New Hybrid Orchid Species Named After Singapore President Halimah Yacob

By: Michelle Liew

A new hybrid orchid species has been given the name Vanda Halimah Yacob Mohamed after Singapore President Halimah Yacob and her husband, Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee.

It is in honour of the leader who made her maiden visit to Malaysia yesterday.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also attended the orchid naming ceremony held at the National Palace.

Orchid Vanda Halimah Yacob Mohamed is a cross between Vanda Kulwadee Fragrance as the female parent and Vanda Tesselata as the male parent.

It has white flower petals filled with bright purple spots and a fragrant smell.

Earlier, the President of Singapore was given a national welcome at the Istana Negara.

The President made her visit after receiving the invitation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who visited Singapore in October last year.