Mr Khoo Chin Hean, Deputy Chairman, National Parks Board;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

1 A very good morning to you.

2 Over the years, horticultural and landscaping professionals have played important roles in our collective efforts to develop and maintain our Garden City. And while we may feel a sense of satisfaction in our endeavours thus far, our challenge today lies in our ability to uphold and bring our Garden City to greater heights as Singapore moves ahead with greater urbanisation. To maintain our competitive edge, we have to constantly innovate and reinvent ourselves to think beyond what is possible today.

GardenTech 2002

3 Technological advances today are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. We have seen for ourselves how these new technologies have revolutionised the way we work, live and play. It is important for us to re-skill, re-tool and re-learn the latest skills and trends to keep abreast with the changing times. GardenTech, hence, provides an excellent platform for the horticultural and landscaping industry to share and exchange ideas, knowledge and information.

4 It is heartening to note that GardenTech has witnessed more than a ten-fold increase in growth since its inception in 1997. This is a measure of GardenTech's value and significance to the horticultural and landscaping industry locally as well as overseas.

5 More than just an industry exposition, GardenTech also provides a great opportunity for the community to interact with industry professionals. For the layperson just starting out, there will be scheduled demonstrations and talks by professionals in the industry. For those blessed with a green thumb, this fair is a not-to-be-missed one-stop venue for all that you will ever need for your garden. Apart from the wide range of latest innovations and products on display, there will also be opportunities for you to talk to horticultural experts, who will be on-hand to advise as well as help doctor your plants.

Skyrise Greenery

6 With intensification of our land use, our buildings are getting taller. There is therefore a need for greenery to start moving skywards on the facade and rooftops of highrise buildings. In addition to environmental benefits, skyrise greenery helps to ensure optimal land use as well as improves the aesthetics and environment for quality living. To this end, the National Parks Board (NParks) has embarked on a programme to promote skyrise greenery in Singapore. This year's GardenTech will showcase examples of greened balconies and an outdoor rooftop garden to provide ideas on implementing skyrise greenery.

e-GardenTech Directory & e-Plant Reference Guide

7 Today also marks the launch of the e-GardenTech Directory and the e-Plant Reference Guide. These initiatives represent a significant step forward for the industry in reaching out and staying relevant in changing times.

8 The e-GardenTech Directory is a one-stop virtual garden mall featuring the gardening related products and information from more than 100 companies. So, for those who are looking to set up a garden, information on the latest products as well as gardening tips is just a click away.

9 The e-Plant Reference Guide is a pictorial plant database of more than 1000 plants grown locally. The database, which will be found on NParks' website, is part of NParks' efforts to harness new technologies to help promote awareness and appreciation of plants and greenery in Singapore. From today, regardless of whether you are a student, teacher or trade professional, you will have easy access to information such as the plant's family, scientific and common names as well as origins. This is the first available guide of its kind on the Internet and I am sure "budding" [pun intended] as well as seasoned gardeners will find this useful.

10 Finally, I would like to commend NParks and all participants for your sterling efforts in ensuring that the industry remains relevant and competitive. I am sure, with the support and interest shown thus far, GardenTech is well placed to be the hallmark of the industry in this region. Above all, I hope you will have a fruitful and enjoyable visit.

11 It is now my pleasure to officially launch GardenTech 2002, e-GardenTech Directory and e-Plant Reference Guide.

12 Thank you.

Date : 24 Oct 2002

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Last updated on 18 May 2006