation, Singapore has thrived through its ability to not only learn from the past, but also to move on. It really
made me consider the importance of both aspects in a society, and I think an understanding of these
different values with the HCI students is something we’ll both take away from the experience.
Day 7: 22 April 2017
Environment was the theme of today with our tour taking us
to the Singapore Zoo, where we explored the diversity of
animal life. Upon our arrival it was evident that conservation
was the message they wanted to convey; posters and signs
advocating animal protection could be found throughout the
zoo. A negative light was shed upon animal traffickers with
signs emphasising the extremities some people go to
merely for a different flavour of soup. I often consider the
environment when making decisions, however after leaving
the zoo today I can see just how important it is to protect.
We need to reconsider our actions against the environment
because as we often forget, you can’t eat money.
It was nice to see how open and free the animals were at the zoo. Many zoos confine their animals to areas
specific to their species, however at the Singapore Zoo numerous environments were found to hold a large
variety of creatures, closely mimicking their natural habitats. Also, animals at zoos are usually seen purely
as a tourist attraction: seeing how unlimited the animals’ boundaries were, and the quality of life they
appeared to have gave me reassurance for our future.
Although war and conflict weren’t intended themes of the day, I was able to link our conflict in wars with the
animals’ conflict with us. In so many aspects it’s similar; notably in the sense of destroying animals and
habitats for land and resources. Today’s visit made me consider humanities place amongst other animals
and ask why we place so much importance on our materialist prospects and products over the miracle of
animal life. After all, why should we be so much more important than any other animal?
Day 8: 23 April 2017
The Malay perspective was explored today with a journey to Bukit Chandu Museum. The museum made
excellent use of technology to provide a visually enthralling experience. In particular I enjoyed the animated
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recreation of the Battle of Pasir Panjang, which I feel captured the emotions of both the Malay and
Japanese troops and, more importantly, built that emotional connection to the event and people. What
amazed me was that despite the fact that the Malay regiment was evidently doomed, they fought to the
bitter end under a similar code to the Japanese; “death before dishonour”.
One thing I’ve forgot to mention during my tour journals is our tour guide Chris and his depth of insight into
not only the fall of Singapore, but also war in general. The thing I find so inspiring about Chris is his ability
to evoke emotional and deep level thinking. An example of this today was a debate surrounding the
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where he was able to get us to think about how different cultures
see the bombings: Japan focuses on the horrors which came as a result of the bombings and not why they
were dropped or how the Japanese treated their prisoners of war: America, on the other hand, chooses not
to look at the after-effects of the bombing but rather tries to justify the bombing by showing what might
have been. This selective use of information from the whole truth is a barrier I feel we must push past in
order to move forward.
Day 9: 24 April 2017
Today we travelled to the Australian High Commission in Singapore where we met Colonel David Hay,
Sharifah Khairunnisa and Clele White. The main thing I took away from Colonel Hay’s talk was how
respected Australians are in other countries because of our soldiers' efforts in war. He told us the story of
the slouch hat, which has ultimately become the symbol of Australia’s wartime efforts. When people of
foreign countries saw the colonel wearing the slouch hat, they thanked him, and consequently Australia, for
our soldiers’ efforts. For me, that appreciation of Aussies has embellished the significance of our past, as I
see its implications in today’s world. Many of our encounters with the local people of Singapore have shown
just how much they appreciate Australia, an appreciation which I’m sure goes back to WWII.
Another topic Colonel Hay touched upon was Anzac Day’s meaning. He explained to us how Anzac Day
means something different to everyone and depending on your experience, its meaning changes. I found
significance in this statement as the tour has drastically changed my perspective of Anzac Day. I now
appreciate how the ‘Anzac spirit’ has shaped our national identity and values.
The conversation with Sharifah and Clele later challenged some of my associations with DFAT. Previously I
had only considered them as the people who dealt with Australians when they were in trouble in other
countries. Today however, I saw another side, notably their importance in international relations. Sharifah
explained to us the huge role DFAT play in country relations; ensuring Australia is represented positively in
other countries. The Department puts a strong focus on relationships between people, cementing the
various economic and political agreements. To hear that relationships govern inter-country bonds rather
than pieces of paper gave me
confidence for our nation’s future.
I think the visit also made me question
some of the strong negative
connotations I’ve previously held with
the word military. I tend to think of war
and violence when the word comes to
mind, however Colonel Hay showed
just how much difference the armed
forces do make, and that much of what
they do is peacekeeping rather than
fighting in wars. I was inspired to
investigate this new side of the military
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in order to better understand its role in preventing conflict and violence.
In the afternoon we had a change of scenery, journeying to Singapore’s Art Science Museum. The exhibit
we visited had the theme “future world” and combined technology with creativity and art. It was amazing to
re-immerse ourselves in the forgotten world of our childhood mindset. To have your own creation come to
life is a dream I think every child has, and so through this experience I think many of us were able to
reopen the door to the creative aspect of our lives.
Day 10: 25 April 2017
Today we reached the much anticipated climax of our tour: Anzac Day. The time had come for us to reflect
upon the tour and what we had experienced over the past ten days. We began the day with a dawn service
at the Kranji War Memorial Cemetery, run by the New Zealand High Commission. As the day’s duty
student, I had the honour of laying a wreath on the group’s behalf. Having never laid a wreath before, I was
immensely proud to represent my State and country in this ongoing tradition, especially with the
significance of Anzac Day new to me. No longer was it just about remembering those who fought, it was
about carrying the knowledge of the death of their humanity so that we may prevent future conflicts.
What amazed me about the Anzac ceremony was the large number of countries involved, including Ireland,
Canada and Korea. For me this really highlighted the unity of nations we can appreciate today and a
worldwide acceptance of Australian and New Zealand culture/identity. A particularly moving part of the
ceremony was the Turkish Ambassador’s reading of the famous words attributed to Atatürk. The speech
expressed the idea that our troops are now resting in the arms of friends, despite lying in “faraway
countries”. I found the ideas inspiring in terms of striving for world peace, and it reinforced acceptance of
different people and cultures. This was also shown in the cemetery with an integration of all who fought and
lost their lives, regardless of rank, race or religion.
After the service, we were lead on a short tour and then were
left to reflect upon our experiences and place poppies for the
fallen soldiers. As I walked through the cemetery I was truly
shocked by its enormity, which emphasised the sheer number
of troops who had fallen. I took time to read the headstones,
many with messages from family and close friends. Reading
these connections enlightened me to the significance of such
a loss. Every one of these people had fought for the freedom
of their loved ones and never got to say a final goodbye. It
alerted me to perhaps the most important part of this tour; to
preserve the memory of sacrifice, in order to stop future
conflicts, and to nurture and protect all people of this world, regardless of our differences. Ultimately we are
all equal in the face of death.
Day 11: 26 April 2017
As I sit here in my room, surrounded by old comforts, I
reflect upon an experience which began just eleven
days ago… except it began before that; at the March
Briefing. One could even argue it began with those first
words being written for our essays. How little we knew
about what this tour would teach us, and how it would
impact our lives.
While today marks the end of our tour, it also marks
the start of a new stem for opportunity and experience.
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From this stem new branches will grow, stretching out into the vast expanse of knowledge and opportunity.
Personally, the tour hasn’t just been an experience - an event tied to one place and one time. No, for me
the tour has been an inspiration - to learn new things, to chase my dreams, and above all, to grow as a
human being. I have learnt so much about Singapore’s past and how it continues to influence the island
nation, and many other nations, to this day. I have gained an insight into Australian identity, and how the
values and traditions we embody today wouldn’t be here if not for the sacrifice of our troops. Not only that,
but their ideals of courage and mateship have become a part of all of us, and that is something for which
we should be thankful.
The tour has given me a definite appreciation for history, now that I see just how much the past influences
our modern world. Many of my own beliefs were challenged throughout the tour as I was opened up to a
world of cultural diversity. The interaction with other kids with similar interests over the duration of the tour
was amazing, and to share thoughts and opinions freely is something I really valued. The bonds we formed
are sure to hold for a lifetime and I feel like a much more confident and well-rounded individual thanks to
the inclusivity of the tour group. I’m sure our commitment to the Anzac legend is far from over, as we
continue to educate our communities and uphold the values forged at Anzac Cove.
Conclusion and Acknowledgements
Although the tour itself has come to an end, it seems my role
as a tour member is just beginning. The next stage of my
journey is sharing the experience with my local community.
This is perhaps the most important stage of the tour as it is
about continuing the Anzac story and upholding an
appreciation of Australia’s military history among the youth. I
feel confident in my role and believe I have the ability to
inspire and educate other students towards a new historical
point of view.
I would firstly like to acknowledge the Premier and State
Government of Western Australia. Without you this tour
would not exist, so I am immensely grateful to you for making this incredible opportunity available. To the
RSL, DFAT and DVA, I thank you all for supporting and following our journey. To John Gilmour, with whom
I had the privilege of speaking at our presentation ceremony, thank you for sharing countless tales of your
experience as a POW with me, they’re stories I’ll never forget. A big thanks to all the tour guides at both the
March Briefing and on tour- I really appreciate the personal insights you gave us into Singaporean culture
and WWII. In particular I’d like to thank Chris Cher, whose words of wisdom allowed us to gain a much
greater insight into the Fall of Singapore. The knowledge you gave us is indescribable, and all I can say is
thank you for making me question my perspective of the world and way of thinking.
I’d like to say a huge thanks to my HASS teacher Mrs Thomson who encouraged me to re-enter the
competition after narrowly missing out on last year’s trip. Perseverance clearly pays off. I thank you also for
supporting me with the tedious editing of my essay and preparation for the interview. A huge thanks goes to
Norman, Mery and Sam for not only organising the trip, but for being such lovely people who we could
openly go to for advice and also just to talk about our experience. I don’t consider you staff members
anymore, I gladly consider all of you lifelong friends. Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow youth ambassadors.
You guys truly made this tour special for me, allowing for great depth of conversation through relationships
which are sure to last a lifetime.
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Patrick Reilly
Year 10
Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School
(formerly of Boyup Brook District High School)
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Introduction: Pride On the morning of Remembrance Day late last year, I woke up feeling much the same as any other
morning. Until my mother reminded me that it was the day the ten winners of the Premier’s Anzac Student
Tour 2017 would be announced. My older sister, Caitlin, went to North Borneo in 2013 as part of the same
tour and had actually received news of her selection before November 11 so the tour participants were able
to attend the Remembrance Day service at King’s Park. As a result, I was expecting to be notified in the
week leading up to the official announcement. After checking the PAST website, and not seeing anything,
my day continued. If it had not have been for my online HASS teacher and the lesson we had at 9:50 that
morning, I would have found out about my selection much later. She was able to put me onto the Premier’s
official announcements website where I was absolutely overwhelmed to find my name and school written
side-by-side. After the pressure of the week I had all but given up on being selected, so my nerves very
quickly turned to pride and excitement as I went to see the school HASS teacher and the principal who
were both overjoyed with the news. November 11, 2016 is certainly a day I look back on very fondly.
In terms of the tour and the personal connections I have with Singapore during WWII, although not
direct, are still important to me. My great-grandfather, George Connor, served as a sapper in the 2/4
Australian Field Squadron in Borneo during WWII. As a sapper, he was assigned the role of driving the
officers of the Australian Army. Although he did not serve in Singapore, I still hope that I am able to get an
idea of his experiences during his time, and hopefully share my experiences with him upon my return.
I thoroughly enjoy the company of others, especially those who share my keen interest in the history of our
nation and the rest of the world. I very much look forward to being able to get to know the nine other tour
participants as well the teachers and organisers who attend the tour. I am looking forward to sharing such a
rare experience with company such as the other students. I intend to represent Western Australia as well
as possible, being reverent
and respectful to the
Singaporean people, their
land and their culture.
While on tour, learning as
much as possible about
Singapore is a priority. With a
history as rich as Singapore's,
it is easy to gain knowledge
about colonisation, war and
general history of the tiny
island. I am thoroughly
looking forward to the tour
and the prospects it holds, and feel I am very privileged to be granted this amazing opportunity.
Brian King, Barry Ellis, Jan McLeod and Jenny Knight all talked to the tour group on various topics at the
March Briefing. They were four everyday people who taught me a lot and had an extraordinary impact on
me.
Brian King, a tour guide at the West Australian Army Museum in Fremantle, showed outstanding
understanding of WWII, especially with our tour focusing on Singapore. He answered all of our questions
with as much detail and accuracy as he possibly could, giving us a context of the Fall of Singapore that will
help immensely during our time abroad.
Barry Ellis is a tour guide at the Leighton Battery, also in Fremantle. The most striking thing about his tour
was his insightful, immense knowledge. Never have I seen a guide who knew so much about the place they
March Briefing: Seeing Something Greater
14
were representing. Barry told everything we would ever need to know, plus more. He gave us a perspective
of the war that I had never considered. Australia believed that we would be under attack, and Fremantle
was believed to be most at risk. The Leighton Battery and tunnels were the line of defence against
Japanese forces that were supposedly going to take the Fremantle Port and invade our country. Barry was
able to paint a clear picture in our minds of the attitude and the situation of our nation during the middle and
later parts of WWII, broadening our perspectives and knowledge to encompass the people at home while
our brave soldiers were defending our nation overseas.
Jenny Knight is the Executive Officer of the War Widows’ Guild of Western Australia, who along with Jan
McLeod, the President, spoke to us about the work of the Guild and how they support widows around the
state. Offering yet another perspective of war, telling us about the experiences of the partners left behind by
war or the effects war had on their loved ones. The passion of the Guild, which is in decline due to a
lessening population, is unprecedented. What struck me, not only with the ladies from the Guild, but with
Brian and Barry as well, is the passion they showed for the preservation of our war history and their love for
our culture.
It was after I had heard what all of these people had to say, that I finally realised the real reason I was here,
and the real reason the tour existed in the first place. I was a part of something far greater than myself,
greater than the essay I wrote, even greater than the tour itself. Once selected to participate in this tour, a
responsibility was placed on me, responsibility that I only became properly aware of and properly
understood on the evening of Friday, 3 March.
I have a responsibility to carry on the legacy of all the people involved in wars, to share my experiences
and the experiences of others that are not able to share their own anymore. I will gain a perspective that
few Australians are fortunate enough to have, and as a result, will give my best possible representation of
those perspectives to as many as possible. I now realise what it means to be an ambassador for Western
Australia and for Australia, and I am determined to fulfil my role. The passion of Barry, Brian, Jan and
Jenny awakened me to my responsibilities, and after meeting them, I have been inspired to persist until I
have well and truly served my State and country.
I don’t want their efforts to sustain our remembrance of history to be in vain.
Day One: Anticipation
Easter Sunday - a day highly anticipated by myself
and 12 other people embarking to Singapore on this
day as part of the 2017 Premier's Anzac Student
Tour.
After landing, successfully making it through customs
and getting on a bus, I began to finally get a proper
view of the place that I have read about and
researched for the last few months. The first thing
that struck me was the heat and the humidity. I was
obviously aware of the fact Singapore has a tropical
climate and that it would be hot, but it still didn't
properly prepare me. The most humorous part about
that is the fact that we arrived late in the evening,
hardly the heat of the day.
Something that amazed me was the size of this humid, green, densely populated nation. I knew that it was
very small, but I was extremely surprised to find out that it only stretches 47km east to west, and north to
south is only 27km as the crow flies. To put that into perspective, it is 42km from my home to Boyup Brook,
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the nearest town. The fact that an entire nation's width can fall within just a few extra kilometres of that
distance is something that I personally struggle to comprehend.
My learning today has excited me to spend the next ten days in this city nation, learning about its war
history, cultural history, and what has shaped it to make it the bustling, technological and trade world leader
it is today.
Day Two: Acknowledgement
Our first full day in the Lion City. Our first full day of bustling streets, lush foliage, modern infrastructure and
our first day of the unfamiliar Singaporean tropical heat. Being in the Lion City, it was only fitting that we
started our journey at the famous Merlion, one of the city's most well-known tourist attractions.
Once I became aware of where we would start, I imagined a large man-made lion crossed with a mermaid,
with a few people standing at the base posing for photos. That was what I was expecting anyway. As I
approached the footbridge which would enable us to stand over the reservoir and take photos of the
futuristic Marine Bay Sands hotel, I realised the Merlion was not going to be surrounded by just a few
people. We made it to the peak height of the bridge and the Merlion finally came into full view about 100
metres away. What I saw between us and the sculpture was very different from the image that had initially
been in my head. The remainder of the footbridge and the platform that stood over the water at the foot of
the Merlion was completely covered by people, hundreds of tourists, wanting to see this breathtaking
sculpture and capture the moment forever on their phones or cameras. I could not believe the sheer
number of people on the platform.
I thought it was quite spectacular actually, and I ended up taking more photos of the masses of people than
I did of the water-spitting Merlion itself. All these people have come to tour Singapore in all its current day
glory, see the amazing skyline and the immaculate city streets, maybe go to the zoo, or do the walk along
the tops of super trees. But I wondered - how many of these tens of thousands tourists are aware of the
past history of Singapore?
So much to do on
this tiny red dot
island, so much to
see; but there is also
so much to learn.
Prior to landing here,
I thought I knew a
fair amount, but after
spending the day
touring the island,
visiting mosques, temples and museums, I have found there is far more to Singapore than I could have
ever imagined. I am here for many reasons, but the main reason is because of my keen interest in history,
whereas the majority of the people I was amongst today at the base of the Merlion are obviously here to
see Singapore how it is today, not how it was in the past.
Today alone I learnt more than I could have possibly imagined about the history of Singapore. I have finally
begun to realise how far this 'tiny fishing village' (in the words of our tour guide) has come. So many people
walk unfamiliar streets and journey to unfamiliar places without fully understanding or having any
knowledge about the past of that place. We trudge the footpaths and ride along the roads without properly
acknowledging everything that has happened to shape the place. As a whole society, we take things as
they are, how we see them. We don't question enough, we don't delve into the depths of the history of the
ground we stand on enough. It's not something we can change, but I will always try to be more aware of
what has influenced the identity of a place, town, city and country.
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Day Three: Adaptation
This was our first day delving deeper into the war history of Singapore, especially looking at the Fall of
Singapore. We began by our guide, Chris, taking us to Changi Beach where he displayed several maps
showing us how and where the Japanese landed and conquered the Allied Forces in Singapore.
That is when we were told about the 8th Division. The 8th Division was an Australian regiment that fought
as part of the effort to defend Singapore from the Japanese invasion. It consisted of about 20,000 soldiers,
so they made up about fifth of the Allied Forces in Singapore. They had never seen proper conflict, and had
only arrived from Australia after recently completing their training. Their lack of experience in war and their
lack of adaptation to battle and the conditions was highlighted as a major weakness by our highly
passionate and knowledgeable tour guide.
After visiting the Changi Museum and Chapel, we made our way onto the bus that would take us back into
the city to complete our day's learning and touring. Rain is always threatening in Singapore, and today was
no exception. While we were on the bus it started to rain, and rain it did. After the bus trip was finished, we
made a quick dash into the National Gallery to start our afternoon adventures. After the National Gallery,
we then made adaptations of our own; umbrellas emerged from backpacks and rain jackets and ponchos
were put on to keep us dry in the heavy tropical rain that didn't seem to be going anywhere. We had
adapted, very minutely, to better our chances of getting through the rainfall without getting too wet.
As we walked
along in the rain,
visiting Old
Parliament
House, the Lim
Bo Seng
memorial and the
memorial for the
British people of
Singapore who
had lost their lives
in the two World Wars, I began to realise that the footpaths were empty - we were the only people outside. I
obviously put this down to the rain, and the fact the locals know not to be outside at this time of the day
because of the weather. They are more experienced and adapted to Singapore and the conditions than we
are, and as a result they stayed dry while we got drenched.
The battle hardened Japanese soldiers who had fought in China and all the way through Southeast Asia to
make it to Singapore were far more adapted to the situation and knew what was required to succeed. Many
of those in the Allied Forces were not experienced and, as a result, were unsure of what Singapore
required to be defended from the ruthless Japanese onslaught. Their health, fitness and youth were their
greatest strengths but ended up being their greatest weakness; it was one of the many Achilles' heels of
the 'invincible Singapore'.
Day Four: (In)Justice
Three full days spent in Singapore, and already my understanding of this city and its war history has been
extended by an amount that I could not have possibly imagined a week ago. The Fall of Singapore, the
events leading up to it, and Singapore in general are topics I thought I was relatively knowledgeable about.
As I have spent more time on the island, I have realised this isn't quite the case. From the outside, yes, I
had insight to the topic however, there is a lot is to be said about being fully immersed in your topic when
attempting to broaden and deepen your knowledge. For example, being in the actual place that the history
and events occurred is definitely an advantage. Similarly, being around the right people who can enhance
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your experience maximises your processing of information (tour guides, teachers, students with similar
historical interests).
Today we explored the Old Ford Factory, which is now a museum boasting detailed, personal exhibits
about the Fall of Singapore and the Syonan-To period, which was between the Fall of Singapore and the
end of the war during the Japanese occupation of Singapore. We also spent some time learning about
'Force Z', a commando unit that successfully infiltrated Singapore and caused significant damage to the
Japanese naval fleet in the port. Finally, we visited Labrador Park to walk through the nature reserve,
exploring the battery that was situated on a hill overlooking the entrance to Keppler Bay.
During our time in the Old Ford Factory, I came across an exhibit outlining the war crime trials that took
place to mete justice to Japanese soldiers for their actions during the taking and occupation of Singapore.
As I read and investigated further, it occurred to me that I have never heard of any Allied Forces being
accused or prosecuted for war crimes. I am not in a position to comment on whether or not any Allied
soldiers committed crimes during WWII, but I do find it strange that I have never heard about or read about
any sort of accusations or trials against Allied soldiers. During a discussion with our guide and several
members of the group, I learnt that there is evidence suggesting that war crimes had been committed by all
who participated - Allies and Japanese alike. During that discussion, I was also reacquainted with a
statement that I had learned and subsequently forgotten: history is written by the victor.
While the Allies were victorious in WWII, the atrocities committed by Japanese military against Prisoners of
War and civilians came to light. Those accountable were brought to trial and punished accordingly, giving
those affected the justice they deserve. With victory falling on the Allied side, their wrongdoings seem to
have been ignored or exonerated. This does not seem right. All is fair and just for those who are
responsible for war crimes to be punished, there is no denying that. In contrast, what about the soldiers and
their families who did not gain justice for crimes committed against them? As an Australian citizen and an
indirect member of our alliances, many of which we have maintained since WWII, this sits uncomfortably on
my conscience.
This is a prime example of historical bias: history is written by the victor; justice for some, maybe an
injustice to others.
Day Five: Preparation
With our tour of the unknown 'Battle Box' on the all-important itinerary for today, I awoke and prepared for
my day while I anticipated today's adventures nine metres below Fort Canning Hill. As with everything we
do, preparation is the key, and in order to be prepared
for today I had to ensure that I had everything that I
needed: water, rain jacket, umbrella, hat, sunscreen
etc. I am no stranger to being prepared when it comes
to this tour, almost everything I have done has required
some form of proper preparation, whether that be
planning for a research assignment or making sure that
I have been mentally prepared for the emotional strain
this tour may possess, I've always had to be prepared.
In the Battle Box, the tour very hastily made it clear to
me that the Allied forces in Singapore were not
prepared for the Japanese attack. General Arthur
Percival, the man in charge the of the Allies in
Singapore, had made a request for the British War Office to send approximately 600 aircraft, 300 tanks and
a naval fleet to strengthen Singapore and ensure the safety of the Crown Colony. The return for the request
came in the form of 181 outdated aircraft, from late in WWI, a fleet of two warships and several smaller
18
cruisers with no tanks sent at all. This was due to the fact that all available tanks had been deployed in
North Africa, which was must have been seen as a higher priority to Britain than Singapore.
Percival was aware of what was required to keep Singapore and Malaya in British hands, the mother
country wasn't able to supply Singapore with its needs, and in turn, it was under-prepared. Despite the lack
of preparation, the Allied superiors chose to use their advantage of soldiers on the ground as an excuse to
promote superiority over their enemies. Ignoring the fact that the ocean and air were in Japanese control,
they continued to create an illusion to the lower ranking soldiers and civilians that they were in an invincible,
impenetrable fortress. As a result, I believe the officers themselves began to fall for their own illusion. This
illusion could also simply be referred to as the arrogance of the Allied forces in Singapore.
We are all aware of the result of the Battle of Singapore, which alternatively has become known more
commonly as the Fall of Singapore. It is humiliating and heart-breaking. The number of prisoners of war
taken following the surrender stands the highest amount any army has taken in history, about 120,000. This
is devastating, but the reality is, it all happened because Singapore was not prepared. Yes, the Japanese
had tanks, war vessels and aircraft that were at the time the best, fastest and most technologically
advanced in the world, but the Allies were not undermanned, they were underprepared. They were not
materially prepared, or physically prepared for the sort of warfare that the Japanese brought with them
across the Johore Strait. By the time the men at the helm of Singapore, sitting in that small room in the
Battle Box, had come to terms with how completely and utterly underprepared they were, it was too late.
They had no choice but to surrender their fortress to a numerically impoverished Japanese force.
Day Six: Identity
After an early morning run through
Fort Canning, further exploring the
hill and battling the humidity, I was
excited for a day at Hwa Chong
Institution, a selective all-boys’
school for some of Singapore's
best students. The visit would
consist of touring and learning
about the history, values and goals
of the school, spending some time
in a history class to see how things are done at an elite Singaporean school, and finally some question time
with a group of the students to gain an insight into each other's background and daily lives.
Throughout the day, it became evident that there was a strong focus on the WWII and the post WWI
periods in the school. This period encompasses the Battle and Fall of Singapore, the time of Japanese
occupation and the period of nation building where Singapore gained independence from the Crown,
merged with Malaya and finally became a republic. There was also an emphasis on the period following
them becoming a republic, where they worshipped founding father Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister,
and his People's Action Party worked tirelessly to lay the foundations of modern day Singapore.
The students of Hwa Chong Institution, our tour guides and many of the museum exhibits I have come
across all seem to have the same belief that this 30-40 year period in modern Singaporean history has
shaped the nation and its identity greatly. The perseverance shown by the Singaporean citizens during this
time of hardship and instability is a credit to their strength as a country. The school students seem highly
knowledgeable about these events, and it is evident that a fair amount of effort has been injected into the
learning of their recent history. The way that the Singaporean people seem to always draw from this time
period when in discussion about their country reminds me of our nation's attitude towards the Gallipoli
campaign of WWI. I see striking resemblance in the way our countries have grasped these events, and how
the people involved shaped the way we see ourselves and the way the remainder of the world views us:
Singapore's recovery from the depths of Japanese occupation to their complete independence and nation
19
building to become the thriving economic hub they are today is something which generates great pride; we
are also proud of our heritage left on the shores and hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. It is only natural for a
young nation like Singapore to draw on such a pivotal point in their history to gain their own sense of self-
worth and their identity, just as we did the years following WWI.
Day Seven: Innovation
The Singapore Zoo is known not only for its large range of exotic and rare species, but also its focus on
conservation and sustainability. After spending the day roaming and exploring the world famous zoo, I
came to realise why it was so renowned. Among the concrete paths and tropical vegetation I witnessed the
much proclaimed diversity of the wildlife and was amazed at the display of sustainability and the promotion
of conservation.
In terms of size, the Singapore Zoo is large, but if you look at size compared to number and volume of
animals, the ratio would tell you that the animals don't get much room. This is definitely not the case. Zoos
have their critics for obvious reasons, but the Singapore Zoo definitely puts doubts in the minds of those
critics. Everywhere you look, there are signs promoting sustainable living and the conservation of the
natural environment. At every enclosure, information boards explain about the animals and whether or not
they are in any sort of risk, and if so, they provide ideas about how we can be a part of the solution rather
than exacerbate the problem. Friendly staff also endorse the messages of conservation and sustainability
during shows that involve the animals, adding extra emphasis, and leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
The way the Singapore
Zoo has managed to
pack in so much into
the available area has
distinct resemblance to
Singapore itself. With
an area of only 720
square kilometres,
Singapore has a
thriving population of
over five and a half million. There is almost a non-existent homelessness rate as people have found ways
to house themselves in ways that would be widely unheard of in Australia, especially Perth. With such
limited space available, the people of Singapore have been forced to be innovative, thinking outside the
box in order to build an entire nation. Much like the city itself, Singapore Zoo overflows with innovation in
every direction. One of our tour guides highlighted the fact that Singapore has not only built along the
landscape but has had to build 'up and down as well'. The vast majority of people live in apartment style,
high rise housing, the railway system is underground and some have even begun to venture below the
ground for storage. The Singaporean Government deserves much credit for being able to keep this city
clean and as sustainable as possible, while managing such a large population. Australia and the rest of the
world, developed and developing, could take much inspiration from the population dense, environmentally
aware Singapore that promotes innovation and sustainability.
Day Eight: Selflessness
The Battle of Bukit Chandu. The numerically disadvantaged Malay Regiment, led by Lieutenant Adnan bin
Saidi, engaged with the rapidly advancing Japanese forces at Bukit Chandu. Despite encountering great
odds, they managed to hold them at bay for more than 24 hours. Displaying an inspirational show of
courage, the Malayan forces battled on, with only bayonets and their fists, long after they had run out of
ammunition. Adnan refused to surrender his dwindling forces or accept defeat, forging a path of honourable
death which his loyal troops were willing to follow.
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The Malayans, choosing to put death before dishonour, were undeterred by the Japanese when ordered to
strip their military uniforms and badges, and accept defeat. Upon their refusal, the Japanese opted to hang
Adnan and his remaining troops from a tree by their feet in order to force them to admit that the battle had
indeed been lost. Adnan stubbornly and courageously never gave in to the torture and once again, his
troops followed his admirable lead.
The way the Malayan Regiment
conducted themselves during the
Battle of Bukit Chandu and its
aftermath is an inspiration to all who
encounter the story. The Japanese,
believing that taking Bukit Chandu
would be far easier with a much more
insignificant casualty rate, were
angered by the proud, selfless fighting
style of the Malayans. The 'death
before dishonour' attitude displayed
by the Malayans drew many
comparisons to Japan's long-lasting Bushido Code, which was originally practiced by the Japanese
samurai, telling them to die fighting rather than surrender. The Battle of Bukit Chandu could be seen as the
Japanese having a 'taste of their own medicine', with the Malayans deciding to selflessly give their lives to
maximise the damage inflicted on their enemies and temporarily halting the rapid Japanese advance on
Singapore.
The Malayans' complete and total willingness to die in the name of defending Singapore shocked the
Japanese troops and caused a major speed-bump in what was a considerably smooth and swift invasion.
Actions and events such as these do leave many questions in one's mind. If the entire Allied force in
Singapore had fought like the Malayan Regiment, would things have panned out differently? We will never
know, but it certainly gives food for thought.
Day Nine: Appreciation
With a visit to the Australian High Commission on the itinerary for this morning, we arose and prepared for
the day with a sense of importance, which is only natural considering our intended location. Upon arrival,
we were greeted by Colonel David Hay and two ladies, Clele White and Sharifah Khairunnisa, who work in
the High Commission for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Austrade respectively.
We began by listening to a busy Colonel Hay
discuss his role in the High Commission and the
importance of Anzac Day and the Anzac legacy.
He offered us a valuable insight into the importance
of maintaining strong military relationships with
Singapore as well as all other allies, a job for which
he is largely responsible. His knowledge of history
enabled us to see Singapore and its relations with
Australia from yet another perspective, deepening
and broadening our understanding even further.
After the Colonel departed our small group in order to board a flight to Brunei for an Anzac Day service
tomorrow morning, Clele and Sharifah proceeded to inform us of other roles that the High Commission
plays in Singapore. For example, maintaining relationships with Singapore in a political and economic light
rather than a military sense. The High Commission work on promoting Australia to the Singaporean public
in order to attract tourism, workers and people wishing to study abroad. While trying to develop and keep a
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positive impression of Australia running at the forefront of the Singaporean media and public, they also
organise the trips and itineraries of politicians who come to Singapore for official business. I very quickly
realised that Embassies and High Commissions do far more than help Australians in need overseas with
things such as stolen belongings or lost passports.
It’s the development and maintenance of international relations that is by far the most important role of the
Australian High Commissions and Embassies around the world. After our visit to the High Commission in
Singapore I came to the realisation that it was absolutely fundamental for Australia to sustain strong
international relationships with all nations after the conclusion of WWII, especially Southeast Asian
countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. If not more so, was political reconciliation with Japan. If this had
not happened as smoothly and swiftly as it did, a strong economic tie may have been lost with a new-found
powerhouse nation of the modern era.
Japan and Australia now have durable trade relationships, with Australia supplying many natural and raw
products to its counterpart and gaining manufactured goods, such as vehicles and machinery, from Japan.
The reconciliation with Japan and the continued relationships with Southeast Asia has greatly benefited
Australia socially, politically and economically over the last 70 years. It is critical that we maintain these
healthy ties in order to continue to reap the benefits. The role that the people who work in our High
Commissions and Embassies play is exceptionally important and should not go unnoticed, especially
considering the difficulty of their job and the fantastic job they do.
Day Ten: Rawness
The most important day of the tour was upon us, as was the 4:30am wake up that came with it. We arrived
at the Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery about an hour later, to be seated in a position that enabled us to
view the entire ceremony with ease.
The official ceremony began at
6:30am, opening with a brief
welcome and introduction followed
by the assembling of the guards,
who were Navy personnel from New
Zealand. The formalities continued
with heartfelt readings and
addresses from New Zealand and
Australia’s High Commissioners as
well as the Turkish Ambassador to
Singapore and Reverend Mark
Dickens. After the readings, the
wreath laying was carried out,
backed by the nostalgic sound of the bagpipes playing prominently in the background. As the Anzac Day
tradition asks, the last post was played flawlessly on the bugle followed by an emotionally rich minute’s
silence. Finally, the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand were led by the choir from the
Australian International School and the ceremony was concluded.
For a fifteen year old from a small country town of no more than 2,000 living within the shire boundaries,
going to the Dawn Service at Kranji has been totally and utterly bewildering. Previously, I have only ever
attended the mid-morning services at Boyup Brook, but never a dawn service. Having this morning’s
ceremony as my first dawn service was more emotional than I had expected. Adding to that stimulation was
the significant location, surrounded by almost 4,500 headstones of Allied soldiers who served and died
during WWII, and sitting in the shadow of the imposing memorial with the names of 24,000 Allied
servicemen and women whose remains were never found. These factors, along with deeply-felt songs and
22
readings, all contributed to creating an emotional whirlpool that I was caught up in. A truly moving
ceremony.
Not only were the sensory properties of the Kranji service emotionally rich, but also my lead up and
preparation to the ceremony. I have spent more than a week in Singapore, learning about its history,
people, culture, and most importantly, its WWII history. I have heard and memorised countless stories and
atrocities committed during this period in Singapore, with few of a good nature to counteract the evil. To
attend this morning, to be able to link my depth of knowledge that I have learnt from a distance with the
emotion of the hurt and pain felt by these soldiers, their families and their friends, was an experience that I
almost have no words to describe. When asked how I found the ceremony, I would reply with the words: ‘It
was pretty raw to be honest’, simply because that is all I had to describe what I witnessed and the way I
felt.
