Up to 20 students from across NSW will be selected to participate in the annual Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) study tour that will visit historic sites relating to Australia’s military history in the Republic of Korea and Singapore in 2025.
Tour locations in the Republic of Korea include the site of the Battle of Kapyong, the Demilitarised Zone and the UN First Battle Memorial in the. In Singapore, the tour will take in sites such as the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.
PAMS is a wonderful opportunity for high school history students to further develop their skills and understanding of Australians at war.
Zygmunt Gray from Finigan School of Distance Education in Queanbeyan was PAMS 2024 recipient that toured Japan, describing the trip as a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of Australians in wartime.
Fellow PAMS 2024 tourist Celine Chandrasegaran from Saint Mary Mackillop College in Albury said the tour was a transformative experience and plans to continue to share the invaluable insights she gained.
The 2025 tour will take place in the Term 3 school holidays departing on Monday 29 September and returning to Sydney on Friday 10 October.
Eligible students can apply online by submitting a personal essay, a letter of recommendation from their school and a parent consent form.
Applications close on Sunday, 9 March 2025. More information and details on how to apply is available at https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“This year’s Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship presents a unique opportunity to visit South Korea and Singapore.
“This is a chance to develop a greater appreciation of the story of our nation, along with the story of these nations.
“I really encourage students to apply, to develop their understanding of military history and those who served.”
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“The PAMS study tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students across New South Wales, and I encourage all Year 10 and Year 11 history students to consider applying.
“Scholarship recipients will explore Australia’s military history and visit locations that experienced the war’s impact firsthand. Australians fought abroad in Singapore and later became involved in the Korean War, only five years after the end of the Second World War.
“This tour is an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the service and sacrifice of our soldiers and the impacts war have had on countries around the world.”
Celine Chandrasegaran fromSaint Mary Mackillop College Albury said:
“I was honoured to be given the incredible opportunity to partake in the PAMS tour. Learning on-site the impact of our wartime history amid the culture and society of the modern world has helped to re-shape, form, and consolidate my understanding of historical events.
“I now more fully appreciate all those who sacrificed and contributed to the world I live in today and will continue to share the knowledge I gained for many years to come.”
Zygmunt Gray from Finigan School of Distance Education Queanbeyan said:
“The PAMS scholarship really strengthened my idea of just how challenging the conditions were for Pacific War soldiers and helped imprint a strong sense of duty and obligation within me, that I would do the same today, if it were necessary.
“The tour also opened my eyes to the different values and beliefs of others, and gave me the opportunity to meet many new, like-minded people, some of which will be lifelong mates.”
