Singapore Named A Species of Orchid After Tun M & Wife, NUS Honours Them With Award

Amazing! Another recognition for our esteemed prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir and his beloved wife. #PowerCouple 

Singapore has named an orchid after our prime minister and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah in hopes to create “warmer ties” with Malaysia, reported The Malay Mail. The entire ceremony was witnessed by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Ho Ching.

If you didn’t know, yesterday (12 November 2018) marked their first visit to Singapore after Tun M became the seventh prime minister of Malaysia.

Source: the malay mail

A particular variety of orchid that has a “distinguished and well-twisted” mahogany-coloured petals was named “Dendrobium Mahathir Siti Hasmah”.

The sepals of the orchid are “reddish-brown with a white margin” and it comes with a purple lip. It grows upright up to 38cm with 14 to 20 flowers each and the flowers of the plant are 5cm wide.

Source: astro awani

Following that, the couple also received special honours from the National University of Singapore (NUS) which is their alma mater, today (13 November 2018). Tun M was bestowed the Honorary Doctor of Laws for his outstanding leadership of Malaysia and his contributions towards “longstanding bilateral relations” between the two neighbouring countries, Singapore and Malaysia.

FYI, Tun M and Tun Siti Hasmah studied at The King Edward VII College of Medicine, which is now a part of NUS. 

In the meantime, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was presented with the NUS Distinguished Alumni Service Award. The award was given to her as a tribute for her impact as a pioneer of women doctors in Malaysia and for her excellent service in Malaysia’s public health.

Source: twitter

NUS president Tan Eng Chye was quoted as saying,

“Dr Siti Hasmah is a pioneer and an inspiring role model for women doctors in Malaysia. She has also been a strong champion for public health issues in Malaysia and beyond.”

“Her life partner, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is a charismatic and visionary statesman who has shaped the history of Malaysia and the region in many ways.”

Fun fact: Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was the first Malay woman in her college during her time. #GirlPower 

Source: the star

It’s amazing that our former prime minister and his wife are receiving recognition for their many contributions towards the country, the people and the world. We hope that they will receive more recognition and awards in the near future. Congratulations, Tun M and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah!

Also read: Tun M Receives Highest Honour in Japan, Becomes Third Leader in Asia to Get Award