Month: May 2023

Edventure Travel organised the 2023 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour to Singapore in April. Eight students, two teachers and an accredited Australian War Memorial historian from Canberra participated in this week-long historical, cultural and commemorative experience. 

Students toured and learned about prominent historical locations associated with World War II and the Japanese occupation of Singapore. It involved travelling to the sites of the Allied surrender, the Japanese invasion landing beaches, and the infamous Changi Prison and Chapel. The tour group subsequently explored the Battle Box, a former British underground command bunker, Selarang Camp Barracks, Changi Military Hospital, Fort Canning, and Fort Siloso. Students also investigated Singapore’s Muslim Quarter – Kampong Glam, Little India, Chinatown, the Night Safari, and Sentosa Island. 

Attending the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Kranji Cemetery was arguably one of the trip’s most memorable and moving experiences. One of the students had the honour of reading Clyde Hamilton’s poem “Not a Hero” to an audience of more than 600 people.  

Our accompanying Australian War Memorial historian presented the background and perspective of Singapore’s military history. Upon returning to Australia, one of the accompanying teachers reflected on the 2023 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour.

“The trip was an amazing experience, and the ANZAC Day service was particularly moving. Singapore is incredibly interesting, and I certainly learned a lot more than I knew about the Japanese invasion and subsequent events in the following years. Our trip was well planned, and everything went really well….Some students did not want to leave! I feel very honoured to have been part of this experience. It has been an absolute highlight of my career.”

– Teacher Susan Ridley – St Michael’s College, QLD. April 2023.

Ready to plan your next trip? Get in touch to discuss your school’s future travel program to Asia or New Zealand. For more inspiration, check our gallery of Singapore photos, below.