Viettel's 20-year legacy in Cambodia: The fruits of investment driven by kindness.

(Chinhphu.vn) - Two decades ago, Viettel began its "go global" journey in Cambodia with bold steps. Today, Metfone (Viettel's telecommunications brand in Cambodia) is not only the number one mobile network operator in the Land of the Pagodas but also a symbol of successful economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Metfone was awarded the title of "Hero of Labor".

The result of the persistent efforts of many generations.

Recently, Metfone was officially awarded the title of Hero of Labor in Vietnam. This is a particularly meaningful award, recognizing the persistent efforts of many generations of employees. According to Mr. Cao Manh Duc, General Director of Metfone: "This is not a personal title, but a reward for 17 years of hard work and dedication in the forests and mountains."

This award is the culmination of 20 years of presence, including 3 years of infrastructure development and 17 years of business operations, during which Viettel's soldiers, along with their local colleagues, "sweated in the forests and mountains." For the Cambodian government, this is vivid proof of the model of investing with kindness, as Metfone has successfully built the national telecommunications infrastructure, bringing happiness to the local people.

To date, Metfone has built a massive telecommunications network with over 6,000 base stations and nearly 40,000 km of fiber optic cable, covering almost 100% of the population. More important than the technical figures, the company has created stable jobs for 3,000 employees, with local personnel accounting for 98%.

2025 is considered Metfone's best business year in many years. In 2025, Metfone's budget contribution to the Royal Government of Cambodia reached over $180 million in 2026. In addition, the company also spent over $100 million on social welfare activities – a record amount in the country.

Techco's strategy and ambition to lead the digital economy .

As the telecommunications market gradually saturated, Metfone made a strategic shift: from a telecommunications provider (Telco) to a technology group (Techco). Although the digital transformation journey in Cambodia still faces many challenges in terms of infrastructure and customs, Metfone is striving to play a leading role.

Internally, the company is rapidly digitizing and applying artificial intelligence (AI) to its core operations. Externally, Metfone focuses on solving digital transformation challenges for key sectors such as Health and Education. Its most impressive achievement is the Education Management Ecosystem (SIS). To date, SIS has connected hundreds of schools with tens of thousands of teachers and students, receiving high praise from the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Education of Cambodia. Currently, the Cambodian government is finalizing regulations to make SIS a mandatory platform for nationwide implementation.

Furthermore, Metfone is also preparing for a breakthrough with 5G technology. Leveraging the experience from Viettel's more than 20,000 5G base stations in Vietnam, Metfone has completed the deployment of 5G infrastructure in all 25 provinces and cities of Cambodia. While competitors focus only on major cities like Phnom Penh, Metfone remains steadfast in its philosophy of bringing the best technology to even remote areas. Metfone's 5G speeds are currently considered the best in Cambodia, ready for official commercialization when permitted.

Beyond digital technology, Metfone is venturing into the logistics sector with its Metfone Express service, scheduled to launch in 2026. In partnership with Viettel Post, Metfone hopes to build a modern logistics infrastructure, helping to reduce costs and increase the competitiveness of Cambodian businesses.

Metfone transformed from a telecommunications provider (Telco) into a technology corporation (Techco).

A desire to serve

What makes Metfone so special is its unique corporate culture – where the "DNA" of Viettel soldiers, with their "Kindness, Determination, and Connection," gradually permeates through each generation of Metfone personnel.

"The essence of culture is understanding, kindness, and responsibility. When we approach them with kindness and a desire to bring happiness to everyone, we will receive affection and acceptance from the local people in return," said Mr. Cao Manh Duc.

For the CEO, Metfone's journey is not only economically significant but also represents an important diplomatic and defense mission, receiving recognition from the highest-ranking leaders of other countries.

Looking to the future, the mission of the next generation of Metfone is to continue upholding its "DNA" of kindness, a desire to serve, and a spirit of continuous learning. In this challenging transition to Techco, sharpness and the ability to adapt to new technologies will be key for Metfone to write its next chapter in the history of Cambodia.

Tran Hung

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/dau-an-20-nam-viettel-tai-campuchia-thanh-qua-cua-dau-tu-bang-su-tu-te-102260211172944871.htm