A Journey Spanning Over Three Decades and the Longing to Say “Mom”
Arthur Chareire was born in 1994 at Bạch Mai Hospital in Hanoi. Just a few days after birth, the baby named Vũ Văn Dậu — Arthur’s birth name — was adopted by a French family. Though raised in a loving home, Arthur always felt an unfillable void: the absence of the woman who gave birth to him in Vietnam. Driven by a deep yearning to return to his origins, Arthur began a sacred quest to find his biological mother. He shared his personal information, birth certificate, and photos on social media in the hopes of finding a clue.
His post quickly went viral and eventually reached Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hợi — a woman who had given birth around the same time at Bạch Mai Hospital. After multiple conversations and verification of the details, the two decided to proceed with a DNA test to confirm their biological relationship. This was the moment when GENTIS joined the filmmaker in his sacred journey.
GENTIS — A DNA Testing Organization That Puts People First
Colonel Hà Quốc Khanh, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Criminal Science under the Ministry of Public Security and Senior Advisor at GENTIS, announced the DNA test results.
With nearly 15 years of experience in genetic testing, GENTIS is recognized as one of Vietnam’s most trusted institutions for paternity, genetic, and prenatal screenings. However, for GENTIS, testing is more than a scientific service — it is a means to serve higher values: truth, family, and justice. Understanding the emotional significance of this journey, GENTIS proactively covered all testing costs for Arthur and Ms. Hợi — a gesture that clearly reflects the company’s commitment to the community and to those in need of reconnection, guided by compassion rather than limited by finances.
The DNA testing process was carried out by GENTIS with absolute accuracy and in strict adherence to international standards. The GENTIS team analyzed and compared Arthur and Ms. Hợi’s DNA samples in a modern, transparent laboratory setting. Just a few days later, the result was revealed: they are indeed mother and son.
More Than a Test — A Mission
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hợi, biological mother of French director Arthur Chareire, provides her DNA sample at GENTIS.
Arthur and his mother’s story is not unique. Every year in Vietnam, thousands of people long to reunite with their birth parents, and countless parents hold onto hope of seeing a lost child again. In these emotional and often challenging journeys, GENTIS plays a role beyond just providing DNA testing services — it becomes a bridge of humanity, supporting compassion and reunion.
For GENTIS, community responsibility goes beyond accurate results — it’s reflected in meaningful actions such as offering free or discounted services for those in difficult circumstances and sharing scientific knowledge transparently and accessibly. With dedication and empathy, GENTIS believes that every DNA sample is not just a string of genetic code, but a chance to heal lives, reignite hope, and continue writing stories of heartfelt reunions.
The Journey Is Not Over — A Future of Reconnection
Arthur is expected to return to Vietnam in November 2025 to meet his mother in person, following their first reunion via video call. He shared, “I don’t blame my mother. On the contrary, I am grateful that she gave me life. Thank you, GENTIS, for giving me the certainty to call someone ‘Mom’ again without doubt.”
Arthur’s story is a powerful example of how technology, guided by compassion, can create profound meaning. And GENTIS is proud to walk alongside these sacred moments, serving as a bridge for millions of hearts searching for each other across life’s many crossroads.