Having been through the loss of a family member recently, I was able to empathise with those who lost
loved ones prematurely, which in turn brought back waves of the pain and hurt that they may have been
dealing with. I found that whenever I heard mention that the men and women were ‘fathers, mothers, sons,
daughters, husbands, wives’, I was sucked further and further into that emotional whirlpool. For me, Anzac
Day, no matter where I am or what I am doing, will never be the same.
Day Eleven: Farewell
The day we’d all been dreading.
And here it was, hitting us like one of the buses or trains we had been aboard during our previous 10 days
spent exploring the island. In case you wondered how we were feeling, it wasn’t that great. We pushed
smiles to our tired faces as we boarded a bus to greet the driver who had got out of bed far earlier than we
had. After all, he was the man who determined if we got to the airport safely or not.
If it’s okay, I’m just going to fast forward to after we had made it through customs, flown about 5000km and
made it through our second set of customs. We are now at the very end of our trip; there was nothing else
to come. No more on the all-important itinerary for us to look forward to or wonder about. That was where
the journey had ended. We exited the airport, some with tears, some without. Actually, most were in tears.
We said our final farewells for the tour and sent everyone off with good wishes for the remainder of their
year in school, sport and life. Despite our farewells, we were all sure and still hold that certainty we will see
each other again.
As I walked with my father towards the car, zigzagging between countless other vehicles, I thought once
again of soldiers and their families during times of war and conflict. Bidding their farewells to loved ones,
just as we did at the airport, but with doubt in their minds as to whether or not they would return. Despite
promises being made by both parties involved in the emotional goodbyes, the wellbeing, safety and survival
of service personnel could not be guaranteed. Soldiers, warriors, knights, samurais and numerous others,
for thousands of years, have bid farewell to loved ones in order to fight knowing that they might lose their
lives for a cause they deem worthy.
As a result of the war or conflict they were leaving the people around them to engage in, it is only natural
that many will lose their lives, and never make it home. I could try to imagine what would be worse: saying
goodbye to a loved one knowing that you may never see them again, and dealing with that truth while they
are gone, or knowing that you will never see them again. Either way, being lucky enough to grow up during
my generation, so far I have never had to experience either of those terrible feelings. So as I watched the
airport slowly get smaller and eventually disappear in the rear-view mirrors, I realised how truly grateful I
23
am for all those who have served or are currently serving, those who have enabled us to have a safer and
more harmonious present and future.
Reflection
In order to reflect on my journey, I am going to keep it short and sweet. I feel that if I let it drag on too much,
I will overcomplicate things and, as a result, confuse myself and whoever has managed to make it to the
twenty-third page of this journal.
Taking part in the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour of 2017, without a doubt, has been the most eye-opening
experience in my life to date, and I would say it will hold that imaginary title for an extended period of time.
It has enabled me to better myself as a person, as a student and a historian. My knowledge and
understanding of WWII, especially in Singapore and Southeast Asia, as well as my emotional connection to
those who made any sort of sacrifice during that period, soldiers and civilians alike. My perspectives,
morals, attitudes and beliefs were enhanced, challenged and changed throughout the entire tour,
something that I credit to our exceptional tour guides and local personnel that gave us an extra insight that
we never could have gained as regular tourists.
I have met and got to know 12 other like-minded people who share my keen interest in history. Their
company is a large part of what made the tour so special, and as I looked around our group on several
occasions, it was totally clear to me why they were selected as youth ambassadors on the tour.
From the very beginning, when I began to research and write my essay, there was obviously extra work
that I would have to do in order to benefit the greatest. Although at times, especially after I had been
selected, it did challenge me, I look back on it now and realise the extra work was far from extensive and I
am extremely happy I completed the tasks. As a result, I have done nothing but reap the benefits the tour
has granted me.
My most heartfelt and genuine thanks are extended to the Hon Mark McGowan, Premier of Western
Australia, the Department of Education, tour organiser and coordinator, Ms Samantha Boswell, those who
aided me during the selection process, and finally, the tour chaperones and participants for helping to make
the tour such a truly humbling, eye opening and amazing experience.
24
Brandon Rowe
Year 12
Girrawheen Senior High School
25
March Briefing
On 2 March, I was called along with 9 other overly excited students, into the city for the Presentation
Ceremony where we would be given our official tour awards. The part which excited me the most was not
the certificate or getting it presented to me by the then Minister for Education, Hon Peter Collier. The most
exciting part was, for the first time, meeting the other 9 students and 3 teachers with which I was going to
experience the Premier's Anzac Student Tour. After the ceremony we retired to the accommodation at the
School of Isolated and Distant Education in Leederville. There, the students and teachers were given an
informal setting to meet each other and get to know one another.
On day two of the briefing, some of the students awoke at 5 o’clock in the morning and went for an early
morning stroll around Lake Monger, before returning to the dorms and having some breakfast. After, we
headed out to some of the WWII related sites for the day, like the Leighton Battery where our guide, Barry
Ellis, showed us around and gave a thoroughly educational and enjoyable tour of the guns and tunnels.
After returning to the dorms, we met with members of the War Widows’ Guild, Jan, who is the President of
the WA branch, and Jenny. Meeting them and hearing some of their stories was a highly emotive
experience for myself and many of the other students.
On the final day, we prepared for our personal commemorative ceremony at Kings Park. I was particularly
looking forward to this day as I was the one who was going to be laying a wreath and reciting The Ode at
the memorial. After cleaning up and packing everything up, we set off. At Kings Park we had a look at
some of the sights like the State War Memorial and the Sandakan Memorial. We walked down a path lined
with trees and commemorative plaques and listened to the stories of the men they represented.
The briefing was a fantastic and informal way to get to know the others who I will be going on the tour. It
had a great balance of fun, bonding activities as well as informative and educational experiences.
Day 1
It was a fine 24oC day when our group left Perth at 2:20pm
on Sunday, 16 April. We set sail (or more accurately ‘wing’)
for Singapore, where, much to everyone’s surprise, it was a
humid 28oC when we landed at 7pm.
After a fairly peaceful flight, we landed at Changi Airport. As
we disembarked the plane many of us were so surprised to
see the extreme amount of foliage and plants that the
Singaporeans had fit into the airport. Walls were lined with
plants and water features. In awe, we gawked at the plant
life we were surrounded by just as we met with our tour
guide, Uncle Joe.
As the group were driven through the city, we stared in wonder at the buildings and the many different ways
that the Singaporean Government had incorporated an immense amount of plant diversity into the city-
scape. In amazement, we watched as each building became more entwined with nature than the last.
Even on such a small island, they manage to reserve so much space for greenery. The sheer scale of the
forestry within the city itself was astonishing. Trees pieced the landscape just as much as the buildings did.
As we gathered in the YWCA Fort Canning Lodge foyer, and were given our room keys, we looked out of
the windows at the view that stood before us. We eagerly waited to see the city under the light of day.
Would it be just as wonderful?
26
Day 2
To truly experience a country, one must first
envelop themselves in the culture. This is what the
aim of Day 2 was for me.
The highlight of the day was becoming entranced in
the diversity of cultures and religions that Singapore
had to offer. At first, we travelled to the Sultan's
Mosque where Joe explained the basic premise of
Islam and a bit of the history of the temple and the
misconception regarding the ‘symbol of Islam’.
After walking around Arab Street and admiring the
street art and (for lack of a better word) ‘odd’
signage that stated the house rules of a local bar,
we left.
We then drove through Little India before visiting a Hindu Temple. While in the temple, I gawked at the
ornate paintings and statues that juxtaposed the scenes at the Mosque where (as per Muslim tradition) no
symbols, statues, or paintings appeared on the walls.
At a Buddhist/Taoist temple on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of the Singaporean CBD, we arrived
and looked around at one of the major sections of the building - the Ancestral Worship room. I was
particularly interested to find out that after a relative passed, those still living would rent a space in the altar
for a plaque to be sat honouring their family member.
In all, the day was quite a unique experience getting to see the foundation of many of the families of
Singapore. Yet, with all of these different types of religions - Abrahamic, poly-theistic, and ancestral- the
people of Singapore do not discriminate as is common in Australia. To see the contrast between the two
countries is phenomenal.
Day 3
A sense of solemnity and respect grew in the room because our groups’ main focus for the day was
Prisoners of War.
To start our day, we took a short drive to Changi Beach where our war tour guide, Chris, explained to us a
few of the major events in the Fall of Singapore. He brought along maps to help not only with the
explanation but also to help put those
explanations into one, coherent perspective.
Emotions grew more as we travelled to the
Changi Museum and Chapel. I became
quite emotional at the sights, photos, and
stories of the experiences of the POWs.
However, I managed to keep control and
persevere through the exhibit. I found it
interesting to learn that the Changi Chapel
was built by the POWs and that many of
them made crucifixes out of artillery
shrapnel calling them a “symbol of hope in
the shadow of death”. Many in our group
were moved by the stories of what the
27
POWs experienced and witnessed, myself included.
A member of the group said that the legacy [that the Anzacs] built during WWI, was tested and
strengthened during WWII. I don’t believe this to be the case because I think that the soldiers at the Fall of
Singapore built a completely new legacy of hope, trust, and brotherhood during this time, even in the face
of death every single day.
Day 4
Napoleon Bonaparte said, “what is history but a fable agreed upon?” I believe that what Napoleon was
trying to convey is that versions of history will never be the same as long as people are told many different
‘truths’. As Vladimir Lenin also said, “a lie told often enough becomes the truth.”
At the Old Ford Factory, the first exhibit showed different perspectives of the Japanese and the Allied
Forces in regards to the Fall of Singapore. However, the most overlooked and vital perspective was that of
those who called Singapore home. As I was looking at many of the exhibits at the Factory, I was
astounded at the extent of propaganda, even in the post-Fall publications. The most noticeable form of
propaganda was how the Western Forces translated the Japanese words spoken by Generals and
politicians. When translating, words were used that attempted to make the Japanese seem as though they
were innately dull when it came to vocalising a speech or even a sentence. This was clearly evident when
both British and Japanese quotes were juxtaposed.
Though much of the media vilified the Japanese for what they did, it is also true that the Japanese did
conduct many heinous and excessive punishments for petty crimes such as a child being stabbed through
the thigh for taking food. However, it was quite heart-warming to read stories of a select minority of
Japanese soldiers who helped the Singaporeans by ‘turning-a-blind-eye’ to minor crimes and warning them
when they should run.
Today was particularly hard as I know people whose families have fled from their home-countries due to
the oppression that their conquerors have imposed during post war regimes.
Day 5
As I walked the cold and desolate corridors of The Battle Box, I
was haunted by the footsteps of the past. The Battle Box was built
as a secret underground base of operations by the British. It is
also the backdrop for the decision that would change the course of
WWII. The Battle Box was the sight of the decision for the Allied
Forces to surrender to General Yamashita. Filled with life-sized
wax figures depicting the scene, my emotions grew as I came to
the realisation that we could not change the critical decision that
was made in that room. The decision caused many men to lose
3½ years of their lives as POWs.
The short films played at The Battle Box were confronting. I found that the hardest to watch was when the
British POWs were in the camps and institutions and yet still acted in a fairly civil manner towards their
Japanese overlords; in particular, I could see that Percival was barely able to maintain a professional
demeanour when he met with General Yamashita during his imprisonment. This genuinely shocked me;
footage of great military generals usually shows them as strong and imposing figures of history. Here was
another side to the story.
Though, even with this confronting imagery, I was able to keep an open-mind and take in as much
personally unbiased information as possible.
28
Day 6
Today was a day of much affable reflection and discussion. Our group was welcomed by the humanities
class at Hwa Chong Institution, a
highly-regarded and famous boys'
school in Singapore.
In the morning we attended the
lower school history classes where
it was quite interesting to see how
the cleverness and humour of some
of the Year 7 boys. The facetious
comments that some of the boys
made were quite intriguing.
The wealth of knowledge that was
exchanged was not only immense
but also meaningful and impacting.
We heard not only about personal
opinions but also of family stories
and the deep scars, both physical
and mental, that WWII left
Singaporeans.
While the students and tour members spoke, barriers were broken down and new relationships formed.
These were relationships of cultural integration and acceptance.
Hopefully, communications and relations with the students of Hwa Chong Institution will continue into the
foreseeable future and this closeness can be reflected in future international affairs. We all look forward to
hearing for our Singaporean neighbours in the coming times.
Day 7
During the amazing adventure that was the
Singapore Zoo, I was uplifted with the
plethora of diverse life of both animals and
plants that was on display. However, I was
also confronted with constant reminders and
pictures of the disturbing industry of much of
Asia - the illegal animal trade.
One of the oddest exhibits was that of the 13
year old polar bear. The reason I found this
strange was because the zoo had taken an
animal that had evolved to survive and thrive
in the frozen tundra of the far north, and had
placed her in a country that was well known
for its intense humidity and rainfall. Seeing
this ill-adapted creature in a completely
abnormal habitat reminded me of the British and Australian Forces in Singapore and the fact that not only
were they ill-equipped for the environment, they were also ill-adapted. The Japanese did not suffer from ill-
adaption as much as the Western Forces. However, though they struggled in the environment, like the
polar bear, Allied service people fought on and persevered.
29
Another interesting aspect of the zoo was the conservation message that appeared on their signs and in
shows throughout the day. The message was made clearly evident that many of the creatures were not
meant to be kept locked away in an enclosure, they should be able to roam free in the wild. The zoo taught
children as young as five the importance of environmental conservation and the changes that can be made
is we reduce, reuse, and recycle.
It was extraordinarily heart-warming to see such young children embrace the vitality of nature and the
animal life that dwells within.
Day 8
One of Singapore’s most illustrious soldiers of WWII was Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi. While at the Bukit
Chandu Museum, I watched a short film that detailed the events of the Battle of Pasir Panjang. To see,
even a cartoon version, of the battle was extremely emotional. To see a re-enactment of the fervour that
bin Saidi and his men fought was amazing. It was
inspirational to see how when faced with no
ammunition, dwindling men and impossible odds, he
ordered his men to fight on with hand and sword
until that last man fell. They did. The fact that even
in the face of death, these men stood tall and strong,
was truly awe-inspiring.
It was confronting to see the brutality of the
Japanese on film. It is one thing to read about it, it is
another to see it. It was depressing to hear that the
Japanese beat, killed and hung the Malayan
Regiment by their feet from a tree simply because
they refused to strip and die naked. If they were
going to die, they were going to die in their uniforms.
I found it very difficult to put those images behind me
for the rest of the day and I am fully aware that these images will stay with me to the grave. But I don’t
care. They showed the truest of all human nature - we are strong when we are weak.
Day 9
Today, we met with Colonel David Hay from the Australian High Commission. He explained that the reason
that he has such pride when wearing his Australian Army slouch hat was because his previous superior
officer, Sir Peter Cosgrove, found great pride in wearing his. Colonel Hay went on to say that he also
wears it because when in a Yugoslavian village, he was approached by an older woman and thanked
because of the work the Australian soldiers did for her village when she was a young girl. Hearing how the
slouch hat has become an international symbol of Australian kindness makes me proud to say I am
Australian.
After the High Commission meeting, we went to the Singapore Art Science Museum to consider
possibilities of the future prior to the Anzac Ceremony tomorrow morning.
Once we finished our futuristic tour, we left Marina Bay Sands and headed for the Stamford American
International School where, much to my surprise, only about 50% of the student held an American
passport. I had the chance to speak to many of the students there, all of whom originated from a variety of
different backgrounds and cultures. This drew a direct parallel to the country of Singapore itself. While
there were many people in the ‘American’ school, very few were actually American and while there are
many people in Singapore very few of them identify as ethnically ‘Singaporean’ with the majority being
Chinese or Malay.
30
It was also interesting to be able to compare Stamford with
Hwa Chong Institution as I found that the schools are run are
quite differently. Despite both schools following an
International Baccalaureate program, Hwa Chong runs in a
unique fashion. Stamford, on the other hand, runs a more
US based structure with the calendar staggering much like
the US where the students get a two month holiday over
summer.
It was extremely interesting to be able to contrast the three
styles of schooling that I have experienced: Australian,
Singaporean, and American.
Day 10
An ever-changing presence of sadness, respect and solemnity grew at Kranji Memorial as the morning sun
rose to embrace us in its warm rays of hope.
While at the Kranji Memorial Dawn Service, I felt
deeply sorrowful as we honoured the lost servicemen
and women who gave their lives to fight for the
honour of the country they called home. Having a
first generation Scottish migrant ancestor who fought
for the Australian Armed Forces at the outbreak of
WWI, I felt humbled to be able to commemorate
those who lost their lives, like he did, for our country.
Seeing the 4,500 headstones and 24,000 names was
extremely eerie. People hear about the number of
victims in wars but to see just a fraction of them en
masse was most definitely a different story. It was
frightening to see from the graves how many people
had died during such a narrow period of time.
I approached a member of the tour who was weeping at a headstone and when I asked if she mourned a
family member, she replied, “no, there are just so many”. I was comforted to see that I was not the only
one who found the sheer number of graves distressing.
In all, the day was an emotional rollercoaster. However, it was a rewarding rollercoaster. I now feel that
immense connection to our WWII heritage due to my involvement in the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.
Day 11
“Laughter is not at all a bad beginning to a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one.” Oscar Wilde
Coming on this tour has been such a great opportunity. When I entered this competition, I thought it was
going to be very structured and that none of the students were really going to connect or bond with one
another. This was clearly not the case. On the last day, everyone on the tour was extremely emotional.
By the time it sank in that this would be the last time all 10 of the students and 3 of the teachers were going
to be together, I felt extraordinarily sad. I know that we will keep in contact with each other over the phone
and the internet, but it will not be the same as seeing them all day, every day. I have felt closer with the
students on this tour than I have with people I see every day at school for the past 5 years.
Now that it has sunk in that I may possibly never see some of these people again, I don’t want it to end.
These people are no longer, they have truly become my ‘tour family’. I am not used to becoming so close
31
to people in such a short amount of time, but I’m glad I did. I will never forget what we have gone through
together and the stories we have shared. I will miss everyone; you all have a special place in my heart
forever.
Acknowledgments
From the deepest recesses of my heart I would like to thank: the Premier of Western Australia, Jan and
Jenny who represented the War Widows’ Guild of Australia (WA); the tour organiser and teacher
chaperones - Samantha Boswell, Norman Paini, and Mery Jones; my history teacher, Jacqueline Bolt as
she is the reason I applied for the PAST 2017; the many tour guides who accompanied us on our
adventure of the tour. I deeply appreciate the opportunity, and thank everybody involved with the
continuation of the tour.
32
Caitlyn McKenzie
Year 12
Holy Cross College
33
Sculptures by Bathers, Fremantle
Introduction
The entire week leading up to Friday, 11 November 2016 was full of anticipation and excitement. Every
time I walked past my history teacher we'd signal how many days were left until the results came out for the
Premier's Anzac Student Tour for 2017. Finally, the Friday had come – and it was rather bittersweet. I had
just returned from a touching Remembrance Day ceremony in Ellenbrook when I was summoned to the
front office. After what felt like hours, I was met by the principal and my history teacher who had a
noticeable skip in their steps! I knew it had to be good news, as neither of them would stop smiling.
We entered the conference room then amazing news was shared with me, and I burst into tears of joy. It
was such an incredible moment, knowing that my hard work had paid off and I had such an amazing
opportunity ahead of me. After all the congratulations and photos, I called my mum, and the first thing I said
to her was, “Mum, I'm going to Singapore!” But, of course, she had been constantly refreshing the
Department of Education website and was aware of the news long before I was! Nonetheless, she was just
as excited.
The whole experience leading up to the announcement of the results was so humbling, and it gave me
confidence in myself and my abilities, which is just as valuable as the tour itself. I'm extremely excited for
the tour, and have already begun counting down the days until it commences!
March Briefing
Day 1 - Presentation
Being officially presented with a certificate of recognition was such an extraordinary feeling in itself.
However, what was most memorable about the day was being surrounded by the nine other students who
were feeling similar emotions to me which was comforting. The support from my family and from my
principal, too, was very humbling.
Day 2 - Museums and Historical Tours
The passion and commitment that was demonstrated by our tour guides was so admirable, and it
strengthened my appreciation for the history of our nation. The tour guides were devoted to teaching our
generation about the sacrifices our service personnel made, and shared stories of both heroism and
tragedy that have shaped our country. This was incredibly inspiring, and has encouraged me to form a new
resolution: to continue to educate future generations about the backbone of our world as it is today –
something that the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour will enable me to do.
Day 3 - Memorial Service
My mindset for our walk through the memorial avenue in
Kings Park was one of solemn respect and utmost
appreciation for the sacrifices and unquestionable bravery
of the fallen Western Australian soldiers who lined the
paths we walked. What resounded the most with me was
the concept of ‘reconciliation.’ For our future to be
ensured, it is essential that we do not hold grudges
against those who were against us during the war, but to
forgive and, most importantly, put our effort into ensuring
that such atrocities never occur again.
34
Day One - Departure
Arriving at Perth International Airport was such an elating
feeling. The moment I had been counting down to since
11 November 2016 had finally arrived, and I was beyond
excited. Unsurprisingly, the stylish nature of our tour polo
shirt attracted some attention, and when answering the
questions about what our tour was for, and seeing the
pride on the faces of the inquisitor, it further enforced the
importance of being a youth ambassador.
Undoubtedly, there were a few nerves when it came to
take-off, but the prospects of what lay ahead, as well as
the warm hospitality of the stewards, was incredibly
calming. The highlight of the flight – words I never thought I would hear coming from my own aerophobic
mouth – was flying in over Singapore Port and seeing the vibrant and busy harbour, which alluded to a
country with a blossoming trade industry.
What resonated most with me upon landing in Singapore and journeying through Changi Airport, was the
abundance of greenery that occupied locations both within the Airport and in the streets that we travelled.
I'd heard of the beautiful landscapes and incredible gardens that exist within the country, but seeing it with
my own eyes was breathtaking.
Driving past the high rises and landmarks that characterise how the world sees Singapore, I'm intrigued to
dig deeper and discover more about the historical struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Lion City
into the successful nation is it today.
Day Two - Cultural Appreciation
Waking up to the sounds of a main road, yet birds too, was a very pleasant early morning surprise –
offering just a taste of what Singapore held.
I was particularly excited to visit Marina Bay as my grandparents travelled to
Singapore several years ago and sent me a postcard featuring the Marina Bay
Sands Hotel. Leading up to the tour they were eager for me to see the
magnificent architecture of Moshe Safdie – or maybe they just wanted me to
stand where they stood, admiring the same view. Nevertheless, seeing the
modern and urban Hotel and city landscape, immersed in the luscious foliage of
native trees, was an unforgettable sight. I hope that other countries also adopt
the ‘Green City’ idea, and encapsulate the modernity of our world, while also
glorifying the flora and fauna of their particular country.
Visiting the Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples,
allowed for the opportunity to fully see how rich our world is when it comes to
different cultures and religions. Never before have I been able to travel to four different places of worship
within the timeframe of a few hours. Not only did it put into perspective how abundant culture is within
Singapore, but also how accepting and mutually respectful these religions, and the people of the religions,
are towards others.
What resonated with me most, was a goddess-related symbolism that our tour guide – ‘Uncle Joe’ Nin
explained. One of the three main goddesses of Hinduism (Goddess Lakshmi) is often painted with a lotus
flower. Joe explained that in the Hindu religion, lotus flowers represent new, beautiful things growing from
Embracing Hinduism
35
Changi Beach
adverse origins. This religious motif is exceedingly powerful, as it offers a sense of hope to anyone who has
experienced difficult times, promising a brighter future. Despite the difference in faith, I believe that I will
forever remember such an encouraging symbol, to give me optimism in times of doubt.
Day Three - Events of WWII
Heading into today, it was inevitable that emotions were going to be prevalent.
Changi Museum and Chapel had a very solemn atmosphere – not surprising, yet touching in some
respects. Two main aspects of our visit to the Museum and Chapel stood out to me the most. Firstly, the
resilience of the prisoners that was inspired by and reflected in their commitment to their faith, and finding
refuge in God. What was most astounding was the Changi Cross, made by a prisoner of war from metal of
artillery. Not only does this emphasise how the men clung to their
faith in times of turmoil, but also how resourceful and pragmatic
they were in trying to normalise their horrific experiences. I am
incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to leave a
message of gratitude towards the sacrifices made by the men on
the Chapel wall, and also to pray in front of the Changi Cross, in
the same way that the prisoners of war would have 75 years ago.
Secondly, what provoked a response of sympathy and sorrow,
while also providing a more localised perspective, were the
letters and postcards sent to prisoners by their families. Reading
the words exchanged between the distant relatives reinforces the seemingly overlooked fact that the men
indeed had wives back home missing them, children growing up in their absence, and parents praying for
their safe return. This encourages me to question what our world would be like had those service personnel
and their families not made immense sacrifices in the name of peace and freedom.
In the words of George Yeo, Minister of Trade and Industry (2001), “It is very important that we do not take
peace for granted - that we do not assume that there will always be harmony; that there will be no more
war; that there's no need for us to defend ourselves.”
Day Four - One Place, Many Stories
Today can be summed up by one particular word: juxtaposition.
Our day started in the Old Ford Factory Museum where we walked around the
building where the monumental surrender of Singapore was formally signed
by British General Arthur Percival, under heavy pressure from Japanese
General Tomoyuki Yamashita. This was significant for me, as I had
extensively researched Yamashita for my biographical production for the tour,
so I was stupefied by the opportunity to stand in the same room.
On the theme of juxtaposition, the Old Ford Factory provided an incredible
insight into the many different perspectives that existed surrounding the Fall of
Singapore. Two significant examples of this were the displayed quotes from the Japanese Prime Minister
Hideki Tojo, who stated that “the capture of Singapore signifies the birth of a new Asia, and a turning point
in world history”. This optimistic view of the monumental Allied defeat of Britain's ‘impregnable fortress’ is
profoundly contrasted against British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill's interpretation of the Fall of
Singapore, which was displayed on the opposite wall: “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in history”.
With Gallipoli Bear, Private
Ernest Harvey, at the Old
Ford Factory Museum
36
Arriving at the Labrador Nature Reserve, the concept of juxtaposition still resonated with me. There was an
uncanny rivalry between the rhythmic snapping of the cicadas in the tropical jungle-like greenery of the
Reserve and the lapping waves of the Singapore Strait. Furthermore, the land featured distinguishable
changes from the barren landscapes that existed during WWII, to the built-up, luscious scenery that is
present today. This offers the opportunity to examine the progress that has been made over the past 75
years, and how much effort the country has put in to developing into the modern, urban nation we see it as
today.
Our tour guide, Chris, told us today that there is something truly magical and eye-opening about being in a
certain place, which brings about an awe-inspiring epiphany which will not be forgotten.
Day Five - Strategies and Surrenders
The Fall of Singapore has such an extraordinary history behind it, that it is hard to fully grasp how
monumental this event really was. Visiting the Fort Canning Hill and the Battle Box today provided me with
the opportunity to cement the significance of the defeat of the Allies: “the sun had set on one nation, but
had risen on another”.
There is something truly incredible about being in a location that transports
the mind into a bygone-era. This applies heavily to the Battle Box where we
had the opportunity be in the same room that Arthur Percival and eleven
other high-ranked military officials held the mere fifteen minute meeting
where they formally decided to surrender Singapore to Yamashita and his
troops. Being in the enclosed room, it almost seemed as though the
environment was mimetic of the situation - a closed room signifying a closed
decision.
What shocked me, however, was to learn how Winston Churchill viewed the
possibility of surrender. Churchill announced that the Allies must not
surrender at any cost and must also not consider the civilians of the nation
when making a decision. The heartless and insensitive reaction of the leader of the biggest Empire in the
world is quite confronting, as he seemingly had no regard for the humanity that remained. However, this
was a direct contrast to the twelve Allied officers who made the executive decision to surrender, as they
understood that water supplies were depleted (due to devastating bombings of the water sources and pipes
in the city) and that to continue to defend the island nation would result in unnecessary casualties on the
Allies' behalf.
What was also particularly interesting, despite its obvious importance, were the security measures that the
men in the Battle Box took to ensure that no crucial information was leaked. There were countless
propaganda posters warning about the danger if the enemy managed to access secret military information.
Furthermore, when men from the communications room had to deliver information to another part of the
bunker, they had to travel in pairs to protect the exchange of valuable data.
Day Six - Witnesses of History
I had much anticipation leading up to our visit to Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), and was impressed by the
nature of the school, the students and the education system itself.
What was immediately obvious upon arriving at HCI was the amazing architecture of the school buildings.
The school is nearing its centenary, and the age is evident in colonial-style buildings, high ceilings, white
plaster, archways and waterfalls, which were all common characteristics around the campus. Ponds and
Spice Garden Trail at
Fort Canning Hill
37
water features are intended as stress release - a calming environment for whoever requires an escape from
the demands of school life.
The welcoming nature of the students at Hwa Chong was clear
with an instant connection as we interrogated each other trying to
gain an insight to what life in Singapore is like from a teenage
perspective. We shared different perspectives in regards to the
education system, co-curricular activities and history. For
example, different responses that some of the students'
grandparents had in relation to the Japanese occupation of
Singapore were exposed when one student said his grandmother
who had lived through the Occupation had forgiven the Japanese
for what occurred. At the other end of the spectrum, another boy
said that his grandfather refused to reconcile with the Japanese,
and did not accept their culture – to the extent that he refused to
eat Japanese food. It was intriguing to see how different people,
who had lived through the same time period, reacted very
differently. Singapore seems to thrive on individualism.
To sit in on a year seven history class, and see how at such a young age they're learning about the Lee
Hock Bus Riots, the Examination Boycotts, secular politics and communism was incredibly insightful. It
provided the opportunity to really compare the education systems and see how information was dealt with
in such a direct manner, and how accepting the students were of their young nation’s history.
Day Seven - Environmental Experience
Singapore Zoo is undoubtedly one of the best zoos in the world, both in
regards to the animal species and the conservation efforts that are present
throughout the exhibits.
There is an extensive variety of animals, ranging from orderly mole rats to
majestic Asian elephants in small herds. What I found incredibly interesting
was how the nature of the zoo reflected Singapore itself - the diversity of
animals living in close quarters is eerily similar to the range of cultures living
in the 719 square kilometres that is Singapore. Seeing how these animals
interacted with each other, other species and even their human visitors,
further emphasised how Singapore Zoo is, essentially, a microcosm of the
country itself.
The conservation awareness posters and exhibits that were prominent across the zoo really encapsulated
the goals of the ‘green city.’ The zoo did not shy away from graphic content surrounding environmental
issues like animal cruelty and the illegal animal trade. Perhaps by adopting this confronting approach, the
zoo hopes to target the sympathetic nature of visitors in an attempt to deter humans away from behaviour
that is damaging the beauty of our world. I think Singapore embodies the message that the zoo preaches -
the greenery, the lack of litter and the harmony between man and nature all prove that it is not difficult to be
a sustainable, beautiful metropolis.
I appreciated one quote that was displayed in the zoo – an old Cree Indian saying: “Only after the last tree
has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught,
only then will you find that money cannot be eaten”.
At Hwa Chong Institution under the quote “If
I have seen further, it is by standing on the
shoulders of giants”
Sir Issac Newton
Singapore Zoo
38
Day Eight - War and Peace
Sentosa Island is famous as ‘The State of Fun’, however, our visit
today allowed us to discover a deeper, much more somber history
behind the small Singaporean island.
Bukit Chandu features a forest of green, with a horizon of
Singaporean skyscrapers. Despite how the beautiful views of Bukit
Chandu essentially sum up the ‘green city,’ it is important to
remember that 75 years ago, the land was the Pasir Panjang
Battlefield. Visiting the WWII Interpretive Centre at the Bukit Chandu
Museum, another perspective of the Japanese invasion of Singapore was presented to us - that of the
Malayan regiments. The Museum displayed an animated film of the Japanese attack on the Malayan
regiment, and we were able to see both the courageousness of the Malayan troops, but also the brutality of
the Japanese forces. While the video was incredibly confronting, it emphasised the morality of the Malayan
men, as they fought under the Jawi saying Ta'at Setia meaning ‘loyal and true.’ I feel this encapsulates how
gallantly the Malayan regiment fought, even to the extent that they resorted to hand-to-hand combat to halt
the Japanese.
Chris, our war specialist tour guide, has an incredible ability to articulate such sensitive matters in a delicate
manner. I admire how he can deliver intricate information in a way that provokes an emotional response
from his audience, to the point where I was constantly challenged to reflect. One particular thing that Chris
said today was that “when you are exposed to different cultures, your worldview expands significantly.”
This quote epitomises the tour - the changing perspectives, the broader view of the world and the deeper
appreciation for the sacrifices made.
“When we bring up history, it challenges our sensitivities... history makes you appreciate that not everything
is in black and white.”
Day Nine - A Trek Through Time
Visiting the Australian High Commission raised many important points
about Australia's political involvement in Singapore. Colonel David John
Hay shared with us an interesting story about the Australian slouch hat.
He said that when he wore his slouch hat, which was inspired by
Governor General Cosgrove, foreign civilians recognised his nationality
and experienced an emotional connection to him. I think this emphasises
how important the Australian involvement was, as so many people, both
Australians and foreigners, respect the immense sacrifices made
throughout history.
The Art Science Museum was created with the following mindset: “The
digital realm, free from physical constraints, allows for unlimited possibilities of expression and
transformation” (Toshiyuki Inoko, co-founder). The interactive activities throughout the museum emphasise
Singapore's modern and technologically advanced nature. I thoroughly enjoyed the crystal universe and
immersing myself in an LED cosmos.
Later in the day we visited Stamford American International School which was an incredible opportunity to
meet students our own age. One boy in particular, Adam, has a history remarkably similar, yet logistically
different, to my own. Adam was born in Ireland, but moved to Bangkok, Paris, and now lives in Singapore.
While I have lived in three countries in my life (Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Australia) I feel as though
Fort Siloso, Sentosa Island
Australian High Commission with
Colonel David Hay wearing his
slouch hat
39
there are some similarities between those countries, particularly New Zealand and Australia. However, in
Adam's case, the four countries that he had lived in are distinctly different, with significant differences in the
general lifestyle. It was incredibly interesting to see how diverse individuals can be.
Day Ten - Commemorating Anzac Day
The dawn service was the pinnacle of our tour. Arriving at Kranji War Memorial Cemetery was incredible,
but darkness disguised the true essence of the Commonwealth War Cemetery. There is a unique
atmosphere spending Anzac Day in a foreign country, and it was an amazing experience that I will certainly
never forget.
The service was incredibly moving, with emphasis on the
extraordinary sacrifices made by Allied soldiers throughout
history. The reading of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk by His
Excellency Mr Murat Lutem, the Turkish Ambassador, was
particularly powerful. “Those heroes that shed their blood
and lost their lives… they have become our sons as well”. I
feel as though he reinforced that reconciliation between the
former enemies is essential, as he recognised the battles
that played a significant role in shaping both Australia and
Turkey as nations. This modern day unification was further
enhanced by the diverse range of dignitaries who presented
wreaths at the ceremony with representatives from Costa
Rica, Germany, Japan, and Sweden, as well as Australia
and New Zealand.
The service also included a multi denominational reflection which involved the commemoration of the fallen
soldiers by the leaders of the main religions in Singapore: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. I
enjoyed seeing the unity between the cultures and faiths, a representation of how differences should not be
a basis of conflict – as they are in many wars.
