His reputation as a renowned grower, hybridizer and conservationist of rare orchid species, for both local Malaysian orchid species and orchid species of the world, precedes his name. Many articles were published on his work both locally and internationally, testify to his ability in these fields.  A graduate in Horticulture Science from the University of Hawaii, U. S. A, Michael Ooi had completed his studies under the directive of Professor Yoneo Sagawa.  He was the recipient of the prestigious Eric Holtum Gold Medal for his achievements in the breeding of orchids, awarded to him by the Orchid Society of South East Asia.

He is not only in the advisory panel to the city of Shah Alam, he also served as a bidding committee member and Chairman for Judging and Registration for the 17th World Orchid Conference year 2002 hosted by Shah Alam.

The aforesaid entrepreneur has also participated widely in Research and Educational programs in Orchideology. He has been invited as guest speaker to present papers on his work in the field in many International world orchid gatherings and conferences. Amongst is the recent 15th World Orchid Conference in Rio, where Malaysia won the bid to host the 17th World Orchid Conference in the year 2002. 

As for the many achievements of this great man, he has under his belt:-

·	Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources - Orchid Specialist Group - base in Geneva, Switzerland.
·	Vice President of the National Orchid Society of Malaysia.
·	President of the Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (Penang).

To date, he is the proud owner of a thriving orchid nursery and laboratory, which had breed over 1,000 orchid hybrids, is actively involved in the industry both in research and development and is internationally acclaimed for his work on phalaeonopsis violacea / bellina. Finally, adding to his achievement, he recently discovered a very exciting and new orchid species that was described and named paphiopedilum ooii.		paphiopedilum ooii

Involvement in tourism project

Proud owner of two very successful tourism project in the State of Penang; namely PENANG BIRD PARK and
BUKIT JAMBUL ORCHID, HIBISCUS & REPTILE GARDEN.

Both these two projects were planned, designed and built solely under his supervision without any foreign consultations. Currently, both these gardens are premier tourist attractions in Penang.

He was also part of the advisory panel for the Prime Minister Department in the building of the National Hibiscus Garden in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and had written several advisory papers for the forth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir, on:

·	The Pulau Singa Project.
·	The Pulau Tioman Bird Sanctuary Project.

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