Dr Simon (left) shows the work done at the lab to Juma’ani and Abang Abdul Wahap.
KUCHING: Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Kuching is the first school in Malaysia to have an orchid in-vitro laboratory to propagate local orchid species to ensure its species posterity.
Sarawak Orchid Society (Saroso) president Zurenawatte Zaidel said that for a start, over 20 local orchid species are being propagated in the lab by four MRSM students.
She said the project started last year, and if successful, it will be set up in other schools throughout Sarawak.
“This is the first orchid in-vitro laboratory in Malaysia, and its purpose is for orchid propagation. MRSM was chosen as the Saroso wanted to start with the younger generation, teenagers to carry the effort in orchid preservation into the future,” she said when met after the launching of the lab yesterday.
The lab was declared open by Chief Minister’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
She added the four MRSM students would learn the methods of orchid micro-propagation which is taught by Writhlington School UK teacher Dr Simon Pugh-Jones and team of three students from his school, who will be here until July 22.
The four students will represent Sarawak at the International Orchid Conference in Taiwan in March next year, she said.
Asked on how the idea for the setting up of the lab came about, she said since the society was formed in February last year, the society planned on doing propagation which will keep orchid species from extinction.
She added the lab will be monitored by Saroso and the school after Dr Simon and team left. Dr Simon and his team will return to check on the lab in October.
Aside from that, the MRSM students will be participating in the 13th Asia Pacific Orchic Conference on July 24-28 here. They will be having a booth to showcase orchid micro-propagation to enthusiasts and Saroso members.
She said Saroso has over 100 members throughout Sarawak who come from various backgrounds but have one similarity – the love of orchids.
Meanwhile, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai thanked Saroso together with Dr Simon Pugh-Jones and team for sharing their expertise and knowledge to MRSM potential young plant scientists.
He added that the orchid industry of neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore is very advanced, boosting their tourism and floriculture industry. This is because the awareness of these countries on the strength of orchid beauty and its benefits. As such, to produce large supply of orchids, these countries have invested in commercial micro-propagation.
“Our wild orchids are unique and have rare aesthetic beauty as well and have commercial value which calls for future research to be undertaken. DBKU is honoured to be part of this school’s orchid micro propagation project.”
He added that DBKU’s involvement with schools is a platform for orchid species awareness.
“Young children are naturally inquisitive and love science at an early age. By bringing Dr Simon who has 30 years of experience in micro-propagation, students who have been exposed will be a worthwhile investment,” he said.
“I believe a basic laboratory for orchid micro-propagation would give opportunities to interested members to learn more about sustainable tissue culture. This trial project aims to develop a close to nature sustainable indigenous orchid conservation in school compound.”
He hoped the project will be a role model and able to inspire, motivate and educate other schools to do the same in their own schools.