To many, they’re simply pests, but for Singaporean entrepreneur John Ye, his personal interest in the common-or-garden ant led him to begin an organization selling the insects, which he believes have lots to supply.
“The ant itself is just amazing,” said Ye, 41, who sold wholesale electronics and began raising ants in 2017 as a private hobby.
“They are so vital within the ecosystem that they’re here for a reason, and if we could just learn from the common-or-garden ant, there are such a lot of things the ant could teach us, like perseverance and being relentless,” Ye said.
He hopes to work with institutions equivalent to schools to show children about ants and their life cycle.
The ants he sells are purchased locally by him and his employees throughout the island, often turning up after heavy rains.
His store offers 30 species of ants sold in starter kits for ant farms, or formicariums, that include ants and a queen.
Prices range from S$13.90 ($10) to around S$200-300, depending on the kind of formicarium and ant species. His company also sells live worms as food for ants, although Ye says in addition they like honey and fruit.
Are Singaporeans really losing their jobs to Indian expatriates?
Are Singaporeans really losing their jobs to Indian expatriates?
Ye’s activities attracted each ant lovers and curious onlookers.
“It’s crazy, definitely crazy,” said shopper Alvin Teng.
