New orchid species named a
KUCHING: A new orchid species discovered in the state by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) would be named a er Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Information Department, in a press release, said the new species would be known as ‘Bulbophyllum abangjoeii’ a er it was agreed upon by Abang Johari during a courtesy call by a UPM delegation yesterday.
The discovery of the orchid is said to have been made by UPM researcher Prof Dr Rusea Go about 14 years ago.
The courtesy call on the Premier was led by UPM board of directors chairman Tengku Syarif Laksamana Perlis Datuk Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan Syed Putra Jamalullail.
The UPM delegation were informed that a fund for the Sarawak Biodiversity Project and Agricultural Transformation Project in Gedong would be established with an allocation of RM3 million from the state government.
Abang Johari, during the meeting, handed over a cheque for the initial RM1.4 million.
The Agricultural Transformation Project aims to help transfer UPM’s available technology to farmers in Gedong starting at the end of this and will involve some 15 researchers from the university.
On another ma er, Syed Razlan informed Abang Johari that for the first time ever, UPM would hold a convocation ceremony at its Bintulu campus this Nov 1.
The decision was taken following the consent given by UPM Chancellor, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in order to give the opportunity to family members of Sarawak graduates to witness the convocation ceremony without having to go to UPM main campus in Serdang, Selangor.
He also said from this year onwards, the Sarawak-level Convocation Ceremony would be held annually at the UPM Bintulu Campus as tribute to Sarawak for the permission given to UPM to open a branch campus in the state.
This year’s convocation ceremony would be held at Dewan Sri Kenyalang, UPM Bintulu involving a total of 471 students including the PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s and Diploma graduates.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is scheduled to come to grace the ceremony, added Syed Razlan.
Among those present at the courtesy call were UPM Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Roslan Sulaiman, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Ismi Arif and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof Dr B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin.