Why Did Viettel Global and Viettel Cambodia Achieve the Prestigious “Labor Hero” Title Twice?

Viettel Group has achieved a remarkable “double win” as both Viettel Global and Metfone were honored with the prestigious title simultaneously. Previously, overseas market units including Movitel, Bitel, and Lumitel were awarded the Third-Class Labor Order.

Viettel Global: Pioneering Paths and Economic Diplomacy Missions

The story of Viettel Global began in 2006 with a modest six-member overseas investment project team. Few could have imagined that nearly two decades later, this small seed would grow into a global telecommunications and technology enterprise, operating in 10 countries, leading market shares in 7, serving over 90 million subscribers, and achieving a capitalization of approximately $9 billion.

Viettel Global’s consistent ~20% annual growth rate, surpassing the global telecom industry’s average by 4-5 times, underscores its competitive edge and effective management.

This journey has been anything but conventional. While many telecom giants targeted developed markets, Viettel Global ventured into emerging economies with rudimentary infrastructure, high connectivity demand, and few competitors. This pioneering spirit reflects its willingness to embrace challenges, create new growth opportunities, and learn from global best practices.

In many countries, Viettel Global’s presence has reduced mobile tariffs by 2-4 times, extended services to remote areas, and brought internet access to schools. Millions of students, patients, and low-income individuals in these markets have directly benefited from Viettel’s social programs.

Viettel Global’s success demonstrates that a Vietnamese enterprise, starting later and with fewer resources than global giants, can triumph through agility, Vietnamese values, a soldier’s spirit, and a mission to democratize telecommunications.

Viettel Global has also become a launchpad for Vietnamese businesses to go global. Its telecom infrastructure and digital ecosystem have enabled banks, tech firms, and service providers to enter foreign markets with lower costs and higher security.

More importantly, Viettel Global’s operations transcend economics. Its employees abroad serve as cultural and diplomatic bridges between Vietnam and the world, enhancing Vietnam’s global standing. Leaders in Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique, Haiti, Timor-Leste, and Burundi view Viettel as a trusted partner in national reconstruction and development.

The Labor Hero title awarded to Viettel Global is not just a reward for current achievements but a recognition of its bold vision, action, and commitment to long-term national and corporate interests.

Viettel in Cambodia: From the First Venture to a Symbol of Service

Metfone, Viettel’s first overseas venture, earned the Labor Hero title not only for its operational success but for becoming an integral part of Cambodia’s fabric.

Since entering the market in 2009, Metfone has embodied the Viettel soldier’s spirit: tackling the toughest challenges and pursuing long-term, sustainable efforts.

Over 16 years, instead of focusing on densely populated urban areas, Metfone has persistently expanded coverage to “white zones”—borders, rural areas, and islands with harsh geography and low commercial appeal. These towers have become vital communication shields, ensuring security, social stability, and strengthening Vietnam-Cambodia relations.

Metfone has connected 97% of Cambodia’s population to telecom and IT services, increasing mobile density from 29% to 120%. Leaders of both nations recognize Metfone as a friendship bridge and a guardian of Vietnam’s southwestern frontier.

Beyond infrastructure, Metfone is a key partner in Cambodia’s digital transformation. Its digital education ecosystem serves hundreds of thousands of teachers and students, while free internet programs for schools and other platforms have made technology accessible to all.

Metfone’s impact is also seen in quieter contributions: nearly $130 million for social welfare, tens of thousands of medical and disaster relief efforts, employment for 50,000 locals, knowledge transfer, and empowering local workers to master technology and shape their futures.

The Labor Hero title awarded to Metfone is the “sweet fruit” of this service spirit—a testament to sincere business practices, sustainable trust-building, and diplomatic contributions that promote Vietnam globally.

December 27, 2025, is thus more than a day of celebration. It marks nearly 20 years of Viettel Global and Viettel Cambodia’s journey, honored with prestigious awards that prove Vietnamese enterprises, driven by ambition, resilience, and responsibility, can create value far beyond profits and borders.