THE Penang Orchid Show 2025 is poised to dazzle visitors with a breathtaking celebration of colour, beauty, and culture when it takes place from Sept 20 to 28 at Straits Court, Straits Quay.
Organised by the Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (FOMOS) with strong support from the Office of the Penang state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), the nine-day floral showcase promises a feast for the senses from 10am to 10pm daily.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, in a press conference earlier, described the festival as more than just a floral exhibition.
“This is not only a floral extravaganza, but also a precious occasion for Penangites and orchid enthusiasts from around the world to gather, connect, and appreciate the beauty of nature together,” he said.
This year, the show is expected to draw over 15,000 visitors, with more than 800 pots of orchids competing across 75 categories, up from 60 last year.
Visitors can also look forward to the presence of renowned hybridisers and international orchid societies, elevating both the academic and global standing of the event.
“The Penang Orchid Show is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a vital platform for international exchange and collaboration in orchid research and culture,” Wong added.
Founded in 1958, FOMOS is Malaysia’s oldest orchid society and has played a leading role in research, cultivation, and collaboration with institutions such as Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Penang Botanic Gardens. On the international front, the society has forged strong ties with orchid organisations across Asia and is a member of the International Orchid Alliance.
This year marks the 67th edition of the Penang Orchid Show, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most prestigious floral events. Participants from Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines will join, reinforcing Penang’s stature as a hub for orchid culture.
Malaysia also recently achieved a breakthrough at the Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (APOC) in Taiwan, clinching second place in the International Landscaping Competition, the nation’s first-ever win at the event.
Reflecting on the journey of FOMOS, its president Tony Tan said the society had come a long way since its humble beginnings.
“Twenty years ago, when we first started, we were practically unknown. I still remember how we began from scratch, pooling our efforts together. When I took over, I was determined that we should stand firmly on our own, and that has made all the difference,” he said.
He added that FOMOS is now internationally recognised and continues to grow in strength.
“Over the years, we have grown tremendously. Today, FOMOS is internationally recognised as Malaysia’s representative body for orchids. This year, we are honoured to have received an invitation from IKEA to host a grand orchid show at their venue in December.
Penang plays a crucial role in this success, contributing about 90% of Malaysia’s orchid plants. At present, FOMOS is proud to have around 300 active members,” Tan said.
The Penang Orchid Show, he noted, has steadily built its prestige from its early days at the Pesta site and Dewan Sri Pinang, and will this year welcome 36 international judges.
Apart from the orchid competitions, visitors can enjoy interactive events such as a student orchid arrangement competition on Sept 20, as well as live judging sessions where orchids are assessed by international experts. Orchid sales will also be available throughout the festival, offering enthusiasts a chance to bring home rare and prized varieties.
Closing his invitation, Wong urged Penangites and visitors not to miss this year’s spectacle.
“I warmly invite everyone, families, friends, locals, and visitors alike, to join us at the Penang Orchid Show 2025. Come and experience the extraordinary charm of orchids, participate in the vibrant activities, and create wonderful memories together,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En