Tears are an emotional state few desire, but for entrepreneur Trần Đình Tài, he is willing to “lose money to shed tears.”
“Every time I visit the studio, I cry,” said Mr. Tài.
Those were the days he joined Mái ấm gia đình Việt – a community-focused reality TV show backed by Hoa Sen Group – silently observing from backstage. Occasionally, the tough-looking business leader had to step away for a few minutes to hide his emotions.
“I had to grit my teeth to hold back tears. I feared crying would disrupt everyone’s work atmosphere. Sometimes, I quietly stepped away for a moment. There’s so much emotion, as every situation is incredibly difficult,” recounted Mr. Tài, Deputy CEO of Hoa Sen Group and head of the program’s organizing committee.
Many TV viewers will remember familiar names like Vượt lên chính mình, Lục lạc Vàng, or Cặp lá yêu thương, which have evoked emotions through hundreds of episodes over decades. Yet, few know that all these programs share a common “owner, producer, and benefactor” – Hoa Sen.
Mái ấm gia đình Việt is the latest initiative, extending the group’s humanitarian journey without a set endpoint.
A Show with More Tears than Smiles
Like other community projects, Mái ấm gia đình Việt launched in 2022, as society faced significant losses post-Covid-19. Thousands of children lost parents, futures, and endured deep emotional scars. These circumstances created an urgent need for a new home and support system for these children.
Hoa Sen Group’s Mái ấm gia đình Việt became a vibrant, humanitarian reality show, connecting and spreading stories to give disadvantaged children new hope and long-term support for education, healthcare, and daily life.
Beyond financial aid for education and living, and home repairs, the children’s lives continue to improve post-broadcast, thanks to benefactors, artists, and viewers.
“Chairman Lê Phước Vũ always aims to create humanitarian programs. Previously, we had similar initiatives like Vượt lên chính mình, Lục lạc Vàng, Cặp lá yêu thương, and Tỏa sáng nghị lực Việt. Now, Mái ấm gia đình Việt carries the same spirit,” shared Mr. Tài.
While community programs often struggle to reach the public, Hoa Sen Group’s social projects stand out. They evolve into explosive TV shows, trending and going viral like entertainment programs.
Despite more tears than smiles, Mái ấm gia đình Việt makes a media impact, with content carefully balanced to maintain the seriousness a humanitarian program requires.
“We don’t focus on the show’s fame. Our goal is community value. Everything stems from our heart,” said Mr. Trần Đình Tài about the project’s social media buzz.
“We don’t call it success; we call it connection. We’ve touched viewers’ hearts, especially the youth, showing that Vietnamese people are loving and supportive.”
Mái ấm gia đình Việt exemplifies a business group’s “decisive, swift” philosophy. Hoa Sen believes urgent community projects need more than traditional slow appeals. The sparkling effect of a TV show has long proven effective.
“We wanted a unique approach. Community activities must spread value quickly. With today’s technology, we partnered with producers and TV stations to create Mái ấm gia đình Việt. Our professional digital content team shares stories across platforms, especially social media, reaching everyone, especially the youth.”
Using a reality show format can be a double-edged sword, risking scripted or manipulative content. Mr. Tài assures this isn’t the case. The show is just a medium; the stories remain authentic and real.
“This isn’t our first program. Every initiative, past or present, is done wholeheartedly. Our team visits locations, listens to stories, and connects with difficult circumstances. They must understand the stories to convey them authentically,” explained the Deputy CEO of Hoa Sen Group.
“We often say the trend now is to watch Mái ấm gia đình Việt and cry. But it’s not about pity. We want the youth to love, empathize, and share. They’ll realize how fortunate they are and that society cares. Mái ấm gia đình Việt also teaches resilience, preparing the youth for the future.”
“Hoa Sen Will Continue, Even If Short on Funds”
At the 2025 Human Act Prize, Mái ấm gia đình Việt evoked strong emotions in the Inspirational Project category.
Mr. Trần Đình Tài admired other projects: “Every project here is valuable. I don’t see it as competition but as a gathering of those serving the community. These are real-life stories with great Vietnamese spirit.”
In over three years, with 163 episodes by the Human Act Prize 2025 finals, Mái ấm gia đình Việt has impressive numbers: covering 26/34 provinces, supporting nearly 500 families, donating 52 billion VND, and helping over 1,000 children stay in school.
As a self-funded TV program, Mái ấm gia đình Việt faces cost considerations, but Hoa Sen emphasizes that the program’s essence isn’t about profit.
“People often consider success, but we focus on helping society. Hoa Sen’s growth must include supporting those in need. We want to rise together.”
After 20 years of impactful programs, Mái ấm gia đình Việt isn’t Hoa Sen’s final chapter.
“Initially, we planned Mái ấm gia đình Việt for one year, but we were drawn in by the many untold stories. Viewer love also motivates us,” shared Mr. Tài proudly.
“Currently, the Party and State are supporting struggling families. Perhaps when everyone enjoys a full life, Hoa Sen’s programs will end.”
Despite challenges, Hoa Sen remains committed. As long as the group operates, sharing will continue as a pledge of honor.
“We annually allocate funds for community activities. Profits vary, but this funding is always secured. In tough years, we cut other expenses to maintain stability. Even in losses, we can’t stop,” recounted the Deputy CEO.
“We ask ourselves, if we don’t try, what will happen to those in need? Not just Mái ấm gia đình Việt, Hoa Sen is ready for future projects whenever society needs us,” emphasized Mr. Tài.
“We’ve done Vượt lên chính mình for 15 years, Lục lạc vàng for 5 years, Cặp lá yêu thương for 5 years, and more. As long as Hoa Sen earns, we’ll share. As long as there’s need, we’ll continue. Wherever society lacks, Hoa Sen will contribute.”
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