S’wak looks to emulate Taiwan, Thailand in orchid commercialisation

Nancy speaking to reporters after the third Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO) Graduation Ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on July 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 6: Sarawak is aiming to follow in the footsteps of global orchid powerhouses such as Taiwan and Thailand, as it explores the commercial potential of its native orchid biodiversity.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the State holds strong potential to emerge as an international orchid hub, supported by its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources.

“Sarawak is estimated to be home to more than 1,300 orchid species, giving it a strong competitive edge to develop a high-value horticulture industry.

“With its rich biodiversity, abundant natural resources and suitable climate, Sarawak has the potential to be recognised as an international orchid hub,” she said.

She said this when officiating the third Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO) Graduation Ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) today.

She added that countries such as Taiwan, China, Thailand and the Netherlands have long demonstrated that the orchid industry can generate significant economic returns, and Sarawak can draw lessons from their success.

Nancy said a holistic approach combining leadership, entrepreneurship and technical skills is crucial to increasing the commercial value of orchid-based products while empowering local entrepreneurs.

The ceremony also saw the recognition of graduates from three key programmes, namely the Women Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (Perantis), JOCC Kota Samarahan, and the JIVOM MRSM Kuching Programme.

The Perantis programme, implemented through the Department of Women Development, has produced competitive women entrepreneurs, with participants reportedly earning up to RM8,000 per month.

She said the federal government remains committed to empowering women through entrepreneurship programmes, allocating RM4 million this year for the implementation of the initiative.

The minister urged graduates to apply their skills and share knowledge to build a more resilient and competitive entrepreneurial community.

She said the event not only recognises graduates’ achievements but also serves as a catalyst for orchid industry development and stronger entrepreneurial networks in Sarawak. — DayakDaily