HCMC – More than 5,000 people joined the “Run for the Heart 2025” charity race at Thu Thiem New Urban Area in HCMC on September 28, raising over VND7 billion to fund heart surgeries for disadvantaged children in Vietnam with congenital heart disease.
A decade-long journey of compassion
First launched in 2013, “Run for the Heart” has become one of Vietnam’s pioneering charity runs. Its mission is to raise funds for children with congenital heart defects who come from underprivileged backgrounds.
Over the past 12 years, the event has grown into a well-known and anticipated annual community program. As of the end of 2024, it had raised a total of VND46 billion, providing support for surgeries for 1,716 children. With the additional funds collected at this year’s event, the total has now surpassed VND53 billion, giving nearly 2,000 children access to life-saving treatment.
With You Every Heartbeat – a message of compassion for the community
The 2025 run was held under the theme “With You Every Heartbeat”, which emphasized compassion and solidarity for children in need. In addition to the traditional five-kilometer and 10-kilometer races, organizers introduced a new one-kilometer Fun Run designed for families, children, and pet owners. This activity quickly became a highlight, drawing strong participation from young families, animal lovers, and first-time runners.
Several children managed to complete the one-kilometer course on their own, with some even running five kilometers. Organizers said these efforts reflected the spirit of resilience and determination that the event seeks to encourage. Beyond fundraising, the race promotes empathy, social responsibility, and healthy lifestyles.
Speaking at the event, Angus Liew, chairman of Gamuda Land Vietnam, said Run for the Heart has grown to represent much more than a charity race. “Run for the Heart has become a symbol of solidarity and shared responsibility. Over the years, the event has fostered empathy, volunteerism, and healthy living. Most importantly, it reminds us that collective action can change lives—giving children with congenital heart disease the chance to grow up healthy and pursue their dreams,” he said.
He added that this year’s theme reflects Gamuda Land’s long-term commitment to building not only urban developments but also cohesive, compassionate communities. It is also a call for everyone to show empathy and join hands so that every child can keep a healthy heartbeat.
Gamuda Land’s long-term CSR commitment
Gamuda Land, established in Malaysia in 1995, is a leading property developer with projects in Australia, the UK, Singapore, and Vietnam. Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2007, the company has launched major projects in Hanoi, HCMC, Haiphong City, and Dong Nai Province, pursuing its mission of creating prosperous communities where people can thrive for generations.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a core part of Gamuda Land Vietnam’s development strategy, focusing on education, the environment, and youth support. The Run for the Heart program has become its flagship CSR initiative. Beyond raising funds for heart surgeries, the event unites thousands of people, businesses, and social organizations to spread values of compassion and care.
By sustaining and innovating the program over the years, Gamuda Land Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to combining sustainable development with social responsibility. Organizers noted that every step taken in the race not only saves lives but also plants seeds of compassion and encourages a healthier, more active society.
The Run for the Heart 2025 event was co-organized by Gamuda Land Vietnam, the VinaCapital Foundation’s Heartbeat Vietnam, and the Scar of Life program. It received support from main sponsor Vinasoy, as well as diamond sponsors Construction and Building Materials JSC (CBM), Asia Pet Hospital, Maxicus Vietnam, and Vinama Asia. Platinum sponsors included China Construction (S.E.A) Corporation, LIXIL, Coteccons Construction JSC, Hudeco, Vilai Viet Construction, Long Kan Organization Event And Advertising Company, ASSA ABLOY, Golden Asia Media, Lifebuoy, SIV Sportswear in Vietnam, Pocari Sweat, Cocoon Vietnam, VinaCapital, Horizon Ad, and SVR.
