Stewards of cultural heritage

Duo and two groups to be honoured for promoting, passing on skills, traditions

- Judd Siow Rui Bin

He registered more than 200 orchid hybrids 

Mr Syed Yusof Alsagoff, 88, has cultivated and registered more than 200 orchid hybrids in a career that spanned over six decades.

"Living near the Botanic Gardens as a child, I used to play there with my siblings," he recounted.

"Being among the flowers, I got interested and tried my hand at cultivating roses." His attempts did not bear much fruit, as roses were difficult to grow in Singapore's climate. He then turned his attention to orchids.

The self-taught orchid breeder served on the Orchid Society of South East Asia (Ossea) committee from 1964 to 1997, including 14 years as its president.

He helped the National Parks Board and Singapore Botanic Gardens train new staff in orchid breeding, and played a key role in developing the National Orchid Garden.

"What I love about orchids is how you are able to breed new varieties. There are currently over 24,000 known species, and a lot still undiscovered in the world. The possibilities are endless," he said.

Mr Yusof hopes more Singaporeans will take up orchid cultivation. He continues to volunteer with the Botanic Gardens, teaching staff how to care for the orchids.

"You must have patience when growing orchids. I failed a lot at first, but through trial and error, I learnt the right ways to nurture them over the past 70 years," he said.

An orchid cultivator who has been involved in the Singapore Botanic Gardens' orchid programme since the 1960s is or groups by the among four individuals who will be recognised National Heritage Board (NHB) next Tuesday for promoting and passing on their skills and traditions.