Following the service, a guide from the Battle Box conducted a brief tour of the Kranji War Memorial
Cemetery. Helena explained the meaning behind the architecture of the memorial where the three main
aspects of the military – Army, Air Force, and Navy – are represented in the infrastructure. The vertical
columns holding up the structure symbolise how the army is the basis of the military and plays an important
role in the defence of the land. Similarly, the ‘roof’ of the memorial represents the wings of the Air Force,
who protect the skies. Finally, the post erected in the centre is a symbol of the navy, particularly a
submarine or the sail of a ship.
The Kranji War Cemetery evoked a sincere emotional response, one which was significantly enhanced by
the 4461 graves of men and women who fell during WWII. Reading the inscriptions on the headstones of
the fallen servicemen and women brought me to tears, as did the personal words left by the families. Words
that were never spoken in person, but are instead carved into stone, become symbolic of their everlasting
legacy. Walking around the cemetery was a moving journey, and while it was extremely difficult to
comprehend the fact that boys as young as sixteen were killed in battle, the emotional response induced is
important in maintaining both the legacy, as well as peace.
Day Eleven - Reflections and Memories
The 26 April 2017 was the day I was dreading, as it meant that the PAST 2017 journey was coming to an
end.
Seemingly endless rows of Commonwealth
casualties’ graves at Kranji War Memorial
40
Reflecting on the last ten days in Singapore, I feel very proud of everything that we accomplished as a
group. We have learnt so much about the rich and deep history of Singapore over the course of our tour. I
feel as though we not only travelled physically through Singapore, but we 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 grateful to have been able to
experience this growth. Singapore provided me with many opportunities to gain an understanding of how
events that may seem very minor in the scheme of history actually have had a profound impact.
The tour taught me a lot about myself, too. I have always
been rather introverted and very intent on personal
reflections. However, spending ten days in a foreign country
with people I only briefly met six weeks prior to our departure,
provided an opportunity for me to develop who I am as a
person. I was exposed to many environments throughout the
tour where I had the chance to voice my thoughts and
opinions, a prospect with which I often struggle. Despite this,
the supportive nature of everyone on the tour was comforting,
which enabled me to grow as a person. I feel I have become
more confident in myself and my abilities, as being on the tour
and constantly being recognised for what we achieved was
unbelievably humbling, and helped me to understand the abilities I have as an individual.
The 2017 PAST was a life-changing experience. I will cherish the amazing memories and people I have
met and the history lessons I have learnt. “Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come.
Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can build a bridge to the
future.” – Mattie Stepanek.
Acknowledgements
I'm so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Singapore with the 2017 Premier's Anzac
Student Tour. The tour is a prestigious experience, and I express my sincerest gratitude towards the
Premier, the Hon Mark McGowan and the Department of Education for providing students with this
opportunity. Being a youth ambassador for Western Australia and commemorate the turning point in the
Pacific War has been an incredibly humbling experience. Knowing that I play an important role in continuing
the legacy of the Anzacs is an amazing opportunity which is very empowering.
Leading up to the tour, my Modern History teacher, Miss Emilie Reynolds, offered constant support and
guidance, and ultimately helped me achieve a place on the tour. I am grateful to all my teachers who
empower young students to achieve such amazing opportunities, like the Premier's Anzac Student Tour.
Samantha Boswell, Mery Jones and Norman Paini (our tour coordinator and teacher supervisors) have all
made the tour feel so comfortable. They have encouraged us to embrace the culture and the history to a
full extent which has been an enormous benefit and I am truly grateful.
Furthermore, our tour guides deserve to be acknowledged for the knowledge, enthusiasm and willingness
to share with us their country, views and perspectives on history. This provided us with a more personal
view, enabling us to gain an insight into how the Singaporean people have grown up leaning about their
history. Our tour guides from Australia who we met during our March Briefing played an important role in
setting the scene for our journey to Singapore and helping us to gain an understanding of the Australian
context behind the Pacific War and the Fall of Singapore.
Arrival at Perth International Airport – the end
of our PAST 2017 journey
41
I would also like to acknowledge Jan McLeod and Jenny Knight from the War Widows' Guild of Australia
(WA) who visited us during the March Briefing. This organisation supports those who lost loved ones as a
result of war. Jan and Jenny are incredibly empowered, and they emphasised that the population of war
widows is depleting which creates a sense of uncertainty surrounding the future existence and legacy of the
Guild. I feel an extreme amount of pride about this organisation, and I hope that more young people
become aware of the sacrifices made, by both men and women, during wars and are able to acknowledge
and continue these legacies.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to participate in the tour, and I will never forget the importance of what I
have learnt.
“What we learn with pleasure we never forget” - Alfred Mercier.
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Coby Menzie
Year 11
Kelmscott Senior High School
43
Introduction – Reflections on my selection and the opportunities that lie ahead
When my Humanities teacher handed me the task outline for the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour back in
September 2016, I could have only imagined making it this far. I was given the arduous duty of entering the
prestigious competition on very short notice. With only one week to write the essay and meet all submission
deadlines for the tour, I was understandably stressed. Looking back on the experience, the late nights and
paperwork were worthwhile.
By the time November rolled around, the final interview stages of the competition were long behind me, and
the anticipation was growing with the countdown to the Remembrance Day announcements. Needless to
say, it was an anxious wait and emotions were high. I was taken by surprise on the Thursday before the
official announcements when I found out that I had made the tour a day earlier than anticipated. The news
was accompanied by feelings of pride, joy and an unexpected shock as I learned that The West Australian
newspaper wanted to interview me! The entire experience was very humbling and something I definitely
won’t forget embarking on the journey ahead of me.
Although not my first overseas trip, the tour will be my first time visiting Singapore. After learning so much
about the experience of POWs in the region, one of the things I am most excited about is visiting historic
sites like the Changi POW Museum and Fort Canning bunker. In honouring the Anzac legacy and the
unbreakable spirit of our soldiers, I think visiting sites like these where so many wartime atrocities took
place will strengthen my appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen. This deeper appreciation
and more candid view on war is something I hope to take away from the tour and something I wish to
impart when I return home in late April.
In addition to the educational purposes of the tour, I am also looking forward to experiencing the cultural
aspect of Singapore. Visiting sites like Singapore Zoo and the Art Science Museum will showcase how this
city has evolved over time - from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its present state as a
thriving urban metropolis. On this note, I am also excited to make the most of the opportunity to explore this
country and immerse myself in the Singaporean and Malaysian cultures.
Speaking to the previous tour alumni about their experiences on tour made me realise the challenges that
lie ahead, but I am confident I will be able to overcome any hurdles. From being away from my parents for
a sustained period of time to the commitments I will undertake as an ambassador for WA, this tour will mark
a movement towards greater responsibility and resourcefulness.
Overall, I am honoured to be selected as part of the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour. I am excited for
the upcoming opportunities to grow, learn and experience different aspects of our world and I can’t wait to
travel to this incredible country.
March Briefing – The anticipation grows
For the ten participants and three teachers of the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour, 2 March marked the
beginning of a new chapter for the group as we prepared for our journey to Singapore. We began in the
heart of Perth city as we assembled together for the first time in the Returned & Services League of
Western Australia (RSLWA) offices to commence the award ceremony for the prestigious tour. We were
soon greeted with a moving speech by then Education minister, Mr Peter Collier MLA, about the
importance of educational tours such as this, their importance to the preservation of our past and in
teaching us to learn from our mistakes so that we may progress forward.
What resounded most with me throughout the ceremony was not the privilege I felt being acknowledged for
making it onto the tour, nor the excitement I felt finally meeting the other finalists, but the powerful message
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of remembrance I found within Mr Collier’s words. A message best summarised by George Santayana's
quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” To me, Mr Collier cemented not
only the significance of the tour but also the importance of the places we would be visiting in the lead up to
and throughout our journey to Singapore, setting the commemorative tone for the days to come.
With this is mind, we set off to begin our historical pilgrimage into Western Australia’s military past. Over
the next three days, we travelled to several historical sites around Perth including the Army Museum, the
lesser-known Leighton Battery site and the King’s Park State War Memorial cenotaph. However, it was the
guided walk through the King’s Park Honours Avenue which had the most profound effect on me.
Referred to as a ‘living memorial,’ the site is distinct from other places of remembrance. As you walk down
the avenue, rows upon rows of bronze crosses commemorating the lives of those gallant men and women
who died fighting overseas can be seen. Each plaque is poignantly placed behind a backdrop of Marri trees
planted in honour of the fallen. As someone with a keen passion for ecological conservation, I found this
idea of honouring the dead with living trees both inspiring and touching, shifting the emphasis away from
death by celebrating the sacrifice our soldiers made with a symbol of life. To me, the trees that lined the
solemn paths of Honour Avenue represented much more than just sacrifice and life, these trees
represented the immense, enduring strength of our Anzac soldiers. Their bodies deeply rooted in the earth
just as the Marri trees are; standing strong today as a reminder of what our brave soldiers fought and died
for and a reminder that the Anzac legacy, just like these trees, lives on.
As the walk came to an end, we gathered around the Sandakan memorial to lay a wreath in recognition of
those who suffered endlessly throughout the wars so that we may lead our fortuitous lifestyles. It was here
at this ceremony, during Brandon's recitation of the “Ode for Remembrance” that the importance of
remembering the past Mr Collier talked so passionately about, became overwhelmingly apparent.
Reflecting on the briefing and the stories of wartime atrocities I had heard, I came to see why remembering
such events was so integral to our progression forward as a society. For if we do not look back into the past
and draw understanding and compassion from our mistakes, we will be condemned to repeat those same
atrocities, again and again, furthering the plight of human suffering.
Going into the March Briefing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The prospect of sharing the next few days with
a group of strangers made me nervous and I felt apprehensive about how well I was going to bond with the
other students in the short time we had together. However, after I had finally met everyone in person I
found my concerns dissipating, soon realising how like-minded and welcoming the other students were.
Leaving for Singapore, I now have a greater appreciation for the significance of the places I will be visiting
and the importance they hold in both preserving and learning from our past. While many of the parents,
wives, brothers and sisters of our fallen servicemen have passed on, their children, grandchildren, nephews
and nieces still hold dear the memory of these men and the ultimate sacrifice they made under such terrible
circumstances. By giving students the opportunity to embrace historical commemorative tours such as this
one, we are empowering the younger generation to carry on the legacy of our soldiers. I hope to convey the
importance of remembrance to my fellow peers so that they may not forget the past nor the sacrifices made
for them.
Day One: Departure
After months of preparation, tireless nights and back and forth emails, the day finally arrived when we
would embark on our journey to Singapore. As the group rallied together inside Perth International airport,
a growing sense of anticipation and excitement began to swell as the reality dawned on us that we would
soon land on Singaporean shores. There was a strong sense of eagerness for our departure, but the mood
45
was also tinted with a bittersweet tone as we bid our homes farewell for ten days and said our emotional
goodbyes to loved ones.
After our send-off, we soon settled into our flight and after what seemed forever, we finally got our first look
at the Lion City. As we descended over Singapore Bay, I was struck by the immense and intimidating fleet
of ships that lined the harbour, a testament to the city’s affluence and strong global trade networks.
Touching down at Changi Airport was an elating experience and I had a strong feeling of accomplishment
knowing that I had made it to Singapore on this prestigious tour.
Needless to say, anticipation had reached an all-time high and the glimpse of the city skyline from above
only intrigued me more about what lay ahead. As we made our way through customs and out of the airport
gates, one thing that stood out to me was not the enveloping humidity, but rather the rare diversity of
vegetation that paved the city landscape.
As we made our way to the Canning lodge - our home away from home for the next ten days - I was
captivated by the tropical foliage and incredible diversity of life that lined the roads and paths of the 'Garden
City.' The emergent green canopy of the trees seemed to be an even more dominating feature of the
Singaporean panorama than the skyscrapers themselves and I was left with a lasting impression of a green
city.
Our preview of the island nation highlighted many of the city’s most significant qualities, from the
breathtaking greenery to the bustling ports, but still, there is much to see and learn. After experiencing just
a small fraction of what this city has to offer, I am more curious to uncover the city’s cultural roots and rich
historical background that has shaped the identity of Singapore.
Day Two: Cultural Immersion
Today marked the group's first eye-opening introduction into Singapore and offered us a chance to truly
immerse ourselves in the Singaporean culture and history. Described as a city where “east meets west”,
Singapore boasts a highly cultural diverse population and it was interesting to see this illustrated by the
different religions and architectural styles present throughout the city's distinctive ethnic areas.
With cultural links to India, China, Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore is home to many different religious
practices, all on exhibition throughout the city. Over the course of the day, we travelled to some of these
places of worship, including a Mosque, Taoist temple and a Hindu pagoda. Our local tour guide, Uncle Joe,
was keen to share his comprehensive knowledge about the religions associated with each holy place and
the beliefs, values and attitudes held within each religious system. I found it interesting to note how the
predominant religion in each ethnic area influenced the culture around it. For example, in Chinatown where
the monumental Taoist temples rose, the subtle influences of traditional Chinese culture was prevalent with
everything from the store names to the cuisine being shaped by the predominant Chinese religion of the
area.
The diversity and mixture of culture in the global city was also evident through the varied architectural
styles. The influences of Western culture were most prevalent in the CBD where a highly modernised
skyline of steel, glass and multinational corporations dominated the view. As you moved further away from
the city centre, however, the eastern architecture and cultures become more distinguishable where Islamic,
Indian and Southeast Asian influences merge to form a multicultural hub. The way the differing ethnic
zones seem to harmoniously crossover underscores the tolerant nature existing between the different
ethnic and religious groups in Singapore and, for me, it’s this cultural understanding and religious
acceptance that defines Singapore’s identity as a multicultural nation.
We concluded the day’s exploits with a tour of the National Museum of Singapore, drawing insight from the
nation’s history during colonialism, Japanese occupation and its struggle to survive and thrive as an
46
independent nation. What resonated were the intrinsic function gardens and nature now play in
Singaporean culture. From the 1960’s until the 1980’s, Singapore’s landscape transformed beyond
recognition as the urbanised area doubled in size. To mitigate the effects of rapid urbanisation, under the
government of the late Lee Kuan Yew, a conscious effort was made to incorporate green areas into urban
development and to clean up the city's growing pollution epidemic. Now, the city is famously known for its
emphasis on sustainability and clean living with environmental consciousness ingrained into the identity
and culture of Singapore, a defining element of the so-called Garden City.
Day Three: Perspective
Day three was an enlightening, albeit emotional, look into the events surrounding the Fall of Singapore and
subsequent reign of terror by the Japanese. The day’s tour centred around the legacy of the ill-fated,
Changi POW camp. We began our historical expedition on Changi beach where the notorious Sook Ching
massacre of over 50 000 Chinese locals took place nearly 75 years ago. It was here where we revised the
Japanese offensive down the Malay peninsula and into the heart of Singapore, all visualised with an
impressive collection of maps, some dating back 115 years.
During our historical context lesson, interesting points were raised about one pivotal figure in particular - the
General Officer in Command, Sir Arthur Percival. It was Percival who was tasked with defending Singapore
throughout the Asia-Pacific war and it was he who had signed the surrender document to General
Yamashita, marking the fall of the mighty impregnable force to the Japanese. Our guide argued that the
Fall of Singapore was, in large part, the result of the incompetence and poor leadership of Percival. But I
think this perspective of events is rather uncompassionate because I would argue that Percival was used
as a convenient scapegoat by the British Government to hide their own shortcomings. I believe that the
failure of defences in Singapore was largely the culpability of the British war office who ignored Percival’s
pleas for increased ordnance. While no one can definitively say who was accountable, it was interesting to
see and hear different perspectives.
After moving on from the beach, we soon found ourselves at the Changi Museum. The exhibit offered a
unique and first-hand insight into the life of the prisoners interned at Changi Prison. To see in real detail,
the dehumanising conditions and unimaginable hardships endured at Changi was an incredibly poignant
experience. It highlighted the immense power of the human spirit to endure and overcome in the face of
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adversity. I found the pragmatism and ingenuity of the prisoners to be particularly inspiring, with the men
learning to live under such unforgiving conditions and oppression with the limited resources available.
An example of this resourcefulness was illustrated by a brass cross crafted from scrap metal and artillery
shells by the men at Changi. The cross was used in the Changi chapel and soon became a ‘symbol of hope
in the shadow of death’ for the POWs, illuminating the asylum from torment the POWs found in God during
their darkest moments. Faith was of monumental importance to the men and to see the effects religion had
in keeping their spirits alive gave me a new outlook on the power of belief.
As we were leaving the museum, the sky above suddenly seemed to swell with the monotonous gloom of
tombstone-grey clouds. The almost black sky above began to turn violently and soon we found ourselves
caught in the middle of a tropical deluge. As the graphite sky lit up in the chaos of the ensuing lighting
storm I couldn’t help but think of the symbolism - the dark pandemonium above reflecting the solemn and
earnest tones of the day’s events and underscoring the personal agony and hardship endured by all those
75 years ago, under the sinister regime of the Japanese forces.
Day Four: The Legacies of War
The events of today’s historical tour began in the Old Ford Motor Factory museum, the site where British
forces officially signed Singapore over to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. The exhibition recounts the
events and memories surrounding the British surrender and the Japanese occupation of Singapore,
adopting multiple differing perspectives from the period to create and eye-opening and insightful
experience.
The museum incorporated various pieces of archival footage, published material and oral history accounts
into the exhibit to project the diverse array of experiences from this crucial time period. However, it was the
often overlooked civilian perspectives that I found most compelling. In one particularly confronting oral
account, an elderly woman recalled the horrific and utterly unforgivable scenes of brutality she saw during
the Japanese occupation of Singapore. One scene described how a young, defenceless baby was
bayoneted through the torso, still alive, kicking and screaming while the Japanese soldiers watched on and
laughed. Another story depicted how a Sikh man was randomly targeted by the Japanese, “they cut off his
head and I remember seeing his head rolling… his turban uncoiling... and this guy’s body was still walking.”
I found these incredibly graphic and intimate civilian stories of the Japanese cruelty to be both confronting,
and extremely eye-opening. During my research into the Fall of Singapore, I had heard of other atrocities
such as the Sook Ching massacres, but nothing on a personal level comparable to what I experienced at
the Old Ford Motor Factory. Hearing these unimaginable accounts of cruelty inflicted on citizens by the
Japanese, elicited a personal response in me that was indescribable. I had never before heard such horrific
and real stories from the Syonan-to period and the experience made me consider the true extent of the
horrors of war because as I realised, the Japanese brutality was not just limited to POWs. After the moving experience at the Ford Factory museum, we shifted our focus away from the sombre
sentiments and marched over to the serene jungle slopes of the Labrador Nature Reserve. Here, at the
highest peaks of the forested hill, lay the old WWII remnants of the Labrador Battery. The once proud and
fortified fort, now stood as a relic of the site’s long, important history and offered the group a unique
opportunity to walk through time.
It was also an enlightening escapade, giving us the chance to put ourselves in the shoes of those soldiers
who courageously battled similar terrain during the Asia-Pacific conflict. As we trekked through the steamy
jungle trails, there was a deafening roar of cicadas, accompanied by the howl of forest animals in the
distance filling the air with both wonder and unease. As we trudged deeper into the dense green
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undergrowth, this discomfort swelled and the jungle began to take on a claustrophobic quality, flanking us
from every direction and slowly consuming us in vaults of leaf and limb. This angst was only exaggerated
by the thick jungle canopy above which cast dancing shadows onto the groves below, creating an
overwhelming feeling of paranoia. To think that our men lived in these conditions, combating rain, mud and
disease for weeks on end, made me consider and appreciate the unforgiving environment that our soldiers
endured. Realising that, while tranquil, the jungle could be a very scary place, especially for our service
people considering they also lived in fear of an unseen, brutal enemy.
Day Five: Strategy and Surrender
Contrary to popular belief, Singapore’s history did not begin 50 years ago and as we would soon discover,
the city has been shaped by a long and prolific past dating back more than 700 years.
After a later than usual start, the group made its way across the street to the Fort Canning park, an iconic
hilltop landmark of the Singaporean landscape. The park has been witness to many of Singapore’s greatest
historic milestones and as we would learn today, has been the site of much ambition, humiliation and
tragedy. Of particular focus for the group was the Fort Canning hill itself, a place where Malayan royalty
once ruled and where the decision was made by the British chain of command to surrender Singapore to
the Japanese forces.
Our historical expedition through time began with the
story of the ancient Kingdom of Singapura. As the
tale goes, a Malayan prince known as Sang Nila
Utama landed on the shores of Temasek (nowadays
Singapore). In his historical annals, the prince
recounts how upon landing ashore he spotted a
strong and powerful creature moving at speed into
the forest. Likening the animal to a lion, the prince
took the sighting as an auspicious omen and
founded the settlement of Singapura, or “Lion City”,
where he erected a citadel on top of Bukit Larangan
(Fort Canning hill).
Many years later, the same hill was used by the
British as a strategic location to establish their headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British
Army Barracks. However, hidden beneath the dense undergrowth that now envelops the hill in a cascade of
dark green verdure, there exists a secret underground military bunker, known today as the Battle Box. The
bunker was completed in 1938 to serve as the nerve-centre for British military operations during WWII. It
was here, in this nine metre deep labyrinth where commanding officer, Sir Arthur Percival, and his senior
officers made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to Yamashita and his troops.
Winston Churchill had requested an unconditional fight to the death, noting how a surrender of this scale
would dishonour the empire and damage its reputation irreparably. But with a dwindling water supply, little
ammunition or petrol, and no way of implementing a counter attack, Singapore’s command had no choice
but to surrender the stronghold. The tour of the Battle Box painfully illustrated the humiliation of the Allied
defeat and reflected the desperation and hopelessness of the high command during those final moments.
To see the recreation of the final conference and the dejection of their demeanour as they realised
surrender was the only option, clearly put into perspective the personal agony and shame they must have
felt.
Throughout our tour, it was also interesting to note how, despite history dismissing the Japanese as
arrogant, our inquiry showed they were actually masterful tacticians with a strong command of the
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battlefield. In one especially compelling archive clip, General Yamashita could be seen driving down a
street lined with the defeated allied soldiers, the men stripped of their dignity, hanging their heads in
shame. This theatrical display of power was no doubt intended as propaganda for a larger audience, but
what I noticed was how it insulted the men of the Allied Forces. To see the tens of thousands of soldiers
lining the streets, knowing that over 120 000 of them became POWs, imbued the video with an
overwhelmingly disturbing and sombre sentiment. Not only were they humiliated by an enemy they believed
to be inferior, but now they faced a fate even worse than dishonour - one condemned to ignominy.
Day Six: Witnesses of History
There was much anticipation leading into the events of today at the Hwa Chong Institution (HCI). Having
previously exchanged ideas and sentiments with the students of the prestigious academy, I was eager to
meet them and see what prospects their school held. Arriving on the 72-acre campus, I was immediately
taken by the scale of the landscape and by the mixture of colonial and contemporary architecture that
seemed to fluidly merge together, forming HCI’s identity. This identity values the possibilities and
opportunities of the future while still celebrating its rich history and distinguished heritage.
One of the most thought-provoking parts of today was the discussion with the Hwa Chong students about
war from a Singaporean context. As part of gaining cultural insight and expanding our historical
understanding, we were split into two groups and encouraged to discuss what we knew about the Fall of
Singapore and share our personal voice on the matter. The discussion was a great opportunity to see the
perspective of the Japanese occupation from the viewpoint of the younger generation of Singaporeans and
allowed many interesting stories and perspectives to flourish.
One particularly compelling story was told by one of the students whose grandmother lived during the
Japanese occupation of the Lion City. As he opened up about the personal effects the war had on his
family, he recounted how when his grandmother was a child (only three or four years old at the time) she
was dressed to look like a boy. The reason? Because her mother feared that she would be targeted and
raped by the Japanese soldiers. This story opened my eyes to the civilian perspective of the Japanese
occupation and revealed another layer of the callousness, fear and oppression imposed on civilians by the
Japanese. While incredibly shocking and horrific to imagine a situation where this could happen, the pupil
went on to explain how, much of his family had now reconciled with the horrors of the past and no longer
held resentment or anger toward the Japanese people. Although this compassionate mindset was not held
by all the grandparents of the HCI students, I found it comforting to think that even after the atrocities
endured throughout WWII, the people of Singapore were able to forgive and move on.
Day Seven: Environmental Experience
Today we shifted our focus away from the earnest tones of war and bloodshed to visit one of Singapore’s
most famed attractions, Singapore Zoo. The zoo is home to over 300 species which culminate to form the
over 2,800 mammals, birds, reptiles and insects which call this rainforest menagerie home. Within the
confines of the park, there are creatures that roam from every corner of the globe, animals from as far north
as the icy tundra of the Arctic Circle to those that inhabit the wide open grassy plains of the African
savannah. The zoo even hosts some prehistoric fauna, allowing park guests to traverse through time with
their Jurassic themed dinosaur attraction.
As we skipped between the various animal enclosures and watched in awe as exhilarating live animal
shows unfolded in front of our eyes, I began to notice a common theme that beset the otherwise serene
appearance of the zoo. As we walked through the green paths connecting the zoo, banners and posters all
condemning the illegal pet trade (prevalent throughout and Southeast Asia) could be seen. Each presenting
passers-by with confronting images of the cruelty endured by animals subjected to this callous trade. At the
end of each live show, zoo staff made it a priority to draw viewer attention to ecological issues currently
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facing humanity, driving home powerful messages about animal conservation and the need to protect all life
on earth. Be it the mighty elephant, the gentle orangutan or the majestic Phengaris butterfly.
This emphasis on promoting environmental conservation was admirable and the zoo’s sincere value for the
environment and the creatures of this earth
was heart-warming. What soon became
evident was that the zoo itself paralleled
many aspects of the city it was sheltered by -
a dynamic microcosm encapsulating the
characteristics of the famous Lion City. The
dazzling diversity seen flourishing in the park
confines seemed to reflect the cultural and
ethnic diversity that prospered within
Singapore itself. The harmony between man
and nature witnessed at the zoo, mirrors the harmony between the man-made, concrete structures and
natural green verdure that envelopes the Singaporean cityscape. Leaving the zoo, I was reminded of a particularly powerful quote which underscored the themes of the day.
This quote from Chief Seattle illuminates our need to better appreciate the environment, and to protect and
conserve our blue marble planet, the only home we’ve ever known.
Day Eight: War and Peace
Today saw us travel to several historic sites across Singapore’s south-west, unraveling more of
Singapore’s wartime stories. We travelled to Sentosa Island, known as a place of fun where you can find
the famed Universal Studios and enjoy the pristine white sandy beaches that line Sentosa’s shores. Yet
hidden beneath the paradise that is this small island weekend getaway, there lies a dark past scarred by
the horrors of war. Here we visited Fort Siloso, an artillery battery used by the British during 1942 and then
as a POW camp by the Japanese after the fateful Fall of Singapore. While on Sentosa we also visited
Madam Tussauds and the Images of Singapore exhibit, an immersive experience which highlighted the
history of Singapore’s post-colonialism period. However, it was our morning visit to the Bukit Chandu
Museum that moved me the most.
It was here where I learned of the Royal Malay Division and their heroism and courage during the Battle
of Pasir Panjang. During the final moments of this battle, the Japanese launched an all-out banzai charge
in great numbers against the Malay regiment. Overwhelmed by the size of the Japanese forces and by the
ferocity and immediacy of their advance, the Malayan defence line was shattered. Greatly outnumbered
and short on ammunition and medical supplies, the Malay Regiment faced an unquestionable defeat. But
rather than run or surrender, the Malays rallied together in a common cause of camaraderie and patriotism
to make one last heroic stand against the Japanese. They chose against overwhelming odds, in the face of
a relentless enemy, to continue fighting. Claiming both their honour and loyalty to the Malayan homeland,
the regiment resorted to using bare hands to fend off the Japanese, engaging in a fierce and bloody assault
which ended with the slaughter of the entire Malay regiment.
Although tragic, the story of the Battle of Pasir Panjang illustrates the immense courage and bravery of
those valiant soldiers and underscores the undying passion and power of the human spirit to endure in the
face of overwhelming adversity. This trait characterised much of WWII and is one that inspires and
motivates me to endure and persist, no matter how hard the situation at hand may seem. While at Bukit Chandu, our amazing tour guide, Chris, made an interesting point about the Anzac legacy in
the modern day context, one which resonated deeply with me. He read aloud an article published in The
New Daily about the Anzac Day football games in Australia. In it, a reporter asks Richmond player, Jack
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Riewoldt to unpack the parallels between the record of the Anzacs and the games that they commemorate.
In response, Riewoldt expresses his discontent in drawing parallels between “running around a footy field
against running into enemy fire,” with the article going on to raise questions about whether or not the Anzac
games are exercised with the purest of intentions. Saying how it’s, “a bit of a liberty, and nudging right up to
egregious disrespect of what they endured and what they achieved, to invoke the Anzac legend every time
you want to boost your ratings or sell some tickets.”
This article evoked serious questions about my fellow Australians' understanding of the Anzac legacy. In a
world where so many of our returning veterans are plagued with insidious illness and mental afflictions,
causing them to take their own lives in light of the horrors of warfare, it seems rather inappropriate and
disrespectful to make comparisons between war and football. While the games do bring to light the
sacrifices made for us, I don’t think many Australians fully understand why it is that they bow their heads in
one minute's silence. In saying that, I think that commemorative tours such as this one equip the younger
generation of Australians with the knowledge and understanding to appreciate the Anzac legacy and the
unimaginable sacrifices made for their freedom.
Day Nine: A Trek Through Time
We began today with a visit to the Australian High Commission where we learnt about the importance of
Australia’s strong influence in Singapore. While there, we met with Colonel David Hay of the Australian
Defence Force (ADF) who talked about his role as the Australian Defence Adviser in Singapore and walked
us through his day-to-day duties. Dressed from head to toe in his formal military attire, Colonel Hay was
easily recognisable as a member of ADF and when asked why he wore his hat indoors his response
seemed to evoke a sense of pride in one’s nation that characterised the spirit of those first Anzacs. He
mentioned the iconic style of the Australian slouch hat, sloping khaki brim, emphasising its significance as a
symbol of Australian identity which makes him, and his nationality, easily recognisable to all those around
him.
Colonel Hay went on to illustrate the significance of wearing the hat with pride when he recounted stories
where foreigners had come up and personally thanked him and the ADF for their service in conflict and
peace keeping operations across the globe, both past and present. His words reinforced the idea that the
hat is truly an iconic symbol of the Australian identity and of the noble Anzac spirit. Colonel Hay’s words
resonated strongly with the ideals of the Anzac spirit especially in being proud of one’s origins and in being
proud to serve your nation for the greater good of your fellow countrymen. Before leaving, he expressed the
opportunities available for determined young individuals such as ourselves in the ADF, and left me
pondering the prospect of pursuing a career in the Royal Australian Defence Force, a profession I feel
would both challenge and reward me.
Following our visit to the High Commission, we toured one of Singapore’s modern architecture marvels, the
Art Science Museum. The museum showcases a wide variety of artistic content integrated with elements of
science, design, media and technology that launches visitors into an immersive world of dancing light
shows, 3D projected images and impressive visual displays. While a fun experience, the museum
represented Singapore’s transformation from a developing nation to its current modernised and
technologically affluent metropolis. Thus, showcasing the spectacle and ingenuity that a balanced mixture
of science and art can generate.
As we left the exhibit and walked back to the museum foyer, my eye was caught by a quote on the wall
which encapsulated the experience and the purpose behind it, paralleling a message I think can be related
back to the theme of war. The quote read, “Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your
senses – especially learn how to see. Realise that everything connects to everything else.” After seeing the
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brutality imposed on human life by both sides of the war, I think this ideal of everything connecting to
everything else, embodies the idea that all human life is connected.
At the end of the day, when the fallen servicemen on each side of the conflict are laid to rest in foreign soil
and their bodies wither away, then we realise that we’re not so different after all. Underneath the skin that
shelters us, we are all the same and no matter how different we may appear on the outside, we share a
common ancestry and connection to the earth which unites us to one another. If we can look past each
other’s differences, be it physical or ideological, and if we can accept one another and draw understanding
from those differences, then maybe we can end the plight of human suffering and cease our fervent hatreds
toward each other. If we took guidance from this quote and learn to recognise our interconnectedness to
the world around us, then maybe we will deal more kindly with our earth and with one another in the hope
of a better tomorrow.
Day Ten: Anzac Day
After walking the trials of time for the last ten days, the climax of our commemorative journey was finally
coming to an end with the Anzac Day dawn service steadily approaching. We awoke early at 4:30am to a
dark sky, our eyes stale and tired and our bodies still hugging the warmth of our beds. Despite our
discontent about abandoning cosy sheets, there was a growing sense of eagerness for the day’s events,
filling the rooms with an energy that motioned us to ready ourselves for the dawn service. Dragging
ourselves downstairs from the hotel, we made our way to Singapore’s north where we arrived outside the
Kranji War Cemetery.
To reach our final destination would involve a long and silent walk down the cemetery road, a walk that set
the tone for the events that would proceed. Making our way past the dark walls of vegetation that lined our
path to the right, the soft murmur of sleeping forest animals could be heard. No deafening roar of cicadas
nor drowning cries of the forest birds, just the tranquil purr of the jungle and the steady march of tired feet.
As I began to notice this so too did I notice the staleness of the air, thick with humidity and entirely
motionless, not even a gentle breeze dared to rattle the forest canopy. The silent stillness of the Singapore
dawn mirrored the minute of silence held during the “Last Post” and established the respectful, yet earnest
tenor of our setting, and of the service that was soon to commence.
Not long after we had found our seats, the ceremony began. We were welcomed by a New Zealand Air
Force Officer and the typical proceedings of a dawn service followed. However, a strong theme present
during the ceremony was that of reconciliation, evident during a reading of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s
Gallipoli speech by the Turkish Ambassador to Singapore. What particularly struck me were the words,
“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives. You are now lying in the soil of a friendly
country…after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well”. These words not only
remain true for the Australian, British and New Zealand servicemen that lie buried beneath the Dardanelle
earth but true for all those soldiers that lie unknown throughout the Asian landscape. The Japanese bones
which nourish this region of the world, are now friends to the Malayan people, just as the Australian bones
lying next to the skulls of Turkish men are sons of the same land, with hearts at peace under the same
heaven.
Shortly after the service, once the masses of people had moved on, we were free to walk the Kranji hill.
Poignantly lined with rows upon rows of stone crosses, the opportunity gave us time to further reflect and
pay our respects to all those who gallantly gave their lives during WWII. Between observing the names and
dates etched in permanence onto those headstones, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of
sacrifice that characterised the white stone hill. In the darkness of our predawn assembly and between the
crowds of people, I had hardly noticed all the graves that covered the cemetery grounds. With some 4,470
headstones located at Kranji War Cemetery, I was only now comprehending the endless amount of death
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and bloodshed that characterised war, now realised in surreal detail by the seemingly endless number of
crosses. Each headstone symbolised a son, brother or husband lost in the fight for freedom.
While incredibly moving and oddly beautiful, the service provoked in me a sense of pride. A sense of pride
similar to the pride Colonel Hay felt wearing the iconic slouch hat. Pride not only in my nation but in the
Australian men and women who came before me, answering their call to duty in the hopes of safeguarding
our great nation from all those who would see it collapse.
After seeing and hearing the stories of the hardship and suffering endured by Australian soldiers during
these last ten days, I entered this dawn service with a more candid and sincere appreciation for the
sacrifices made. This year, I forged an understanding of the true meaning of the Anzac legacy and the
importance of remembering and reflecting on the past so that we may learn from it.
Day Eleven: Returning Home and Reflections
Stepping off the Singapore Airlines plane and walking through Perth International Airport after our five-hour
flight was a bittersweet sensation. I was glad to be back on recognisable soil, realising that I would soon be
in the arms of loved ones, serenaded with kisses from my pooch. As well, I was eager to share my
experience with friends, family and teachers and the prospect of sleeping in a familiar bed again filled me
with relief and drowsy excitement. Yet as I continued to walk further and further away from that Singapore
Airline plane, I began to sense the bitter farewell that was upon the group.
Sitting now at my desk, a week on from that final day together as the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour group,
I am filled with the purest feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment I have known. My certificate of
acknowledgement still proudly hangs over my desk. While I am saddened to be away from the friends I
made during those ten days in Singapore, I stay hopeful believing that we will remain friends, content
knowing that from our sad departure great things came about. One of which is my deeper appreciation for
the Anzac legacy and for the ultimate sacrifice made by so many under such terrible circumstances all
those years ago. An appreciation fostered by the experience of the tour and nurtured by the passion of our
tour guides and all those involved with making this incredible experience possible.
I believe I left Singapore a more mature and understanding person than when I first arrived. Bringing back
with me a unique and more compassionate perspective on the events of WWII, and with an understanding
of the terrible consequences and hardships endured on all fronts of the Asia-Pacific conflict. Be it Allied,
Japanese or civilian, they all suffered immensely during the bloodshed and carnage that characterised the
war, and after my experience in Singapore I strongly believe that when we look back on history we should
be mindful of our harsh criticisms, knowing that those brave men and women who fought, regardless of
their alliance, were only human after all.
Conclusion and Acknowledgements
The Premier’s Anzac Student Tour 2017 has been the most eye-opening and constructive experience I
have had the great privilege of being part of. Not only have I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the
Singaporean culture and history, but I have been fortunate enough to gain a unique insight only a few
Australians will ever have the chance to experience. In doing so, I have fostered a deep passion for our
collective past allowing me to unravel the events WWII. I have learnt how these events shaped the
Singaporean landscape and how they ultimately changed our world forever. The experience was also an
invaluable character-building tool, encouraging me to believe in myself more and to have confidence in my
abilities. Further developing my interpersonal skills and teaching me to draw understanding and
compassion from not only history itself but from each other and our differences.
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In reflection of the extraordinary opportunity I was honoured with undertaking this year as an ambassador
for Western Australia, I thank all those who contributed to my journey and to this tour. First and foremost, I
would like to acknowledge the State Government for delivering this initiative. In saying that, I would also like
to express my gratitude for the premier for WA, the Hon Mark McGowan and to the Education Minister, Ms
Suzanne Ellery for your continued support of historical commemorative student tours. Special thanks are
owed to the tour staff, Samantha Boswell, Mery Jones and Norman Paini for their tremendous effort and
commitment to this tour and its participants. If not for your hard work and dedication, this tour wouldn’t have
met the high standard it did.
Thanks are due to the various organisations that we encountered in Singapore, including the students and
staff of Hwa Chong Institution and Stanford American International School, and also to the numerous
museum exhibition staff, tour guides and chaperones, Chris, Joe and Ni, who made my experience
unforgettable. I would also like to recognise and extend my thanks to the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion for
graciously accepting me into their community and to the Returned & Service League of Western Australia,
the Department of Veterans Affairs, members of the War Widows’ Guild of Australia (WA) and Honours
Avenue Group who devoted time, resources and effort to make this tour as immersive and insightful as
possible.
I would also like to acknowledge my Year 10 Humanities teacher, Ms Crystal Wieringa and the work of Ms
Susan Thomson, and to my family and friends who encouraged me to set my aspirations high and to
pursue this prestigious position. Without your persistence and undying belief in me and my abilities I would
not be where I am today, and for that, I am truly thankful. On a final note, I need to express my sincere
gratitude to the student participants who accompanied me on this tour. Never have I met a more
determined, diligent and welcoming group of kids and I am confident that your high calibre of character will
lead every one of you to pursue great things.
Thank you all for making this incredible experience possible. After all, it’s not the places you go, it’s the
people you meet along the way which makes the experience so special.
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Mya Kordic
Year 10
Manjimup Senior High School
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Introduction
I first discovered I had been selected as a student ambassador for the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour
on Remembrance Day at school. Months of hard work and anticipation led to this morning where my nerves
could barely be contained.
Completing the essay and interview process was a valuable learning experience, and the thought of being
chosen to represent my school, community and state while honouring the Anzacs overseas, was a privilege
I would be proud to undertake. I was sitting in my HASS class in the library learning about the history of
Remembrance Day, when the Head of the HASS Department for my school, Ms Birmingham, entered the
room. Ms Birmingham had given me amazing guidance along the journey, so when she silenced our class
to announce the news, the butterflies I felt were taking off.
As my class congratulated me, a million thoughts ran through my head. I had been selected! I felt very
honoured and excited for the upcoming adventure. The representation of my school and community was
really put into perspective that day when I received congratulations from my peers, friends, teachers and in
the weeks following I also received letters from politicians around the State. As soon as I returned home
from an eventful day at school, I shared the news with my parents and siblings who had been notified
earlier in the day. With joy and pride, my family talked excitedly about the months ahead. It is the start of a
journey I will never forget.
Before embarking on the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour, I look forward to enhancing my knowledge of
Australia’s involvement with Singapore during WWII. Writing my application essay was just the beginning.
As part of the tour, I have been researching historical figures, and preparing a tutorial about an aspect of
Singapore as a nation. I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the March Briefing - yet another
opportunity to learn by visiting sites around Perth to help us with our journey.
I am excited to embark on the tour into a new, vibrant culture, with a rich history - I have so much to
discover while visiting. Honouring the Anzacs overseas as a youth ambassador for Western Australia is an
extremely exciting privilege, and I hope to share the importance of the Anzac legacy upon my return. This
prestigious educational opportunity will be fulfilled with pride and honour; not only do I represent my school
and community, but the wonderful state of Western Australia. I am so grateful for what is to come,
overseas, on the trip of a lifetime.
March Briefing
Over the three days between 2-4 March, I was privileged to attend the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour
March Briefing. I was accompanied by my fellow tour participants, teachers and coordinator. The briefing
included prestigious events such as our presentation ceremony and a private service at Kings Park. It gave
me a chance to get to know each other and prepare for our fast-approaching tour.
The highlight of the briefing would be the knowledge of history, and people’s experiences of the Fall of
Singapore and WWII. I gained a great deal from listening to different individuals over the three days which
expanded my own knowledge and helped prepare me for the tour.
At the Presentation Ceremony on Thursday the 2nd, we were very privileged to be in the presence of 2/4th
Machine Gun Battalion veterans Mr John Gilmour, Mr Dick Ridgewell and his son Jim, where Jim spoke on
his father’s behalf. We were very lucky to hear of Dick’s experiences during the war and how he has
achieved longevity at the impressive age of ninety nine.
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On Friday 3 March, we visited the Army Museum of Western Australia in Fremantle to attend a tour of the
museum following the history of the Fall of Singapore and Prisoners of War with our guide Brian King.
Brian’s expansive amount of knowledge was incredibly helpful as we walked through the insightful exhibits.
Our last stop in Fremantle of that day was at the WWII Tunnels with a tour led by the impressively
knowledgeable Barry Ellis, a former member of the military himself. I was amazed by everything he knew
about Perth during WWII and the city of Singapore; we couldn’t have had a better person to lead us through
the twisting tunnels underneath Leighton Battery.
Later in the afternoon, we were delighted to be acquainted with Jenny Knight and Jan McLeod from the
War Widows’ Guild of Australia (WA). We learnt of their roles in the association and the importance of
acknowledging the lives of widows as they continue to lead through hardships and heartbreak. Both guests
offered another incredibly emotional perspective into WWII, and likely changes to their organisation in the
future.
On Saturday morning we were excited to learn communication skills with some fun exercises we practiced
as a group, and valuable information on public speaking and speaking to the media. Later on, we travelled
to Kings Park and received a tour of some of the memorials for Australian soldiers, and then a walking tour
along plaques beneath their own trees. This walking tour was followed by a solemn wreath laying ceremony
at the Sandakan Memorial, with moving words from our guides asking us to remember the importance of
reconciliation after the events that have occurred during war.
The March Briefing has helped me realise more clearly the role I am undertaking, and the historical,
commemorative privilege I feel so honoured to have been given. I am very grateful to the amazing
presenters during the briefing who gave their own time to share information with us so passionately. They
were exceptionally helpful in preparing us for our own upcoming journey.
These few days, although short, have allowed me to broaden my knowledge extensively, and meet my
remarkable peers who I am so lucky to travel with from April 16.
Day 1: 16 April 2017
Nerves, anticipation and excitement. Three emotions bubbled up inside me as I entered Perth International
Airport with my family on Sunday, 16 April. As the clock ticked past 11:30am, everyone joined together in
one large huddle. I checked off everything I was supposed to have packed, as I waited to check in my
luggage. Once we filled out an international travel form, it was time to say goodbye to our families. As we
bid our farewells, I was sad to say goodbye, but excited for the trip ahead knowing their support and pride
in me as I headed for departures.
My first time exiting the country led to the first experience of international security checks. Before long, my
fellow participants and I were relaxing in the boarding area, our Singapore Airlines plane in all of its
magnificence outside the glass separating the bustling airport from the tarmac that lay below. After one of
the quickest games of Go Fish I had ever played, and a photo with the crew of flight SQ226, we were
boarding to travel from Perth to Singapore.
While flying over the Indian Ocean, I began to realise what all of these months of preparation and hard
work had been leading up to. It is a privilege to represent our state of Western Australia, my community and
school overseas in Singapore. I excitedly counted down the hours and eventually the minutes until we
landed on foreign soil. I pictured a vibrant, urban jungle as we slowly descended to the ground, and the
twinkling lights of the city already glowed around the aircraft.
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After a wonderful flight with Singapore Airlines, we made our way through the enormous building that is
Changi International Airport. Super speed was gifted to us as we travelled along a human-sized conveyor
belt that led the way to a Singaporean security check point. With our fingerprints checked and passports
stamped, we made our way to collect our suitcases that made their own journey under the plane. “The
Garden City” as Singapore is well known, even written on their bank notes, was already becoming very
obvious as we made our way to the exit. Vegetation was displayed everywhere possible, including
alongside fountains where white orchids bloomed.
We were given a sneak preview of the city we are visiting in all of its glowing glory, as we rode our bus with
tour guide Joe towards our accommodation. Now writing this from Fort Canning, I cannot wait to experience
what this historically fascinating, constantly evolving island city has to offer.
Day 2: 17 April 2017
When I awoke in the city of Singapore this morning, I could hardly believe we would finally get to explore
“The Garden City” in the sunshine. “Garden City” it truly was. As we walked to our first daytime bus trip,
different shades of green foliage hung over the busy motorways, leaves dripping with moisture from the
humidity as if we were in the middle of a jungle. One of the most fascinating things about the environment
in the city is how they work together so harmoniously. The gardens are kept extremely neat and are
landscaped in such a way that they blend into their urban environment as well as standing out as a feature,
like the towers crowding over them. Tree roots migrated across walkways, while greenery crept up
skyscrapers; it is a sight that is simply spectacular.
Subsequent to passing through parks and underpasses, we found our way to a pedestrian bridge that
crossed a waterway - the Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer together made up the magnificent view
ahead of us. Fog magically clouded among the height of the most expensive structure built in Singapore;
the hotel’s boat shaped rooftop was a sight in itself. There were many tourists crowding along the bridge
taking photographs of the views and of each other, even
including selfie-stick photos with some of us! As we
made our way further along the walkway, the Merlion -
symbolic of Singapore’s “Lion City” - loomed over
tourists, ourselves included. It was placed proudly on its
pedestal spurting a stream of fast running water from an
open mouth. I could see the whole city represented
through architecture viewed from that walkway - a
recent billion dollar project, countless glass panels
gleaming in the sun, and a symbol of Singapore that
dates back to its foundation. This small section of the
city’s architecture represented Singapore’s unique
contrast between the old and the new.
After witnessing such an enchanting view, our tour guide, Joe, led us to Arab Street, Little India and China
Town. Much like Australia, Singapore is a multicultural-nation. I discovered that all of these religions have a
tolerance of each other, meaning no conflict and respect between them. The Islamic mosque had an
interior design based on its respective culture, beliefs and traditions. We removed our shoes before
entering the building, and females covered their legs in long gowns, while the males had a floor length wrap
around their waists. For some of the other religious buildings we visited, we dressed in similar clothing
according to the sacred beliefs of the religion visited. The Hindi and Chinese temples were also very
compelling religions to learn about and it was an insightful experience to visit their sacred, heritage sites.
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Following a mouth-watering assorted lunch, we were ready to tour the National Museum of Singapore. As
we walked through the interactive, visually entrancing exhibits,
information about the formation of Singapore was presented to me
in a way that pulled me into a tour through the museum of history
dating back hundreds of years ago to present day.
Contemplating today’s events, the theme of Day 2 on the Premier’s
Anzac Student Tour really resonates with the things we
experienced as a group on a cultural tour of the magnificent
Singapore. I look forward to the upcoming days where we will be
able to dig further beneath the present surface into an eventful
history. Starting tomorrow we will be studying events that occurred
in Singapore during WWII becoming witnesses of history where the
events occurred, many years ago.
Day 3: 18 April 2017
Events of WWII have had a profound impact on the island city of Singapore, as we discovered on Day 3 of
the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour. This theme of events that occurred during WWII carried out through the
day at each stop; a theme that worked alongside another - perspective. Perspective in this case during
times of war and how we view these events now, is part of “moving forward by looking back”. This quote is
taken from the knowledgeable Chris, our tour guide today. He claimed this is the reason why he finds
military history so interesting - it can be perceived in so many different ways. This thought resonated with
me throughout the day, and allowed me to look at things from a different angle.
The first activity listed on our itinerary was to travel to the area of Changi on the east of the island. As we
made our way along the foliage-lined, pristine motorways, Chris told us about the shortness of the distance
we were travelling, and how that has become a problem for the city in terms of a fight for space. This
leaves the government with the option to decide whether a building is a heritage site and needs to be kept,
or removed to make way for future development. When we arrived at Changi Beach, Chris showed us an
old map dating back over 50 years ago depicting the island of Singapore during that time. It was intriguing
to see a side-by-side comparison of the old map with one from recent years that showed how much has
changed since events of WWII and the impact it has had on the nation’s islands. Changi Beach was the
place where Chinese people were horrifically murdered by Japanese soldiers, otherwise known as the
Sook Ching massacre. Perspective comes into play when we learnt that the Japanese believed they killed
five thousand people, while others believe it could have been over twenty thousand. Most believe it was an
unjustifiable act, while General Yamashita believed what he did was right, as revealed through Caitlyn’s
informative narrative that she shared with us.
Our visit to the Changi Chapel and Museum was particularly moving. The chapel itself was a place to
reflect on the pain and suffering these brave individuals went through, something no human being should
ever have to experience. The museum focused on many personal stories of prisoners of war in Singapore,
which were incredibly sad to read. Artefacts from the prison were put on display including letters sent home
to families or received under captivity. It was heartbreaking to read the touching words exchanged, both
sender and recipient unsure if they would ever see each other again. Different perspectives of what
occurred at the prison were shown through Australian quotes and Japanese records of the events.
Transformation was another theme that was portrayed very clearly throughout sites visited in the city’s
centre. We discovered many of these magnificent forms of architecture had been reincarnated many times
before. An example of this would be the Singaporean Parliament House, now a museum and public space.
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The main room of the building had transformed from a Scottish merchant's home, to a court of law, then a
House of Parliament and presently an entertainment space where poetry readings are performed.
Today’s experiences have helped me realise the power of many different perspectives. In some cases it
has divided and in others united. Today we learnt what impact the events of WWII had on the nation of
Singapore, and how they have viewed these occurrences in order to make progress and move forward.
Day 4: 19 April 2017
Day Four of the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour began, with a nourishing breakfast then a bus trip to the Old
Ford Factory, now a museum under the National Archives of Singapore. The Old Ford Factory Museum
has many interactive, insightful exhibits that depict the Fall of Singapore, the city during Japanese
occupation and life for Singaporeans after the war ended. As well as holding significant present time
exhibits, the Old Ford Factory is also the location where the British formally surrendered to the Japanese
Army. The exhibits start with life at the Ford Factory and Singapore post - WWI, with a vintage promotion of
Singapore archived from the 40s, a clever way to begin a journey through Singapore’s history.
We explored rooms full of artefacts and interactive areas showing two sides of the Fall of Singapore. One
perspective presented was the Japanese view, shown through Japanese written documents, artefacts and
quotes with the same for the British with the exception of being written or spoken in English. A particularly
memorable and fascinating component of the exhibits would have to be the mock up room of surrender;
inside was a replica wooden table and the actual chairs used when Britain formally surrendered. A video
was projected above the room displaying footage of both forces meeting together, with great tension clearly
exhibited through their body language. The next room we visited focused on Singapore under Japanese
occupation starting with oral accounts of the Sook Ching massacre, which proved a confronting experience
to assimilate. Compassion was shown during this time however, by the most unexpected individuals. These
people included some empathetic Japanese soldiers who would tell people to escape at opportune times,
or local children who would risk their lives to give a Prisoner of War a piece of bread.
The Anzacs’ stories in Singapore during the Fall of the Nation, were told at three different locations
throughout the city. The first being the Operation Rimau Memorial, where the Anzacs were secretly
sabotaging Japanese ships in the Singapore Port until they were discovered and tragically murdered by the
Japanese Army. A second area in Singapore was the Labrador Reserve an area heavy with the greenery of
a small tropical rainforest. As we made the small trek through dense foliage, we were given a sense of what
the Anzacs went through as they protected Singapore shores, sleeping amongst potentially dangerous
creatures and suffering from exposure to unbearable weather conditions. The final stop we made for the
day was at the Alexandra Hospital, previously the British Military Hospital. During the time of the Fall of
Singapore, Japanese forces attacked patients, nurses and doctors of the hospital.
The theme of Day Four 19 February, was “one place many stories”. Our tour guide Chris was telling a few
of us during the day about his international travel and how you can have connections with certain locations.
Sights we visited today certainly followed this theme: the Old Ford Factory opened our eyes to the different
people and perspectives of a war-enthralled Singapore; while we learnt of Anzacs’ stories at the Rimau
Memorial, Labrador Reserve and Alexandra Hospital.
Day 5: 20 April 2017
As I entered the Fort Canning Battle Box led by tour guide Nancy, I knew we would be given an insightful
excursion through the rooms where important and highly influential decisions were made. We began in a
room discussing the beginning of Singapore and how the Battle Box came to be, thus showcasing reasons
for the location and time its operation. As we walked through the small, concrete rooms, Nancy told us that
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between 300-500 people can be underground at once which, I’m sure, would be a most unbearable
situation. On top of the pressure of defending the island of Singapore, there were no comfortable places to
rest nor the time to do so. We went into a room where an office was set up with a wax figure of General
Arthur Percival seated with a concerned expression on his face. We discovered it was during the time
where the British had realised that both their sea and air defences were outnumbered by the Japanese with
their superior equipment. However, the British had nearly 130 000 soldiers including the Anzacs defending
Singapore with the Japanese force were a mere 60 000 men. What the Japanese lacked in numbers they
made up for with clever tactics carried out through General Yamashita’s planning and instruction. Such
tactics included an image we viewed of a sacred structure which Yamashita managed to rise above in a hot
air balloon to gain better vantage of Percival’s own plan of attack. The British therefore were unable to fire
ammunition at him, as they wouldn’t dare target such a building.
An amazing artefact I found walking through communication rooms, was some preserved Japanese
calligraphy sketched onto the walls. It was moving to view the videos and walk through the Battle Box
where these men of high military stature were making a decision that would impact their life, their country’s
reputation and the future of Singapore. Standing in the room where a final meeting was held before the
official surrender, seventy five years after the stressful and humiliating decision was made to lift the white
flag, was the most incredible feeling while being a witness of the history that occurred in the tunnels
beneath Fort Canning.
The second part of our day was led this time by tour guide Johanne who started our journey around Fort
Canning Hill with a visual that stated “Many believe Singapore’s history began fifty years ago, it dates back
to over seven hundred years”. This quote stuck with me throughout the tour as we learned of some ancient
tales of the kings who lived on the hill.
One of the stories I found to be quite
captivating was the tale of a King who
had stumbled across the island of
Singapore while exploring. Stopping
for a rest on his journey, his hunting
dogs cornered a mouse-like creature
that awoke the King from his slumber.
What the King witnessed was a
courageous act by the creature
Malacca, who fought off the dog. The
King realised he wanted his reign to be
courageous like the mouse which he
named Singapore after, and the name
stuck for hundreds of years. We also
heard stories about the founder Sir
Stamford Raffles - behind his
achievements and hard work in
building the foundations that have
structured a present Singapore,
tragedy lay. After losing his first wife, and then all of his children with a second marriage, Raffles too died at
a relatively younger age. Johanne mentioned that when he died, he wished to buried amongst the great
kings of Singapore in the hill. Unfortunately, his wish was never granted, however through his incredible
work alongside others he has helped make Singapore the modern, bustling city it is today.
Our tour of the Fort Canning Battle Box set the tone for the rest of the day. There is more than meets the
eye when observing Fort Canning as an outsider; whether you explore the rooms deep under the hill where
incredible stories of army failure played out, or on the surface where people from ancient kings to colonial
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settlers have lived and died in the area of Fort Canning. The Battle Box also captured the narrative of
strategy and surrender where we became witnesses of locations underground, where one of the largest
military defeats occurred. Today has again displayed the courage and the spirit of Australians through
times of chaos that have all contributed to helping our country learn from its mistakes and sustain peace in
the Pacific region.
Day 6: 21 April 2017
Warm and welcoming. Those were the accommodating attributes the students at Hwa Chong Institution
radiated as they led us through their incredible school. We began with an introduction from the students
and their history teacher where we learnt their names and ages, and were able to share our experiences in
Singapore so far with them. Next was a tour around the grounds where a rich ninety eight year history lay in
the architecture of the school. We learnt of the different roles each building played, beginning with the
library. I attended a grade seven history lesson where we learned about the separation and merging of
Singapore along with the infamous bus riots and examination riots in which students from Hwa Chong
interestingly participated in nearly fifty years ago. Their lessons were open discussions with friendly
communication between student and teacher. Visual aids were used to help us understand the riot’s
impacts on its participants and society.
After experiencing lunchtime in an Asian cafeteria, we all wished we could have noodles and curry every
day at school! We then congregated once again with our student tour guides and the history students we
had been communicating with on Kid Blog. We questioned each other and discovered new things we
never would have guessed occurred at the school and explored things we had in common. I was impressed
by their school values and the videos made by the students. An entrepreneurial mindset, foresight,
optimism and courage were just a few values that really stood out for me.
Studying the Anzacs’ role in the Asia region before we were selected for the tour has continued to broaden
our knowledge on this topic, yet exploring ideas on this topic in even greater depth in Singapore was
fantastic. We realised that sometimes as Australians we focus on the Japanese military skills and planning
while disregarding the British military’s failure to defend the civilians of Singapore.
For a few of the local students, their grandparents were living under Japanese occupation and have
memories of the pain that it caused. Comparing the different ways we analysed the Fall of the island city,
raised our awareness to the different factors we may not previously have considered. This was an
incredible meeting: we entered a school where students welcomed us with such an approachable manner
and open arms. Much like the essay question we had tackled, our exploration of the conflict in Asia has
most definitely impacted on the relationship we shared with students.
The Hwa Chong Institution’s hospitality and friendliness was a credit to themselves and school, and a
memory of the tour I will treasure. Discussing the momentous Fall of Singapore with Singaporean students
was sensational. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to meet students from an international
school who have the same passion for history as I do..
Day 7: Singapore Zoo
“Only after the last tree has been cut down
Only after the last river has been poisoned
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten”
- An old Cree Indian saying found on the walls of Singapore Zoo
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The environment we live in on planet earth is different for everyone. Some people live amongst heavy
foliage and clear skies while others inhabit the urban jungle, yet we still forget to recognise the entities
living alongside us - animals.
Singapore Zoo is located at the most northern point of Singapore, as
was pointed out by bus guide, and therefore one of the longest
drives you can take travelling through Singapore. When I entered
the zoo, camera ready for entertaining encounters, I was confronted
with a small monkey. I was amazed that the animals' fences give
them an incredible amount of freedom. Such open enclosures allow
the zoo’s visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.
Visitors are able to interact which helps them understand the
importance of our environment and why conservation of animals is
an issue that needs to be addressed.
I fed an Asian Elephant along with a few other student participants. I learnt of each elephant’s story before
they came to the zoo and their personalities. I learnt facts that were previously unknown to me about these
beautiful creatures which, sadly, are being targeted in the wild.
I commend the zoo for its acknowledgement of the vital message of animal conservation, displayed around
the zoo to help everyone who visits understand the critical role animals play on earth.
Much like the city of Singapore itself, designers had ensured
the animals had sufficiently large homes to inhabit. The
enclosures were especially suited to each animal’s needs,
ensuring an environment similar to the one they would
occupy in the wild. Under the care of incredibly
knowledgeable zookeepers, these animals are able to be
playful, yet resourceful when they hunt for their food instead
of getting directly fed. The “Garden City” theme followed
through the zoo expressing also the vital role plants play in
our ecosystem, and what will happen if they are all cleared
out. The zoo is a place of continuous education to those who
visit, and today I was a student. When I applied for the
Premier’s Anzac Student Tour I wanted to learn more about
the topic I was writing my entry for, to be able to do that overseas on a historical, commemorative tour has
been a spectacular experience. As a visitor at the zoo, you are able to learn about the nature surrounding
us with its greenery and creatures, and how we can help keep them in our embrace.
Day 8: 23 April 2017
Pearls of wisdoms are spoken by many unique individuals. Whatever the quote may be, and whoever may
say it, they are jewels of life that we hold onto tightly and refer to when we need them. Throughout the
Premier’s Anzac Student Tour, we have been lucky enough to meet three incredible tour guides in Joe,
Chris and Ni. They have all provided us with an impressive amount of information about the island city that
is Singapore throughout our trip. Their contribution to our different visits, to various locations around
Singapore has helped develop understanding of these historical sites and the city.
The pearl of wisdom or quote of the day for me, was when we visited the Bukit Chandu Museum, previously
a battle front during the Fall of Singapore. Chris said; “By the end of the Battle for Singapore the British
Fruit bats enjoying lunch
The zoo habitat
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were more reactive than proactive”, thus meaning they were fighting with vengeance not strategically.
However, even if they had fought more proactively, the outcome wouldn’t have changed, perhaps only
extended the pain and bitterness of surrender. I learnt that the small victories won by the Allies before
surrender, boosted their confidence and morale in defending the island. However this confidence just
wasn’t strong enough to match the Japanese in hand to hand combat with the Malay regiment. The virtues
of sacrifice and honour embodied by these men were inspirational, especially given the horrific
circumstances. When asked to surrender himself to the Japanese, the leader of the Malay Regiment
refused to go against his values. This made the Japanese furious over his stubbornness, which eventually
led to retaliatory acts such as the Alexander Hospital massacre. This spirit in fighting for the defence of
Singapore was fascinating to learn about from different viewpoints.
Today our group travelled over the land bridge to the island of Sentosa, a family friendly island of fun.
Theme park structures tower over gently swaying palm trees, while beachgoers frolic in the warm ocean.
We caught the island bus to a location called Fort Siloso. Fort Siloso is Singapore’s only preserved fort,
which has been maintained for over seventy five years. We took a lift up a thirty metre tower that was a
lookout, and connected to a bridge through the trees which led all the way to the Fort frozen in time. As we
made our way through the underground section of the Fort, history of the location appeared in perfect order
with insights into the events and myths that occurred over 75 years ago.
After observing the impressive replica guns and the breathtaking views from Fort Siloso, we travelled by
bus back to the hub of the island. We visited the Images of Singapore exhibition that depicted the history of
Singapore from a small fishing island to the modern, innovative nation it is today. The interactive show
began with an introduction from an actress playing a commoner of Singapore from over 100 years ago. The
show then developed over time to WWII, when we were involved in escaping the Japanese bombing of
Singapore. The tour ended with a boat ride through a deconstructed Singapore, its famous attractions like
the Merlion proudly perched above us.
Our visit to Sentosa Island proved that there is more than meets the eye when you explore a location.
Sentosa Island is more than just a tourist attraction of Singapore. Behind the visible structures offering
entertainment lay years of history, preserved in time. Fort Siloso provided an incredibly interesting
perspective into a location that prepared itself for the defence of Singapore. The theme of war and peace
suited the location as Sentosa was once a battle ground of sea defence but now a playground for families.
A place of history and reinvention.
Day 9: 24 April 2017
At the High Commission of Australia we were welcomed warmly by Colonel David Hay, Clele White and
Sharifah Khairunnisa. These three individuals explained their roles, and outlined the career opportunities
this pathway offers. Their presentation began with a speech from Colonel Hay explaining the importance of
his role in the High Commission, especially on Anzac Day. One thing that resonated with me from his
words, was that the Australian slouch hat he wears continues to be a symbol of those who served for our
nation. He explained that he is easily identifiable, and on occasions people have approached and
emotionally expressed their thanks to him and the Australian military for the work they have done and
continue to do. This story reminds me how the Anzac legacy remains forever in the heart of our nation.
We were then briefed by Clele and Sharifah who work for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and
AusTrade. Clele explained how a practicing lawyer became someone who organises foreign dignitary visits,
planning their days and making sure everything runs seamlessly. Sharifah then discussed her promotion of
the Australian education system, how it can be used in Singapore and the promotion of our nation as a
future university pathway. Their roles ensure that Australia is positioned globally and sustains a strong
relationship particularly with Singapore..
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After our briefing at the High Commission of Australia, we travelled over the river to Marina Bay to visit an
exhibit at the Art and Science Museum. The presentation of the exhibit “Future World - Where Art Meets
Science” was magnificent. The exhibit featured light technics projected strategically to create illusions,
moving illustrations of the ocean and included many family-friendly parts of the presentation like a digitally
operated slide and room full of dangling crystals that lit the mirrored walls. A quote printed on the wall at the
conclusion of the presentation perfectly described the exhibit; “The digital realm, free from physical
constraints, allows for unlimited possibilities of expression and transformation.”
After our spectacular experience at a futuristic exhibition, we were delighted to be given a tour of the
Stamford American International School. The extensive multi-million dollar campus, was an incredibly
impressive educational experience for attending students from as young as 2 all the way to 18. Their
facilities however, were overthrown by the fantastic students we were acquainted with when we visited.
These passionate history students were just as welcoming as the extraordinary students from Hwa Chong
Institution. We exchanged stories and compared our schools and the cities or towns where we lived.
The experience today, particularly our school visits, allowed us to explore the opportunities for adventure or
studying abroad that lie beyond Australian shores. Meaningful relationships between countries such as
Australia and Singapore help us both follow our pursuits for constant development, beginning with a child’s
education that can help them potentially become a leader in their nation.
Day 10: 25 April 2017
Anzac Day, the commemoration and reflection of the ultimate sacrifice made by our service men and
women who fought and continue to serve for the freedom we have in Australia today. As we walked up the
hill of the Kranji War Cemetery lined with thousands of headstones, my emotion was indescribable. Being
in a place where so many have been laid to rest due to war is a phenomenally moving experience.
Anzac Day has different meanings to different people and I knew that as a result of today, the meaning of
Anzac Day for me would evolve. Today I remembered the men and women who laid down their lives during
the Fall of Singapore to ensure peace in our own country during WWII. As a Youth Ambassador
representing Western Australia, I was acknowledging the ultimate
sacrifice they made.. I was commemorating these courageous
individuals, overseas where they once stood, hoping to defeat the
danger coming towards them from the Malaysian coast we looked
outwards, during the service.
Sorrow, violent emotions were evident among everyone in
attendance at the service. Touching words were read and
performed by Australian school children of Singapore, each note
sung with the poignant meaning following, evoking emotion for all
of the individuals listening like myself. Tears flowed along with the
spread of goosebumps as I listened to the familiar sound of the
Last Post ringing through the crisp, dawn air. Starlings circled the
memorial's structure above as the sun began to rise over the
cemetery, marking the new day.
The representation of different nations and cultures was prominent
today during the service. Seated in front of us were the
representations of different religions of Singapore and foreign dignitaries from countries such as Russia,
Turkey and Japan, all paying their respects. Today's service was hosted by the New Zealand High
Kranji War Cemetery
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Commission, their country represented through the New Zealanders in attendance, much like our own
representation of Western Australia. The New Zealand aspects of the service included New Zealand's
national anthem and the traditional Haka dance performed later in the morning. This presentation of the
different religions and countries gave me an idea of how these commemorative days like Anzac Day bring
people together in harmony, to remember the fallen no matter who you are, or where you come from.
After the service we were given a tour through the cemetery with a guide who explained how the
memorial's structure symbolised the different components of military: column at the base of the building
bearing the names of soldiers who were never found after the war, represented the army, the roof of the
building or the component lying horizontally over the columns representing the air force, and finally the
infrastructure that stood vertically represented the navy. One thing explained by our tour guide that really
resonated with me was that these people who are remembered and buried here, were all someone's loved
one. They were someone's father or mother, someone's husband or wife, they were someone's child. As I
placed my poppies on the headstones of these fathers or an unknown soldier of the war, the inscriptions
underneath their title, or name reminded me that they are more than their military persona. All these
individuals who sacrificed their lives were loved by someone, and that is what we need to remember as we
reflect.
Today’s Anzac Day service was the pinnacle of our tour, the day we had all been waiting for - the reason
we applied to undertake this historical, commemorative journey. Anzac Day was the day where all our
research and experiences
of the tour would help give
us a greater
understanding of the
meaning of the Anzac
legacy. Throughout our
journey, hearing the
incredible stories and
events that occurred
during a dark time for
Singapore as a nation,
has expanded our
knowledge on the history
of the Anzacs, and the
significance of the legacy
they left behind for us to
follow. The values of
courage and mateship not
only resound with the
spirit of the Anzac, but
with the meaning of what
it is to be an Australian.
I will continue to remember the individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice for the peaceful society we are
lucky to live in today. The spirit of the Anzac lives in these individuals is passed on to our nation, helping us
understand how these values have made us the Australians we are.
Day 11: Returning home and reflections
Once again I am flying over the ocean dividing Australia and the nations of Asia, giving me time to reflect
upon the magnificent journey that has been the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.
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Before embarking on this historical, commemorative educational opportunity, I knew that I wanted to learn
more about the conflict that was the Fall of Singapore. After months of preparation, it was phenomenal to
be in the locations where our Anzacs fought for the defence of Singapore. To be able to take our learning
beyond a textbook in a classroom, to another country where the Anzacs have campaigned is an opportunity
for which I am immensely grateful.
Partaking in the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour has opened my eyes to the many different perspectives one
can gain from looking at things in a different light. As well as the Allied perspective of the Fall of Singapore,
I learnt of the strategic cleverness of the Japanese and the atrocious treatment of civilians as they suffered
through Japanese occupation. I also learnt of the different cultures and religions that are practiced in this
nation when visiting mosques and temples, and how they get along harmoniously. Learning of the
international relationship between Australia and Singapore through visiting places like the High
Commission of Australia and the schools of Hwa Chong Institution and Stamford American International
School allowed me to see just how much our relationship with Singapore has blossomed and continues to
be strengthened today.
During our final day in Singapore on April 25, I was honoured to represent my school, community and State
of Western Australia at an Anzac ceremony in Kranji War Cemetery during a Singaporean dawn. Anzac
Day was the day I commemorated the lives lost during the Fall of Singapore, with an emotional dawn
service that allowed all of us from different countries and cultures to pay our respects. My research of this
battle, reading about and listening to the personal stories of this tragic event, was a source of reflection as
we walked among the resting place of thousands. We were reminded that these individuals could have
been any one of us in a different time and place, and they were all someone’s loved one. At the conclusion
of the tour, the knowledge I have gained about the Anzac legacy has shaped my understanding about what
it means to be Australian, with the Anzacs playing a very large part of our nation’s history. This important
message is something I intend to share with the younger generation, now that I have returned.
Once acquaintances, I now have long lasting friendships with 9 other individuals, all from very different
places in Western Australia. I never could have imagined returning to Perth International Airport would
make me so emotional. Tears and hugs were plentiful as I was saying hello to my family, but goodbye to
the people who I became so close to. As I look back on the photos I took, I can’t help but smile and think
about what we experienced, and all the memories we have made that I will treasure. These amazing
students along with our incredible teachers in Mr Paini, Mrs Jones and Ms Boswell, have made my
Premier’s Anzac Student Tour journey everything I could have hoped for and more. To be accompanied by
the most wonderful people who have the same passion for history and interest in the Anzac legacy has
been the most spectacular privilege.
Our wonderful tour guide Chris shared the view that it is the magic you feel in the place you visit that makes
it such a special experience, not what the majority believes about the location. The Premier’s Anzac
Student Tour in Singapore has been the most magical experience for me, not only because Singapore is
spectacular, but the people I shared it with made the journey unforgettable.
Conclusion and Acknowledgements:
I would like to sincerely thank Mr McGowan, Premier of Western Australia, for his support of the Premier’s
Anzac Student Tour, and also the Western Australian Government for providing this incredible initiative that
gives students a life-changing educational opportunity, like my own. I feel so privileged to have been
selected as a student member of the tour. The pride I feel representing our beautiful State as a youth
ambassador has been the most incredible honour.
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The Premier’s Anzac Student Tour wouldn’t be possible without the organisations and individuals who
support this incredible educational opportunity for students with a passion for history and the legacy of the
Anzacs. The unconditional support from organisations like the RSL, Rotary, Department of Veterans Affairs
and the War Widows Guild of Australia (WA), ensure this magnificent tour continues.
Before we even began our journey to Singapore, we were extremely well prepared by many different
presenters including tour guides from the Army Museum of Western Australia and Leighton Battery Tunnel
Tours, Lorraine Scorer, Kings Park Memorial tour guides, and 2/4th Machine Battalion veterans Mr Dick
Ridgewell and Mr John Gilmour, who we were extremely lucky to have in our presence at our March
Presentation Ceremony.
Throughout my Anzac Tour journey I had the incredible support of my school, including my Principal Ms
Mather and Vice-Principal, Mr Miolin, my Yr 9 humanities teacher Miss Kingston and my Year 10 history
teacher, a wonderful support through every step of the way, Ms Bermingham.
To all of the individuals who approached me and wished me well, or gave me advice before my travels, I
am thankful for your support and the interest you have shown to me and in the tour.
My experience of the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour wouldn’t have been the experience it was without my
beautiful family, who gave me their unconditional love and support along the journey.
Finally these amazing students I travelled with, alongside our incredible teachers Mr Paini, Mrs Jones and
Ms Boswell, have made my Premier’s Anzac Student Tour journey everything I could have hoped for and
more. Once acquaintances, we have now forged a long lasting friendship. Being accompanied by the most
wonderful people who I have become so close to has been the most spectacular privilege and joy.
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Cale Wilcox
Year 12
Mount Lawley Senior High School
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Introduction
Upon returning from Thailand late April from the Quiet Lion Tour - a tour dedicated to the Prisoners of War
who worked and died on the Thai-Burma Railway - my history teacher, Ms Noack, told me about the
Premier’s Anzac Student Tour. I took the opportunity to enter into the competition shortly after. I worked
diligently with Ms Noack for several weeks, adding new points and taking out old points or points which had
already been stated. After finishing the first draft of the essay about 1000 words over the word limit, Ms
Noack began to “slash and burn” cutting my essay down to the limit. We sent the essay in with high hopes,
and waited.
It was a surprise to find out I had been selected to take part in the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour as I had
been part of a misunderstanding; Ms Noack had taken part in previous tours, and claimed that the students
were notified a couple of days prior to the official announcement. She said that we were all to be notified on
November 9 and meet in Kings Park the following day for a photo-shoot which would feature in the West
Australian newspaper on Remembrance Day. As a result, I believed I had not been selected for the tour. It
came as a complete and utter shock on November 11 when I went to log on to my school email in my
Modern History class to see an article on the Education Department’s website listing the winners. Curious
to see who had been selected, I decided to read the article. Seeing my name listed among the winners took
me by surprise. The feeling was something that I cannot describe. The feeling of discovering I had
achieved something I thought I had failed after putting so much work into was indescribable.
Having already travelled to Thailand on a tour much like this one, I intend to use the tour as an opportunity
to learn about the experiences of the Anzacs, to learn more about Southeast Asian culture, as well as
represent the Government of Western Australia.
March Briefing
On 2 March 2017, the 10 student and three teacher participants of the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour
were summoned to the RSL Offices on St Georges Terrace in the Perth CBD. The ceremony that followed
featured each of the participants being presented with a certificate officially acknowledging our acceptance
into the prestigious tour. The feeling of being presented with the certificate by the then Minister of
Education, Hon Peter Collier, in front of the assembled families, school representatives and two veterans,
was a feeling that was exciting yet humbling.
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, the participants returned to the offices of the Schools of Isolated and
Distance Education (SIDE), where we would be sleeping over the next two nights. After we got settled into
our dorms, we enjoyed a barbeque with the families. This was a reassuring experience, to know that not
only there are others going on the tour, but they are also nice people who are easy to get along with.
The following day we set off for a brisk 5am walk to Lake Monger. The surface of the lake was as smooth
as glass and the air frosty, setting a calm, respectful, mindset for the day ahead. Following the walk and a
quick breakfast, we headed off to Fremantle where our first stop was the Army Museum of Western
Australia, where we were shown around by tour guide, Brian King. His knowledge of the Fall of Singapore
was extensive to say the least, with nigh on every question being fielded by him to his best knowledge. The
knowledge we were privileged enough to receive from Brian will be invaluable during our time in Singapore.
Following the tour of the Army Museum, we travelled to Leighton Hill where, hidden in the scrub, are a
series of tunnels built by the army during WWII to defend Fremantle Port from invasion. Our guide, Barry
Ellis, with his seemingly infinitely deep pockets full of decommissioned rifle cartridges and other knick-
knacks, had an innate depth of knowledge not only of the batteries themselves but of ballistics in general.
Barry’s way of communicating his wisdom not only painted a clear picture of what went on in the musty
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tunnels but made it clear why tours such as this one are so important. Soon people like Barry will no longer
be with us and it will be up to the next generation to pick up the baton and continue the legacy.
After returning to SIDE, we got the chance to hear the bitter-sweet stories of Jenny Knight and Jan
McLeod, who represent the War Widows’ Guild of Western Australia. The passion with which they spoke
showed us another side of war, the home front and what was experienced by the wives of soldiers when
they failed to return home. To be able to see what the extended effects of the war were was a revelatory
experience.
The March Briefing was, above all else, an eye opening experience. To see the effects that the wars have
had on families and those who served, further emphasised the need for tours such as the Premier’s Anzac
Student Tour. It was humbling to see the amount of effort these men and women had put into maintaining
these museums and organisations.
The message that I have taken from this experience can be summed up by a quote by Dame Mary Gilmore
on the Sandakan Memorial which reads: “They are not dead, not even broken. Only their dust has gone
back home to the Earth, for they, the essential they, shall have rebirth whenever a word of them is spoken.”
Day 1: 16 April 2017
There was a sense of anticipation and excitement as the tour group gathered in the grand foyer of the Perth
International Airport, some weary from long journeys, some not so much. We all chattered about what we
expected to come, with our families gathered around. After check-in and a brief stop in the cafés upstairs, a
final goodbye was said to our loved ones before heading through customs and into the waiting lounge. The
anticipation was building.
After a quick game of cards in the waiting lounge, we boarded Flight SQ 226 to Singapore, leaving at
2:05pm. The flight felt faster than it was, with only mild turbulence about halfway through, landing at
Singapore’s Changi Airport at 7:15pm.
The transfer through Singaporean customs was smooth, comforting in its gentle ebb and flow. The foliage
and water features scattered around the bag carousels helped facilitate the sense of ease and comfort.
After collecting our bags we met our tour guide, a friendly man we now know as “Uncle Joe”, before
stepping out into our first taste of Singaporean weather, the 30 degree wet heat enveloping us like a hug.
We stepped onto our bus for the night, ablaze with neon lights guiding our feet before commencing our
drive to Fort Canning Lodge.
This was our first opportunity to see Singapore at night, and it was worth the wait. We coasted down the
roads, marveling at the high rise buildings. We drove past a giant Ferris wheel, its outside ringed with a
constantly changing neon glow. When we arrived at our lodgings, there was a sense of achievement - we
had made it. After a brief explanation on how to use the lifts, we headed up to our rooms to settle down.
Showers were had, shirts hung, and devices charged. The sense of anticipation had reappeared, only this
time for the events that lay on tomorrow’s horizon.
Day 2: 17 April 2017
Today we finally got to see Singapore in its full light. No longer were the shadows that whipped past our
bus last night shadows, now they took form as buildings and verdure. Our journey through the “garden city”
was informative, with Uncle Joe narrating our trip. Once again his local knowledge was invaluable, taking
the form of little factoids and a proficiency of knowledge about various religions practiced in Singapore.
The religions of Singapore are just one side of the vast array of cultures on display. Everywhere you
looked, there was a representation of a different culture. We travelled to a select few of the dozens of
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temples scattered around Singapore, a Mosque, a Chinese temple, and a Hindu temple. They all displayed
their respective religion with grace and virtue, and Uncle Joe did an excellent job of giving all the respect
they deserved, regardless of his own religion.
To be granted access into all but the most inner of the sanctums gave me a different view of religion. Prior
to the tour I had been a staunch atheist, questioning how someone could believe in something that has no
basis in fact. But after today’s experiences, my eyes have been opened. To see that religion was not the
mind controlling scripture I had painted in my mind is a facile comment; my mind had been opened to new
ideas, new opportunities.
Before saying goodbye to Uncle Joe, we ventured through the National Museum of Singapore, the interior
of which was clad with white marble. The exhibits were incredibly informative and educational, going into
depth about the history of the island nation without falling into the trap that belies most museums - being
droll.
Day 3: 18 April 2017
We started off today with a presentation by our new tour guide, Chris. He was excited to be able to show off
his impressive collection of maps dating from as far back as 1902. He spoke with such energy that the
stories he told came to life, dancing about on the maps in front of us. His depth of knowledge is unlikely to
ever be rivalled, with his speaking at length about the various batteries of Singapore.
After our presentation by Chris, we were granted a precious insight into the life in Changi Gaol for the
prisoners of war. Memories from the Quiet Lion Tour (QLT) were dredged from the deep recesses of my
mind. To see the exhibits in the Changi Chapel Museum induced feelings of sorrow, affecting me more than
I had anticipated.
Whilst the QLT had focused on the treatment and holding
of Prisoners of War along the Burma-Siam Railway, the
museum placed priority on the occupation of the
Japanese in Singapore and the conditions in Changi
Gaol. It was incredible to be able to see the start of the
men’s horrific journeys through what can only be
described as hell on Earth.
Their descent into hell began in Changi Gaol, where they
were kept four to a four square metre cell. Efforts had
clearly been made to make the place more hospitable to
the POWs, with magnificent murals being painted in the
chapel. The recreation of the chapel in the courtyard was
also incredibly touching to visit; to be able to sit in a
setting identical to that the POWs sat was beyond words.
As we exited the Changi Gaol Museum, storm clouds
began to gather. We ate lunch, wary of the encroaching
clouds. We barely made it aboard our bus before the sky
began to fall. It started slowly then intensified beyond
anything most of us had experienced, initiating us into
the club of Those Who Had Been In A Tropical
Thunderstorm. Ponchos were broken out, half of us morphing into grey blobs, half of us raising an umbrella
to halt the unstoppable fall of the heavens. We marched around the National Art Gallery, a building which
had been made by the connection of the old Supreme Court and old Town Hall. We stood in the room
WWI Memorial in central Singapore
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where the Japanese surrender was accepted and gazed out through the doors where it was officially
announced. To even be given the opportunity to stand in such an important location is incredible.
Day 4: 19 April 2017
After a filling breakfast we headed off to the Old Ford Factory to start today’s journey. The Old Ford
Factory is a museum on the civilian story of the Fall of Singapore and the following occupation. To see
such a potent symbol of consumerism turned into a symbol of lives lost, lives remembered was incredibly
moving. The stories of those who had suffered through the Japanese occupation were even more so. The
graphic descriptions of the violence accompanied by the highly emotional voices emerging from the
speakers combined to generate an incredibly real image.
One of the exhibits invited the visitor to play as one of three characters who lived during the occupation.
The visitor was required to make a series of choices based upon events. An example is: playing as a
teacher, when the Japanese tell you to start teaching Japanese at your school (a language you do not
know) do you keep teaching English or teach Japanese? If the visitor selected to keep teaching English,
their character would be beaten and tortured; if the visitor chose to teach Japanese, the character learns
some Japanese, and remains unmolested. This exhibit was incredibly effective at showing that seemingly
small choices can make big differences under occupation.
The Old Ford Factory also focused on the surrender itself with the first official (not intended for
propaganda) surrender of the Empire to the Japanese. The room included a setup identical to that on the
15th of February, and a transcript of the surrender. To stand in the room and see the transcript of what was
exchanged on that fateful day brought the events to life, almost to the point where Lieutenant-General
Arthur Percival and General Tomoyuki Yamashita appeared at the table, discussing the terms of surrender.
After the moving experience, we travelled to Labrador Park, where we visited the Labrador Battery and saw
some older fortifications dating back to the turn of the 19th century. In order to get to the batteries, we
needed first to climb up the foliage-covered hill. Thankfully there was a path laid out in beautifully carved
stones. As we ascended the hill, we became overcome with the sounds of the forest, cicadas filling our
ears with their shrill call. Upon our cresting of the summit, we enjoyed beautiful views out over the sea
before heading back to our hotel.
Day 5: 20 April 2017
After a later than usual start today we headed across the road from Fort Canning Lodge to Fort Canning hill
proper. After meeting Nancy, our guide for the first of our Battle Box tours, we defended down two flights of
steel-clad stairs into it. The smell of musty air entered our nostrils as we passed through a glass security
door, stepping into the cold interior of the war-time bunker. Nancy led us through room after room of
artefacts, manikins, and information boards, telling us about not only the history of Singapore but also the
events of late 1941 and early 1942.
Walking through the claustrophobic corridors and into the cramped rooms where up to 500 men sweated
over some of the most important decisions of WWII was an experience unlike any other. Treading the paths
of men who changed the course of history in such a high-pressure, fear filled environment is confronting.
Watching the film footage of the surrender, seeing the Allied soldiers lined up being inspected by General
Yamashita, with Lieutenant-General Perceval saluting the “Tiger of Malaya” was an incredibly moving
experience. To say it was moving and unlike any other is a big step for myself, as having travelled along
the Burma-Siam Railway in 2016 I’ve walked across ground men have died upon, where men have
sweated and spilt blood, where friendships were formed. The tour of the Battle Box has tied together the
five main parts of the Fall of Singapore in my opinion: the battle, the surrender, the incarceration at Changi
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Gaol, the experiences of the civilians, and the experiences of the POWs along the Burma-Siam Railway
and across Asia. Although the tour is only half way done, it has already shown me more than I could ever
hope or wish for, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Following the tour of the sunken Battle Box, we walked around the Spice Garden on Fort Canning, taking in
the local spices, even trying a few. We followed this up with a second tour around Fort Canning, this one
focusing on the history of Singapore. We learnt about the five kings of Singapore who were the first to
name Singapore “Singapura”, which means Lion City in Malay. After trying a local dish, we concluded this
second tour with another walk through the Battle Box, this time seeing the aspects of the rooms in a
different light.
Day 6: 21 April 2017
Day six saw us travel to Hwa Chong Institution, a prestigious school in Singapore that plays host to the
smartest among Singapore’s young population. Whilst the education of the school was new, the school
itself was not, with the school turning 100 in two years. The students were incredibly friendly and happy to
field any questions asked by us. The school’s age was evident in its colonial-style architecture, however
there were a number of modern additions that would be hard to find in any Australian public school.
Fountains were plentiful and beautiful; the gardens that shadowed the paths were immaculate. The
fountains were there not only to help de-stressing but also, as one of our guides noted, were there to
remind the students of the maxim “When you drink water, remember its source.” Meaning that in order to
fully appreciate our current privileges, we must be aware of our past, a message acutely relevant to the
Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.
We sat in on a class, taking note about the differences and similarities in the teaching style, the
organisation of the class, and the lesson. The desk space available for the students was minimal, conjuring
images of American high school desks. After enjoying the privilege of sitting in on a lesson, we walked to
the “Entrepreneurship Room” where we got to know the student guides in more detail, having brief
conversations with most of them getting to know what a typical school day is like for them, what their tests
and curriculum is like.
Following this, we sat down for a serious conversation about the Japanese occupation of Singapore and its
implications. It was an extraordinary experience to be able to understand what it was like under the
Japanese from the mouths of people whose grandparents lived through the violent occupation. We talked
for over half an hour, exploring both perspectives of the occupation ours, a foreigner’s perspective, and
theirs - the perspective of descendants.
After the mentally tough conversation, we stood to say our farewells, exchanging gifts and social media
handles before we jumped back on the bus to head back to our hotel. Waving goodbye to the students as
the bus rolled past, seeing the smiles on their faces made me realise that sometimes it is necessary to be
open to others, even if it is just for a brief time.
Day 7: 22 April
We spent today at the glorious Singapore Zoo, full of natural curiosities. We walked the paths, the 28
hectare space over flowing with flora and fauna of nearly every kind. We were given the opportunity to view
many species as they roamed about in their enclosures. We watched a lion seal, one of the fiercest of
ocean-going creatures, balance a bright green ball on its nose as it swam around a pool. We watched
lemurs and monkeys run across vines strung ten metres above the crowd, drawing oohs and ahhs as they
danced.
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As we walked through the zoo, awareness dawned on a number of us. The heavy green foliage located
throughout the zoo, the propinquity of the animals, and the synergy between species was a microcosm for
the slightly larger space of the Singapore island nation. The sense of a microcosmic comparison was
deepened with the appearance of sustainability posters around the zoo, sometimes visceral in their
appearance.
The visit to the zoo was, however, soured somewhat by the appearance of a sole polar bear. The polar
bear has been the source of much discussion within the Singaporean community. Its birth and existence in
the same cold concrete enclosure has been the source of controversy. The mere thought of the existence
of a polar bear in a tropic environment is laughable. Whilst the thought behind the presence of the apex
predator, to raise awareness over global warming finds its origins in the purest of intentions, the
environment in which the beast is held is, for lack of a better word, callous.
Day 8: 23 April
Another day, another perspective, another story.
We began today’s story with a visit to Bukit Chandu Museum, taking in the interpretative “Reflections at
Bukit Chandu” exhibit, which tells the story of the final stand of the Malayan Regiments. The museum is
placed atop Bukit Chandu hill, where the last stand of the Malay Regiment took place in the Battle of Pasir
Panjang. The last stand of these Malayan troops is the story fit to sit among the legends of Achilles and
Hercules. The men from the Malayan regiments fought under the flag of the British Empire with a ferocity
only paralleled with the Japanese, fighting under the Jawi motto “Ta'at Setia”, meaning “Loyal and True” in
English.
They were led by the heroic 2nd Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi, who refused to honour the Japanese in
defeat, preferring rather to be tortured and slain before being hung by his feet on a tree. The story of the
Malayan regiments is inspirational, as they fought until they ran out of ammunition, before fighting with their
knives, and when their knives ran dull, they fought with their fists before being overcome with sheer weight
of numbers. Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival honoured the Malay troops saying “The Malay Regiment
showed what esprit de corps and discipline can achieve. Garrisons of posts held their ground and many of
them were wiped out almost to a man.”
Following the humbling visit to Bukit Chandu Reflections, we travelled to Sentosa Island, a place well-
known among Singaporeans as a “State of Fun”, but its history is scarred with the deep wounds of war. It
plays host to a number of historical sites, with the most prominent being Fort Siloso, which hosted both
Allied and Japanese artillery crews and Prisoners of War. The Fort has now been turned into a museum,
educating the public on the largely unknown efforts of the artillery crews of Sentosa Island.
The museum consists of a large amount of ex-artillery pieces, ranging from 6-pounders to 9-inch
behemoths. The museum also, interestingly, possessed two 5.6-inch artillery pieces of Japanese origin.
The presence of these pieces provided an insight into the Japanese army few are able to see. Nigh-on all
of the artillery pieces scattered around the Singaporean nation are of Allied origin, but to see the Japanese
pieces provided a refreshing change of perspective. The museum at Fort Siloso gave a glimpse into a
place of pleasure’s painful history, giving those who travel for pleasure an insight into what was necessary
for such a place to exist.
Day 9: 24 April 2017
Our day started with a trip to the Australian High Commission, where we met Colonel David John Hay from
the Australian Army. Listening to his story, I realised how all the little things added up to create an image,
whether it be of a man, nation, or organisation. He spoke fondly about his time under General Cosgrove,
and how he was inspired by the General’s signature slouch hat. He spoke of a time he was overseas and
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was embraced by a local woman, and how she identified him as Australian because of his own slouch hat.
Hearing his efforts to uphold the image of the Anzacs wherever he went was truly inspirational.
Following our audience with Colonel Hay, we went to the Art-Science Museum near Marina Bay Sands
where we explored how science and art are not so different after all, how they can work together to break
“free from physical constraints” (Toshiyuki Inoko, co-founder). The museum wove art and science in a truly
beautiful manner, filling its walls with interactive exhibits for the young and young at heart.
The tour group then travelled to Stamford American International School, where we gained an insight into
what schooling was like for the ex-pat population of the island nation. We walked through a school that
showcased the very best schooling available to those who weren’t native Singaporeans, and thus learnt a
lot about what it was like to live in a country other than the one you were born in. We spoke to numerous
students our own age, gaining an insight into what life would be like if we lived in Singapore.
Day 10: 25 April 2017
Anzac Day was a storm cloud of emotion that brewed on the horizon as we made our way around
Singapore, and now it was upon us. Arriving at Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery in the pre-dawn dark
and walking in silence half a kilometre to the cemetery was a hauntingly familiar sight. Having been to the
Hell Fire Pass Dawn Ceremony the previous year, I knew what to expect but, as always, expectations were
shattered. The air of Singapore, usually hot and steamy, sent shivers down my spine with its
uncharacteristic chill, almost as if the very air of the island nation had stopped to remember the fallen.
We took our seats towards the front of the open space, and waited. At 6:31am a New Zealand Air Force
officer took the podium and began to speak; his voice echoed over the crowd of 300 people who had risen
early to be there. With a sharp Kiwi accent, he spoke with a kindness rarely seen in military personnel. The
national anthems of Australia and New Zealand rang out over the crowd; the gentle murmur of the crowd
singing in time was eerie.
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While the ceremony was conducted on land where men had fought and died in WWII, the ceremony also
paid respect to service personnel who had fallen during the First War War. The Turkish Ambassador, His
Excellency Mr Mira Lutem quoted the founding father of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who fought at
Gallipoli: “Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly
country. Therefore rest in peace.”
Relations in the Asia Minor area may be unstable at this moment, but his words showed the everlasting and
unbreakable bond between Turkey and Australia.
Following the service, a Gunfire Breakfast was served. After a coffee, two Anzac biscuits, and a few spring
rolls, we were interrupted by the sounds of a haka being performed. We rushed up the hill to see about 100
New Zealand sailors in full dress uniform beating their chests and stamping the ground. The haka had the
desired effect, forcing me take a step back in reverence.
Following this awe-inspiring display of force, we commenced a tour of the cemetery, walking amongst the
4,467 headstones that are located in Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery and up and down the rows and
rows of 24,000 names of dead soldiers who bodies were never found. We were able to see the headstones
and names of men who we had heard about over the past 9 days, bringing them out of the stuff of legends
and into real life.
Day 11: 26 April 2017
Whilst the tour had been a wonderful experience, it was time for events to come to a close. The feeling of
leaving the people I had spent the past ten days with is bittersweet to its core. On one hand, I get to see my
family again, my mother, my father, my brother, and my dog. On the other hand I was saying goodbye to
some of the best friends I had ever made. I would be saying goodbye to the people I had laughed with,
cried with, learnt with. Thank God social media exists, otherwise I fear I would have tied myself to all of
them in order to never let them out of my sight.
The tour is an experience I will never forget. I have learnt so much, not only about the “Lion City” and its
history but also myself and the people I went on the tour with. The history of the small island nation is a rich
one, going all the way back to the 14th century. The modern city-nation was borne through a baptism of
fire, with its quest for sovereignty taking several step backs before their premier President Lee Kwon Yew
took power in the 1960s. The tour gave me opportunities I would never have been given if I had just sat in a
classroom and read a textbook. It has been the seed for a great personal growth, one that was watered by
the excessively humid Singapore weather.
Thank you, my friends, for making what could have been an incredibly painful experience one of pleasure. I
leave you now with Errol Flynn’s final words, spoken in 1959. “I've had a hell of a lot of fun and I've enjoyed
every minute of it.”
Conclusions and Acknowledgements
I write now four days on at my dining room table, still surrounded by little knick-knacks I have picked up
over the course of the tour; the koala bear, the stickers which now adorn my AirPod’s case, my metal scale
models, my tour bag. All of these things represent a story, a tale, which I will never forget. However as
Chaucer said in 1374, “all good things must come to an end”.
The Premier’s Anzac Student Tour of 2017 is an incredibly humbling and informative experience. The tour
allowed me insights into Singaporean history, both peaceful and otherwise. I was able to gain an insight
into the Fall of Singapore that no textbook could ever give. To stand on the ground that men fought, bled
and died on is an experience that will stay with me forever. The events of the Fall of Singapore stand alone
in military history as the largest capitulation of Allied soldiers. The tour also provided me with a great
personal growth. I have been inspired to further explore the stories of those who fought for Australia, and to
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persevere with my own personal struggles. My role as a youth ambassador for Western Australia has
contributed to this growth and given me a greater sense of duty. An unexpected revelation of mine that
came from the tour was a change in perspective on religion. Prior to the tour I was a staunch atheist, now
the prospect of religion seems more open and accepting than ever before.
Before I sign off on this incredible tour, I wish to extend a series of thanks to all those who made everything
possible. I would first like to thank the Government of Western Australia without whom this initiative would
not take place. This thanks is extended to the Hon Mark McGowan and the Education Minister, Ms
Suzanne Ellery, for their support of this initiative.
Special thanks are also extended to the teacher participants of the tour, Ms Samantha Boswell, Ms Mery
Jones, and Mr Norman Paini. Your level of dedication and effort was remarkable to watch, willing to read
through entry after entry, searching for any and all errors. I cannot even begin to think about the level of
effort that went into this tour for it to achieve such a standard. Thanks are extended to all those who worked
behind the scenes.
The next series of thanks goes to all those who reside in Singapore and made this tour so informative.
Special thanks go to our tour guides, Joe, Chris, and Ni, your combined knowledge on the Fall of Singapore
and Singapore itself will never be rivalled. Your local knowledge gave the tour a depth that could never be
matched. Ever. To those at Hwa Chong Institution, thank you for inviting us into your privileged school to
give us a glimpse of what makes Singapore’s future so bright. To those at Stamford American International
School, thank you for meeting us in your school and giving us a view into what life is like for the ex-pat
population of Singapore.
I would also like to extend thanks to the other student members of the tour - without you the tour wouldn’t
have been so enjoyable. The synergy between us will be something I will never forget.
Finally, I would like to extend thanks to those at Mount Lawley Senior High School for making my entry
possible. Thank you for sorting out paperwork and cutting through red tape to allow my entry into the
competition. To Mr Milton Butcher and Ms Lynn Noack, thank you for putting in hours of your time to ensure
my selection in this prestigious initiative, reading through draft copy after draft copy and preparing me for
the interview stage.
Thank you all. You all have a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten.
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Janka Reynders
Year 11
Narrogin Senior High School
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Introduction
The day of the Premier’s Anzac Student 2017 Tour interviews for me signalled the start to an amazing journey. Dressed in my school blazer, I left home early to make the journey to Perth. Arriving in Leederville and after a pep talk with my dad, I entered the interview room, where I spent the next fifteen minutes discussing my essay and passion for history with the selection panel. Despite feeling nervous at the beginning of the interview, I was immediately set at ease and time flew. After the interview, I was happy that I had done my best, and grateful to have had the opportunity to speak about my essay. I knew that no matter what happened from here on, I had done my best.
The weeks leading up to November 11 were filled with nerves. In almost compulsive fashion, I checked the Department of Education website for anything relating to the Premier’s Anzac Tour. As the weeks progressed, anticipation of what was to come grew steadily, and each day my head was filled with "What if....”
Not until Remembrance Day did I receive THE news. I was in my online Society and Environment class, and as I half-heartedly tried to listen to the lesson, I went onto the Premier’s press release website, refreshing every minute to see if the list of students who would be attending had been released. As soon as the statement from the Premier’s office was made, I scanned the list, first noticing my school’s name then doing a double take - as it was followed by my own. Ecstatic with joy, I sat on the floor, attempting to process how privileged and honoured I was, unable to comprehend what a huge opportunity had just been bestowed upon me.
As a student ambassador, I am most excited about experiencing a whole new culture and delving into Australian history with an amazing group of students who are just as passionate about history as me. I also think it is an amazing experience to bring back to my own community and, through sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire a fascination with history in others.
March Briefing
Thursday March 2 would see
the beginning of the new,
exciting chapter of our
Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.
Arriving at the RSL Office on St
Georges Terrace, I finally met
the 9 other amazingly talented
students who would be joining
me on a journey of a lifetime.
The coming days would see us
meet amazing people, soaking
in the information gifted to us
by people with a passion for
history we all shared. However,
what struck me most was not
the individual events of facts
we were granted with, but the similar passion everyone I met during the March Briefing shared; a great
passion for history, and remembering the past in order to progress forward.
Day One would see us travel to the Army Museum where we met Mr Brian King. What impressed me most
was the passion that oozed from Mr King and that engaged me throughout the tour; his fountain of
knowledge was testimony to his passion for history.
Meeting the other tour participants at the Presentation Ceremony
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The second day we went the
Leighton Battery in Fremantle
to explore the guns and
underground tunnels
scattered beneath the
surface. Here we met the
animated Mr Barry Ellis. I
think we were all blown away
with how informative and
passionate Mr Ellis was, as
he knew everything and
anything about guns,
ammunition, service within
the military and much, much
more. Later that afternoon
the ladies from the War
Widows’ Guild - President Ms
Jan McLeod and Executive
Officer Ms Jenny Knight -
enlightened us with stories
from the Guild. What really
had a lasting impact on me was how the impact of war resonated across continents and generations.
On the final day, we ventured to Kings Park. After laying our wreath at the Sandakan memorial, we headed
back to SIDE to be collected.
During the course of this weekend I realised the duty we had been entrusted with. The stories of those
affected by war; these are the stories that need to be passed on, not only through the history books, but
through the people who are passionate about remembering history. On reflection, I realised that these
wonderfully passionate people who we met through the Briefing, like all of us, are not immortal; now that
they have passed on their experiences and information, it is our duty to share. What I take away from the
March Briefing is a realisation of how important my journey is in preserving Australia’s wartime history.
Day 1
After months of anticipation, the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour officially began when we boarded the plane
which left Perth International Airport at 2:05 pm. During the descent to Changi International Airport, we
broke through the clouds just as the sunset cast a pink glaze over the anchored ships. After passing
through the friendly and orderly border security, we collected our bags, and met our tour guide for our ten
day stay in Singapore.
Settling in after a long day of travel, the realisation of my role preserving Australia’s wartime history became
a reality. As we made our way to the Fort Canning Lodge, our home away from home for the next ten days,
I took the time to breathe and take a few moments just to consider the amazing experience on which I was
about to embark.
Day 2
The second day of the tour began by looking at the cultural diversity of Singapore’s society, particularly at
the different ethnic groups that call the city-state home. The Sultan’s Mosque was the first stop. We gained
an understanding of the religious beliefs of the predominately Sunni Muslim population within Singapore,
before continuing onwards to our next destination; a Hindu temple honouring many of the genderless gods.
Afterwards we stopped at a Taoist temple worshipping the local goddess of the sea, before continuing to a
Buddhist temple honouring the resting ancestors of the Chinese population. Despite a vast array of
religious beliefs, the Singaporean community continues to thrive in cultural harmony.
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It is this acceptance of the different ethnic groups that greatly contributes to the cultural diversity and
success of the nation. Although originating as a system for separating the various ethnic groups within
Singapore under Sir Stamford Raffles, the
districts are geographically so close
together, and have since blended into one
another, thus symbolising the harmony of
beliefs within the sovereign state.
After wandering through Arab Street and
Chinatown, we continued to the
Singapore National Museum. With
amazing displays and range of exhibits,
the Museum gave a clear, compelling
story of Singapore’s history: From humble
beginnings in the 14th Century, to the
arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and
subsequent rise of colonialism; defeat of
an impregnable fortress on the 15th of
February 1942 and, ultimately, to a
beautified Singapore with a totally new,
physical and social landscape thanks to
Lee Kuan Yew’s government.
As mentioned by Brandon in his speech about the cultural diversity of Singapore, it is the mutual
understanding of different cultures which allows diverse ethnic groups to live in such a harmonious fashion.
I learnt about four new religions that I only had a rudimentary understanding of before. With this new
knowledge of the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Taoists, I am now more aware of these groups within my
own community. On reflection, I believe that embracing cultural diversity and gaining a better understanding
of global cultures improves the social capital of a nation. What struck me was how much the acceptance of
cultural diversity in Singapore contributes to its success as an independent nation.
Day 3
Day three saw us consider the events of WWII that significantly impacted upon Singapore. Our tour with
guide Chris explored the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, and the fall of the city in 1942. On route to
our first destination, we briefly looked at the original wall of the old Changi prison, before arriving at Changi
Beach. Here we looked at Chris’s maps, all of which contextualised the Japanese invasion of Singapore,
and how the campaign was geographically set out on the island.
Afterwards, Chris took us to the Johore Battery Guns, where the 16-inch calibre anti-sea vessel guns were
displayed together with the 800 kg shells used as ammunition. It was interesting to note that of the seven
anti-naval guns distributed across the British Empire, five were located on Singapore, cementing its
importance as a naval defence post within Southeast Asia. We continued to Changi Chapel and Museum.
Within the chapel, what touched me was the faith that comforted those lost during WWII. Housing a brass
crucifix, made by a Prisoner of War from old shells and shrapnel, the chapel was a highlight of the day. I
could feel the faith and belief of those who had lost so much, their pain and suffering lifted by their belief in
God.
