2023 is a remarkable year for Metfone with the saturated telecommunications market. So, what is the secret to this success, sir?
When the mobile market became saturated, we quickly shifted our focus to fixed broadband for 2 consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. The result is the excellent growth rate of Metfone’s fixed broadband, leading among Viettel Global’s market companies. In 2022, we developed an additional 100,000 fixed broadband subscriptions. In 2023, this number reached 120,000 subscriptions. By the end of 2023, the number of fixed broadband subscriptions reached 400,000, doubling the strategic target for the 5-year period from 2021-2025.
The key here is that we have to change our mindset from top to bottom to fit the local country. In addition, the determined spirit of not being afraid of difficulties, always dedicated and devoted to the work is what helps Metfone make a difference.
What makes Metfone outstanding beyond the numbers in the past year, sir?
From the very beginning, Metfone has a meaningful name “the network of friends”. That means, we will bring the best of us to your country, considering ourselves as the telecommunications provider of Cambodia, benefiting and bringing happiness to Cambodian people.
We don’t just talk, we act thoroughly. After Metfone was established and entered the stable stage, we assigned management positions to Cambodian people so that they can feel that Metfone is a network of Cambodia, operated by Cambodian people themselves.
I am proud to say that every member working for Metfone contributes to both countries. We always abide by the law and pay taxes in full. This money will contribute to the construction of social projects and directly benefit the people of Cambodia, especially the families of each Cambodian employee working at Metfone.
From these actions, Metfone has built trust with the Cambodian people over the past 15 years. That is the greatest achievement of the company that numbers cannot fully describe. Of course, after all, Metfone also benefits economically. However, with the mindset of “giving first, receiving later”, we have become a more trusted telecommunications provider in Cambodia. We have become an example and a bridge for friendship and solidarity between the two countries and peoples.
In addition to a good strategy, what is the “genetic” factor of Metfone’s people in the company’s success?
Viettel is a military enterprise with a spirit of self-sacrifice, readiness to fight, and always comradeship. These factors are still maintained in the Cambodian market.
Peacetime soldiers in the economic front are different from wartime soldiers, but the common point is always having the spirit of facing challenges. We are prepared intellectually, always learning, improving knowledge, self-training to renew ourselves, and ready to work away from family.
The most important “genetic” factor of Metfone is determination. We are determined from top to bottom, creating unanimity and solidarity.
What will Metfone do in the next phase to maintain and consolidate its position after the success in the fixed broadband field?
In each phase, Metfone has a different historical mission. In the early stage, we had to build a network, stabilize, and develop it. In this next phase, we have to continue to transform into a leading telecommunications and technology company in Cambodia.
At the moment, we have to go deeply and accompany the Cambodian Government and relevant departments in the digital transformation in Cambodia. In Cambodia, the new Prime Minister is young and concerned about digital transformation. The Prime Minister has just issued a penta strategy, and one of the main pillars of the penta strategy is the development of the digital economy and society. Therefore, we can say that the strategy in the current and future phases of Metfone is appropriate, going hand in hand with the Cambodian Government.
Currently, we are focusing on implementing IT solutions, digital transformation in impact areas, with a widespread influence on many people, such as education, healthcare. When successful, we will expand to many other fields.
What will be Metfone’s challenging tasks in 2024?
In 2024, Metfone has a challenging task of boosting revenue growth beyond telecommunications. In the past years, non-telecommunications revenue has only been growing by 10% annually. This year, we set a target of a 30% increase compared to the previous year. These are big challenges for us, but with the experience and knowledge of Viettel people, I am always confident with the set objectives.
We are committed to always accompany the Cambodian Government and businesses in building a more prosperous and strong country. Metfone will continue to be a closer bridge for the friendship and unity between the Communist Parties, the State, and the Governments of Vietnam and Cambodia.
