Chung cake wrapping fosters Vietnam-Cambodia cultural bonds

This annual traditional Tet activity aims to preserve Vietnam’s cultural heritage while fostering Vietnam-Cambodia solidarity.

The 2025 Lunar New Year celebration at Metfone brought together nearly 100 Vietnamese and Cambodian employees, joined by colleagues from other Viettel subsidiaries in Cambodia and local partners who admire Vietnam’s Tet traditions.

The event unfolded in a lively Tet-themed setting adorned with peach blossoms and apricot flowers, creating an authentic festive atmosphere. Adding a fun and competitive twist this year, five teams representing Metfone’s business units competed in three categories: wrapping speed, aesthetic presentation, and taste.

Srey Mey, a long-time Metfone employee of nearly eight years, expressed her excitement for the event. Over time, she has mastered the delicate art of wrapping Chung cakes, appreciating the harmonious combination of colors and flavors in the dong leaves, sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, as well as the precision required to tie the cakes with sturdy yet flexible bamboo strings. "These activities deepen my pride in working for such a united and supportive company," she shared.

Cao Manh Duc, General Director of Metfone, described the event as a heartfelt way to deliver the message: “Tet far from our small family, but close to our big Metfone family.” While far from home, Vietnamese employees at Metfone were able to experience the warmth and joy of Tet, thanks to the shared support and camaraderie of their colleagues and local friends.

“This activity offers our Cambodian colleagues a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s traditions, culture, and values. This mutual understanding strengthens our partnership and enables us to work together more effectively,” Duc said.

He also highlighted Metfone’s successful business performance over the past year, which contributed over US$135 million to Cambodia’s state budget and created jobs for nearly 3,000 local workers. Metfone remains a leader in corporate social responsibility, contributing to the community across multiple fields.

Duc expressed his hope that the spirit of unity and warmth embodied in the 2025 Lunar New Year celebration would inspire employees to pursue greater success, particularly in deploying 5G networks and contributing to Cambodia’s digital transformation projects.

After an energetic afternoon of friendly competition, over 300 Chung and Tet (cylinder glutinous rice) cakes were completed. These cakes will be distributed to Metfone’s offices, departments, and branches across Cambodia, serving as meaningful Tet gifts that carry the essence of Vietnam to Viettel Cambodia employees celebrating the Tet holiday far from home.