Singapore's Orchid Diplomacy: Hybrids as State Gifts
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Singapore Botanic Gardens, creates unique orchid hybrids named after visiting dignitaries as a form of soft power. Each orchid is a one-of-a-kind creation, not loaned or replicated, symbolizing respect. Colors and forms carry meaning: Paravanda Nelson Mandela features South African flag colors; a dendrobium for Australia's 50-year friendship has gold petals and green stems. A delivery to Washington required a plane seat and hotel soak before a White House dinner. Missteps include a bloom for David Cameron that evoked UKIP colors. Preferences are now considered in advance.
Key facts
- Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs works with Singapore Botanic Gardens to create orchid hybrids for dignitaries.
- Each orchid is a unique creation, not loaned or replicated.
- Paravanda Nelson Mandela uses colors of the South African flag.
- A dendrobium for Australia's 50-year friendship has gold petals and green stems.
- An orchid delivery to Washington required a plane seat and hotel bathroom soak.
- A bloom for David Cameron once evoked UKIP colors.
- Preferences and sensitivities are now considered well in advance.
- The program is part of Singapore's soft power strategy.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- White House
Locations
- Singapore
- Washington
- United States
- Australia
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- United Kingdom
Sources
- Monocle —