The following information on the Asian Pacific Flower collection and what each Beanie stands for along with dates has been shared!

Singapore

She's the reason you are all here today - Vanda, Singapore's very own bear! Named after our national flower, this royal blue bear wears a Vanda Miss Joaquim on its chest. Known for its resilience and beauty, the Vanda Miss Joaquim is also a symbol of Singapore's progress and excellence over the years.

And guess what! Today is also Vanda's birthday! In fact, today marks the 7th day of the New Year, a day celebrated by the Chinese as "ren ri" or everybody's birthday. So, Happy Birthday to Vanda and to all of you!

Malaysia

Coming up next, we have the Malaysia exclusive - Bunga Raya. This bear is named after Malaysia's national pride, the hibiscus or Bunga Raya in Malay. This bear, as you can see, is dressed in royal yellow and wears the emblem of the hibiscus on its chest. Found in abundance around Malaysia, the hibiscus is known to have many uses and is especially popular for its medicinal properties.

Bunga Raya was born on 1st February, Malaysia's Federal City Day, commemorating the day Kuala Lumpur became the first federal territory of the country.

On behalf of Bunga Raya, we would like to wish you all an early "Selamat Hari Raya Haji"!

New Zealand

We now welcome Ferny who represents the beautiful native land of the kiwis. Ferny takes its name from the famous silver fern, a native plant and the national emblem of New Zealand. Like many of its national sports teams, Ferny is dressed in the traditional Maori colour of black and wears a silver fern on its chest.

Born on 6th February, Ferny honours Waitangi Day, a day known as the "foundation of nationhood". This was when the landmark treaty was signed between the Maoris and the colonising people to symbolise the start of a unique relationship. So Ferny represents a powerful symbol of peace, respect and tranquillity to the people of New Zealand.

Korea

Greetings from Korea. This beautiful pure white bear you see before you is Mugunghwa, named after the national flower of Korea, otherwise known as the Rose of Sharon. Mugunghwa symbolises the many glories the country has experienced. In fact, its root "mugung" means immortality. Mugunghwa also represents the determination of the Korean people and reflects the gentle and patient nature of the Koreans.

Mugungwha's birthday is perfectly timed on 12th February, the beginning of the Lunar New Year. So being a New Year baby, Mugunghwa brings with it lots of good luck and good fortune.

Japan

Next, we present Sakura II, Ty's ambassador from the land of the rising sun. Named after Japan's most revered cherry blossoms, this lovely pink bear also takes its colour from these beautiful flowers. In Japan, the blooming of the cherry blossoms signifies the arrival of spring. During war times, the sakura flower was a symbol of peace. Likewise, Sakura II will also be an envoy of peace and love to the world. As the flowers remain on the trees for a relatively short span of time before they fall to the ground, they are a poignant reminder of the transience of life.

Sakura II's birthday is celebrated on the 3rd of March, which coincides with the annual Doll Festival of Japan. In Japan, it is customary for the maternal grandparents of baby girls to purchase for the newborn a set of dolls, the embodiment of feminine traits such as gentility and composure.

Australia

G'day mates! Here comes Wattlie, the country exclusive bear for Australia, the nation down under. As you would have already guessed, Wattlie is aptly named after the wattle, Australia's National Floral Emblem. The wattle is a very enduring plant, which can withstand the harshness of the environment as it unfolds its beauty. Hence Wattlie, dressed in the national colour green and proudly wearing a sprig of gold wattle on its chest, captures the very essence and spirit of Australia.

Wattlie celebrates its birthday on 26th January, Australia Day, which commemorates the day the first fleet of ships from England landed on the island in 1788. So Wattlie represents unity and peace throughout the nation and serves as a beacon of hope and promise for the future of Australia.