The 18th edition of the ‘Aspiration for life’ program: Joining hands in unity to serve the community

On December 12, in Ho Chi Minh City, the humanitarian television program “Aspiration for life” held an emotional year-end gathering to review its 17-year journey and officially announce its 18th journey (2008–2026), reaffirming a steadfast message: “Joining hands in unity to serve the community.”

The event was attended by Nguyen Thi Minh Nham, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television. Participants also included representatives from media agencies, media sponsors, and medical support partners. Tan Phuoc Khanh Trading and Manufacturing Coil Steel Joint Stock Company (TPK CO) served as the main sponsor, alongside various domestic and international volunteer groups and philanthropists.

Nguyen Duc Tien, Head of the Program Organizing Committee presents flowers and commemorative plaques to the main sponsor, TPK CO, and accompanying partner units for their contributions. Photo: Thu Hien

The humanitarian television program “Aspiration for Life” was initiated by Unit Advertising Joint Stock Company (UNIAD JSC) in September 2008, with the mission of “Connecting the community and helping disadvantaged people rebuild their lives.”

Over its 17-year journey, the program has gone through three major periods of severe upheaval: the global economic crisis (2008–2009), the Covid-19 pandemic (2020–2021), and the merger and reorganization of provincial-level administrative units in 2025. “There were times when the pressure seemed overwhelming and all resources appeared to be depleted... Yet it was precisely thanks to the shared commitment of dedicated service among our partner organizations, sponsors, media agencies, especially the dedication of the Organizing Committee that we were able to turn adversity into motivation, ensuring that our weekly outreach trips continued uninterrupted,” said Nguyen Duc Tien, Head of the Program Organizing Committee.

As of November 14, 2025, the program had provided assistance totaling more than VND 102.7 billion, supporting the construction and repair of 250 houses for disadvantaged families and funding 79 cases of special medical treatment. In 2025 alone, its total assistance exceeded VND 6.4 billion.

Nguyen Thi Minh Nham, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of Dong Nai Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, presents flowers and souvenirs of appreciation to 4 exemplary sponsoring units of the program. Photo: Thu Hien

The most emotional moments of the gathering came when several beneficiaries of the program broke down in tears as they shared their stories. They said that without the humanitarian television program “Aspiration for Life,” they might have lost their lives to illness, misfortune, and successive hardships. Today, standing here to tell their own stories, they felt happy and profoundly grateful to have been given a second chance to live a truly meaningful life.

These heartfelt stories touched the hearts of everyone in attendance, powerfully affirming that every donation, every brick, and every sponsored surgery has rekindled strong faith and hope for lives that once seemed on the brink of despair.

Benefactors present numerous gifts to three beneficiaries of the “Aspiration for Life” program who take part in the exchange at the year-end review event. Photo: Thu Hien

In 2026, the “Aspiration for Life” program will continue to spread the spirit of compassion, supporting people in extremely difficult circumstances across the country with a firm commitment to “Joining hands in unity to serve the community.” The program will maintain its trusted network of collaborative partners, including Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, Khanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio, Television, as well as An Giang Newspaper and Radio, Television.

The program receives media sponsorship from Vietnam Women’s Newspaper, and medical sponsorship from Cho Ray Hospital, the International Neurosurgery Specialty Hospital, and Children’s Hospital No. 1. TPK CO continues to serve as the main sponsor.

“As long as there are disadvantaged people, we will continue to stand alongside ‘Aspiration for Life’ to reach out to them. We will go directly to their homes, provide hands-on assistance, and develop strong, long-term support plans,” said Do Van To, General Director of TPK CO.

Outstanding volunteer clubs, groups, and philanthropists receive flowers and commemorative plaques from the Organizing Committee. Photo: Thu Hien

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Thi Minh Nham, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, shared: “Throughout the 17-year journey of the ‘Aspiration for Life’ program, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television has been honored to accompany it continuously for 15 years. We have witnessed the effectiveness of each episode and the revival of every individual who has been connected with and supported by the program. Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television is committed to continuing this partnership in the years ahead, ensuring that the ‘Aspiration for Life’ remains well connected, widely disseminated, and further expanded within the community.”

 By Thu Hien, Translated by Thu Cuc – Thu Ha