VNPT: Journey from "information blood vessels" to national digital transformation pillar

From the silent footsteps of a traffic officer amidst the smoke and fire, to the image of a technology corporation firmly carrying out its mission of leading in the digital age, VNPT has written a proud journey. The mission of "information blood vessels" entrusted by the Party, State and People still flows forever, urging VNPT to constantly innovate, pioneer in digital transformation, create modern technology platforms, so that Vietnam can reach out to connect with the world and develop sustainably.

Selflessly preserving the "information lifeblood of the Party"

In 1925, when the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League was founded under the leadership of comrade Nguyen Ai Quoc, a new page in the history of the patriotic movement was opened, moving from spontaneous to organized. Along with that, the first lines of communication began to form, connecting revolutionary bases, transmitting important instructions, adding strength to the struggle for independence.

Soldiers on the information front. (Source: VNPT)

On August 14-15, 1945, the "Specialized Communications Department" was established, marking an important milestone, laying the foundation for the communications career of the Vietnamese revolution. In 1961, when the Central Office for Southern Vietnam was established to directly lead the Southern revolution, the Information Department and the Postal Delivery Department were established one after another. These units undertook the mission of being the "information bloodline" of the Party, throughout the two long resistance wars. In the midst of the war, a secret, flexible and creative postal and information delivery system was built. It was not only the lines and communication stations but also the silent sacrifice of many outstanding people.

The Postal Service has made countless heroic feats with the pioneering spirit of “Connecting the communication lines, opening the way to victory,” promoting the creative spirit of “from nothing to something,” “from disappearance to existence,” “not afraid of danger, not discouraged by hardship.” During the two great wars of national defense, nearly 10,000 outstanding people fell on all battlefields, forging the steadfast character and loyal, courageous spirit of the revolutionary postal service.

Going straight into digital technology , VNPT chooses the difficult way to accelerate

After the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, the key task was to promote economic development. The Party and the State promptly directed the restoration and development of telecommunications infrastructure, considering this the foundation for the renovation process. Under the light of the Party's renovation policy (1986), the Postal sector pioneered and courageously chose a strategic step, breaking the embargo and bringing the most modern digital technology to Vietnam.

Although at that time the world's modern telecommunications network was 95% analog, Vietnam dared to go straight to digital technology, that is, digital switchboards, digital microwaves, digital optical cables, satellite information, mobile phones, etc. This decision was not only a bold step but also a strategic vision, laying a solid foundation for the remarkable development of Vietnam's telecommunications. Dr. Mai Liem Truc, former Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, proudly shared: "The Party and the State consider the Postal Industry to be the leading industry in the innovation cause and the Gold Star Medal is the most noble medal of our country given to the Postal Industry. The Gold Star Medal is the tradition of the Postal Industry, but the works of the innovation period are mainly from VNPT." That shows the great recognition of the Party and the State for the unceasing contributions of the industry, especially VNPT.

On April 18, 2008, the Vinasat-1 satellite was successfully launched into orbit, officially putting Vietnam on the world space map. (Photo: VNPT)

VNPT has made a strong impression with a series of national-scale projects. For the first time, it installed a VSAT satellite information station in Truong Sa, owned the TVH submarine cable connecting internationally, and especially the birth of the VinaPhone mobile network - the first mobile service invested, designed and operated by Vietnamese people. The two strategic decisions of the Party and State to go straight into digitalization and abolish the telecommunications monopoly, opening up competition have created a turning point in the development of the industry. Thanks to that, Vietnam's telecommunications and Internet have been popularized, quality has improved, prices have decreased sharply, bringing services to remote areas, borders and islands, shortening the distance with the world.

In 2006, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group was officially established. This was not only a change in organizational model but also a strategic step to reach new heights. One of the historical milestones was the successful launch of VINASAT 1 (April 19, 2008) and VINASAT 2 satellites into orbit, officially putting Vietnam on the world space map, laying the foundation for the modern telecommunications era of Vietnam later.

Dr. Do Trung Ta, former Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, commented on this explosive period: “From 1995 to 2012, it can be said that the development of Posts and Telecommunications and information technology in Vietnam was a surprise to the world. At that time, people commented that Vietnam's postal and telecommunications had shortened the gap with other countries by 30 years. Since 1998, VNPT's revenue at that time was 1 billion USD, second only to the oil and gas industry.”

