by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 30: The Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO) has reaffirmed its commitment to conserve, promote, and advance the state’s rich heritage of native orchids, following a courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, on Wednesday.
The delegation, led by Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, briefed the Premier on the society’s history, ongoing initiatives, and recent developments under her leadership. Dayang Norjihan continues the legacy of her late mother, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, who was instrumental in shaping SARORSO into a respected association at both state and national levels.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the courtesy call also revisited SARORSO’s founding in 2018, built upon the pillars of conservation, education, and advocacy for Sarawak’s unique and highly valued native orchids.
SARORSO’s mission aligns with the Sarawak government’s broader vision to safeguard biodiversity, promote environmental sustainability, and stimulate economic growth through the agrotourism sector.
During the visit, the delegation also paid tribute to the late Puan Sri Juma’ani’s contributions, particularly her role in expanding SARORSO to become a recognised association at both state and national levels.
The late Puan Sri Juma’ani also championed innovation within the orchid industry, inspiring initiatives such as the development of native orchid-based tea products that highlight Sarawak’s botanical diversity.
Meanwhile, the Premier also received a courtesy visit from i-CATS University College on Wednesday, led by chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Datuk Hussein.
The visit highlighted the institution’s progress and strategic plans to strengthen its role in producing a highly skilled Sarawakian workforce. Updates included its achievements toward full university status, expansion of STEM-focused academic programmes, ongoing construction of the i-CATS Main Campus in Trombol, the upcoming launch of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering in August 2025, and the creation of the Faculty of Energy Transition to support the state’s development agenda.
Abdul Aziz also informed that the 27th Convocation Ceremony of i-CATS University College is scheduled to take place at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on November 8. – DayakDaily
