Why Proper Hive Management Matters — A Field Lesson from Myanmar to Singapore
- Lesster Leow
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Beekeeping is not just about harvesting honey — it's about understanding the delicate science of the hive and the discipline it takes to keep colonies thriving.
A few years ago, during a consultancy project in Myanmar, I witnessed firsthand how a lack of hive management knowledge was weakening bee colonies. Hives were left under the blazing sun, opened too frequently, and poorly placed — all of which disrupted the internal environment bees work so hard to regulate.
In this training video, I explained a crucial detail that many young beekeepers overlook:
For brood to develop properly, the hive must maintain a stable internal temperature of 34–35°C.�Even a small drop or spike can lead to poor brood development or colony stress.
By my side during that project was my understudy, John Chong, who absorbed these lessons with quiet determination. Today, he runs a successful enterprise — Bee Amazed Garden, located at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
John’s work focuses on urban beekeeping education, creating engaging experiences for school groups, families, and the general public. From interactive tours to hands-on hive sessions, Bee Amazed Garden inspires curiosity and awareness about bees in the heart of the city.
I’m truly proud of John’s achievements — from the muddy fields of Myanmar to leading a thriving bee program in Singapore, his journey reflects what good mentorship, passion, and persistence can lead to.
Proper hive management involves far more than just avoiding pests. It requires consistent observation of colony health, gentle handling to avoid stress, careful temperature regulation, strategic hive placement with ventilation, and the sharing of knowledge with others. It is this blend of science, care, and community that helps beekeeping thrive across different contexts — from rural villages to urban campuses.
I hope with my sharing and guidance, the farmers in Myanmar will continue to improve their practices and see better outcomes in time. And John’s story — from understudy to educator — continues to inspire the next generation of beekeepers.
I will be conducting training sessions for those who want to deepen their knowledge in beekeeping and honey quality assurance. These sessions will cover:�- Honey quality assessment based on European Union standards�- Melissopalynology (pollen tracing) to verify the authenticity and floral origin of honey.
For enquiries and registration, please email: littlehoneyman@gmail.com
Let’s keep spreading bee knowledge. Because when bees thrive, so do we.��#LittleHoneyMan #HiveManagementMatters #MyanmarToSingapore #BeeAmazedGarden #SUSS #BeeMentorship #UrbanBeekeeping #HoneyAuthenticity #EUHoneyStandards #Melissopalynology #SustainableBeekeeping #PollinateThePlanet #BeekeepingEducation
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