Pham Minh Chau, now in his early seventies, borrowed VND100 million from his daughter to start a civet farm in Can Tho. His story shows how low‑cost learning and simple innovation can create a new livelihood even later in life.

Before buying any civets, Chau spent months watching YouTube videos and visiting successful farms to learn the trade. In early 2024 he borrowed VND100 million from his daughter and bought five Cambodian‑breed civets.

He then built a 200 m² facility with about 200 neatly arranged cages. Over two years the herd grew to roughly 200 animals, and sales of breeding stock have generated more than VND250 million in revenue.

To cut the labour of cleaning, Chau dug ponds beneath the cages and raised catfish that feed on the waste falling from the civets. This waste‑to‑fish system keeps the cages dry, improves hygiene and reduces cleaning work.

Mature breeding pairs can sell for VND15‑20 million, and Chau plans to keep the best animals to expand the operation further. His experience proves that careful study and practical tweaks can turn a modest start into a profitable farm.