Over 600 to converge on Kuching for orchid confab

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Abang Wahap speaks at a press conference.

KUCHING: Over 600 researchers, locals and foreign orchid-related enthusiasts are expected to attend the 13th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (APOC-13) here in July next year.

The conference will feature 35 local and international speakers.

Datuk Bandar of Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said this would be the first time such a conference is be held in Malaysia.

Kuching is the first city in Malaysia chosen to host this conference after winning the bid held in Okinawa, Japan in 2013.

He said the conference entitled ‘Cultural Exchange Through Orchid’ would be held for five days from July 24, 2019 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

“We are lucky to be the first host to hold the APOC-13 in Malaysia.

“We believe Kuching will be promoted as an orchid destination during the conference, which will eventually boost eco-tourism in Sarawak,” he told a press conference at the DBKU Library here yesterday.

Abang Wahap also said several side events including orchid run, fashion show, orchid workshop and agricultural bazaar and horticulture would be held during the period.
APOC 13 would feature about 300 local and foreign species of orchids, which would be exhibited at DBKU Orchid Park in Petra Jaya.

“Entry to the orchid exhibition is free-of-charge, to give the public the opportunity to enjoy the landscape of the 13 participating exhibitors including Japan, Indonesia, China and Korea.

“Registration for the exhibition is still open until June 30, 2019,” he said.