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Blooming Relations: Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy
- Anuja Dhoot, Finna Ng, and Tan Ding Rui
- 13 minutes ago
- 6 min read
In this Explainer, find out...
What is soft power, and why is it important for small states?
How does Singapore adopt soft power through its Orchid Diplomacy?
What are the merits and drawbacks of such symbolic diplomacy?
Introduction
As a small state with limited natural resources, Singapore relies on diplomacy and economic integration to protect its national interests. Unlike larger powers, it is unrealistic for the Little Red Dot to rely on military or demographic strength to exert its influence globally. These structural constraints necessitate alternative forms of influence, which extend beyond the traditional, coercive modes of power.
Singapore has had a longstanding practice of naming orchids after visiting dignitaries. At first glance, this is just a ceremonial gesture. However, this tradition actually forms part of a formalised policy known as Orchid Diplomacy.
In this Policy Explainer, we examine Orchid Diplomacy as an unconventional instrument of soft power. We will contextualise Orchid Diplomacy within the soft power theory and Singapore’s constraints as a small state. After outlining the policy, we will evaluate its merits and limitations, comparing it with other countries’ soft power strategies.
Soft Power as an Alternative Mode of Influence
Soft power refers to the ability to influence others through favour rather than coercion. The idea of soft power being an alternative, though not necessarily a substitute, type of power for states was introduced by political scientist Joseph Nye in 1990. He conceptualised this through three subsets of soft power: culture, political values and foreign policies.
Small states like Singapore face limitations in exercising hard power due to a small population and constrained economic and military strength. As such, they are inherently vulnerable and may turn to soft power as a logical panacea to this issue. Soft power helps these countries build relations, influence others’ behaviour, and achieve their own foreign policy objectives. By adhering to international norms and investing in institution-building, small states create an environment which discourages aggression. This, in turn, raises the reputational costs for potential violators of international law. As a result, it increases the likelihood of condemnation and action against the aggressor.
The Policy of Orchid Diplomacy
One of Singapore’s applications of soft power is Orchid Diplomacy. Since 1956, Singapore has named over 280 specially bred orchid hybrids after visiting heads of state and distinguished guests. The practice began when the Aranthera Anne Black orchid was named after Lady Anne Black, the wife of then-Governor of Singapore Sir Robert Black. This marked the origins of what would later become Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy.
Over time, the programme has expanded to include a wide range of recipients. In addition to political leaders like Nelson Mandela, orchids have been named after cultural figures. These include Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan and American fashion designer Michael Kors. This reflects the programme’s use across both diplomatic and broader representational contexts. Despite this, Orchid Diplomacy remains intentionally selective. Orchids are bestowed on individuals for specific diplomatic or cultural purposes, rather than as a universal form of public honour.
The Orchid Diplomacy Process
Orchid Diplomacy is implemented through coordination between government agencies and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where new orchid hybrids are specially bred and officially registered. Once a recipient is selected, the orchid is unveiled in a formal ceremony during the recipient’s state visit. The named hybrid then becomes part of Singapore’s national orchid collection.
Beyond its ceremonial function, the programme serves clear policy objectives. It allows Singapore to formally recognise visiting dignitaries while reinforcing the orchid as a national symbol. By embedding orchid naming within official diplomatic protocol, the programme transforms a symbolic gesture into an institutionalised foreign relations policy.
Merits and Drawbacks of Orchid Diplomacy
Merits of Orchid Diplomacy
Orchid Diplomacy enhances Singapore’s diplomatic toolkit and helps strengthen its relations with other countries. Indeed, Orchid Diplomacy is often cited in international relations as a masterclass in soft power. Such diplomacy is especially crucial for smaller nations like Singapore, who may find it difficult to get “a seat at the table” in high-level international discussions.
The main strength of Orchid Diplomacy lies in the nature of the gift. As Singapore’s national flower, the orchid serves as a powerful emblem. Despite its delicate and exotic appearance, it has a unique ability to thrive and bloom amid harsh environments. The orchid symbolises endurance, strength and friendship, reinforcing Singapore’s identity on the global stage.
Furthermore, the orchid is presented as a one-of-a-kind diplomatic gift. Mr Koh Buck Song, a prominent Singaporean writer, noted that orchid hybridisation offers “endless possibilities”. This ensures that every gifted orchid is unique and is never available for commercial sale. This personalised gesture differs from standard state gifts, possibly enabling Singapore to foster friendlier relations with foreign dignitaries.
