Synopsis:

In the late 19th century, horticulturist Agnes Joaquim created the world's first cultivated orchid hybrid, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, which was named Singapore's national flower in 1981. In this National Day Special, join Linda Locke, Agnes' great-grandniece and author of Agnes and Her Amazing Orchid: How Vanda Miss Joaquim Became Singapore's National Flower, and the book's editor Eldes Tran for an insightful discussion. Learn about the family story behind the creation of the Vanda Miss Joaquim and the significance of translating a piece of Singapore's history into a children's book!

About Linda Locke
Linda Locke is a great-grandniece of Agnes Joaquim. She was previously a chief executive and creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising, and chairman and regional creative director of Leo Burnett Advertising, and has more than 300 creative awards to her name. She later started her own consultancy, Godmother Pte Ltd, and held several key positions at Club21, a luxury fashion distributor. Agnes and Her Amazing Orchid: How Vanda Miss Joaquim Became Singapore's National Flower is her first children's book.

About Eldes Tran
Eldes Tran is an assistant editor at Epigram Books, overseeing children's picture books, non-fiction and some fiction. She is a former journalist who edited for the New York Times, South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

This talk is presented in partnership with ACE Seniors.

ACE Seniors is a Singapore-based social enterprise and interest group that offers a holistic approach towards successful ageing with peace of mind. ACE Seniors provides Singaporeans aged 50+ years with tools, tips, skills and activities to be active, contributive and engaged. Its vision and social cause is to ensure younger older adults remain relevant and a source of inspiration for their community.

About A Lighter Side of History
A Lighter Side of History celebrates Singapore's diverse multicultural heritage, from food and dress to the different languages and customs passed down over the years. Featuring a range of fun and engaging hands-on workshops, talks, performances and demonstrations by heritage experts as well as collectors and practitioners, A Lighter Side of History is designed for everyone from beginners to history enthusiasts.

Header image courtesy of Muhd. Noh.