Wong says the festival is a vital platform for international collaboration in orchid research and culture. — Buletin Mutiara
OVER 15,000 visitors are expected to attend the Penang Orchid Show at Straits Court in Straits Quay.
This year’s show will feature over 800 pots of orchids competing across 75 categories – up from 60 categories last year.
Visitors can also explore exhibits by renowned hybridisers and international orchid societies.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the festival, from Sept 20 to 28, would be more than just a floral exhibition.
“It is a time for Penang folks and orchid enthusiasts from around the world to gather, connect and appreciate the beauty of nature together.
“It is also a vital platform for international exchange and collaboration in orchid research and culture,” he told state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
Organised by the Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (Fomos), with support from Wong’s office, the floral showcase promises a feast for the senses from 10am to 10pm daily.
Founded in 1958, Fomos is Malaysia’s oldest orchid society and has played a leading role in research, cultivation and collaboration with institutions such as Universiti Sains Malaysia and Penang Botanic Gardens.
On the international front, the society has forged strong ties with orchid organisations across Asia and is a member of the International Orchid Alliance.
This year marks the 67th edition of the Penang Orchid Show, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most prestigious floral events.
There will also be participants from Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
Malaysia also recently achieved a breakthrough at the Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference in Taiwan, clinching second place in the International Landscaping Competition, the nation’s first win at the event.
Reflecting on Fomos’ journey, its president Tony Tan said the society had come a long way since its humble beginnings 20 years.
He said Fomos was now internationally recognised as Malaysia’s representative body for orchids.
“This year, we are honoured to have received an invitation from Ikea to host a grand orchid show at its premises in December.
“Penang plays a crucial role, contributing about 90% of Malaysia’s orchid plants.”
He told a press conference at Komtar that Fomos had around 300 active members.
The Penang Orchid Show, he said, had steadily built its prestige from its early days at the Pesta site and Dewan Sri Pinang.
This year, it welcomes 36 international judges.
Besides the orchid competitions, visitors can enjoy interactive events such as a student orchid arrangement competition on Sept 20 and live judging sessions where orchids are assessed by international experts.
Orchid sales will be available throughout the festival, offering enthusiasts a chance to bring home rare and prized varieties.