A notable success of Orchid Diplomacy was the Dendrobium Kishida Fumio orchid, named after the former Prime Minister of Japan. It was presented to him when he visited Singapore in June 2022. When Mr Kishida brought the orchid with him back to Japan, it bloomed just in time for the new year despite sub-zero temperatures. The blooming was seen in both cultures as a good omen, symbolising the closeness of Singapore–Japan relations. This instance highlights the value of Orchid Diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties when conducted with tact and respect to the cultures of both nations.
Drawbacks of Orchid Diplomacy
However, Orchid Diplomacy has also faced a fair amount of backlash. Critics point to controversies following the orchid presentation and the initiative’s lack of tangible leverage as a form of soft power.
To start, several world leaders fell significantly out of favour after receiving their specially named orchids. For instance, Singapore gifted orchid hybrids to ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2016 and ex-Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2018. After both faced accusations of political suppression and corruption, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is reportedly considering moving their orchids to less prominent locations.
Other unintended diplomatic blunders have arisen because of the orchid itself. For example, then-British Prime Minister David Cameron was presented with an orchid whose colour resembled a rival political party’s logo. This was then mocked by the British media. These incidents show how gifted orchids can easily turn into political liabilities, especially when recipients engage in controversial actions after the fact.
Also, as a soft power strategy, Orchid Diplomacy may not achieve tangible outcomes of its own accord. As special a gift as it is, the orchid may not factor significantly in a diplomatic negotiation. This is particularly true when more consequential issues, like national security, are at play. On its own, Orchid Diplomacy cannot be relied on to close the deal.
Comparison with Panda Diplomacy
To better understand the strengths and limitations of Orchid Diplomacy, it is worth contrasting it with another form of soft power: China’s Panda Diplomacy.
Panda Diplomacy is a soft power strategy of lending or gifting pandas from mainland China to other countries. Under its new programme, China typically loans pandas to foreign zoos for a substantial fee, while retaining ownership of the pandas and their offspring.
Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy shares various parallels with Panda Diplomacy. Both are highly centralised, state-led programmes that are a gesture of goodwill shown to international allies. Singapore uses the orchid’s traits to mirror its reputation as a reliable, non-coercive partner. Meanwhile, China uses pandas to project a peaceful, non-threatening image, as juxtaposed to its military and economic hard power. Through their respective strategies, China and Singapore maintain their brand image, creating an impression of exclusivity and formality.
The main difference between the two policies lies in the terms of the arrangement. When Singapore names an orchid, it remains a permanent entry in the International Orchid Register. Its record cannot be erased, making the orchid an irrevocable gift of prestige. On the other hand, Panda Diplomacy requires consistent cooperation and good relations between China and the recipient country. Should diplomatic ties waver, China can recall its loaned pandas. In this way, Panda Diplomacy functions more as a conditional soft power tool, as well as a barometer for bilateral relations. When effectively used as a bargaining chip in diplomacy, China’s Panda Diplomacy arguably carries more leverage.
To sum up, Singapore’s Orchid Diplomacy and China’s Panda Diplomacy programmes leave a living legacy. They extend a bridge of friendship to foreign nations through their branding and national identity. However, these policies have their limitations. By itself, soft power diplomacy is a long-term play which may not promptly move the needle in urgent global negotiations. It usually has to be supported by other drivers, such as hard power, to achieve foreign policy objectives and advance national interests.
Conclusion
Orchid Diplomacy will probably continue to be a mainstay of Singapore’s diplomatic process. The enduring traits of the orchid, coupled with its longstanding branding as Singapore’s national flower, mirror the lasting legacy of the orchid naming programme. Although less tangible than hard power strategies, Orchid Diplomacy remains instrumental in expanding the nation’s diplomatic efforts. With this, Singapore is better poised to navigate its relations amid an increasingly complex and turbulent world.
This Policy Explainer was written by members of MAJU. MAJU is a ground-up, fully youth-led organisation dedicated to empowering Singaporean youths in policy discourse and co-creation.
By promoting constructive dialogue and serving as a bridge between youths and the Government, we hope to drive the keMAJUan (progress!) of Singapore.
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