Nguyen Kim Long, a student majoring in international business at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, said he opened a workshop on making insect specimens in March 2024. After nearly 3 months of operation, he has had a stable number of visitors coming to visit and experience.
Kim Long's (blue shirt) specimen making workshop attracts many young people and children to participate.
Chi Hoa Nam, a student at Vo Thi Sau Primary School, excitedly said: "I find the natural world very interesting, with many unique insects. After this workshop, I will definitely spend more time learning about these species."
The student's "base" is in Go Vap district, with an average of 5-10 participants per workshop, with several sessions a day, lasting about 3 hours. Ticket prices range from 350,000 - 390,000 VND/person (depending on the specimen), with 2 main types of specimens: bugs and butterflies. In addition, Long also opens free admission for those who are passionate.
While instructing guests on how to make specimens, Long shared: "When I was young, I often participated in camping trips, scouting trips, etc. After each trip, I collected specimens and pressed them into a notebook. In 7th grade, I started a business with a reptile breeding model, earning 3-7 million VND/month. By 9th grade, due to too much studying, I had to temporarily put my job on hold."
His love for insects grew as he joined Facebook groups to learn about beautiful specimens from around the world. This was also the period when Long made many international friends.
"I find that studying international business is more and more suitable for my current job. The two complement each other, helping me come up with more business ideas," Long said excitedly.
After cleaning the specimen, Kim Long instructs customers on how to use pins to shape and frame the specimen.
Long uses freeze-drying technology to preserve specimens longer.
Long explained that specimen making workshops have appeared in many parts of the world, and in Japan, specimens are included in education . Long collects insects from farmers, but large ones have to be ordered from abroad.
"Although they are insects, when imported to Vietnam, we still have to ensure two issues: legal documents and the insects must be alive. The life cycle of insects is very short, after reproduction, insects will die on their own, and the body will be used to make specimens" - Long clearly stated.
Long said he did not use living animals to make specimens because that would go against the true meaning of specimens, which is to preserve lost individuals.
Thanks to their passion for insects, Kim Long and Suzuki Yuya gradually become closer to each other.
Since starting his workshop business, Long feels he has made more friends, especially international friends. Pointing to a large bug on the display shelf, Long said it was a gift from his friend Suzuki Yuya when he visited Vietnam.
"For those in the industry, these are priceless 'items'. Each country has a different natural climate, and the insects also have different shapes and patterns, which is very interesting," Long said.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/sinh-vien-mo-workshop-lam-tieu-ban-ket-noi-nhieu-ban-be-quoc-te-196240529155336433.htm
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