KUCHING: The 13th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (Apoc13) is all set to welcome 500 delegations.
Being held for the first time in Malaysia, the international conference will have participation from 19 countries, said Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.
He was speaking to reporters during a media visit to the venue of the conference at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), yesterday.
“We are very happy and grateful that everything is working out very well,” he said.
In line with promoting and conserving Sarawak’s native orchids, he also said the conference serves as a good avenue to showcase Sarawak’s iconic biodiversity.
“It is a must-see for orchid enthusiasts, industry players, orchid growers as well as the general public. The public are welcome to join and witness the beauty of the orchid conservatory which will be displayed here at the parking base,” he added.
He also revealed that Ecuador, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia are among the countries which have confirmed their participation in Apoc 13.
“The orchid exhibition will be participated by foreign and local entries where this year, we have received participation from Japan and Singapore, apart from Peninsular Malaysia.
“But most of them will showcase hybrids. We also work hard to conserve the research of orchids, especially since there are many orchid species in Borneo that are yet to be found and make our orchids unique,” he elaborated.
He also disclosed that there will be 52 research papers presented at the conference.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud is expected to
officiate at Apoc 13 on July 24.