Every harrowing aspect of the consequences of the Fall of Singapore, followed by the Japanese occupation were elaborated by the many exhibits in the museum. Filled with personal stories of triumph, tragedy and loss, I was reminded of what Chris had said on the bus ride down; “You gain more from failure than success.” The overall failure of the Malayan campaign, which resulted in the Fall of Singapore, highlighted the shortcomings of the military administration at the time. This failure led to the imprisonment of over 130,000 troops, along with many civilians who were forced to endure horrific conditions. A mild downpour of rain welcomed us as we journeyed back to the city centre, forcing us to quickly adapt to
the rapid change in weather. Arriving at the National Singapore Gallery, we looked at the old Town Hall
Sultan Mosque on Arab Street
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which, in addition to the Supreme Court, had been combined to form the gallery. We saw the original
ballroom where Lord Mountbatten received the Japanese surrender in August 1945, after the Hiroshima
and Nagasaki bombings. We moved onward to the old Parliament House, which has since been re-
purposed as a performance hall. The Lim Bo Seng memorial, and the World War One memorial, which had
been damaged by Japanese machine guns shortly before the Japanese surrender, were our final stops.
I was struck by how the events of WWII had so significantly affected Singapore’s social structure and
identity. Forced to adapt, Singapore had to rise above oppression, learning from past failures, to eventually
achieve success. Relating to the POW experience, the nation needs to adapt to survive, and it is through a
study of the events of WWII, that this was made possible under a unified, diverse Singapore.
Day 4
Today, we looked at how Singapore can promote many different perspectives. Journeying to the Old Ford
Factory, the exhibitions told the story of Japanese occupation of Singapore, together with European and
local perspectives.
From the Japanese perspective, the Fall of Singapore was a morale-boosting achievement for the
Japanese troops. By swiftly conquering Malaysia, they continued this momentum to capture Singapore.
After the British surrender was signed at 6.20pm at the Old Ford Factory, Japan renamed Singapore as
Syonan-to, which translates to “Light of the South”.
Looking at the European perspective, the loss of Singapore was described by Prime Minister Winston
Churchill as the “biggest defeat, and largest capitulation in British history” (1942). Before the Japanese
directly threatened Singapore, the British believed themselves to be vastly superior to the “little men in
coke-bottle glasses”. Believing that the racially inferior Japanese would never beat them in a battle for
Singapore, the Allied forces were caught unprepared. Another important perspective to consider in
Singapore, was the local and civilian point of view. As often found in war, locals and civilians were caught in
the conflict, and had to bear the hardship during wartime. The Old Ford Factory exhibits were very insightful
in providing sources of local experiences. An example of how the locals would suffer was the cost of a
dozen eggs using the Japanese “banana money”. Before occupation, a carton of eggs would cost around
15c; but towards the end of 1944, one dozen would cost over $420 for locals.
The loss of the major naval base in Singapore left Britain’s Southeastern assets completely vulnerable to
Japanese invasion. The Japanese occupation of Singapore was marked by atrocity; Prisoners of War were
tortured and abused by their
Japanese captors. However, with the
end of WWII turning in the Allies’
favour, it was the British perspective
that became enshrined in history, with
the Japanese perspectives being
villainised.
We trailed along narrow paths in
Labrador Park, which was situated
within dense tropical vegetation. It
was hard to imagine how the
Australian troops must have adapted
to the significantly different climate
and vegetation, as the extreme
change from the sparse scrub found
in Australia would have left the
Australian men unprepared for the
dense jungles of Singapore.
Walking around the defences at Labrador Reserve
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Day 5
The theme of Day Five was strategy and surrender. We went to the Ford Canning and Battle Box tunnels to
look at the strategies used by the Japanese and Allied forces.
The Battle Box base, used by General in Command Arthur Percival and squeezing up to 300 orderlies and
officers, prepared against the Japanese advancement. The Japanese naval and air forces were vastly
superior to the British air and sea forces. After the British requested 300 airplanes to deploy in Singapore,
they received only sent 181 planes. About 50% of these planes were destroyed in bombings and dog fights.
Of the three airfields on Singapore, none of them were used to their full capabilities, with the planes flown
by the British being out-dated and useless against the faster more mobile Japanese aircraft. The British
navy was also no use during the defence of Singapore. Despite having a huge naval base in the north of
the island, Britain’s naval presence in Singapore was also non-existent. The bombing and destruction of the
battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battle carrier HMS Repulse, completely removed any British presence
on the water.
With the Japanese conquering Johore on February 1st, 1942, Japanese commander, General Yamashita
ordered his troops to rest while he prepared his attack upon Singapore. Percival, expecting the Japanese
attack to come from the North-east of the island, sent most of his experienced troops to defend that front.
General Yamashita, seeing that this was the British strategy, sent a diversion to an adjacent island.
However, on February 8, under the cover of darkness, he launched the main attack upon the north-west
coast. This area was defended by only three Australian battalions, in contrast twenty-one Japanese
battalions. Pushing the British troops southward to the city itself, the Japanese troops conquered Bukit
Timah Hill, and established their headquarters at the Old Ford Factory.
Forced to decide between surrender or prolonged fighting, Percival had to consider some very important
factors when making the crucial decision. With the underground reservoir half empty, due to water being
lost from bomb damaged pipes, the city lacked resources. The defence forces also lacked ammunition and
oils to power their equipment. The human loss also had to be considered as Singapore was home to over a
million civilians. On the island, there were 130 000 troops who would be taken prisoners of war. To
appease the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who declared that leaders stand with their men, and
never stop fighting in an attempt preserve British military honour, Percival gathered twelve of his most
senior officers on February 15 1942, to discuss the decision to surrender. Choosing to surrender was
favoured by two of Percival’s most senior leaders - Lewis Heath, leader of the Indian Corps, and Gordon
Bennet, leader of the Australian troops. In just fifteen minutes, the decision to surrender had been made at
the Battle Box.
What was most interesting was the pressure Percival faced when deciding whether to surrender. The
stigma and blame that was attached to his decision later turned Percival into the scapegoat for the failure of
the Malayan campaign. However, I believe that in considering the lives of civilians and the welfare of his
men, surrender, albeit difficult, was the right decision considering the circumstance. Percival was, in that
way, very brave to risk the staunch
pride of the British Empire for the
humanity on the island.
Day 6
Day Six signalled the mid-point of our
commemorative tour, reaching the
Hwa Chong Institution. This was an
academically elite school originally
founded for Chinese boys, but now
enrols boys of all ethnicities. Arriving
at the campus, we were astounded
by the sheer size and infrastructural
elegance of the facilities at HCI. Led
by the HCI liaison, Madame Chan, we Our guides - the Hwa Chong Humanities students
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were taken to the Entrepreneurial Room where we met the first of the students with which we would spend
the day.
After watching a short video on the history of the school, the Singaporean students arrived to greet our tour
group. The boys led us to a Year 7 history class to view a lesson about Singapore’s merge with Malaya to
form Malaysia. After the lesson sit-in, we went on a guided tour of a portion of the school, shown around by
Nathaniel and Shaun, two student leaders. They taught us the values of the school, and referred to the
Chinese proverb, “remember the water source” which reminds students to remember the origins of their
nation, and to give back to communities they come from. Afterwards, we formally introduced ourselves to
the Humanity Program students before going to lunch.
Following lunch, we separated into groups and discussed how the Japanese invasion had impacted on
Singapore, and how personal perspectives have changed over the decades. What I found most interesting
from our discussions with the students is how Singapore is still to discover its own identity as an
independent nation. This is unlike Australia, whose identity which has been shaped by over 100 years of
experiences, particularly the first combat in Gallipoli.
Through its ancient history, Singapore has been predominantly “owned” by other more powerful nations. It
is only since Singapore’s independence in 1965, that the nation has had to start to develop its own,
uniquely Singaporean identity. The technological, economic and environmental advances made by
Singapore in the last fifty years have astounded the world. Yet in building a nation, Singapore is still
establishing their own set of characteristics that make them uniquely Singaporean.
Day 7
The day started with a light drizzle, as the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour made their way to the Singapore Zoo, arguably one of the best zoos in the world. Upon arrival, we made our way to the epicentre of the zoo and watched a very entertaining sea-lion show. We then split off to explore the corners of the grounds.
Singapore itself has a vast variety of unique animals, from the tundra biosphere to the African savannah. The zoo attempts to caters to the needs of animals by limiting traditional fences and security measures and replacing it with natural flora as barriers. With animals such as the orangutan free to climb over the public, this approach to zoo keeping was refreshing to see in a
cosmopolitan city.
The importance of conservation embodied throughout the zoo was obviously over the course of the day. By interacting with the public, the facilities stress the importance of conserving the natural habitat of these animals, many of which were critically endangered like the orangutans. With a strong emphasis on conservation, the zoo encourages visitors to do more to help our four legged friends. Already seen in Singapore’s city, with the development of land bridges for the animals, the green city pays a strong emphasis on the sustainability of our natural environment.
For me, the obvious bond between keeper and animals was interesting. It is stirring to see this bond
fostered at Singapore Zoo. For example, the trusting bond between the deceased orangutan matriarch, Ah
Meng and her trainer Alagappasamy Chellaiyah stretched 37 years before her death in 2008. The strength
of the bond between Ah Meng and Alagappasamy Chellaiyah was demonstrated through when she would
come to train Ah Meng, and the orangutan would gladly hand him her babies. Another example of this was
during the elephant exhibition, trainers and elephants alike would snack on peanuts through the show. This
bond between animal and human is what I believe is essential to better care for our environment.
Day 8
Today we visited Bukit Chandu, the site where the brave Malayan C-division outwitted the Japanese.
Getting close and personal to the animals
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Events described here show that in war,
the pride and honour of your regiment
relies of the unity of your brothers;
together, the last of the Malayans fought
off the Japanese until they were captured.
Forced to admit defeat and strip their
uniforms, the Malayan C-Division
survivors refused to take off their uniform,
honouring their fallen comrades, and
were subsequently executed by the
Japanese.
Unity and honour highlighted to me that in
war, the only factor of life is survival.
During war, there is no social conscious
of morally right and wrong; those who are
oppressed must find a way to survive, or
die trying. It is in this sense that the
perspectives formed during peacetime and wartime cannot be compared. There is no way during a time of
peace, that people who have not lived through the horrors of war can truly understand brutality of combat.
During war, you can only trust your comrades, your brothers who fight, and die beside you. Like the
Malayan regiment, deciding to die for the pride of your regiment is a wartime decision which can only be
understood during that period of conflict.
After this, we went to Sentosa Island, a time dedicated to peacetime leisure for both local and tourists.
What I noticed when at Fort Siloso was that the actions and decisions of those in charge are looked at
differently during a time of peace. The perspectives of war change as one moves from war to peace, and
this change of perspective is directly related to the level of national security. After war, the people question
wartime decisions, an example of this being the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Causing over a million Japanese deaths, the atomic bomb swiftly ended the war. But at what cost? After
the bomb was dropped, and especially from a modern perspective, the dropping of the atomic bomb could
only be seen as a horrendous war crime, as many of those killed in the bombings were civilians. The
wartime decision has faced scrutiny during peace, because the perspective of the level of security has
drastically changed between now and 1945. During war, the bombing of Japan seemed to be the only
option, which is why we must remember that under these circumstances, there is no equality or morality,
only a sheer will to survive and triumph at
whatever cost.
Day 9
We were briefed on what to expect on Anzac
Day by Colonel David Hays, whose personal
tale of service also prompted me to look a
little deeper at the connections the past has
with the present.
Next, we travelled to the Art Science
Museum in Marina Bay in the Lotus Gallery.
With the theme for the day being ‘A trek
through time’, the Art Science Museum
introduced us to the future. Filled with
glittering lights and interactions, the museum
uses modern technology to create interactive
exhibitions which awe and inspire audiences.
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Not only did the museum look to the future with its use of LEDs and special effects, but it still linked to the
past, especially through and exhibition called ‘Crystals’, which was inspired by ancient myths and legends.
Similarly, the Asian Civilisation Museum displayed work by a Korean artist who used multi-media to bring
her artwork to life. A sculptural wall was pinned with plastic buttons to create an overall image of traditional
cherry blossoms which moved and shifted as colours were projected on the wall. In both exhibits, artist use
future technologies to present us with past cultures.
Before going to the Asian Civilisation Museum, we visited the Stamford American International School
(SAIS). Here we met the Year 11 History class, and set about sharing our experiences on history, travelling
and visiting foreign lands. Our visit to SAIS looked at how we can best impact our present, and through
networking with the students here, I realised that as future leaders, we have the greatest opportunity to not
only learn from the past, but to move forward into the future even as we trek through time.
Day 10
With an early beginning, today was destined to be
the most important of our 2017 tour to Singapore.
Leaving our hotel at about 5 am, we travelled to
Kranji War Memorial Cemetery, where the Anzac
Day ceremony was organised by New Zealand. As
one of the most inspiring moments on tour,
listening to the service as the sun rose above the
headland, I reflected on all that we have learnt
during the past days, realising that in this moment,
the love and gratitude for those who serve live on
in us. What was interesting for me was the wide
variety of religions and nations represented at the
ceremony, with ambassadors from all over Europe
and Asia paying their respects, along with
representatives from the four main religions in
Singapore all giving a sense of peace to the fallen. For me, this diversity and inclusivity is representative of
Singapore’s own cultural diversity, and it was refreshing to see this at the commemoration.
Following the ceremony, we wandered the graves, paying our respects to the fallen by placing poppies and
crosses on the graves. For me, the most emotional memorial to discover was the Bangka Island nurses.
Massacred on the Japanese-occupied Bangka Island, as non-combatants and prisoners of war, of the
twenty-two nurses who were machine gunned, only one survived - Ms Vivian Bullwinkel. Finding the brave
nurses who were cut down on Bangka was
personally important, as in the original
essay which began my Singapore journey I
wrote about them, and their surviving sister,
Ms Bullwinkel. After almost a year of
researching and writing about these
women, finding their place of remembrance
was very significant, more so as not only
was one of the nurses killed a local of a
community very close to my own, but
another woman was the great-aunt of my
Humanities teacher, whose story inspired
me to find out more about the Bangka
nurses. For me, I feel as though the
Bangka Island nurses are who inspired me
to enter the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour,
so seeing their grave for me was not only
emotional, and personally validating.
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Day 11
Finally, after ten days in Singapore, it was time to return home. As duty student for today, not only was it my responsibility to take care of our mascot Private Ernest Harvey, but I would be the first of the 2017 tour members to host him for a week in our home towns.
Leaving our home away from home, the Ford Canning Lodge, at 6:30 am, we made our way to Changi airport to catch our flight at 9:30 am. All a little sleep deprived, we made our way onto the plane to complete our flight home. Eventually around 2:30 pm, we made it home safely, with the journey across the sea being enjoyable but a tad bumpy. Once we made through customs back on Australian soil, we had a quick debrief, followed by thank-yous to Ms Jones, Mr Paini and of course, Ms Boswell. Afterwards it was time to reunite with our parents, and make our way home.
I believe that in some way or another, we were all changed by our time abroad. In taking time to consider
the people and perspectives of the past, our own perceptions were being continually challenged and
renewed. Through the course of ten days, ten strangers transformed into ten friends. All of us may have
been on our own historical
journey, but we were all
together in rediscovering the
history that led to the Fall of
Singapore, and together, not
only did we get the facts and
figures of how many captured
and how many had died,
but we saw the devastation,
we saw the graves, we felt the
suffering. For me that is what
was most significant about my
tour to Singapore. Not only
was I there, in the places of
some of the fiercest battles
and defeats, but I was there
with an amazing group of
people, who all brought their
own insights to the tour.
Coming back to my community, I believe that I have been tasked to spread my new-found knowledge and
experiences. Like all of us, I have been given the tools, facts, figures, memories, experiences, to educate
and changed certain perspectives within my own community. At the March Briefing, at the start of our
journey, we were told a story about school children who had brought back seeds from the Lone Pine in
Gallipoli. These seeds were then brought back to Australia, and given to selected schools, so that each of
them could have a piece of history growing within their community. In such way, I hope to plant the seeds
of my experiences in both my residential and school communities, hoping to inspire a new generation of
ambassadors to take the journey on future Premier’s Anzac Student Tours.
Tour reflections
Upon reflection, I know that the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour has forever changed my outlook on
history. What started as a passion to learn more, to gain a better insight into the lives of the past, sparked
into the realisation that not only must learn and understand the past, but I must also share this knowledge.
By sharing what I have learnt, not only do I teach others of the past histories that have shaped our identity
as nations, but I enrich their own personal understanding of times gone by. It is my hope that being on the
tour means I am able to inspire others with my experiences as an ambassador in my community.
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Acknowledgements
I would like to sincerely thank the
following people who have all
greatly contributed to my
commemorative journey with
Singapore.
First and foremost, the tour
wouldn’t go ahead without the
support of the Premier, the Hon.
Mark McGowan, along with the
Minister for education, Ms Suzanne
Ellery. I would also like to thank the
2017 tour coordinator, Ms
Samantha Boswell, with special
thanks going to the teachers who
accompanied us on this tour, Mr
Norman Paini and Mrs Mery Jones.
I would like a huge thank you to go
to my Humanities teacher, Mrs
Susan Thomson, whose support
encouraged me to enter. My
gratitude also goes to all the
wonderful museums, exhibitions and memorials we visited before and during our visit to Singapore.
Thank you also to New Zealand for organising the Anzac Day Dawn Service we attended, at the Kranji War
Memorial Cemetery. Thanks goes to the Hwa Chong Institution and the students at the Stamford American
International School, and our special speakers, Mrs Jan McLeod and Mrs Jenny Knight from the War
Widows Guild and Colonel David Hays, Clele White and Sharifah Khairunnisa. My deep gratitude also goes
to all our tour guides throughout the trip: Mr Brian King, Mr Barry Ellis, along with Joe, Chris and Ni, who
took us on their own personal journey through history and friends of the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.
Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank the other student tour participants: Ming Hui Gao, Mya
Kordic, Kaitlyn McKenzie, Cobie Menzie, Mitchell Murray, Patrick Reilly, Brandon Rowe, Bryce Taylor and
Cale Wilcox. Without this amazing group of people, my study tour would not have been the same, and I
know that this group of young leaders will go on to do great things.
The 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour to Singapore
90
Ming Hui Gao
Year 11
Rossmoyne Senior High School
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Introduction
The 11th of November, being a Friday, was already a much anticipated time of the week. For myself,
emphasis on anticipated as the countdown to the announcement of the selected tour participants drew to a
close. However, what I had intended to be a climactic end to the beginning took a turn for the unexpected.
Paralleling Caesar’s determination, “I waited, I hoped, I logged on to the Department of Education to
encounter technical difficulties and was denied access to the list of selected students.” I weighed my odds
then, and decided they could be better.
For the rest of the day, I tried to settle into a passive attitude, steeling myself for news of any quality or
nature. So much so that when the principal asked to see me during Period Three, I only experienced a mild
attack of nerves for two very different reasons. On one hand, my chances at being selected for the
Premier’s Anzac Tour seemed to improve. On the other hand, I didn’t remember having violated any school
rule to the degree where trial by school principal was necessary. (Given that this is my journal, readers can
infer that events followed the course of the former).
This year’s destination for the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour is close to home, and perhaps more so for
myself as Singapore was the country where I was born. But though I was born Singaporean, I was very
much bred Australian and had never delved deeply into the history of my birth country until the opportunity
to enter the Anzac Tour competition arose. Having the good fortune to be selected on this tour, I wish to
make the most of this opportunity. I would like to better understand the shared past between Australia and
Singapore - the uncertainty, losses and motivation that drove both the Anzacs and citizens of Singapore
alike during the midst of Japanese invasion. Given the Lion City’s determination during war, I hope to see
for myself how this tiny island nation with virtually no natural resources to boast of transformed itself into
one of the leaders in the new war of trade and economics. It never ceases to amaze me that Singapore can
be the smallest empire by land but the largest by scope. I am both grateful and excited to have been
selected as a WA Ambassador on this tour and look forward to visiting my first home as a tourist of history.
March Briefing
I find the most difficult aspect of history is
empathy. I can study the statistics and research
the facts to appreciate the magnitude of
historical catalysts such as the Treaty of
Versaille or the Fall of Singapore, yet the
experiences of the individuals involved has
always eluded me. Perhaps due to my lack of
connection with the historical roots of Australia
or the lapse of a century, I viewed the sacrifices
of the Anzacs objectively; as feats deserving of
respect and commemoration but rarely with
any further personal reflection. In fact, I used to
wonder why Australia commemorated an
undoubtedly strategic failure. At this year’s
March Briefing, however, hearing the
perspectives that each of the other tour participants brought to the table has given me a chance to examine
the Anzacs within a more personal context. (At the risk of sounding vague or completely incomprehensible,
may the reader give me a chance to explain myself).
Ten students, ten different schools
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In the days leading up to the March Briefing, it is difficult to say what affected me most: anticipation or
anxiety. The gravity of the tour had had time to sink in and as I stood up to speak at the Presentation
Ceremony, I had doubts whether I was fit to be a representative at such a solemn - and personal - event. I
doubted whether I could do justice to the veterans, ministers and the War Widow’s Guild when I myself,
while respecting the achievements and actions of soldiers during conflict, do not hold such personal loss
and empathy as they would have. This uncertainty only grew as I moved to meet the rest of the tour
participants.
Ten students, ten different schools, 9 chances to work out an impressionable introduction. We were all from
different areas of Western Australia - some of us live 4 km from city centre while others a full four hours’
drive from Perth; my only connection with them being this tour. I believe I had good cause to be nervous,
yet during those three days lodging together the ten of us managed to go from pleasure-to-meet-you
strangers to at the very least close acquaintances. They shared their thoughts and passions for history, and
I in turn was gratified to hear what gave them inspiration - what made them empathize with the stories of
the Anzacs. I learned about veteran family members; a school with history dating back to WW2; the story of
Nurse Bullwinkle’s triumph against all odds. What I learned I hope will aid me in my own understanding of
the Anzac legend. If anything, I am now friends (fingers crossed) with dog haters cat lovers, a funeral fan
and people with uncanny reflexes.
I’ve opened with this anecdote on friendship as this is how I imagine the mateship between the Anzacs
were built. It is humbling to consider men and boys our age - perhaps younger - enlisting from all over the
state; introducing themselves to people they’ve never seen, coming from places they’ve never known. For
them, the strangers they trained with were the ones with whom they would entrust their lives. While touring
the Army Museum and the WW2 tunnels under Fremantle, what I felt certain was the urgency, fear and
fervour as the Allied defences retreated steadily to Singapore and Australia prepared itself for a war they
thought they’d joined to fight for Britain. This fervour translated to the determination which excavated 300m
of tunnel up to 10m below ground. Seeing the crosses lined along May Drive at Kings Park - telling the
death of soldiers in action and in accident - brings to reality the cost of a war that started half way across
the world and should have ended with the First. Hearing Jan from the War Widow’s Guild speak about her
own husband now passed made me wonder at the fortitude of the women who let their husbands go to war
all those years ago.
Mark Twain once said that courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. I hesitate to
say whether I would have been brave enough to have done the same in their place.
Day One
Ten students, ten different schools
This was one of the first pictures we took as a group. Seeing the other participants again after more than a
month, I was confident and looking expectantly to fire up the conversations. At this point, however,
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communication was still tentative (but search for Wi-Fi desperate). Resisting any inspiration, my
imagination yielded the same questions:
1. Have you been overseas before? 2. You haven’t been overseas before, right? 3. Did I ever ask whether you’ve been overseas? Before?
Repeat with topics school ball, last day of term and drive to airport. Put it down to nerves. A homecoming without the home?
I was in Singapore only last December, not as a resident returning to a familiar bustle and culture but just
another tourist passing through. Walking out of Changi Airport into the humidity I had recreated from past
memories, the climate was nevertheless still unexpected.
On the plane I watched Lion and saw Saroo leave India as a child and return 25 years later. When asked
whether he barracked for India or Australia in cricket, he responded “Australia”. For what it’s worth, I
support Australia over Singapore at the Olympics.
I am eager to learn about this city; to seek out its history, its culture, its secret to success. Looking outside,
the one thing I’ll have to get used to is that the lights never seem to go out in Singapore.
Day Two
Both Australia and Singapore pride themselves on being multicultural, however, though they share this
same principle each nation has taken a different approach to maintain their diversity. While touring the side
streets and alleyways of Singapore, it was an eye opener to discover the importance Singapore placed
upon preserving their heritage. At one end of the scale, the nation is wary of division and strives to
incorporate all four major languages into the layout of the city; a tourist can find street names ranging from
Stamford and Amoy to Sin Ming and Ang Mo Kio.
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In state owned apartments, the Singaporean Government implements a housing ratio policy that regulates
the cultural demography of residents within the building to mirror the nation’s demography — even if 70% of
the population is of Chinese background, the other (comparative) minorities will not be disadvantaged. In
regards to the judicature, whereas Australia only has a Civil Court, Singapore facilitates both a Civil and
Sharia Court to accommodate the different laws governing those practising Islamic faith.
For an island only 42 by 27 kilometres with almost 8000 people living per square kilometre, I can
understand how this depth of control and consideration is necessary to avoid conflict. What struck deeper
was the evident thought put into preserving each culture’s individuality and, to some extent, I am able to
empathise with the pride each culture would hold in themselves. Yet, an alternative perspective to this
protective attitude also exists.
Having grown up with a Singaporean mother and belonging to one of the three main races; the Chinese,
Malay and Indian; if given the chance, I could eventually settle into Singapore with no shortage of links to
my Chinese heritage. This would also be true for the Malay with Kampong Glam and Indians with Little
India. In contrast, it is illegal for cultures that are not considered to comprise the majority of the
Singaporean population — for example the Koreans, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thais — to set up their own
cultural “towns”. While streets may be
dedicated to Korean, Japanese wares,
these “foreign” minority cultures will not
be officially recognised as a part of
Singapore’s demographic landscape. And
it seems that Singapore’s cultural unity
continues to be an issue of hot debate;
when I questioned our tour guide on this
point, he recounted an incident where the
distribution of a brochure written in
Filipino raised debate within the
neighbourhood — Filipino not being one
of the four main languages. Given the
perspectives of both sides, it is hard for
me to form a definitive stance on this
issue.
When comparing Singapore’s multiculturalism to Australia, it becomes obvious that space and density is
not a concern at home. There becomes no need to regulate or allocate cultures into distinct sectors -
Australia, comparatively, gives free reins to how each culture wishes to develop and settle. This story then
leads to different endings. While I am not a second generation Australian, many of my friends, school
mates and my younger brother are, and identify strongly as Australian. When we speak to our parents, we
intermingle our mother tongue and English. Without a
strong presence of cultural “towns” in Perth, I look
forward to Christmas more than to Chinese New Year.
On the other hand, the free rein given to different
cultures has caused some to worry whether Australia
will lose its individuality - its unity, to parallel the
situation in Singapore.
Having experienced both Australia and Singapore’s
take on multiculturalism, it is even more difficult to
decide what is defined as multiculturalism. Both nations
are unique in their circumstances and whether their
respective attitudes towards diversity will lead to
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harmony or conflict, I cannot even begin to say.
Day Three
“You learn more from failure than success”.
Not the words you want to hear after scoring a slim pass, but nevertheless applicable to history. In
reminiscing, it is easy to criticise campaigns such as Gallipoli and the Battle for Singapore as mere failures
while re-envisioning each commanding decision for success. Yet, just as Gallipoli solidified Australia’s
identity, so, too, did the Fall of Singapore act as a catalyst for Singapore’s independence from colonialism. I
came by that first quote through our Singapore battlefield tour guide, Chris. Not only does his knowledge of
the campaign tell the story of Singapore’s struggle, but his own personal perspective offers insight into the
country’s development to nationhood.
At our first stop at Changi Beach, Chris adeptly explained the chaos during the Allied retreat and the terror
felt by civilians in the beginning days of Japanese occupation. On the other hand, he also mentioned the
lack of emotional connection between those past Singaporeans and the soldiers who died in that campaign.
I describe them as Singaporeans,
however, prior to WWII they were only
known as a collection of Chinese, Malay
and Indian immigrants with limited
attachment to the piece of land under
British colonial rule; they came, they
worked, they returned home - not to
Singapore but to China, Malaysia or
India. If the British had won that battle,
there’s a high chance this would have
continued to be the case. With Allied
defeat, not only did the immigrant’s role
in Singapore develop significantly, but
the relationship between the British
colonial rulers and native civilians also
underwent change.
One of my highlights of the tour today was the Changi Chapel. Told in quotes, the facts are lifted out of
textbooks and imbued with meaning. One European POW spoke of his changed attitude towards the native
civilians. They supported Britain in their loss and when the POWs were marched to prison, many of them
braved Japanese wrath and came out to offer the prisoners water. The native's involvement in bearing the
yoke of Japanese oppression didn’t end there. Erected in the Esplanade is a cenotaph dedicated to a
successful Chinese merchant, Lim Bo Seng. Seng contributed to many community projects and, escaping
Singapore prior the fall, he later came back as part of a guerrilla task force through Malaya. Although the
monument commemorating Seng’s brave actions (he was later captured and executed) was the initiative of
other local Chinese businessmen and not of the British administration, his active role in the liberation of
Singapore led to a sense of growing independence in the citizens. This was best demonstrated when we
heard the recording of former PM of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew’s speech in Singapore’s old parliament
house; in a nutshell, the natives had always looked to Europeans to assert control and upon finding the
Europeans as lost as them, they took the future of Singapore into their own hands.
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Today, Singapore stands as a republic, not a colony. When hearing our tour guides speak about the city-
state, it is evident that Singapore sees itself as a country and not simply a motley collection of cultures.
Chris talks about Singapore as “my country” and takes pride in Singapore’s rather unique tongue, Singlish.
As we passed the Singapore Flyer and were told how the ferris wheel was raised on a platform which made
it taller than the London Eye, Chris jokingly commented that Singapore is trying to one up the British. If
Australia had been successful at Gallipoli, perhaps our nation would not have been united in grief. If the
British had won the Pacific War, I doubt Singapore would be as independent as it is now.
Day Four
Prior to the two World Wars, conflicts were restricted and resolved between the military. Total war tactics
only became necessary when war spread to encompass nations around the globe - civilians were
integrated into the war machine and became fair game. Commanders no longer held just the well-being of
their troops in mind but must also consider the repercussions on the locals. Too often, the people who hold
the highest stakes and suffer the most in conflict are not the soldiers fighting in the field, but the civilians
whose homes are the battleground. This reality is no better demonstrated than by looking at the
Singaporeans living under Japanese occupation.
Although the Japanese and British were enemies on many fronts, the military of both sides were common
in their singular arrogance. Listening to the tutorial presentation on Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival, it
became clear that neither Percival nor the British forces he headed could acknowledge any form of
Japanese superiority over Great Britain. Neither did the colonial soldiers hold the locals in any great
esteem. Ironically, Tomoyuki Yamashita and his Japanese troops were just as staunch in their belief in
Japanese cultural superiority and their 日本精神 [Nihon Seishin], Japanese spirit. This confidence is
captured particularly well by a map of Singapore exhibited in the Old Ford Factory. This map of the newly
named Syonan-To, complete with a list of Japanese owned businesses, was published in Tokyo just 12
days after the city’s fall, suggesting that the Japanese had prepared beforehand for a victory they took
forgranted.
It is a famous saying that pride goes before fall. Whether or not both sides were arrogant in their own right,
the result is nonetheless the suffering of civilians. Having chased the British out of Singapore, Japanese
soldiers swiftly rounded up Chinese residents and over a period of weeks, enacted the Sook Ching
massacres. Aside from physical oppression, locals were often humiliated by Japanese troops who
arbitrarily slapped them depending on mood. Not to justify the actions of the Japanese soldiers, but in war,
priorities are essential and brutally asserted. More often than not, the safety and comfort of locals - in
regards to treatment or food - are second to the welfare and effectiveness of the army. Civilians, in austerity
after committing to one war machine, are inevitably crushed by another machine with a different label.
Day Five
Perhaps what was most bitter about the Fall of Singapore was that it was not an unpreventable loss. Nor
was it unforeseeable. The commanding officers at Singapore had been aware of the citadel's shortfalls and
had requested support to cover these gaps. By the time General Yamashita triggered the Malaya-
Singaporean campaign, however, the Allies were still unprepared. Touring through the Fort Canning Battle
Box where the British held headquarters during the Battle for Singapore, it becomes obvious that
information was gold. Both sides having already been dealt their hand, it is astonishing to see how each
used it to their advantage — or disadvantage.
While Yamashita’s ethics are questionable, it is hard to deny his skill as a strategist. He was true to Sun
Tzu’s maxim, if you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.
Yamashita was dealt the odds of 60 000 Japanese against 130 000 Allied forces, yet he made full use of
the upper hand that he did have. Realising he was disadvantaged in infantry, Yamashita prioritised
knocking out Britain’s air and naval power. Japanese troops targeted airfields and as soon as their planes
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spotted British ships Repulse and Prince of Wales, bombers were flown out. Before the two ships had seen
battle, they were sunk. Having eliminated Britain’s reconnaissance ability, Yamashita was able to second
guess Lieutenant General Arthur Percival’s choices. From then on, the ball was in his court. In planning for
Singapore’s fall, Yamashita set up headquarters in the Sultan’s Palace across the Malaya-Singapore
causeway. Counting on Percival’s reluctance to risk bombing the Palace, Yamashita was able to scout the
land ahead from a balloon suspended clear and visible above. The Japanese, aware that the British
expected an attack from Singapore’s northeast, sent 400 men as a feint and concentrated large numbers
on crossing from the northwest. In defence of the British and Percival, there was no means of ascertaining
Yamashita’s intentions from the air.
From the very beginning, the British were left unorganised. The superior officers could not predict when
Japan would attack and the headquarters which they finished establishing at Sime Road, Singapore on 6
December 1941 had to be abandoned and moved further down as the Pacific War was initiated the next
day. Though the Allies were advantaged in numbers, they were short on equipment; the requested number
of tanks, airplanes and ships to match the Japanese could not be provided. Once Britain lost control of sky
and water, they were left in the dark. Yamashita initiated his own lightning war which meant events were
escalating too rapidly for the British to catch up.
From the base under Fort Canning Hill, it
took Percival 45 minutes to contact Lewis
Heath, commander of the 3rd Indian Corp.
By that time, Japanese soldiers on bicycles
would be on the move and whatever
information was passed on would be
obsolete. It is difficult to imagine 130 000
surrendering to 60 000, yet under pressure
with no information, facing no food, no
water, no reinforcements, it is likewise
difficult to imagine the state of mind of
Percival. Having walked through the battle
box, I can appreciate the discomfort it must
have been when packed with anywhere
from 300 to 500 men. Not only was Percival
facing supply problems, he was also in strife
with commanders Heath and Bennett. In a
way, Percival is the personification of the
British during the whole Singaporean campaign — no information, no supply, no friends.
Given these odds, I do not blame the British for making the decision to surrender in 15 minutes. Having no
information to go on, if they were going to come to the same decision it might as well have been made as
early as possible. Information wins wars. Alternatively,
at that point, it is perhaps safe to say that Percival
would have lost anyway — knowing that the cards were
stacked in Britain’s favour but still managing to lose the
hand is small comfort.
Day Six
All I can say about today is that I am glad I had the
opportunity to meet the students from Hwa Chong
Institution. I am happy for the laughs we exchanged,
grateful for the discussions we held and humble for the
Former headquarters of British command
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new views I was exposed to today.
