As part of their ongoing state visit to Singapore, His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed were honoured with a special floral tribute at the renowned National Orchid Garden. A newly cultivated orchid hybrid has been officially named after the Maldivian President and First Lady, an esteemed tradition in Singaporean diplomatic protocol known as “orchid diplomacy.”
The naming ceremony was held during their visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a site of cultural and scientific importance. Situated within this expansive green space, the National Orchid Garden is internationally recognised for its conservation efforts and is home to more than 60,000 orchid plants, representing over 1,000 species and hybrids. The Botanic Gardens is also the first and only tropical garden to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reflecting its global stature and historic value.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were warmly received by Dr Tan Puay Yok, Executive Director of the National Parks and Gardens Cluster and Group Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The President and First Lady toured the garden, signed the official visitors’ book, and were presented with a detailed briefing on the garden’s rich legacy and its role in Singapore’s environmental and diplomatic landscape.
The newly named orchid hybrid, now part of the prestigious “VIP Orchids” collection, reflects a long-standing tradition by the Government of Singapore to name orchid varieties in honour of distinguished foreign dignitaries. This symbolic gesture is widely regarded as an emblem of friendship and mutual respect between nations. Past recipients of this honour include world leaders and monarchs, making the inclusion of President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha a notable addition to the distinguished list.
The floral tribute serves not only as a personal honour but also as a symbolic reflection of the deepening ties between the Maldives and Singapore. It underscores the shared commitment of both nations to cultivating partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainability, and cultural exchange. The dedication of the orchid hybrid adds a lasting botanical reminder of the President and First Lady’s historic visit and further strengthens the growing ties between the two countries.
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