Shih Lien Yao

Shih Lien YAO, affectionately known as Dr. Lotus, has dedicated over a decade to mastering the cultivation of Lotus and Waterlilies. His expertise has transformed gardens across Singapore and inspired enthusiasts around the world—from China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia to as far as Brazil and Australia.

A passionate advocate for these aquatic plants, Dr. Lotus is committed to sharing his knowledge so that anyone—whether a home gardener or a professional landscaper—can create serene, thriving Lotus and Waterlily displays. In Singapore, he works closely with clients to design, install, and care for water gardens, while also guiding and training those who wish to cultivate Lotus and Waterlilies.

Dr. Lotus is a recognized speaker and trainer whose engaging talks and hands-on workshops have been delivered at Gardens by the Bay, The National Library (NLB), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), along with many other venues in Singapore and overseas, and online. He has provided consultancy for many of Singapore’s landmark water gardens, such as those at Jurong Lake Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Bay Sands (MBS).

He has shared his expertise internationally as a contributor to the Water Garden Journal, published by the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS).