Across the sprawling rubber plantations of the Central Highlands, each latex tapping session demands precision in every stroke of the knife. What may seem like a routine task is, in fact, a true measure of the skill and dedication of workers who have spent years tending these trees. Through relentless practice and strict discipline, many have earned the prestigious title of “Golden Hands in Latex Harvesting.” These workers not only achieve high productivity but also help maintain the quality and reputation of their companies.
We visited the Ia H’Lốp Production Team (Chư Sê Rubber One Member Limited Liability Company) on an early morning in November. On both sides of the road, rows of lush green rubber trees stretched endlessly. Along the straight plantation lines, hundreds of workers were busily collecting latex.
Amid the bustling rhythm of the plantation, Phan Thị Thành (born 1989, resident of Hamlet 2, Ia Ko commune) was also hard at work. Noticing our visit, Ms. Thành paused and invited us into her home for a chat. As she poured tea, she recounted her journey into the profession: “I was born into a farming family in Thái Hòa (Nghệ An province). Our lives revolved around the fields, so things were never easy. In 2007, I left my hometown for Gia Lai, hoping to find work.”
Thanks to her hardworking nature, Ms. Thành quickly adapted to the demanding pace of plantation work. Each year, she excelled in every assigned task, from tending the trees and fire prevention to tapping and latex collection. In 2024, she participated in the company’s skilled latex tapping competition and was awarded the “Golden Hands” title.
Currently, Ms. Thành is responsible for 3 hectares with about 1,600 rubber trees, maintaining stable productivity. In 2024 alone, she exceeded her quota by more than 10%. She shared, “I continue to hone my skills, learning from experienced colleagues to improve every day and achieve the best results.”
At Chư Prông Rubber One Member Limited Liability Company, when it comes to skilled female latex tappers, many immediately think of Lê Thị Hồng Hạnh (born 1991, resident of Chư Prông commune). Speaking with us, Ms. Hạnh said that both she and her husband are company workers, and she has been tapping latex since 2013.
Fully aware of her responsibilities, Ms. Hạnh always prioritizes meeting and exceeding her assigned quotas. Latex tapping is a physically demanding job, dependent on weather conditions and requiring mastery of every technique.
Output determines income, so she always ensures full attendance, strictly follows technical procedures, and maximizes the collection of all latex, including lower-grade sap. Thanks to her perseverance, she consistently exceeds her targets. Currently, she is responsible for tapping 4 hectares of rubber, surpassing her annual plan by about 8%. To achieve this, she has spent countless hours learning new techniques, mastering difficult skills, and perfecting every tapping stroke.
Trần Thái Sơn, General Director of Chư Prông Rubber One Member Limited Liability Company, commented: “High-yield rubber trees are not just the result of good soil or care techniques, but also the skilled, diligent, and dedicated hands of our workers.”
It’s not just veteran workers who become skilled latex tappers. At many companies, a new generation of young workers is constantly improving their skills, proactively learning new techniques, and boldly innovating their work methods. As a result, they not only earn prestigious titles but also help boost company output.
At just 32 years old, Phữi (a worker at Mang Yang Rubber One Member Limited Liability Company) has twice been awarded the “Golden Hands” title (in 2022 and 2024) thanks to his quick grasp of new techniques and his eagerness to learn.
As a child, seeing his older brother’s stable job as a latex tapper, Phữi dreamed of following in his footsteps. At 18, he applied to work at Mang Yang Rubber. Initially, he was only tasked with collecting latex. After observing and learning from colleagues and technical staff, he gradually earned the trust to take on tapping duties.
Thanks to his efforts, he has consistently met and exceeded his quotas, reaching 120-130% of targets each year. From an initial monthly income of just 2 million VND, today this Jrai worker earns an average of over 12 million VND per month, enough to support his family and ensure long-term stability.
Not only is he highly skilled, but Phữi is also a role model among ethnic minority workers at his company. He is always willing to help younger colleagues, share his experience, and encourage newcomers to persevere in their work.
We visited Economic-Defense Unit 74 (15th Corps) on a sun-drenched afternoon in the Central Highlands. Along a long, red dirt road, the team leader of Team 15 guided us and told us about Trần Văn Hải—one of the unit’s most respected workers, with an impressive record of achievements.
After more than 20 minutes weaving through the rubber groves, we found Mr. Hải diligently repairing a rain shield. He enthusiastically pointed to the endless rows of rubber trees: “These are the plots I’m contracted to care for and harvest.”
Mr. Hải has worked at Unit 74 since 2001. Over 23 years, he spent 4 years tending rubber trees and 19 years as a tapper.
In his work, he meticulously follows every technical process: weeding, fertilizing, installing rain shields, tapping according to proper procedures, delivering products as required, and ensuring latex quality by cleaning collection bowls, gutters, and containers. Thanks to this attention to detail, the plantations he manages have seen increasing yields year after year. Technical staff praise his stable skills and solid technique. On average, he earns more than 8.6 million VND per month.
Outside of work, he and his wife have planted 2 hectares of rubber and 3 hectares of coffee intercropped with cashew, earning nearly a billion VND per year after expenses. In his spare time, he improves his home garden, grows vegetables, raises poultry, and plants fruit trees. Thanks to their stable finances, his family has built a house and provides well for their two children’s education. For many years, his family has been recognized as a “Cultural Family.”
Not only skilled in production, Mr. Hải is also a leader in community outreach. Since 2006, he has participated in the “Household Bonding” model, forming a close relationship with the family of Rơ Lan Binh (Bía village, Ia Chía commune). Their bond is now like that of blood relatives. He also guides locals in growing cashew, vegetables, building waste pits, maintaining hygiene, and promoting public health and legal awareness. For his tireless contributions, Mr. Hải has been named “Outstanding Emulation Soldier” at the grassroots level for eight consecutive years, along with numerous other awards.
Leaving Unit 74, we headed to Chư Păh Rubber One Member Limited Liability Company to meet Nguyễn Hữu Thành (born 1990), one of the rising stars of Gia Lai’s rubber industry. Mr. Thành is known for his impressive achievements, including third prize in the national skilled rubber tapping competition and three “Golden Hands” titles in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Walking among the vibrant green rubber trees, Mr. Thành shared with us many trade secrets: techniques for tapping without damaging the bark, achieving precise depth to both protect the tree and maximize yield, methods for monitoring latex flow at different growth stages, and maintaining a steady tapping rhythm for consistent results.
According to Mr. Thành, latex tapping is not difficult, but achieving high yields requires perseverance and skillful hands. Beyond technical skills, he spends time observing the trees, carefully recording the condition of each plot to promptly report any abnormalities to the team leader. “Rubber trees are like people—only healthy trees yield abundant latex,” he said.
With precise tapping techniques and sharp, even, and methodical knife strokes, skilled tappers and “golden hands” not only achieve high yields but also preserve the health of the trees, ensuring sustainable business cycles.
Many workers who have repeatedly earned the “Golden Hands” title over the years have become role models for skill, discipline, and passion for their craft, helping to elevate the reputation of local rubber brands in the marketplace.
