Chairman’s Message

Singapore welcomes you with the greatest pleasure for the 20^th World Orchid Conference in 2011. The 20^th WOC, "Where New and Old World Orchids Meet" will be held from 14-23 November 2011 at Marina Bay.

The venues for the various meetings, exhibitions, conference programmes, social events and the Show of the 20^th WOC will be in amazing new projects that are currently under development in the Marina Bay area. Within easy walking distance of these venues in Singapore's new downtown are exciting choices for dining, shopping, recreation and lodging. Not the least of these attractions is the newest addition to the award-winning Botanic Gardens of Singapore, the fast-evolving Gardens by the Bay. This state-of-art botanic and horticultural project will open its doors to participants of 20^th WOC to preview its Phase I at Bay South in November 2011.

Much thought went into the selection of the theme for 20^th WOC. Singapore is indeed "Where Old World and New World Orchids Meet". From the earliest days since her 'founding' by Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore was the source of living and preserved orchid specimens for the elucidation of the Orchidaceae by orchidists from around the world. Situated on the equator at the hub of sea-lanes linking the trading nations of the east and west, Singapore is also serendipitously set in the heart of South East Asia, truly one of the richest centres of tropical biodiversity, and a reputed centre of origin of the Orchid family. Small wonder then that Singapore is home to a botanic garden famed for its research programmes in orchids, and one of the oldest active orchid societies in the world, The Orchid Society of South East Asia (OSSEA). Home also to Vanda Miss Joaquim, happily selected as National Flower for the young nation, Singapore was at one time one of the most important producers of orchids for commerce in the world. It has since evolved into an important international marketplace for orchids from both the east and west. This makes Singapore the perfect venue for 20^th WOC, where orchid lovers from the eastern and western hemispheres of the globe meet to conduct the business of a World Orchid Conference.

In accordance with tradition, the 20^th WOC will comprise a Show and a Conference. The Conference component will run over four days and promises to feature a programme strong in scientific content, yet balanced with a series of talks and seminars that will meet the expectations of the commercial grower as well as the hobbyist. While international in focus, the Conference programme will highlight the SE and continental Asian contribution to orchid science and cultivation. The Show component promises a spectacular exhibition of the finest species and hybrids from the region and beyond. The call is out for all proud owners and growers of orchids from around the world to bring their beautiful plants to Singapore in November 2011 to delight the world in exhibition and competition.

Here in Singapore, we believe that the world will be ready for an orchid extravaganza in 2011. Come to Singapore in November of 2011, and help us make it happen.

Dr. Kiat W. Tan
Chairman, 20^th WOC Organising Committee