Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5

President of the Orchid Society of South East Asia, Mr. Alsagoff

Chief Executive Officer, National Parks Board, Dr Tan Wee Kiat

Ladies and Gentlemen

I would like to thank the society and its committee members for inviting me to be the Guest-of-Honour at this year’s Orchid Show.

Orchids play a truly visible role in our lives - Singapore’s National Flower is the Vanda Miss Joaquim, a hybrid discovered on the island in the last century. Since 1957, the Singapore Government has been using new orchid hybrids as agents to promote goodwill and closer ties between nations by honouring State visitors and VIPs, from within and outside Singapore, by naming selected orchid hybrids after them. The recent President’s Charity Ball plays homage to the orchid dress as a symbol of national identity. Orchids are frequently used by florists in their bouquet decorations, and the flowers themselves can be seen growing in many gardens. From the corridors of even the humblest HDB flat and also on trees lining many major roads. Tourists are assailed with orchid motifs imprinted on souvenirs and often take home the real thing.

The history of orchids is fascinating. Although orchids have been collected from the region’s jungles, studied and grown as far back as the mid 19th Century, it was not until 1954 that a hybrid named Vanda Tan Chay Yan established Singapore on the world orchid map, when it won a gold medal from the Royal Horticultural Society and also an FCC at the Chelsea Flower Show in UK. In 1968, Singapore played host to the prestigious World Orchid Conference, and from there on, a thriving industry took root.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) and the Orchid Society of South East Asia (OSSEA) have played a large role, not only in the enjoyment of orchid cultivation, but also in research and development, which directly benefits the Orchid industry. In 1996, Singapore exported approximately $25 million worth of orchid cut-flowers - no mean achievement for a country with limited labour, land and natural resources. We have also been for many years, one of ASEAN’s top producers of quality hybrids, and indeed our orchid hybridisation programmes have become one of the most sophisticated in this part of the world.

With the active programme of judging and participation in local and overseas orchid shows, constant publication of scientific and related information in journals, frequent exchanges between hobbyists and specialists worldwide, and the fostering of close relationships with local commercial growers, OSSEA has, together with the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Primary Production Department and the Trade Development Board, been in the forefront of the orchid industry and a valuable source of support for various government programmes.

Today’s Orchid Show is Singapore’s most important horticultural event of the year and celebrates the continuing close relationship between National Parks Board and OSSEA established since the founding of the society in 1928. Staged for the second year in Botanic Garden’s widely acclaimed National Orchid Garden, its spectacular displays certainly live up to the billing: ‘A show within a show’. Visitors will no doubt enjoy the splendid prize winning blooms amidst a showpiece environment, planned and landscaped perfection.

It is my hope that each and every visitor takes home with him not just some knowledge of growing orchids, but an appreciation of the finer things in life. Orchids, indeed, is an manifestation of a lifestyle that Singapore should strive to cultivate - that of a gracious society, keenly aware of our rich tropical heritage, imbued with a sense of wonderment for nature’s true beauty, and patient enough to nurture something precious to fruition for the enjoyment of all.

On this note, it is my great pleasure to declare this show open.

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