Notably, his project won the first prize at the ninth provincial Creative Startup Ideas Contest 2025, opening up a new direction for poor households around the That Son area.

Thanh explained that stingless bees are smaller and gentler than honeybees, posing no danger to humans, especially children. These bees are particularly fond of nectar and pollen from medicinal plants, are easy to raise, and rarely abandon their nests. When combined with herbal gardens, the bees not only enhance pollination and increase plant yields but also produce high-quality, medicinally rich honey, forming a green, sustainable agricultural model with strong economic potential.

Starting with just 18 colonies, Thanh has expanded his farm to over 500 colonies across a 2,000-square-metre area after three years. He has since founded Mekong Bee Herbal Beekeeping Co., Ltd.

His model follows the principle of living in harmony with nature, meaning no chemical intervention or forced honey extraction. Instead, the bees are allowed to grow naturally in a shaded, breezy environment surrounded by flowering herbal plants year-round. Each hive produces about one litre of honey twice a year, collected gently to preserve the hive’s structure and reduce stress on the bees. As a result, stingless bee honey is rich in bioactive compounds and valued for its medicinal properties, selling for 2–2.5 million VND (75.9 – 94.87 USD) per litre.

After deducting costs, Thanh earns around 100 million VND per year. His products are distributed locally, through traditional medicine pharmacies, cosmetic companies, and e-commerce platforms.

According to Truong Thanh Thuy, Director of the An Giang Youth Startup Support Centre, Thanh’s model aligns perfectly with the province’s orientations for green economy and circular economy, as well as OCOP (One Commune One Product) stardards. It requires little investment or labour, making it feasible for young entrepreneurs and rural households alike.

Looking ahead, Thanh plans to collaborate with local authorities to support poverty reduction in Thoi Son ward, by providing bee colonies, technical guidance, and product output guarantees for 25 poor households, aiming to help them escape poverty sustainably.

With strong market demand, he is confident the model will bring stable incomes to local people, promote sustainable rural development, and link agriculture with eco-tourism and community health care.

He also aims to achieve 4-star OCOP certification and register a geographical indication for “Bay Nui – An Giang stingless bee honey.” Additionally, Thanh plans to participate in trade fairs and online marketplaces to introduce his products more widely to consumers./.VNA