Singapore has named one of the orchid hybrids in Singapore National Orchid Garden after President Mohamed Nasheed.

Singapore government began to honour state visitors and other dignitaries by naming selected orchid hybrids after them to use famous Singaporean orchids as agents of goodwill and to foster closer ties between nations.

Naming ceremony was held this morning, during the President’s visit to Singapore National Orchid Garden.

To date, Singapore National Orchid Garden has named its orchids after more than 100 dignitaries from Singapore and abroad. They include former Prime Minister of Britain Margaret Thatcher, former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Princess Diana, and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Philippines.

This prized collection of “VIP Orchids” has become an important attraction of the National Orchid Garden.