SINGAPORE – It was her first time joining an arts competition, and 11-year-old Sera Sim could not believe it when she won the top prize of two air tickets to Perth.
Her mother showed her the congratulatory e-mail after school recently.
She recalls: “I ran to my older sister and shook her before jumping on my bed for joy and running back to my mother.”
While reading The Straits Times in October 2023, she came across a story about Let’s Go To... Western Australia, a free children’s travel scrapbook produced by ST Smart Parenting.
Available for free downloads at str.sg/iGeK, the book has 13 pages of activities to help kids discover the beautiful places, history, cultures and peoples of Western Australia, which Perth is a part of.
And there was a cover design competition open to children aged 12 and below.
“I asked my mother if I could take part. I have always wanted to visit Australia and see the amazing wildlife like koalas, kangaroos and quokkas,” says the Chongfu School Primary 6 pupil, who enjoys watching wildlife documentaries and doodling.
Prize sponsor Tourism Western Australia is heartened to see the enthusiasm from young participants.
“All the entries were wonderful, with a special mention to the winning artwork by Sera. Her imagination beautifully brought out the best of Western Australia’s nature and wildlife, reflecting her anticipation of discovering these wonders with her family,” says Ms Ava Ang, Tourism Western Australia country manager for Singapore and Malaysia.
“The five finalists’ entries also showcased different aspects of Western Australia, from picturesque Instagram-worthy spots to captivating Aboriginal heritage sites.”
The finalists are Chloe Choi, 10; Elizabeth Fong, 10; Kerryn Chua, 11; Ng Jan Hwai, eight, and Sage Ong, 11.
Each receives a goodie bag worth more than $100, with items including plush toys and honey jars.
Ms Ang adds: “As the largest Australia state, Western Australia makes a great holiday destination as it is just a 4½-hour flight away from Singapore, offering families an abundance of nature and wildlife experiences.”
Sera’s mother, Madam Sri Sunarti, a 44-year-old housewife, has planned a five-day family trip to Perth during the March school holidays. She will be buying two more air tickets so her husband, a 50-year-old training superintendent, and older daughter, an 18-year-old student, can travel together with them.
Meanwhile, Sera has mapped out the itinerary.
“I told my mother that we have to go to Rottnest Island to meet the quokkas, as well as the Perth Zoo and the Aquarium of Western Australia to see more wild animals.”
She adds with a laugh: “These three places are must-visits for me. Otherwise, I will demand another trip.”
