Metro

Friday August 7, 2009

Bonsai added as a new attraction this year

By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH


JOHOR BARU: The International Orchid Exhibition is back in town with bonsai added to the list of exhibits at the show that opened here yesterday.

State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said this was the largest orchid exhibition to be held at the Danga Bay Convention Centre and would attract many despite the rising number of Influenza A (H1N1) cases in the state.

Colour coordination: Workers decorating an orchid exhibition area at the show.

“We expect more than 250,000 visitors. Besides orchids, the exhibition will be interesting for people fascinated by bonsai,” he said at a press conference here.

Hoo said that 11 countries had confirmed participation along with 40 local organisations.

“The countries are Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“It is the first time the biennial event is being held at the convention centre,” he said, adding that 20,000 cut orchid flowers and 5,000 orchids plants would be on display during the four-day event.

Refreshing:Visitors viewing orchids sold at the International Orchid and Bonsai Show in Johor Baru.

“A special attraction this year is the bonsai collection with no less than 250 exhibits,” he said, adding that Malaysia was the second-largest orchid exporter in the world after Thailand.

Hoo said there would be 50 booths selling orchids and bonsai plants besides food and beverages at the venue.

“In conjunction with the show, an orchid seminar will be held at Grand Paragon Hotel with speakers from the Philippines, Japan, Singapore and Myanmar. Admission is free,” he said.

He added that RM80,000 in prize money would be up for grabs in eight categories in a contest where the orchid landscaping category was open to both Malaysian and international exhibitors.

He said that cash awards would be given in three other categories namely Best Orchid Decoration in Hotels and Shopping Malls, Best Photograph and Best Table Display, which was open to students.

“Judges will also look for the most beautiful flower in the Best Individual Plant category,” he said, adding that more than 100 local and foreign professors in botany would be the judges.

The exhibition will end on Sunday.

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