With its extensive infrastructure, Viettel has brought telecommunications connectivity to every corner of the country. Photo courtesy of Viettel

HÀ NỘI — Viettel Group has officially released its first Sustainability Report 2024, underscoring its long-term commitment to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into business growth and innovation.

Developed in line with global standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the report reflects how Viettel brings its philosophy 'Technology with Heart' to life through three strategic pillars - Technology for People, Technology for the Environment and Responsible Technology.

In its first sustainability report, Viettel outlined contributions to eight of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, quality education, decent work, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequality and climate action.

In 2024, Viettel expanded its digital infrastructure, providing 4G coverage to 98 per cent of Việt Nam’s population and launching the country’s first commercial 5G network, serving 148 million customers across 11 countries.

Through initiatives such as the 'Internet for Schools' programme, Viettel has provided 23,000 km of free fibre-optic cable to 38,000 educational institutions, giving 25 million teachers and students access to high-speed internet.

Hundreds of children have received free medical check-ups through Viettel’s 'Heart for Kids' programme.

Its long-running 'Heart for Kids' programme has funded 7,034 free heart surgeries for underprivileged children since 2008. In 2024 alone, Viettel contributed VNĐ740 billion to social responsibility activities in education, healthcare, and community digitalisation - particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas.

In line with its environmental goals, Viettel inaugurated Việt Nam’s largest Data Centre in Hòa Lạc, symbolising a new step toward green digital infrastructure. The facility achieves an energy efficiency rating (PUE) of 1.4–1.5 - among the world’s best - and uses 30 per cent renewable energy, reducing overall power consumption by up to 30 per cent.

The newly launched Viettel Logistics Park, certified to international LEED standards, integrates IoT, AI, 5G and Digital Twin technologies, with over 3,300 trees on-site. These innovations help lower operational costs and carbon emissions significantly.

Meanwhile, Viettel’s energy management platform PCTT 3.0 has extended battery life at base stations by 20 per cent and cut nearly 1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting Việt Nam’s net zero by 2050 target. The group is also investing in green technology research, including solar inverters, mini wind turbines and recycled vanadium batteries.

Viettel continues to demonstrate transparency and accountability in governance and human development. In 2024, it recorded revenue of VNĐ 190.4 trillion, profit before tax of VNĐ51.6 trillion, and contributed VNĐ46.55 trillion to the State budget - remaining one of the nation’s largest taxpayers.

With a workforce of 53,000, Viettel has been named 'Best Place to Work in Viet Nam' for eight consecutive years and holds the largest patent portfolio in the country - 133 domestic and 40 US patents.

Globally, Viettel ranked Top 3 in Fortune’s 'Change the World 2024' list, maintained Top 2 in Brand Finance’s Global Telecom Brand Strength Index, and was recognised as Việt Nam’s most valuable brand for the ninth consecutive year.

Lieutenant General Tào Đức Thắng, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group, said: “A strong enterprise grows from a strong society. Viettel remains committed to reinvesting in the community by linking business operations with social responsibility and environmental protection.

"We will continue to bring advanced technologies into daily life - helping build a digital Government, digital economy and digital society for a happier Việt Nam.”

From 2025 to 2030, Viettel plans to expand its ESG initiatives, accelerate clean energy transition, advance digitalisation across all operations, and make technology accessible to everyone - driving a sustainable future for people and the planet. — VNS