At the same time, Viettel Global also received the same honor, creating a rare “double recognition” and highlighting Viettel’s enduring contributions on the international stage.
Previously, Viettel’s other overseas operations, including Movitel, Bitel, and Lumitel, had been awarded the Third-Class Labor Order. The simultaneous recognition of Viettel Global and Metfone as Labor Heroes reflects a long and consistent process of perseverance, innovation, and responsibility, driven by a commitment to the long-term interests of both the enterprise and the nation.
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The Labor Hero title awarded to Viettel Global recognizes an entire journey of bold thinking, decisive action, and a willingness to take responsibility for the long-term interests of the enterprise and the nation. |
Viettel Global’s story began in 2006 with the establishment of a modest overseas investment project team of just six people. From that humble starting point, nearly two decades later, Viettel Global has grown into a global telecommunications and technology enterprise, operating in 10 countries, holding leading market share in seven of them, serving more than 90 million subscribers, and achieving a market capitalization of approximately USD 9 billion.
Maintaining a growth rate of nearly 20% for many consecutive years, four to five times higher than the global telecommunications industry average, Viettel Global has demonstrated strong competitiveness and effective management in highly challenging international environments. Its journey has not followed conventional paths. While many major telecom groups focused on developed markets, Viettel Global chose to enter developing countries where telecommunications infrastructure was still underdeveloped, risks were higher, but connectivity demand was substantial. This pioneering approach reflected a willingness to venture into difficult terrain to create new growth opportunities.
In many host countries, Viettel Global’s presence contributed to reducing mobile service prices by two to four times, expanding telecommunications services to remote and underserved areas, and bringing internet access to schools. Millions of students, patients, and low-income households in overseas markets have directly benefited from Viettel’s social programs, underscoring the company’s commitment to inclusive development.
Beyond business performance, Viettel Global has also served as a launchpad for Vietnamese enterprises seeking to expand abroad. Leveraging the telecommunications infrastructure and digital ecosystems established by Viettel, many Vietnamese banks, technology firms, and service providers have been able to enter foreign markets with lower costs and greater operational security. More importantly, Viettel personnel working overseas have become cultural and diplomatic bridges, contributing to strengthening Vietnam’s image and position in the international arena. Leaders of host countries, such as Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique, Haiti, Timor-Leste, and Burundi all regard Viettel as a trusted partner in helping them rebuild and develop their countries.
Within this broader picture, Metfone, the first overseas venture of Viettel, stands as a vivid example of dedication and service. Entering the Cambodian market in 2009, Metfone brought not only a telecommunications business model, but also the distinctive spirit of Viettel that going to the most difficult places and committing to long-term, sustainable efforts.
Over the past 16 years, Metfone has consistently expanded coverage beyond densely populated urban centers to so-called “white zones,” including border areas, rural regions, and islands, where geographic conditions are harsh and commercial returns limited. These base stations have functioned as “information shields,” contributing to security, social stability, and the strengthening of friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Metfone has fulfilled its mission of delivering telecommunications and information technology services to 97% of Cambodia’s population, helping increase the country’s mobile phone penetration rate from 29% to 120%. In addition to infrastructure development, Metfone has become a key partner of the Cambodian government in the national digital transformation process, deploying digital education platforms, providing free internet access for schools, and introducing various technological solutions that bring digital services closer to everyday life.
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State President Luong Cuong presents the Labor Hero title to Viettel Cambodia Company. |
Metfone’s contributions are also reflected in quieter but meaningful figures, such as nearly USD 130 million invested in social welfare, tens of thousands of cases of medical assistance and disaster relief, job creation for nearly 50,000 local workers, and knowledge transfer programs enabling local employees to master technology and shape their own futures.
The Labor Hero title awarded to Viettel Global and Metfone is not merely recognition of present achievements, but acknowledgment of a nearly 20-year journey of perseverance, ambition, and responsibility in overseas markets. It affirms that when Vietnamese enterprises step onto the global stage with determination, integrity, and a spirit of service, the values they create extend far beyond profit and national borders.
Translated by Tran Hoai