KUCHING: The Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO) marked another milestone in its community conservation journey with the Second Graduation Ceremony 2025, held at the Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub (PeTARY) Auditorium, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) today.
The event was officiated by SARORSO’s patron, Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abanng Johari, who in her keynote address paid tribute to the society’s growth, its mentors, and the enduring legacy of her late mother and founding patron, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang.
Reflecting on her late mother’s vision, Dayang Norjihan said it extended far beyond orchids to encompass education, empowerment and sustainability.
“My mother did not only see orchids. She saw opportunity, education, community, and the future,” she said.
That vision first took root in 2019 with the establishment of the JIVOM In Vitro Orchid Micropropagation Lab at MRSM Kuching, which began with only four students.
Six years later, the initiative has grown into a thriving network of 54 trained young conservationists and 26 new members from SARORSO’s Kota Samarahan branch.
“She would be proud not just of what has been achieved, but of how it was achieved – through integrity, inclusiveness and respect for both science and community,” she added.
The ceremony also highlighted SARORSO’s innovative Sarawak Orchid Tea Project, introduced in 2021, which transforms rescued orchids into local products such as orchid teas, chocolates and essential oils.
The initiative demonstrates how conservation can be both practical and empowering, creating economic opportunities while nurturing environmental awareness.
“You are living proof that conservation can be practical, meaningful and empowering,” she said.
The graduates, known as JIVOMESE, received their certificates and diplomas, marking their completion of training in orchid propagation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
“You are the future. You carry not only skills and knowledge, but also the hope of this land. Walk forward with pride, humility and a heart that serves,” Dayang Norjihan said.
In her closing remarks, she reaffirmed SARORSO’s ongoing commitment to nurturing both nature and people.
“We will continue this journey to grow not only more orchids, but more minds, more collaborations, and more pathways for the people of Sarawak to flourish through conservation,” she said.