In 2012, realizing that the telecommunications market was showing signs of saturation and competition was becoming increasingly fierce, VNPT immediately launched innovation strategies. A restructuring plan was set out, aiming at the goal of VNPT 4.0 Strategy. Thanks to the attention and direction of the Government, VNPT has restructured according to Decision No. 888/QD-TTg dated June 10, 2014 and Decision No. 2129/QD-TTg dated December 29, 2017 with all high determination and correct orientation.

After this period, VNPT has a completely new look: a more streamlined organization, products and services that meet the needs of socio-economic development, all production and business activities of VNPT have been restructured according to the 3-layer model "Service - Infrastructure - Business" and assigned tasks to each member unit with the principle of "Specialization - Difference - Efficiency".

The foundation of the VNPT4.0 strategy was set by the leaders of VNPT Group with the goal of "becoming the leading digital service provider in Vietnam". This affirms a steady pioneering journey from the hearts of people who know how to overcome challenges, surpass themselves, and open Vietnam to connect more strongly with the world. Mr. Huynh Quang Liem, General Director of VNPT Group, affirmed the vision: "To transform VNPT from a traditional telecommunications enterprise into a pioneering technology enterprise in digital transformation, we identified an important task to implement this strategy: VNPT must become a technology enterprise, and lead the pioneer in national digital transformation, from the policy of the Party and Government, Resolution 13 of the Central Committee, the Group has seriously invested in how to pioneer in national digital transformation."

In the revolutionary transformation of the Vietnamese telecommunications market, VNPT was the first unit to deploy 4G services on the 1,800 MHz band, providing new generation mobile broadband services on November 3, 2016. And it was also the first enterprise to commercially broadcast Vinaphone 5G stations in Vietnam in November 2020. Up to this point, VNPT has owned a telecommunications network infrastructure that fully meets the national needs of ensuring national defense and security, sovereignty in space and socio-economic development of the country.

Pioneering in creating digital Vietnam

As a key unit, VNPT has developed a series of "backbone" technology platforms serving the management, operation and provision of public services. Notable among them is the National Document Interconnection Axis - an administrative connection tool from the central to local levels, contributing to reducing hundreds of millions of pieces of paper each year. In addition, the National Public Service Portal built by VNPT has integrated thousands of administrative procedures, creating favorable and transparent conditions for people and businesses to access public services. VNPT is also a pioneer in deploying smart urban platforms, IoT, open data and digital ecosystems - helping to closely connect the Government, businesses and people, towards a comprehensive and sustainable approach to digital transformation.

Another important milestone is that at the end of 2021, VNPT successfully deployed the National Population Database System - one of the 6 most important foundational data systems of the Digital Government. Along with that is the Database system on cadres, civil servants, and public employees, helping to manage state personnel synchronously and effectively.

With a heart to serve the nation, VNPT is pioneering in realizing Resolution 57 in the spirit of "Make in Vietnam", strongly promoting the development of digital government, digital society and smart cities with an AI ecosystem of more than 100 specialized models, processing over 1.6 billion requests, serving more than 200 organizations and tens of millions of people.

Not only is it a digital transformation partner of about 20 ministries/sectors in areas such as land, resources, agriculture and education, accompanying nearly 30 large corporations, general companies and banks in digital transformation, VNPT is currently providing digital transformation solutions for all provinces/cities. On the S-shaped strip of land, VNPT is pioneering the way for a new operating model of the country, gradually building a digital government, a digital society with people at the center, data as a resource, and technology as the driving force for development.

Mr. To Dung Thai, Chairman of the Board of Members of VNPT Group, affirmed that VNPT's mission is to create a good set of tools for the Government, authorities, people and its customers.

“That is also VNPT’s responsibility. Always say what you say and do it,” Mr. To Dung Thai emphasized. That is also the foundation for VNPT to continue to create breakthroughs, affirming its role as a leading national technology corporation, pioneering with the country on its journey to grow strongly in the new era./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vnpt-hanh-trinh-tu-mach-mau-thong-tin-den-tru-cot-chuyen-doi-so-quoc-gia-post1055893.vnp