Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen

1. I am glad to be able to join all of you here today at the inaugural Singapore Garden Festival. With Christmas around the corner, and the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, this celebration of flowers and gardens is indeed a nice complement to the festivities.

Significance of Orchids

2. Orchids are very close to Singaporeans. Vanda Miss Joaquim is Singapore’s national flower. This orchid hybrid was selected because of its hardy and resilient qualities, and its ability to bloom throughout the year. These characteristics reflect Singapore’s constant quest for progress and excellence in all aspects of life, whatever the odds.

3. As the flower most associated with hybrids, the orchid is also a symbol of our multi-cultural heritage. It is representative of the harmony among our ethnic communities, as well as with our many foreign visitors.

4. Over the years, orchids have also played an important role in our diplomatic relations. The naming of new hybrids after visiting dignitaries and public personalities has been a way of creating unique and memorable emblems of our friendship with other countries and cultures. Today, we will also take this opportunity to honour our own homegrown talent.
We will be naming an orchid hybrid after Ms Stefanie Sun, who has made a mark for herself, and for Singapore, on the regional stage of music and songs.

World Orchid Conference

5. To enhance Singapore’s place on the international map of orchid expertise and reinforce our position as a centre for horticultural excellence, Singapore bid for and won the right to host the 20th World Orchid Conference in September 2011. This successful bid was made by a delegation headed by the National Parks Board and the Orchid Society of Southeast Asia (OSSEA) at the 18th Conference in Dijon, France, last year.

6. The last time Singapore hosted the World Orchid Conference was back in October 1963. Since then, we have cultivated millions of orchid flowers. Come 2011, I am sure we would be able build on our rich orchid heritage to wow the world with a show that will exceed imagination and expectation.

Orchid – Industry Promotion & Export

7. Singapore is also a major player in the global orchid industry. Every year, we export over S$20 million worth of orchid flowers and plants to over 33 destinations including Japan, Australia, Greece, the United States and the Netherlands. We supply approximately 15% of the world market share for cut orchids, with an export range of around 60 varieties. With the promotion of the local horticulture industry through such events as the Singapore Garden Festival and Singapore Orchid Show, we can expect this sector of activity to continue growing.

Singapore Orchid Show

8. Today, we see the strengthening of our heritage through the creativity of the 42 Singapore Orchid Show award winners. I congratulate all of them and wish them success in the further cultivation of their skills.

9. In conclusion, I would like to thank the judges who have travelled here to conduct the judging for this show. I also welcome the trustees of the World Orchid Conference, who are here to experience the Singapore Garden Festival and our "City in a Garden".

10. I wish all of you a most enjoyable day ahead.

Thank you.

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