At a time when science, technology, and innovation are identified as key drivers of national development, the special television program “Lighthouse Aspiration,” produced by VTV in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, provides a meaningful platform for acknowledging the contributions of scientists. It tells the stories of their quiet yet enduring journeys, which offer long-term guiding value for the country.
VTV Vice Director General Dinh Dac Vinh presents the program’s symbolic emblem to the honored figures.
Throughout every stage of history, science has been a core national strength, the foundation that enables a nation to integrate, innovate, and achieve breakthroughs with confidence. As Vietnam enters a period of accelerated growth driven by aspirations for prosperity and stability, science is no longer confined to laboratories; it has become an integral part of daily life, addressing significant societal challenges and paving the way toward sustainable development.
Science Alongside History - Science Guiding the Future
VTV Vice Director General Dinh Dac Vinh presents the program’s symbolic emblem to the honored figures.
The program is structured along the evolution of Vietnamese science across generations: from pioneering scientists who laid the groundwork under challenging conditions, to the application-driven scientists who expanded knowledge into production, industry, and daily life to today’s young innovators who are committed to carrying the torch forward with global thinking, and a spirit of service.
Exemplary Scientific “Lighthouses”
The program celebrates exceptional scientists representing key sectors of national development.
One such figure is engineer and Labor Hero Ho Quang Cua, who devoted more than 40 years to rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta. Believing that thorough scientific research creates genuine societal value, he helped bring Vietnamese rice, most notably the ST25 variety, to the global stage.
Engineer and Labor Hero Ho Quang Cua shares his story on the program.
Another figure, Professor, Doctor of Science, Labor Hero, and People’s Physician Nguyen Thanh Liem offered a story of inner struggles behind his medical success. In the early days of researching stem cell transplantation for children with autism and cerebral palsy, a field surrounded by skepticism, he faced immense pressure and criticism.
Professor, Doctor of Science, Labor Hero, and People’s Physician Nguyen Thanh Liem shares moving stories from his journey of treating pediatric patients.
Representing industrial science and applied research was a group of scientists from the Dung Quat Oil Refinery. Driven by the aspiration to master core technologies and innovate in response to the green transition, they have not only delivered significant economic benefits but also strengthened national industrial self-reliance, ensured energy security, and supported sustainable development by overcoming seemingly fixed operational limits.
Scientists from the Dung Quat Oil Refinery featured on the program.
Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Tan is a scientist specializing in agricultural processing. With a green, innovative mindset, his emerging processing technologies are helping Vietnamese agricultural products reach farther while preserving local value, and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to access modern technologies.
Associate Professor Nguyen Minh Tan shares the story of Vietnamese fruits.
The program also introduced Huy Pham, an engineer and technology entrepreneur, who is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Gremsy. He represents a generation that is mastering high-tech solutions with international recognition, proving that science can become Vietnam’s global competitive advantage.
Technology entrepreneur Huy Pham confidently affirms that Vietnam can compete globally through core technologies.
The Lighthouse Continues
A significant highlight of Lighthouse Aspiration is the presence of students and university learners, the following bearers of intellectual light. From Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology students researching eco-friendly rice protection, to students of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted who recently won medals at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2025, the program delivers a clear message: Vietnamese science is being carried forward through belief, opportunity, and the courage to try and to fail.
Outstanding groups of students and university learners featured on the program.
The program is scheduled to air at 2:15 PM on December 26, 2025, on VTV1, Vietnam Television.
Selected moments from the program:
Musical performances during the show.
Honored guests posing for commemorative photos after the program.