Prior going to Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), I had worries about visiting an all boys’ school and meeting their
students. It is hard, however, to stay high strung when given the chance to sit in on a Year 7 history class. I
found it fun to see how the same subject in Australia could be taught differently in Singapore. We took the
class in a lecture style room and the curriculum naturally changed to focus on Singapore. The teacher
interjected with jokes and more than once, we laughed along as her students ‘roasted’ each other. Of
course, the teacher repaid their compliments. She jokingly referred to her Year 7s as “the future leaders
you will have to do deal with”. Despite the fun I had, I still managed to learn about the merger and
separation in Singaporean history.
Skipping a few grades, being able to later meet with other Humanities students our age opened up a whole
range of discussion. Over lunch, we compared and debated the contrasts between Australia and Singapore
on topics from housing and government systems to the education curriculums and television shows. I found
myself envying aspects of their lives as well as being grateful for aspects from my own. At Hwa Chong, the
students dedicate every Friday afternoon to what they call CCA, co-curricular activities. The institute offers
fencing, judo, cadets to name a few. Another point of envy was the comparative cleanliness of HCI — due
to the Singaporean Government’s ban on gum, not a single piece could be seen on the floor, under
furniture or stuck on walls. The grounds were spacious and the fixtures arranged symbolically. Embodying
the Chinese proverb 飲水思源, meaning to drink the water and remember its source, the school built a
fountain to commemorate Singapore’s past and founding fathers. In discussing the pros and cons of both
nations’ approach to education, I was surprised to hear that Singaporean students specialise very early in
their school years. By the Australian equivalent of Years 8, 9 and 10, the students had already started to
select specific subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, History, Chinese Studies etc. and are expected to
maintain the path they chose. While I like the idea of starting early, I am grateful that I was given time to
experiment (and fail) during lower school. Listening to the comments of the Humanities students, it also
seems that schools in Australia offer a wider range of subjects; from Philosophy to Politics and Law. On the
one hand, Singapore allows students to start and specialise early, while Australia encourages dabbling and
variety. I learnt much about the lifestyle in Singapore, but what was more humbling were the students’
personal perspectives and outlook on Singapore’s past and future.
Hercules triumphed over his Twelve
Labours, but I doubt whether he would
have bowed down to humility. For
myself, being humble and curbing my
pride in the face of other people’s
knowledge and opinion was, still is,
difficult (to the point where I wonder
whether I wasn’t the most arrogant snob
on Earth). Though I feign indifference, I
compete with my brother academically
and in sport, and will find it hard to
accept advice from his quarter even if
he is better. Listening to the Hwa Chong
Humanities students talk about their
aspirations, ideals and understanding of
Singapore’s past (and to what future)
has given me insight not only into the
history that I’ve gathered in the past few
days, but also into Australia’s own story
of nationhood. In exploring national identity, one of the Hwa Chong students noted that Singapore’s values
are constantly shifting — as if each event since founding is a milestone to be remembered, but not to be
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riveted to. Singapore is always moving on and it is this forward thinking matched with pragmatism that has
allowed the city-state to succeed against larger, older countries in the Southeast Asia region. I cannot help
but contrast this to Australia.
Whereas Singapore is like a ship that flows onwards, Australia anchors its identity to a past defining event,
the Anzac landing at Gallipoli. Where these two attitudes will lead I am unable to say, yet the fact that the
student had such depth of thought and understanding in his answer humbles me. The students’
perspectives on the Fall of Singapore were no less insightful. Two of them shared the personal experiences
of their respective grandparents under Japanese occupation; one felt reconciliation, while the other to this
day has not forgiven the Japanese for the atrocities committed. Finding out about these two different
viewpoints — two different consequences of the war — created a whole other level of complexity to this
period of history. Without having met these students from Hwa Chong, I would not have been provoked to
re-evaluate my values and way of thinking, nor would I have been exposed to another side of WWII.
Here’s to Max, Shaun, Sean, Kevin, Nathanael, Hao, Ying Zhi, Charlton, Tony and Francis from Hwa
Chong Institution. Thank you for the laughs, discussions and new angle of thought. :D
Day Seven
Remembering my excitement when I was younger at the Perth Zoo, I looked forward to seeing the animals
unique to the Singapore Zoo. I wanted to see the white tiger, the polar bear and notorious red-cheeked
baboons, yet I walked out turning over thoughts that hadn’t come to the mind of my younger self.
There is little doubt that Singapore excels at compromising between the needs of an urban metropolis and
the animals of the natural environment. On the way to the zoo, our tour guide pointed out an overhead
bridge covered with jungle. It spanned the highway, connecting the stretches of forests on opposite sides
— a single link built exclusively to allow animals to cross safely between both forests. This push for social
awareness and responsibility for the environment was also a prevalent theme in the Zoo. Placed around
the exhibitions were poster boards advocating the protection of endangered species and choices towards
an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The open orangutan area and the close bond between zookeepers and
animals speak of the care the Singapore
Zoo invests in their creatures. Yet, while I
admired the effort put into such care, I
could not help but notice that my response
differed from when I was younger. Visiting
again a couple of years older, I realise that
we still don’t know that much about the
animals we want to save and protect. We
guess at their feelings and interpret their
actions from our point of view — their
restlessness as excitement, indolence as
exhaustion — I cannot help but wonder
what they would say if they could speak.
Would they be brave enough to ask for
freedom? The polar bear living in the tropics, the lions behind glass walls, the white tiger rolling in the dust.
It is with envy that I think back to the time when my eyes looked past the bars and only saw the animal
within. As I gain empathy, however, perhaps realism also comes with the package. Compared to some
animals’ survival chances in the wild, the zoo is a relative safe haven from human activity. Polar bears are
threatened by starvation and exhaustion as their habitat melts down in the north, while no orangutan is
likely to survive against bulldozers in the rainforests. It becomes a question of die safe or die free. What is
most confronting is that we forced this choice on them.
White tiger lounging in the dust
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Day Eight
Although the Fall of Singapore is perceived primarily as a campaign fought by Great Britain, this does not
truly reflect all those who were engaged in the defence of Singapore. One of the less well known
participants was the Malay
Regiment. Beginning as an
Experimental Company, the
regiment’s effectiveness led to
their expansion and involvement
in the battle against the
Japanese at Bukit Chandu. A
war memorial now marks the
site where one of the fiercest
confrontations in the whole
campaign was fought.
Winston Churchill’s expectation
that Singapore “must be fought
to the bitter end at all costs”
brings to my mind a line from
Lord Alfred Tennyson’s ‘The
Charge of the Light Brigade’,
“Theirs not to reason why; theirs
but to do and die”. This is one form of honour and I respect the British for holding their ground in a foreign
country. However, after watching a re-enactment of the Battle of Bukit Chandu at the memorial, and
witnessing the brave actions of the Malay regiment, I’ve come to regard honour in another light. The Malay
Regiment, unlike the British, had an emotional connection to the land that they fought to keep. Such was
their resistance against the Japanese that the regiment halted the enemy’s advance for two days;
considering the campaign only totalled eight days, this struck me as a remarkable feat. As their guns rattled
out their last bullets, the regiment’s Captain Lt Adnan Saidi encouraged his men not to give in — when they
couldn’t fight with bullets, they would fight with hands and knives. The regiment defended their position to
the death and even after they were overrun and captured by the Japanese, Saidi and his men refused to
take off their uniform and surrender. In anger, the Japanese commander ordered Saidi to be shot and his
body strung up by his feet under a tree. This was the fate of many other soldiers who refused to surrender.
Their actions truly embody the phrase “death before dishonour”. It is the Malay regiment’s dignity and
courage that strikes me just as much as — or perhaps more than — the fearless charge of the Light
Brigade.
Day Nine
Today was an action-packed day, where we visited many places and explored many different insights.
Art and science are typically categorised as the
antithesis of the other. Even in university, students
are separated into those graduating with a Bachelor
of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Looking at the
museum’s interpretation of both, however, it was
hard to distinguish where one started and the other
ended. The pieces featured were each a blend of
technology and colour.
Art and Science Museum
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My most favourable response was to the first exhibition, which combined music and digital graphics in a
light show to immerse the audience in a story about a three legged crow, the embodiment of the sun in
Japanese folklore. It is hard to frame in words something that was meant to be animated and life-like. What
I experienced at the museum is a testimony to Singapore’s ingenuity and aspirations (despite the injustice it
suffers from my photography skills).
We tend to perceive Asian history through a European lens - where Asia’s story began at the planting of the
British, French or Dutch flag. In this sense, Australia and Singapore are considered young nations. Yet, a
pre-colonial Asia existed and was just as advanced in its culture and arts. At the Asian Civilisations
Museum, I had the chance to learn about the ancient history of Korea, a nation which, at least in Australian
textbooks, is rarely touched upon. The Joseon Dynasty reigned as one of the world’s longest and one of
their artefacts which surprised me was an elaborately carved glasses case - surprising as I hadn’t expected
something I wear everyday was invented in the 1300s. A quick internet search showed that glasses were
first invented in Italy in the 1200s. Reflecting on this, I found it interesting to think that two completely
different dynasties/empires separated by half the world came up with the same idea, similar to the way in
which Pi was simultaneously discovered by mathematicians around the world.
Our visit to the Australian High Commission was actually the first event of the day, yet it was the last
remaining thought in my mind as our group sat down to talk about our impressions of the day. One
comment that Colonel David Hays made stuck in my mind. He said that for a period following the Vietnam
War, the returning soldiers were reluctant to identify themselves as veterans.
Australia’s anti-war sentiment had coloured society’s attitude towards those who participated in the war
effort.
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My first impression was one of disapproval, thinking that the Australian population had carelessly estranged
the people who, despite their own grievances against the war, still fought overseas in Australia’s name. On
this point, however, I had the chance to gain another perspective from Norman, one of our tour supervisors.
His perspective, as one who was fortunate to be too young to be conscripted but participated in the peace
marches against the war, made me reconsider my opinion. I am able to understand the public’s outcry
against Australia’s participation in a foreign war, and at the same time, I realise how complex and far-
reaching decisions such as war can have on a nation’s very core values.
Day Ten
When I first entered the PAST
competition, I was unsure whether
they would accept someone who had,
prior to her application, taken minimal
interest in Anzac commemorations.
Beyond the ceremony held at school, I
had never been to a public dawn
service. I had no relatives with military
service to boast of, and even if I had,
perhaps there would be such a lapse
of time between our two lives that I
would view them with the same
respect that other veterans deserve,
but (and here I am guessing) none the
more nor less. It is said that time heals
all wounds, and probably more so for
the wounds that one never felt.
Given that the dawn service at Kranji was to be my first, it is needless to describe my uncertainty. I hadn’t
known what to expect and in retrospect, I think I had imagined the ceremony to be not unlike a funeral.
Following that train of thought, I wondered what my response would be? What should it be?
When Chris told us that Singapore did not really have a day for commemoration like Anzac Day for
Australia, the other tour participants seemed surprised by this (if I read reactions correctly). Yet, in all
honesty, it was what I expected. Going by personal experience, my mother who grew up in Singapore does
not hold any strong feelings towards the soldiers who died on Singaporean soil. Neither is the Fall of
Singapore a public holiday for Singaporeans. To a Singaporean, then, Anzac Day would be rather unique
in its purpose and execution.
The term Anzac started as an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp, but has now
broadened to encompass all service people who have fought for Australia and her allies. As I walked
around Kranji War Memorial Cemetery, I saw graves of soldiers from WWII. Since then, Australian troops
have passed through Korea, Vietnam and more recently, Afghanistan and the Middle East. Australia has
entwined its national identity with the Anzac legacy from as far back as more than a century ago. We
anchor our values in the conflicts which we have endured, but it makes me wonder what happens when the
last conflict to speak of occurred fifty years ago, or a hundred. If time heals all wounds, who will remember
the wounds of the past?
Day Eleven
Coming home was bittersweet and it was a shock to think how ten days could pass by so rapidly. Before I
knew it, we were peering down at a scene not unlike that when we flew out of Perth.
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It was with a disrupted sense of time that I looked out to see the familiar curve of the Swan River. Though
there was no time difference between Singapore and Perth, coming back from a tour where every day was
packed with new knowledge made the return trip seem as if it was suspended in time.
If anything, this photo will remind me that
ten days is enough for ten people to
become fast friends. Even as I take home
the knowledge imparted by our tour guides
and insights from the Singaporean
students, I want to remember the thoughts
that each and every one of the students
shared at our round table of discussion in
closing the day’s activities.
Conclusion and Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I want to express my
gratitude to my HASS teacher. Without her
willing advice, my essay would most likely
have been rejected on receipt.
I would also like to thank:
The Premier Mark McGowan and the State Government for funding the program and giving me the
opportunity to participate in this historical commemorative study tour of Singapore.
The Returned Services League, the War Widows’ Guild of Australia and Department of Veterans’
Affairs for supporting the PAST 2017. Special thanks to the DVA for donating a collection of books
to each of the tour participants.
Chris, our battlefield specialist, for his fathomless well of expertise. Benjamin Franklin once said
that ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest’. If so, Chris would be one of the wealthiest
in the world. I enjoyed listening to every single story he told.
Uncle Joe, our tour guide around the city, for his funny insights into Singapore.
The Humanities students from Hwa Chong Institution for their warm welcome. I don’t know if it
means much coming from someone the same age, but they were wise beyond their years.
Last, but not least, a big thanks to Sam, Mery and Norman for organising, supervising and guiding us on
tour. It is a testimony to their expertise that none of us got lost in the world’s third densely populated
country.
It is thanks to all of the above that I am able to share my experiences with my friends and family, my school
and the community.
Reflections and Memories
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Mitchell Murray
Year 12
Wesley College
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Introduction
November 11 2016 was a much anticipated day for me; a day of remembrance and the announcement of
the winners who would be bestowed the honour of attending the Premier's Anzac Student Tour to
Singapore in 2017. The essay-writing process was lengthy, engaging and required a lot of application in
terms of research, not just of the historical events that took place but, more importantly, the people who
lived and experienced those events and their accounts. Eventually my research led to a telephone interview
with the daughter of a POW whose father worked on the Thai-Burma Railway.
On the day of the Premier's announcement, I was very excited but nervous. The interview process I had
long anticipated went extremely smoothly, but I was by no means confident I was the person for the job.
Initially, the interview appeared daunting but as the interview progressed, I felt as though my words were
flowing naturally and I had established a respectable rapport with the panel doing my best to gauge the
room and respond accordingly. In my mind I knew I had to present the best I had to offer, this was an
opportunity to pursue my interests and passions - history, international relations and Mandarin. I’d
envisioned the other candidates interviewed to be extremely competitive but was left hopeful from my
interactions with the judges. With these thoughts in mind, I waited for the announcement.
At the end of lunch, I received a phone call. Surely enough it was a call that would either confirm I had
either succeeded or failed valiantly in my efforts to become a student ambassador. As you can imagine, I
was pleasantly surprised to say the least, feeling a rush that had me feeling elated, confident and buzzing
for the rest of the week! This was followed with me sharing my achievement with my friends, visiting the
offices of my teachers and a barrage of thankful phone calls to those who aided my efforts.
I feel both privileged and honoured to be selected and I intend to honour my role as student ambassador by
putting 110% effort into preparation for the tour, and promoting my Tour experience. It has been wonderful
getting into contact with many journalists and members of parliament who have been willing to work with
me in promoting and sharing my achievement and later, my tour experience with as many people as
possible. As I have a strong interest in history and international relations, the Premier's Anzac Student Tour
will be a worthwhile experience and provide me with a greater understanding of the past and the impact the
past has on our present.
I can hardly express my gratitude to everyone who helped make the Premier's Anzac Tour possible,
especially to those who aided me in securing my position on the tour. I'll also look forward to bonding with
the tour group and, no doubt, making lifelong friendships. Not only will I be provided with the opportunity of
having an amazing historical commemorative tour, I will also be able to put my Mandarin language skills to
use. I will learn about the history and culture of Singapore, as well as the marvels Singapore has both
developed and preserved for the future.
March Briefing
On 2 March 2017, ten student participants commenced the March Briefing. Anxiety and excitement filled
the room as we waited for the Minister for Education, Hon Peter Collier MLC to present us with our official
certificates in acknowledgement of this achievement.
The Minister spoke well of the tour and there was a strong feeling of gratitude towards those who have
provided such a life changing experience. Two veterans from the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion, Mr Dick
Ridgwell and Mr John Gilmour, were also present. These veterans kindly shared their experiences with
keen listeners after the ceremony. They both recalled their experiences and provided a very real picture of
the treatment of POW's by the Japanese and the nature of the Japanese military. He recollected the
rebellious nature of the POW's at the dockyard, stories of dumping or sabotaging valuable resources
coming into the country such as iron or rubber, and filling their pockets with stolen imports, such as rice and
sugar. Apparently, the men learnt which were the valuable containers and the Japanese never caught on.
This story resonated with me because, despite the severe consequences of punishment and death, the
men continued to resist the Japanese and didn't give in both physically and mentally.
For the rest of the day, the focus was getting to know one another with a combination of fun icebreakers
that helped us become a more cohesive group. We played historical charades which involved us dressing
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up as historical figures and asking each other questions to figure out who was who - a great opportunity for
us to use our historical knowledge and critical thinking.
The next day began with a refreshing early morning walk around serene Lake Monger; a calming start to
the busy day ahead. Our first stop was the Army Museum in Fremantle, which was a strong reminder of the
nature of both WWI and WWII, with the devastating and defining impacts these events made both on the
global stage and their significance to Australia. The exhibits and sources on display relayed the tragedy,
hardships and struggles which not just Australian soldiers felt, but also their loved ones at home.
In the afternoon, we visited the coastal defence batteries and tunnels in Fremantle, where we were guided
by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Barry Ellis, who displayed an extraordinary understanding of the
conventional warfare
at the time the
battery was built. I
was also impressed,
as Barry was able to
educate me about
the 155mm Howitzer
my Great Great
Uncle was stationed
at for the defence of
Port Moresby. Barry
talked to us about
the emplacements
built both for the
battery and its
defence, which
prompted thoughts
about Australia
requiring such
equipment to defend
our shores and the
sense of urgency the
situation demanded.
Later that afternoon, we were met by members of the War Widows’ Guild, an organisation dedicated to the
welfare of those who had been widowed in conflict. Their presentation to us was a compelling reminder of
the other, often overlooked causalities of war, the families left behind. The final day was one of much
significance with a sustaining theme of remembrance. The group toured around Kings Park, where we
heard many stories and experiences from war. I had a profound conversation with one of our guides, Rod
Halcombe, about the nature of war and the lessons we ought to learn and carry on. He said, "we should all
sit down at the table before throwing punches and shells at one another" which reinforced my view that,
when there are disputes between people, we should more often reach for the pen than we do the sword. I
was also given the opportunity to pay respects to my Great Great Great Uncle who fought in the 28th
battalion at his tree planted on May Drive. This made me reflect on the sacrifices that many people have
made for one another, that my Uncle died young for a cause he volunteered to aid, putting his life on the
line for the sake of others.
The March briefing was a great experience which gave us all breadth and depth of understanding about the
Anzac struggle, as well as the significance we find in their experiences and sacrifices which apply today.
Day 1
Feelings of excitement were peaking at home as I prepared myself for the journey ahead. When the group
came together at the airport, the reality hit us - we were finally about to begin the much anticipated tour.
After filling out forms and taking photos, it was finally time to depart for Singapore.
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The plane trip was smooth and
relaxing and the arrival in Singapore
was mesmerising. The tall buildings,
greenery and the trade fleet
immediately stood out as we
descended. I think it is the harmony
between beauty and development
that exists in Singapore - this
admirable balance - that stood out
for me. I wondered about the history
and development of the region and
how far this island has come. The
trade fleet we witnessed during our
descent and buildings marking
economic success were combined
with environmental beauty and ever-
present greenery. The island is an
inspiring marvel.
Arriving in Changi Airport was
exciting, an opportunity to see one of the best airports in the world. The flights at Changi run like clockwork,
seeing the many planes move one after another so efficiently seemed a logistical wonder. The airport was
orderly to say the least, allowing us to go through security in a timely matter with relative ease. The plants
and water features incorporated into the airport were heavily symbolic of the city and what we would see on
the way to the hotel. Our guide, Joe, gave a thorough introduction to Singapore which was insightful and
humorous, his talk making us more excited to learn about Singapore.
Day 2
After yesterday's excitement, we
were well and truly prepared to
begin our tour of Singapore.
Today was focused on getting to
know the culture and history
shaping the context of Singapore,
an important introduction to frame
the days to come.
Getting to know the cultures of
Singapore gave me a better
understanding of its people and
the significance of religion. We
visited a mosque, then Hindu
temple, followed by visits to a
Taoist temple and the largest
Taoist/Buddhist temple in
Singapore. The temples were
amazing sights and we learnt a
lot about the respective religions
and their deities. We also passed many Christian, Jewish and Orthodox churches during the day. The
places of worship we saw truly reflected the religious and cultural diversity within Singapore.
In the afternoon, we visited the National Museum of Singapore which illuminated Singaporean history,
specifically from the 1400's up until now. This gave an insight into the nation's colonial past, as well as its
path to independence. Given the politics and historical context of Singapore, we came to understand how
such a diverse nation is both united and accepting of one another. Singapore pays great respect to its
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cultures and past, through policy and governance. An example of how Singapore respects its roots, is
through the national anthem being sung in Malay. which reflects both the cultural and religious respect
within Singapore. Seeing Singapore as it is today, we are able to work backwards to discover how history
has shaped the nation.
Day 3
After learning about the context behind Singapore, we were ready to study the Singapore campaign more
in-depth as well as the effects of the Japanese victory and aftermath of WWII.
To begin the day, we studied maps of Singapore and were run through the battle plans and army division
placements. It was clear the British forces were poorly placed, under prepared and inexperienced
compared to their Japanese adversaries. The Japanese army were already battle hardened by combat in
China, Siam (Thailand) and Malaysia as opposed to the Australian forces who were fresh off the boat with
no more than 6 weeks training.. The Japanese were equipped to outgun and outmanoeuvre the Allies, from
the beginning of the campaign up until the formal Japanese surrender in Singapore. The prisoners of war
and the citizenry of Singapore were to suffer at the hands of the Japanese. Many were tortured, abused
and killed. The prisoners faced grim circumstances and the people of Singapore, particularly the Chinese,
were killed out of intense hate that the Japanese held for them.
During the day, we learned of the harsh Japanese occupation in Singapore. Japanese lessons were forced
upon students, Japanese films and newsreels were the only ones available. However, the main thing that
resonated with me was a mural painting, painted in 1941 depicting Jesus being lifted up by the Romans to
hang from the cross The mural was created by a priest with what few resources he had at his disposal
during the Japanese occupation. The mural reads: "forgive them, for they know not what they do". This can
be applied to the Japanese occupation of Singapore, both in a theological and non-theological sense.
Perhaps this could be interpreted as a request to not judge these actions. Regardless of atrocities that
were committed, we should focus less on retribution and more on forgiveness and acceptance for the sake
of a more peaceful future.
Day 4
The Old Ford Factory
enlightened us with detailed
exhibits, especially the different
perspectives of the British and
Japanese. In addition, we
learned of the civilian suffering.
Later, Labrador Park was
explored and seemed a very
different to the centralised
places we had previously
encountered.
The Old Ford Factory presented a
wealth of exhibits and audio
accounts, as well as many
historical sources that were
translated to English. I found
the audio accounts were the
most powerful. Most of these
audio accounts were after the Fall of Singapore and detailed executions, massacres, torture and other
abuse, particularly towards the Chinese. This was in-keeping with the exhibitions as well. These audio
accounts were emotional and vivid; being able to understand some Mandarin also helped me listen to the
words of the speaker, rather than the translation. There were stories of men who had survived executions,
but chose to swim out to sea because they would rather drown. Rarely, some were able to escape
through appealing to the humanity of the Japanese. The Japanese occupation was oppressive, subjugating
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the Singaporean people. They were free to slap, steal, torture and execute anyone who they saw fit. This
period of occupation was difficult and few citizens could meet the high and unrealistic standards enforced.
As a result of the occupation, many people were scarred, wounded or killed.
I saw an exhibit at the museum, a record I recall being marked “大家来杀鬼子”, which had been
scratched off the record during Japanese occupation. This was recorded in 1938, by the Singaporean choir,
outlining the tension between the Chinese and the Japanese in a Singaporean context, however, the
translation given on the exhibit is simply "Let's fight the enemy". I believed the title "Everyone come to kill
the demons" to be a more fitting translation from my understanding and certainly added to the exhibit as I
believe this title to be more accurate in describing the emotions between the Chinese and the Japanese at
the time
This lead me to ponder what other meanings could be lost in translation. I also considered how history is
written by the victor, ranging from the example of the removal of the label of a music record, to falsified
reports for justification, or even outright censorship. These are all options for those in a position of power.
With this new awareness, I believe that we should question rather than accepting things which may be
taken at face value.
Day 5
After learning more about the surrender at the Old Ford Factory and its implications, we would visit the
Battle Box and Fort Canning, the major sites of British operation. The Battle Box was an underground
bunker hidden on the high ground of Singapore where British command relayed orders to all forces on the
island.
The Battle Box was well fortified to keep
aggressors out and protect the people
inside. During the Singapore campaign
there would be anywhere between 300 to
500 men crammed in the concrete bunker
relaying orders, deciphering code,
recording aircraft movement and co-
coordinating command. It was here the
hard decision was made to surrender
Singapore to the Japanese. The reality of
the situation was that the Japanese had
seized superiority on land and in the air
while Singapore's supplies were quickly
exhausted. Both the weaknesses of the
British command and the strength of the
underestimated Japanese forces would
contribute to the surrender.
When the Commander in Chief, General
Percival, called the meeting to discuss
either a counter attack or surrender, the decision was quickly made. After being told that the water reserves
could only last a day longer due to the bombing, the chances of holding on were bleak. To add to this, there
was a strained dynamic between Percival, Gordon Bennett and Lewis Heath. While Bennett commanded
the Australian divisions, Heath commanded the Indian divisions and both disliked Percival. The
conversation lasted only 15 minutes before the surrender was decided along with the fate of 80 000 men
and the citizens of Singapore. Many would face extreme hardships as well as injury, if not death under the
Japanese occupation.
The weight of the decision was incredibly significant. The amount of pressure and stress was readily
sensed throughout the tour of the Battle Box and its exhibits. Putting myself in the shoes of Percival and
knowing the situation at hand, I would certainly be struggling to compose myself. The commanding men
were used as scapegoats; Gordon Bennett fled. Bennett’s actions meant he bore the brunt of shame and
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dishonour for their actions. These men were placed in an unfortunate position and were not in control of
their situation. They are not solely to be blamed for the surrender of Singapore.
Day 6
Today was filled with wonder, marvel and cultural exchange. We spent our time at the Hwa Chong
Institution and learned much about the school's education, its history and its students.
We toured the school campus accompanied by the local students who were extremely keen to meet and
greet us. These students were incredibly friendly and eager to share their knowledge with us, and the
feeling was mutual. We attended a history class at the school based on the independence of Singapore.
Judging from the students' actions and conversations, they were knowledgeable and engaged with the
subject matter. The classes were also very interactive and informative, with open discussion and links back
to how the content was relevant in a present day context. It was clear the class and the teacher were
enjoying the learning process. The school's values and attitudes were focused on servant leadership and
giving back to the community; evidently this culture is effective as the Hwa Chong Institution is one of the
top 20 feeder school to Oxford. We were also told of the many successes these students had in university,
achieving literature prizes or going on to serve in the higher ranks of the government.
Drawing a comparison between Hwa Chong Institution and our experience of Australian Schools was very
interesting. The academic culture at Hwa Chong was impressive, the students were enthusiastic and
committed in their pursuits, something that is less ingrained in Western Australia, however our education
system aims to cater for non-academic pathways and gives these avenues support and encouragement. I
believe there is much we could learn from each to cater for a greater variety and choice of careers. Shared
insights benefit both Australian and Singaporean education, global relations and our future development.
Day 7
There was a resounding message of preservation during our visit to the Singapore Zoo unlike anything I
had ever seen before. The sheer size and scale of the zoo was impressive; I was taken by an abundance
of beautiful flora and fauna of Singapore as well as a large collection of animals in habitats representing
different parts of the world.
The zoo has a strong stance on animal ethics, welfare and preservation, often promoting the ethical
treatment of animals and co-operation between people and animals. As an island nation, Singapore has
very little space to expand, with upwards of 5 million people to accommodate on an island around no more
than 4 times the size of Rottnest and both people and animals need to share this space.
This is important to keep in mind, as space
has to be set aside for preservation and
conservation, for the sake of living in
harmony with the environment as opposed to
using all the land for living, development or
industry. Despite the need for people to
occupy space, there has been much effort
towards the conservation of the environment
and wildlife in Singapore. This is evident
throughout the city through the deliberate
integration of parks and greenery in the
design of the city and its buildings, the zoo
and even the large Eco-Link Bridge, which
exists solely for animals to cross the highway
towards the zoo safely. This is in-keeping
with the Singaporean Government’s
environmental vision and policy, for example, the hefty fines for littering.
The futuristic outlook taken by both the zoo and the Singaporean Government is inspiring. This has
resonated with me and reinforces that Australia ought to uphold environmental preservation and ethics. We
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ought to preserve the environment, so as to better the living standards of both people and animals, bolster
our health and improve our disposition towards all forms of life. Seeing the large enclosures of Singapore
Zoo made me realise how important it is to preserve our environment for the benefit of all life and for
generations to come.
Day 8
Today we furthered our understanding about the Fall of Singapore and how it shaped and developed
Singapore and Malaysia. The Fall of Singapore and Malaya was swift and took less than 2 months to come
to a conclusion.
In the morning we attended the Bukit Chandu Museum where we learned of the Malayan Regiment who
defended the hill of Bukit Chandu and stood against the Japanese despite "for every Malay soldier there
were about 10 or 12 Japanese soldiers" (Lt. Penrod V. Dean, 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion, Australian
Division).
This regiment was brave and loyal with a strong sense of honour. The first engagement involved Japanese
soldiers dressing up as Punjabi soldiers, marching in lines of four. The commanding Malay Lieutenant
Adnan Saidi was credited with seeing through the Japanese trick, ordering the regiment to fire on the
soldiers, as British units always marched in lines of three. Merely hours later, the Japanese issued a Banzai
charge on the Malayans. The Malayan regiment continued to fight until they were out of supplies and their
commander ordered the men to continue fighting ferociously with their bayonets and fists in a counter-
charge. The Malayans fought well but suffered the inevitable, and were defeated. Their commander fought
bravely until he was beaten down by the Japanese and bayoneted multiple times. Some of the Malay
soldiers' bodies were hung from trees. The level of commitment, patriotism, grit and determination from the
Malayan regiment is remarkable.
In the afternoon we visited "Images of Singapore" and gained greater insight to the history of Singapore
over the past 200 years. When Singapore was granted to the British in the 1800s, it was little more than a
fishing village. Nowadays it is an advanced independent nation with its own national identity. This was
portrayed to us by actors who took on different personae and educated us through their acted perspective
and time. The actors took us on a historical journey through treaty signings, to dockyards and throughout
various periods of time. One aspect of the tour that resonated with me was that we were placed in a 1941
cinema, watching a news reel before a movie in Singapore. After the newsreel on the war, there was an air
raid and the cinema was evacuated. While the whole thing was scripted, it made me think about how
quickly daily life can escalate into an urgent situation, especially in times of war, disrupting daily business.
This reinforced that soldiers are not the only victims of war and defenceless civilians also have their lives
put at risk in these dire times.
It was evident how much Singapore has gone through and developed to become the place it is today and
how significant historical events have shaped the nation.
Day 9
Today we visited the Arts Science Museum
and Stamford American International
School. Both of these establishments are a
testament of Singapore’s progress in
education, attracting scholars across the
world to attend. After these tours, it was
easy to see why these facilities are worthy of
such prestige.
The Arts Science Museum is a place of
wonder and had me quickly captivated.
Many of the artworks at this museum were
interactive, or incorporated technology in
some way, from videos to interactive
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canvases. The dark rooms utilised brightness and colours to draw attention to the beauty of the exhibit. The
museum really captured my imagination; the wonders of the museum left me feeling like a child - enthused,
inspired, curious and full of wonder.
The Stamford American International School was an impressive new school built in 2009, standing 8
storeys high. The students at the school were from many different backgrounds and there was a strong
multicultural mix. The school facilities were amazing - saying it was well equipped would be an
understatement. The technology and design lab had a 3D printer, a live mock stock market program along
with many wires, tools and other things which could be used for engineering and robotics. We met with a
class whose age group was similar to ours. We mixed well and exchanged details, forging relationships for
the future. Meeting these students was interesting; they were academic and well-travelled and many who
had attended multiple schools in different countries ranging from Ireland to China.
Today stood testament to Singapore’s development, prestige and international reputation. There was a
constant reminder of this, seeing people from all over the world to visit Singapore. After spending 9 days on
the island nation it is no surprise that Singapore holds the reputation it boasts today as a place of
education, development and prestige.
Day 10
The day began with an early wake up for a powerful Anzac Day dawn service at Kranji War Memorial
Cemetery. After the service we would visit Sembawang Park and the Singapore Botanic Gardens to further
reflect on the natural beauty of
Singapore and see how it has
been nurtured since WWII. It is
remarkable to think of the growth
and development of Singapore
over the last 200 years and the
journeys that millions have
undertaken to get Singapore to
where it is today, whether
through defending Singapore and
its sovereignty or contributing to
developing the island in some
way, shape or form.
The Kranji dawn service was
deeply moving, as was visiting
the graves afterward. What
resonated with me was the fact
that many people, both soldiers
and civilians suffered during the
Fall of Singapore and its
occupation. The choir singing “All the fine young men” during the service helped me to remember that
many people had suffered and died, most long before their time. Their sacrifices were intent on building a
better future and their ultimate sacrifice was invaluable to everyone who has benefited in some way from
their selflessness.
They told all the fine young men, ah, when this war is over, there will be peace, and the peace will last
forever. These lyrics stuck with me because everlasting peace seems a difficult concept considering after
the first “Great War”, which was deemed to be the war to end all wars was only followed by more conflict. It
makes commemorating the sacrifices of those who aimed to keep peace an even more solemn occasion.
After the ceremony we went to Sembawang Park where we could see just how close Singapore is
geographically to Malaysia, which put into perspective the size of Singapore. From an Australian
perspective, this is an interesting concept, as there isn’t that same proximity between us and another
nation. It was also interesting seeing the size of neighbouring Malaysia compared to that of Singapore.
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Day 11
After seeing most of the wonders of
Singapore, it was finally time to return
home. This life-changing experience is
coming to a close and I feel as though I
am coming away from this more
enlightened about the Fall of
Singapore. There is no question that
this tour has been an amazing
opportunity and I would recommend the
Premier’s Anzac Tour to any student
who has an interest in history and
international relations. Not only did we
share and expand our understandings
about our history and past, we also
forged lifelong connections. I hope one
day to return to Singapore to see how
much further it has grown and reflect on
its past. I am leaving the tour feeling
more knowledgeable about Australia and Singapore and our places upon the world stage, as well as our
cultures, backgrounds and history. I am enthused to pursue a career in international relations, as I have
learned through the Premier’s Anzac Tour that building relationships is invaluable and can lead to a
collective prosperity, as we see in Singapore today through diplomatic ties that help form national identity.
