Vietnamese representative at an international flower arrangement contest in Thailand, Mr. To Duy Kha, won two first and two second prizes.

Mr. To Duy Kha (first from the right)

The event was organized by the World Flower Council (WFC) in Chiang Mai, as part of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair. The jury included artisans from the US, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Contestants were selected from many countries, through contests held from December 14, 2011, to March 14, 2013.

Vietnam’s only representative – To Duy Kha – won up to four prizes, including: the two first prizes for artificial flower arrangement and for flower arrangement for hotels, two second prizes for orchid arrangement and ornamental flower arrangement.

Kha, 40, is the owner of a network of fabric-made flower shops in HCM City. He is a member of the World Flower Council and vice chair of the HCM City Artistic Flower Arrangement Club. This is Kha’s first international contest.

“I participated in this competition because I thought that it was a chance for learning from and seeing talented artisans throughout the world. I was very surprised when my name was called out as the winner. I’m very happy and proud because my skill is recognized by international colleagues,” Kha said.

He disclosed that the World Flower Council is considering holding an international conference in Vietnam.