KUCHING: The 13th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (Apoc13) will contribute towards greater research and development of orchids in Sarawak while also encouraging collaborative efforts between Asia Pacific countries to enhance the orchid industry.
“I am confident that this event will help to promote Sarawak to orchid lovers around the world,” said Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai in his speech at the opening ceremony for Apoc13 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
He added it was an honour for Sarawak and a historical event for Kuching to be the first Malaysian city to host the conference themed ‘Cultural Exchange through Orchid’.
The highlight of Apoc13 is the orchid landscape and competition showcasing displays from more than 14 countries competing for the best orchid landscape award.
There are also informative orchid lectures during the week-long conference.
“It is our pride to bring 57 speakers, featuring 61 paper presentations, both international and locals to share their knowledge, ideas and experience,” said the mayor.
He mentioned two speakers of interest, one being gynaecologist Dr Teoh Eng Soon from Singapore who is a former president of the Orchid Society of Southeast Asia (OSSEA). Dr Teoh will start off the lecture programme on July 25 with his keynote speech titled ‘Orchids as aphrodisiacs’.
On July 26, Dr Saw Lwin, vice-president of the Myanmar Floriculturist Association, will present his paper on “Regional Conservation Initiatives”.
Several activities including orchid photography competition, terrarium competition, orchid walk, children’s drawing and colouring competition, and orchid floral fashion competition will also be open to the public to liven up Apoc13.
“I encourage everyone to visit this inaugural prestigious event, the first of its kind ever in Kuching. Bring your families and your loved ones!” urged Abdul Wahap.
Apoc13 is a joint effort of the state government, Apoc Trust and DBKU. It is supported by the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Sarawak Development Institute (SDI), and Orchidwoods Company.
Apoc was established in 1984 and it ranks alongside other prestigious orchid events such as the Taiwan International Orchid Show (TIOS) and the World Orchid Conference (WOC). The conference is hosted once every three years by rotation among the cities in the Asia Pacific region.
Singapore will host the next APOC in 2022.
The opening ceremony for Apoc13 was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and acting State Secretary Datuk Jaul Samion.