Through these ties, Singapore has prospered and flourished.
Conclusion and Acknowledgements
The tour has been an enlightening journey, and a worthwhile historical and commemorative experience.
The knowledge and connections I have developed over the tour have been truly invaluable. I would like to
thank firstly our supervisors, Sam, Norman and Mery who did a fantastic job at helping us along our
journey. I would also like to thank the entire tour group who have been a pleasure to meet.
Thank you to the Premier and the State Government for offering this wonderful initiative. I hope this
worthwhile opportunity continues to be offered so other students can share the experience and enrich their
understanding of the world. I would like to thank Hwa Chong Institution, and Stamford American
International School and their students for being so hospitable. The RSL, War Widows’ Guild of Australia,
the veterans of the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion have all been so helpful in sharing their stories to build our
contextual understanding.
There are so many people to thank and I am grateful for everyone’s efforts in making the tour so
enlightening. There are so many people who have assisted us in one way or another and I thank them all.
Lastly, I am grateful to my school and my family for supporting me through this process. To honour the tour,
I aim to share my experiences with my school and wider community because the tour has granted me so
much more understanding and this understanding ought to be shared. This has been an unforgettable
experience and I gratefully thank all those involved.
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Appendix
Strife & Struggle tutorial topics
1. Trade by Bryce Taylor Over the years Singapore has experienced many rises and falls with regards to commerce. The Fall of
Singapore to the Japanese in WWII deeply affected the trading nation economically; however it also
sparked independence for the Singaporean people and allowed President Lee Kuan Yew to push the
nation towards a future of prosperity. This perseverance and struggle in the face of defeat has allowed
Singapore to develop into the successful nation it is today. The true power of trade was ultimately shown
through reconciliation between Japan and Singapore after the war, whose bond will govern the way for
future trade relations.
Singapore has a long history as a trading settlement due to its richness in natural resources and
geographical position. The first major trade settlement came about with the arrival of the Prince of Srivijaya
(sri-vih-gee-ya) in 1320, who realised the significance of Singapore’s location. It became a duty-free
entrepôt (on-tre-poh) for the three-way trade between China, India and the Malay Archipelago, lasting for
almost 300 years. [An entrepôt is a city or port which acts like a checkpoint along the trading route; storing
goods for a time and then exporting them without any repackaging.] During the 1300s, the conditions in
Singapore were ideal for the growth of crops; a suitable climate, plenty of fresh water and most importantly
flat and fertile land. However the Sumatran prince didn’t realise this potential and eventually the settlement
fell to Portuguese invaders in 1613, leaving Singapore lost to the world of trade.
The arrival of Stamford Raffles in 1819
saw critical developments in the
Singaporean region. Sent over to
establish a fortified post, Raffles
immediately saw the potential of
Singapore’s natural resources and knew
it would also be a vital trading post
linking China and Great Britain. He soon
made a deal with a local village of just
1000 people and helped establish a
small trading colony. He focused on
using the land to his advantage to grow
rubber plantations and used its location
to initiate an entrepôt between
neighbouring countries. In his regulations
for the entrepôt he stated “the Port of
Singapore is a free Port, and the trade
thereof is open to ships and vessels of every nation . . . equally and alike to all”. Before long, Chinese,
Indian and Malay workers flocked to Singapore and a strong economic cycle began to emerge.
New developments such as the opening of the Suez Canal, ocean-going steamships and the opening of
the Chinese market created more and more job opportunities for immigrant workers. The workforce then
increased, thus boosting Singapore’s economy and allowing for the purchase of technological
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advancements. These new technologies were then incorporated into the labour force and attracted even
more workers, completing the economic cycle. By 1871 over 100 000 people were working in Singapore
and it had acquired a strong manufacturing and commerce sector. Singapore’s unprecedented economic
boom continued well into the 20th century and it was soon to become an important trading outpost for
WWII.
During WWII Singapore acted as a supplier of rubber and tin for the Allies. It stood as an important port for
trade and, thanks to its new naval base, a military harbour. Due to its location Singapore continued to act
as the major supply route between China and Great Britain, however as China became oppressed by the
Japanese, Singapore’s trading activity started to decline. In 1942 the Japanese conquered Singapore. All
trade was cut off with the Allied forces and Singapore’s main source of economy was lost. This led to a lack
of food supplies which triggered malnutrition amongst many and gave rise to a black market. A currency
known as ‘banana notes’ was printed in a seemingly endless supply by the Japanese and saw food prices
rise exponentially as the value of money dropped. On September 12 1945 the Japanese surrendered
Singapore, which reverted back to British colonial rule. There was no end to the devastation, however, as
people struggled to survive with limited food and water supplies.
Following the Japanese surrender, Singapore experienced a period of chaos and economic turmoil.
Lacking natural resources and trading ports due to Japanese bombings, Singapore faced both a declining
economy and a growing population which required jobs. Having failed to support them in their struggle with
the Japanese, the British leaders were rejected by the people. The departure of Britain from the island saw
a 20% loss of jobs and temporarily reduced trading between the two nations. Singapore’s economic strife
didn’t demoralise the nation as you might expect, but rather provided motivation for new leaders to restore
the trading nation to its former glory.
On the 22nd of December 1965 Singapore was declared a republic and a strong new leadership under
President Lee Kuan Yew was initiated. The government began promoting industrialisation and Singapore’s
export services in order to attract foreign investment and restore its status as a thriving entrepôt. Industrial
estates were set up and practical training was given emphasis in order to build up a competent workforce,
well-suited to the industry. This attracted many foreign investors as expected, including USA and Japan,
who were amongst the biggest. Japan’s long history with Singapore had been overcome and, thanks to
reconciliation through trade, a strong economic bond
between the nations is still evident today. As foreign
investment grew the service industry also began to
grow, due to the increasing commerce and demand
for services by ships in Singapore’s ports. During the
economic boom of the late 60s and 70s came,
Singapore experienced exponential GDP growth. By
the late 1980s Singapore was ranked as the second
most important Asian financial centre after Tokyo. It
was home to several thousand trading firms and its
financial service sector continued to expand its GDP.
Singapore had not only alleviated its unemployment
crisis but had grown exponentially in terms of
economy.
Singapore has always been destined for trade due to its geography and fertile land and, despite the
economic upset of WWII, has remained one of the world’s leading trade enterprises. Left economically
wounded after the Japanese invasion, the Singaporean people found a way to rebuild the country into a
trading empire. Its reconciliation with Japan through trade continues to inspire the nation into a future of
peace and prosperity.
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2. Southeast Asia by Patrick Reilly Southeast Asia, home to over 620 million people, is a diverse area with rich cultural context. It includes any
nation south of China, east of India, north of Australia or west of Papua New Guinea, and has two main
geographical areas within the region: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and West Malaysia make up
Mainland Southeast Asia and Maritime Southeast Asia is made up of East Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore,
the Philippines, East Timor, Brunei, the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island.
With a large population from many different countries,
Southeast Asia is very culturally and religiously diverse.
Prior to the 14th Century, Hinduism dominated
Southeast Asia, which was then overtaken by
Buddhism. More recently, the rise of Islam has been
widespread, with more than 240 million people in the
area being Muslim today. Islam is most prominent in
Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia, while Burma,
Cambodia and Laos are mainly Buddhist nations and
over 80% of people in the Philippines and East Timor
are Catholic. Singapore and Vietnam are religiously
diverse, with no certain religion being dominant in
those countries.
With the region lying near an intersection of tectonic plates, it is an area of heavy seismic and volcanic
activity, especially in Indonesia. There is mainly a hot and humid tropical climate with plenty of rainfall, with
North Vietnam and the Burmese Himalayas being the only places with subtropical climates, having cold
winters and snow. Most of Southeast Asia has a wet and dry season caused by shifts in winds or
monsoons. Environmentally, Southeast Asia is known for its tropical rainforests and steep, mountainous
country as well as its shallow coral reefs, which scientists believe have the largest biodiversity in the world.
The rainforests are occupied by famous animals such as the orangutan, the Asian elephant, the Bornean
clouded leopard, the Philippine eagle as well the Sumatran, Malayan and Indochinese tigers. Despite the
fame of the rainforests and the animals that rely on them, the placement of rubber and palm oil plantations
has caused devastating amounts of deforestation, threatening biodiversity and destroying the habitats of
these famous animals. The situation of the orangutan is at the forefront of this issue, the gentle, rare
species is considered critically endangered and a loss of their rainforest habitat is largely to blame.
Southeast Asia is driven by agriculture and manufacturing. Its top five export sectors are electronics,
minerals and oils, machinery, vehicles and plastic products. This is mainly due to the large amounts of
these products coming out of technologically advanced Singapore and Brunei. It hasn’t always been like
this though, prior to the 1960s, Southeast Asia was mainly a producing region. With products such as rice,
spices, rubber, palm oil, sugar, cacao and sugar, products that Western nations have a large interest in, at
the forefront of their exports. In the early 1960s, the region began to industrialize and produce secondary
and tertiary products cheaply. The manufacturing industry has since grown significantly, with a large market
appearing for ‘re-exports’, which is when a nation imports a product, adds something to it, then exports it
again for a profit. Singapore, being the high-tech hub of Southeast Asia, manufactures a lot of electronics;
Vietnam and Cambodia are big garment producers; and rubber, palm oil, petroleum and oil are produced
largely by Indonesia and Malaysia.
Agriculture and manufacturing may be the source of the majority of Southeast Asia’s exports, but they also
create employment and livelihoods for nations that would otherwise struggle with creating jobs for their
people. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in in every country except Singapore and Brunei.
Dominated by wet-rice cultivation and rubber and palm oil production, other products such as corn,
cassava, cacao, coffee, spices and tobacco are used for regional consumption as well as exported to other
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nations. Factories and manufacturing companies contribute largely to the nation’s GDP and also employ
many Southeast Asian people, helping economies continue to grow.
Southeast Asia has always faced it challenges, its people have been disadvantaged geographically,
politically, economically and socially. Different areas of the region have been colonised by different
European powers while others have stayed independent. Civil unrest has been encountered and
conquered. Throughout the Second World War, they endured a period of instability, while many of the
people experienced great hardship and brutality. The region has always managed to recover from its strife
and struggle and keep up with a fast moving world. Especially places like Singapore, which leads the world
in areas such as trade, technology and sustainability.
3. Cultural acceptance by Brandon Rowe Zdravo! Namaste! Chào bạn! Marhabaan! Haló! Hello!
In my class, at any given time there are up to 5 different languages spoken- from Arabic to
Vietnamese. Multiculturalism is one of my school's most recognisable fearures. Acceptance is one of our
most vital values.
In the world right now we have so many different forms of intolerance. Trump, Muslim bans, human rights
violations, and so many more inhumane, cruel acts. Many of these different forms of intolerance, by people
like Trump, and Pauline Hanson, stem from a lack of knowledge and understanding of circumstances.
90% of the people I consider to be ‘friends’ are of international descent. Two of my closest friends are of
Bosnian and Indian origins.
At our school we recently celebrated
Harmony Day, a little late, I
know. Many of the students and
teachers dressed up in cultural
dress; I didn’t. When people asked
why I didn’t wear ‘Cultural Dress’ my
response was “In this day-and-age
nobody is really one culture
anymore, and it’s a little hard to
dress up as the culture of ‘Europe’.”
I was struggling to think of a
direction to take this little speech
until Sedin told me that “To look like
a Bosnian, you just need to dress as
white and as bogan as you can and
sound like you’re a French guy
putting on a Russian accent.” This got me thinking: why is it that people persecute each other on the basis
of their culture and then describe that culture in relation to others that they don’t persecute?
In reality, no person on Earth can claim to be purely ‘one race’ or ‘one culture’. People have been
migrating and intermarrying for at least the last 40,000 years.
2 and a half millennia ago, two of the three major religions on Earth today didn’t exist; they were still one
religion. Jesus was Jewish and yet Nazi Christians still attacked Jews in their workplaces, homes, and
Synagogues.
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Acceptance of cultural diversity has been brought to the foreground recently with the love/hate association
with ‘Cultural Appropriation’. The consensus with most of my school is that cultural appropriation is not a
bad thing. As many of them put it cultural appropriation shows the pinnacle of cultural acceptance. In my
community we have the remnants of many influxes of migrants, many Slavs following the breakup of
Yugoslavia, Vietnamese following the Vietnam War, Italians following World War Two, and people of
African heritage. These are just a few of the groups that have integrated into the community. Many of
these people’s customs and culture have become a part of our community.
I was born in a small town very far away with a primarily white population and after moving to Western
Australia I was introduced to a very open, accepting, and multicultural community. All of the people there
were so diverse and united in spite of all of their backgrounds. Traditions from all over the world are
celebrated, welcomed, and rejoiced. Events like Eid Al-Fitr, Chinese New Year, Passover, Diwali and
Christmas are celebrated, not just by those who are a part of the culture of origin, but these events are
celebrated by the community as a whole.
It would be a near impossibility to live in my community and be racist. If only it was true to say this for all of
Australia, what country would we be? A country in which no two people were different simply because of
where they were born and the customs which they practiced.
Hvala ti! Grazie! Dhanyavaad! Danke! Tapadh leat! Thank you!
4. Prisoners of War by Caitlyn McKenzie The aspect of prisoners of war undoubtedly played a significant role
in the course of the Pacific War in particular. The ruthless battles
between the allied forces and the Japanese army were not
exclusive to the battlefront, but were an ever-present factor within
Prisoner of War camps – which perhaps suggests why Australian
and British Prisoners of War were treated in such inhumane ways.
I've chosen to focus more so on the Australian experience within the
Prisoner of War camps, as each of the 35000 Australians who were
imprisoned throughout the Pacific War had their own unique story
about their experiences. The stories of these thousands of men all hold individual tales about what their
personal memories and experiences entailed; this is perhaps what is most astounding about this aspect of
the war – that each of the thousands of men viewed their ordeal from different perspectives, and no two
stories were exactly the same.
Throughout the course of the Pacific War – from late 1941 to 1945 – Australian soldiers were continuously
captured in small numbers, many having no choice other than to surrender to the surrounding enemy
troops. An approximate total of 35 000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses and civilians were
captured and imprisoned by the Japanese. However, following the liberation of the Prisoner of War camps,
only two-thirds of these prisoners had survived the brutal conditions.
Following the 'Fall of Singapore' in 1942, General Yamashita – the 'Tiger of Malaya' as he infamously
became known – took a total tally of 130 000 Prisoners of War, which was the largest number in British and
commonwealth military history. I find it astounding that such an underestimated army of 'skinny men with
coke-bottle glasses' were able to defeat the 'impregnable Singapore,' and the mighty Allied Army. Despite
the consequences of the monumental defeat at the Fall of Singapore 'very little was heard of those early
Australian POW,' but we are now aware that their ordeals were defined by 'bombs... casualties' 'exhaustion
and privation,' – their experiences 'synonymous with suffering.'
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Undoubtedly with such a significant number of POWs, the Japanese had to accommodate an adequate
number of Prisoner of War camps. Over 500 Prisoner of War camps were spread across Southeast Asia, in
countries like Malaya, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Burma. What is most significant about this is that
not only did the Japanese have Prisoner of War camps all over Southeast Asia, but they were in full control
of the countries thanks to their military success.
Despite the secretive nature that surrounded the experiences of Prisoners of War, we can now understand
how Prisoners of War lived in the camps. The treatment of Australian Prisoners of War varied depending on
the camp in which they were imprisoned. However, upon being liberated, many reports of Prisoner of War
experiences came out. In many Japanese Prisoner of War camps, for instance, prisoners lived on 3 cups of
rice a day – just enough to keep them alive. Thomas Uren – a prisoner of the Japanese, who was incredibly
vocal during his imprisonment – claimed that 'Japanese military discipline was sadistic, because they
administered instant Japanese punishment... when it was administered to prisoners, it was particularly
vicious and brutal.' The fact that many men who experienced such horrific events were able to publicly
express the reality surrounding their afflictions is truly admirable, as there is no doubt that the scenarios
they were forced into were incredibly dire situations, yet some are still so willing to share.
There is no explicit explanation for why the Japanese insisted on treating allied POW so badly. However,
they were able to execute their torture and punishment due to the fact that even though they claimed to
respect the terms of the Geneva Convention. The Geneva convention ensured the humane treatment of
Prisoners of War. The Japanese had no legal connection to the Convention, and therefore, the Japanese
were able to resort to methods of torture, exploitation and horrific killings.
Australian Prisoner of War Murray Griffin reconstructed a painting of Japanese torture. In his painting, an
Australian POW has been forced to kneel on a log whilst he is beaten by two guards. Behind this prisoner,
another has passed out after being beaten so horrifically. This portrayal emphasises both the reality behind
the cruel, barbaric behaviour towards the Prisoners of War, but also presents the prisoners' perspective,
adding emotion to the horrific events.
Considering there were 35 000 Prisoners of War
throughout the Pacific War, there are undeniably
many different accounts and versions of
experiences. Emotions amongst the Australian
prisoners ranged from disappointment at the lack of
opportunity to demonstrate the skills they had learnt
during training, to determination to 'constantly hope
and never give up' – a slogan adopted in Changi
Prisoner of War camp, as an acronym to fuel
perseverance amongst the prisoners.
History undoubtedly plays a fundamental role in
influencing the nature of our current world. In many
situations in society, those in control exert their power over those who they consider to be inferior. Methods
of oppression and unwarranted discipline are unnecessary characteristics that the authorities possess. In
recent times, a voice from inside the Papua New Guinean Manus Island detention centre described a
situation where the authorities “are threatening and humiliating people in different kind of ways. We have to
stay in a long line for each meal. The officers search our bodies, the system calls us by number. It is a big
humiliation.” I think it's virtually impossible to earnestly say that we have learnt from the mistakes history
reveals, as we show no real progression towards a world where the dignity of the human is acknowledged
and respected unconditionally.
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5. Globalism by Coby Menzie We live in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected and ever smaller. In the last 70 years, there
has been a dramatic increase in the exchange of knowledge, trade and capital all over the world driven by
both technological advancement and the integration of people and markets on a global scale. This process
of global integration and worldly interconnectedness is known as globalism, and in the last half-century, it
has accelerated at a remarkable speed. From before the advent of the Second World War until present
times, globalisation has contributed greatly to the modernisation of Asia and has affected nearly every
aspect of our day-to-day lives.
Although globalism has been occurring for hundreds of years, the events leading up to and throughout the
Second World War initiated the current global shift. Prior to the outbreak of WWII, nations all over the world
faced turbulence. The Great Depression had left most of the world’s population unemployed and desperate.
The 1920’s saw the unrestricted rise and spread of fascism throughout Europe. China and the Empire of
Japan had been at war since the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. The world braced itself with the rise of the
deadliest dictators in history, as the likes of Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito rose to power.
And as WWII drew nearer Germany, Italy and Japan forged alliances with the insidious aim of territorial
expansion.
Needless to say, the world was on the brink of war.
When conflict broke out across the world, trade in
resources, exchange of knowledge and
strengthening of foreign policy increased as
globalisation accelerated. The war industry fuelled
the global economy, and the effects of the Great
depression were finally resolving. Technological
advancements in transport and communications
generated wealth all over the world. To meet the
high demand for industrial activities, the trade of
capital and resources increased and now nations
were looking to expand their overseas markets.
With the conflict in the Asia-Pacific theatre of war intensifying, the region was thrust into the spotlights of
the world stage. The need to open up new trade routes and establish relationships with Asian countries in
order to combat Japanese Imperialism was made apparent and the potential for development in the region
was realised.
After the war, the world became a very different place. The unimaginable hardships endured accelerated
change on a global scale. Borders were torn down, empires collapsed, the need for progressive
international co-operation was realised and a series of social and political transformations drove the world
forward. Globalism during WWII seemed to spread more quickly; even developing world Singapore was not
immune to its effects.
The Japanese surrender provoked a change in political ideologies throughout Asia and, for Singapore,
these changes meant separation from mainland Malaysia in 1965. Tiny, underdeveloped, and without
natural resources, Singapore’s independence marked the beginning of its struggle to survive and thrive on
its own. Even before its separation, Singapore depended on the outside world not just for food and energy,
but even for water. In the post-war period, Singapore faced an uncertain future and needed to look beyond
its borders and globalise, just as other nations had done following WWII.
Globalism emerged as strong relations were built with foreign countries, joining international organisations
like the United Nations and The Association of Southeast Asian Nations to aid in its pursuit of foreign
partnerships. Under the government of the late Lee Kuan Yew - Singapore’s first prime minister - the nation
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then adopted export-led growth strategies, utilising its strategic location to promote export with other
countries. Singapore also promoted foreign trade and investment, especially by Multinational corporations,
which grew and prospered in Singapore’s dynamic location. By these means, Singapore’s pace of
industrialisation and economic growth boomed, thus strengthening national and international prosperity.
Today, Singapore stands as one of the most
important transportation hubs and tourist locations
in the world. By harnessing the positive benefits
of globalism, Singapore built a strong economy
alongside world class infrastructure, transforming
the once small fishing village into a thriving urban
metropolis.
Singapore’s success highlights the good
Globalism can do, but you may still be asking
yourself, so what? Why is Globalism important,
what’s its significance in my life, and why should I
care? As mentioned earlier, globalism affects
nearly every aspect of our lives. From an
economic standpoint, Globalism encompasses
the trade that occurs between countries and the subsequent contraction of geographical borders. When
Globalism occurs an exchange and understanding of cultures occurs. That is why you can live in Australia
yet wake up to an American TV network, sip on a British brand of tea, drive a Japanese car to school and
eat a Swedish meatball for lunch.
Globalism has also benefited the Australian economy, and is one of the reasons why we have such
fortuitous lifestyles. A large portion of our GDP comes from globalised export and import between our
neighbouring countries. This, in turn, generates revenue for the whole of Australia that contributes to our
high standard of living. Globalism also gives rise to new industry and employment opportunities on our
shores where overseas demand for our resources fuels various Australian industries and our economy.
In addition, Australia’s diverse multicultural society is another by-product of globalism. By opening up our
borders, Australia allowed an array of cultural aspects to be intergraded into our society, including food,
music and customs. Free trade agreements implemented with nations like Japan, China and Singapore,
and our continued economic support in the Asia-Pacific region, have subsequently influenced the strong
presence of Asian culture in mainstream Australian life.
Ultimately, globalism has helped progress Australian society and has enriched our quality of life.
6. Allegiance by Mya Kordic Allegiance is defined as loyalty or commitment to a superior, or to a group, or cause. The nation of
Singapore, although small in size, is the habitat of a rich history and culture. Harmonious and diverse, this
is a nation at one with the people. The Singapore National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to Singapore
which embodies the importance of being together no matter what race, religion or walk of life you come
from and says all Singaporean citizens are one.
The National Pledge, a form of allegiance in Singapore was first written by Sinnathamby Rajaratnam in
1966, not long after Singapore’s Independence. Rajaratnam believed that religion, language and race were
decisive factors, although he emphasised that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared
enough about their country. The foundations the oath were built on, helped bring Rajarnatnam’s dream to
life, in his words “a Singapore we are proud of”.
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The oath is recited by Singaporeans in unison during public events, in the Singapore Armed Forces,
National Day Parade and in schools across the nation. The allegiance citizens devote themselves to when
becoming a part of the nation Singapore today, through the National Pledge, rewrites history from a conflict
that took place 75 years ago.
Before the Fall of Singapore occurred, the developing nation of Singapore was committed to the British
Empire. The nation was reassured that British knowledge and confidence would protect them from the
terrors of Japanese forces; their faith was a trait of allegiance shown by actions. Faith was the emotion
citizens required when becoming a nation. Faith, as a citizen of a country, is trusting the nation’s leaders
and everyone around them, even when things seem really terrible. This is where citizens’ support is needed
the most.
During times of war, this faith and hope that things will
stay as they are and never change, but it was a duty the
nation of Singapore expressed. The Fall of Singapore was
beyond citizens' control, a battle Britain agreed to fight but
instead failed to protect as they had so valiantly promised.
Through this hardship, the citizens were nothing but
supportive, and the public supported their leaders’ ideas
and actions in the hope of a good outcome. There was no
other choice.
After this disaster, Singapore was left with options to
loosen their ties to countries they didn’t necessarily want
to have an affiliation with anymore. Their alliance with
Britain clearly had done them more harm than good which gave the nation the right to break the
commitment they once showed the British. Historical events, then, allowed Singapore to open many doors
and form new allegiances.
One of these allegiances happened to be to our own country, Australia. We have supported Singapore and
its surrounding neighbours over the years with increased security due to recent world events. Both our
economies have continued to boom, with equal contributions made by each nation through this allegiance
Australia shares with Singapore. These actions have led Singapore to form a strong trading commitment
with our nation that has helped us both achieve our goals of a secure international relation that will help us
continue with pursuits for innovation.
When forming their allegiance to the British Empire, Singapore fulfilled obligations similar to those of the
Singapore Pledge. While the contexts have changed, allegiance in Singapore hasn’t. The foundations that
build the structure of allegiance in Singapore has proven to be timeless, values that will remain deep in the
nation's heart and will be passed through generations far into the future.
7. Military by Cale Wilcox Before the US war machine had rumbled to life in December of 1941, the British Empire stood against one
of the most imposing war machines ever created, the Japanese military, as it marched down the Asian
peninsula. To stop this formidable force, the War Cabinet decided upon the strategy colloquially known as
the Singapore Strategy. By 1937, according to Captain Stephen Roskill, "the concept of the 'Main Fleet to
Singapore' had, perhaps through constant repetition, assumed something of the inviolability of Holy Writ".
The strategy was based upon three main phases: the garrison at Singapore would defend the port from
Japanese invasion; during the defence the Eastern Fleet would travel to Singapore to assist in the defence;
and to either reinforce or recapture Hong Kong. After the reinforcement or recapturing of Hong Kong was
complete, the fleet would travel to the Japanese islands, blockading them from the outside world. The idea
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of invading Japan was deemed laughable, with the idea of starving out a maritime population considered
far more favourable.
There were a variety of factors which influenced the ignominious Fall of Singapore: The lack of trained
soldiers combined with the disruption of communication lines, lack of ammunition, incompetence, and
above all, a strongly held belief of racial superiority in the British Empire’s camps led to an easy Japanese
victory.
The garrison at Singapore was composed of approximately 70,000 men, equivalent to just over four
divisions. However, this is unlikely to have been the actual numbers, with most units being under strength.
The local Singaporean units were in even worse state than the British Empire’s units, with the vast majority
having received little to no training and all units never having seen battle.
Another contributing factor to the Fall of Singapore was the lack of ammunition. Australian units were able
to hold off the Japanese landings on the Singaporean Island until they ran low on ammunition and were
forced to retreat. A lack of ammunition was not an issue for the coastal guns of Singapore, however, a lack
of high explosive rounds affected the loss greatly. If the coastal guns at Singapore had been supplied with
high explosive rounds as opposed to the armour piercing rounds they were stocked with, the defensive
forces on Singapore Island would have stood a much better chance of holding off the Japanese advance.
As many of you may remember from our tour of Leighton Battery, armour piercing rounds were only
effective against heavily armoured naval warships, and thus completely ineffective against infantry.
Perhaps the greatest contributor to the compromising Fall of Singapore was the belief of racial superiority
that was held by many members of the British Empire’s fighting forces. The belief that their fighting forces,
renowned the world over, could be defeated by these little men in “coke bottle glasses” was laughable.
However, these little men in “coke bottle glasses” were battle hardened having fought their way down the
Asian peninsula in some of the most hostile terrain ever
encountered. This racial belief was widespread, from
the lowest Private to Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival
himself.
Speaking of the Lieutenant-General, when the decision
was made to surrender the soldiers, it did not come
lightly. Whilst the Lieutenant-General and his men had
been fighting the Japanese down the Malay Peninsula,
they had only been occupying the Battle Box for four
days before the decision was made. The decision was
made for the good of the men, as ammunition and water
supplies were running low. The chance for an effective
counter-attack had also been reduced to almost nothing,
with the number of Japanese soldiers on the island increasing by the minute.
The irony of the commemoration of the capitulation at Singapore becomes apparent, with the victors of
battles usually commemorating the loss of their soldiers. While the number of Allied soldiers lost during the
Battle for Singapore pales in comparison to the multitude killed as POWs, the loss of life during this
monumental battle should never be forgotten.
The Fall of Singapore was described by Winston Churchill as the “worst disaster… in British military
history”, however, the implications from the battle are far-reaching. The physical and mental abuse of the
Allied Prisoners of War was horrific, and the capitulation was but another step by the Japanese in their
quest to conquer Southeast Asia.
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8. Environment by Janka Reynders Singapore is in every sense of the phrase, a green city. Infamously known as the Garden City for the
beautiful gardens that you wouldn’t typically find in a bustling urban destination, Singapore has placed huge
emphasis on the meaning of sustainability. It is one of the greenest cities in the world, with strong
government support given to maintaining the landscape.
However, Singapore’s journey to
sustainability didn’t begin until the mid-sixties.
Before then, Singapore was your average
Asian city experiencing problems with
pollution, sustainability and resources. That
all changed when Prime Minister Lee Kuan
Yew’s administration began an environmental
revival. Soon over a million flowers and plants
were planted in and around the city.
One of the most interesting aspects of
Singapore’s sustainability programs is the
Semakau Landfill, an offshore rubbish
island. Semakau is the world very first island
made from landfill. The island, located 8
kilometres south of the Singapore mainland
and covers an area of 350 hectares, started its life as everyday rubbish produced by the city. Initiatives like
these within Singapore continue to amaze, yet most interesting of all is how Singapore is conserving the
Earth’s golden resource - water.
Water is essential for almost everything, and like any resource if we continue to exploit it, we will run out.
That is why placing significant emphasis on Singapore’s water initiatives are so fundamentally important to
learn from. In conserving water, Singapore turned its attention to cleaning the Singapore River. Depleted
and misused, the river lacked the abilities to continue looking after the city. That changed in 1977 when
Prime Minister Yew gave the Department of Environment and Water a definite goal; to clean up the river.
Now one of Singapore’s most valued resources is thriving again, and people continue to see the positive
effects, with Singapore gaining a water catchment area almost two thirds of the land area.
Another water initiative being used by Singapore is the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant. Here used water is
collected and used to make what is known as NeWater. NeWater is essentially recycled water that is 100%
safe for drinking. By reusing water, Singaporeans are saving water as well, thereby caring for today’s
environment for tomorrow’s society.
Australia itself is in desperate need of a solution to water conservation. As the driest inhabited continent in
the world, Australians are plagued by the minimal annual rainfall. Currently, only 0.25% of our budget is
dedicated to searching for ways to look after our environment. When compared to Singapore, which
allocates almost 1.3 billion dollars to care for its environment, Australia needs to make a few changes so
that not only do we enjoy our beautiful nation, but so that future generations can too.
What can be taken away from my presentation today is that we can all do a little more to care for the
environment surround us. Using Singapore as a role-model, we can see that, not only is caring for the
environment beneficial for natural processes, but in time, sustainability is also economically and socially
beneficial for us. That is why, starting today, I encourage everyone here to do a little something for the
environment, such as turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, throwing your rubbish in the bin, or
even choosing public transport or walking to school or work, because when the environment smiles, so do
we.
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9. Nation Building by Ming Hui Gao This story starts in the late 1700s, when
France, Britain and the Netherlands were
competing for naval dominance. Sir Stamford
Raffles came from a humble background and
despite an interrupted education, he worked
hard, joining the Honourable English East
India Company first as a clerk and later going
on to found modern Singapore.
Unlike other nations, Singapore was not built
upon conquest or arms, but through adroit
diplomacy. When Raffles landed at Singapore
on the 29 of January 1819, he encountered
political opposition - not just from the Dutch
but also from his own Company. Luckily, by
the time a complaint arrived all the way from Europe, Raffles had already concluded a treaty with the local
Sultan. Given the hassle, it’s no wonder that during Raffles last stay at Singapore and not long after the
loss of his children, he once referred to Singapore as his "political child".
Alternatively, one could say that Raffles was merely acting as a pawn in The Company’s game for
hegemony. During those first years of building Singapore, the Company had manipulated figures and
pushed debt onto the Sultan. Not a year after Raffles left, the next Resident of Singapore succeeding
Farquhar used the debt as leverage to force the Sultan of Johor-Pahang to transfer sovereignty of
Singapore to the British.
This British colonisation eventually ended with the Fall of Singapore over a century later. Having been
under British protection until then, the people of Singapore had not only suffered during Japanese
occupation but even post war, it became a poor, unwanted nation with bomb craters in place of the ports
built by Raffles. In 1965, the Malaysian Parliament voted 126-0 in favour of expelling Singapore from the
Federation. Lee Kuan Yew, former PM of Singapore, is largely credited with turning Singapore from a war-
ravaged island of limited resources and unpromising outlook into the trade centre that it is today. Make no
mistake, Yew’s methods have also been subject to controversy and criticism. To this day Singapore
maintains strict law enforcement and capital punishment.
It is hard to say whether the means justifies the end, yet one thing is for certain: nation building is an
ongoing process. From Raffles to Lee Kuan Yew, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Singapore has been
founded twice, and it’ll be interesting to see how the nation changes amid contemporary political tensions -
being as it is a blend of Eastern culture and West influenced capitalist economy.
In comparison, Australia pales alongside this Singaporean success story. We’ve got deficit issues and are
infamous for our high costs of living. So in answer to my first implied question: how did Singapore turn out
better than our home nation - including home town, Perth - while many investors are willing to trade with
America, Europe and Asia, not as many will be interested in trading with Antarctica.
Geography matters.
10. Politics by Mitchell Murray Australia and Singapore were both subjects of a more benevolent Empire - the United Kingdom. Australia
enjoys a degree of autonomy under British imperialism which enabled us to make decisions in our own
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national interest as opposed to the interests of the British Empire. It is fair to say what may be good for an
Empire is not necessarily in the best interest of its subjects.
Politics, then becomes the critical study of governance, negotiation and power. Good politics involves
equity, meaningful diplomacy, along with separation of powers. This is a desirable state which nations
ought to strive for in order to achieve prosperity. We presently see this in Singapore.
Under a less benevolent empire, such as the Japanese Empire, subjects are denied their liberty. Korea and
Manchuria, for instance, were used as a ready source of labour and industry. Our current global shift
towards liberty, together with the decline of expansionism and imperialism, allows more nations to exercise
control over their own affairs. There is a noticeable shift, which enables liberated nations to run much more
efficiently with their own growth and development foremost in mind.
One noteworthy example is Singapore, which
has thrived diplomatically, economically and
environmentally on the global stage. However,
there must be some credit given to colonial
rulers who laid foundations for not just Singapore
but a considerable number of nations which
would, after liberty is seized, assist these nations
to move forward with an independent agenda,
thus leading people in the pursuit of good
politics. This has also seen a radical gravitation
of power from west to east, as is evident in Asia
today, with the development of countries like
Indonesia and Malaysia as well as Singapore. In
addition we have seen regional organisations in
South East Asia like ASEAN flourishing and the
rise of economic integration and growth in these member countries.
During WWII, Australian support of Singapore can be seen as indicative of good politics in the sense that
Allied forces exercised meaningful diplomacy, upholding the common values and bonds between our
nations, including ideals of peace, trust, trade and mateship. Today we witness a more autonomous
Singapore which has flourished through directing its own future; good governance is evident in autonomy
and the policy of free trade, which is only bolstered by international relations between world powers.
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Afterwords…