Lively competition at 2026 Golden Hands Rubber Latex Harvesting Contest

Phu Rieng Rubber Company Limited held the 2026 Golden Hands Rubber Latex Harvesting Contest on October 6 and 7 in Dong Nai City’s Long Ha Commune.

The event was attended by Pham Hai Duong, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Rubber Group; Le Van Thuy, Vice President of the Vietnam Rubber Trade Union; leaders of the Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam, Phu Rieng and Long Ha communes; representatives of rubber companies; and a large number of officials, staff members and workers from Phu Rieng Rubber Company Limited.

Delegates attend the contest. Photo: Ngoc Huyen

This year's company-level contest attracted 52 contestants with strong technical skills, representing 13 units under Phu Rieng Rubber Company Limited. Of these, 39 contestants officially competed in three categories: theory, tapping tools and practical rubber tapping at a plantation.

In the practical category, contestants were tested on their speed and technique in rubber tapping. The contest provided workers directly involved in harvesting rubber latex with another opportunity to hone their skills, exchange experiences, and enhance their professional expertise, with the aim of becoming “well-grounded in theory and skilled in practice.”

A contestant takes part in a practical rubber tapping test at a plantation. Photo: Ngoc Huyen

Held every two years, the Golden Hands Rubber Latex Harvesting Contest has become a celebration for rubber tappers. The contest also motivated the company's officials, staff members and workers to engage in emulation in production activities, effectively carry out latex harvesting, plantation care and management, and work toward achieving outstanding results in meeting the targets and fulfilling the tasks set for 2026. The contest was also a meaningful activity commemorating the 48th anniversary of the company's establishment (September 6, 1978–2026) and the 97th anniversary of the traditional day of Vietnam's rubber industry (October 28, 1929–2026).

Awards are presented to contestants who earn the title of Champion. Photo: Ngoc Huyen

At the conclusion of the contest, the Organizing Board awarded the first prize in the individual category to Le Thi My Duyen of the Tho Son team, while the Long Tan team won the first prize in the team category. The Organizing Board also honored 22 contestants who earned the title of Champion and five who received the company-level Golden Hands title in rubber latex harvesting.

By Ngoc Huyen – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho