The August Revolution of 1945 marked a monumental turning point in Vietnamese history, ushering in an era of independence and freedom. It was not only the result of a revolutionary struggle, but also the crystallization of the nation’s aspiration for self-reliance, the great solidarity of the people, and the enduring will to serve the Fatherland.

This invaluable lesson has carried timeless significance, shaping the resilience and character of the Vietnamese nation throughout its development. The spirit of the August Revolution has served as a constant source of inspiration in the formation and growth of the Vietnam National Energy & Industry Group (Petrovietnam).

Turning the pages of history, 66 years ago, on July 23, 1959, during an official visit to the Soviet Union, President Ho Chi Minh visited the Baku oil and gas industrial complex (in present-day Azerbaijan). There, he expressed his wish:
“After Vietnam wins the resistance war, the Soviet Union in general and Azerbaijan in particular must help Vietnam explore and process oil and gas, and build strong oil and gas industrial zones…”
With visionary foresight, President Ho Chi Minh envisioned building a modern petroleum industry to contribute to a strong and prosperous Vietnam. His insights became the aspiration, belief, and driving force for generations of “those who seek fire.” That desire has remained a guiding principle reflected in the Party and the Government’s policies and strategic orientations for Petrovietnam since its founding.

Engineers and staff operating the Dinh Co Gas Processing Plant under PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (PV GAS). Photo: Son Chung.

Fulfilling President Ho Chi Minh’s vision, the Oil Prospecting Delegation 36 was established on November 27, 1961, and on September 3, 1975, the General Department of Oil and Gas of Vietnam was formed. Over time, the character and distinct identity of Petrovietnam’s workforce have been nurtured by the cultural traditions of the pioneering generations and molded into a unique corporate culture that successive generations of Petrovietnam employees continue to uphold, preserve, and develop. Petrovietnam’s cultural DNA originates from:
“First, Uncle Ho’s soldiers; second, the intelligence brought from the Soviet Union,”
embracing within it “aspiration, intellect, professionalism, and affection.”

Today, Petrovietnam is not only a pillar ensuring national energy security and a major contributor to the State budget and economic growth but also a leader in building corporate culture, fulfilling social responsibilities, and promoting profound humanitarian values during Vietnam’s transition to a socialist-oriented market economy.

To achieve today’s accomplishments, despite many challenges, Petrovietnam has remained committed to building its corporate culture through persistent efforts and the dedicated work of the entire political system. A great ship reaching the open sea cannot avoid large storms; its sailors must remain steadfast, creative, and determined to find their own course through the tempest. If that ship were named Petrovietnam, then one of the most important breakthroughs steering it forward is the “Revitalization of Petrovietnam’s Culture.”

Between 2015 and 2017, Petrovietnam faced a “superstorm” on its journey. Forecasts predicted that by 2019, the Group would face severe financial imbalance and enormous difficulties. In that context, with guidance and support from the Party and the State, Petrovietnam launched a comprehensive restructuring. Alongside organizational reforms, the Group prioritized the cultural revitalization movement under the motto:
“Cultural renewal precedes business renewal.”
This innovative breakthrough was strongly implemented following the most unprecedented crisis in the Group’s history. Revitalizing Petrovietnam’s culture meant rediscovering and restoring the best traditional values, eliminating negative elements, and fostering new ones.

On May 15, 2019, the Party Committee of the Group issued Resolution No. 281-NQ/ĐU on “Corporate Communication and Culture.” This thematic resolution was meticulously crafted and highly practical. Following its issuance, the implementation process was conducted with deep responsibility and seriousness.

To put the resolution into practice, on July 3, 2019, the Group’s General Director issued a plan to concretize Resolution 281 and chaired the First Group-wide Conference on Communication and Corporate Culture. Later that year, marking the 58th Anniversary of the petroleum sector (November 27, 2019), based on the Party Committee’s resolution and the General Director’s proposal, the Members’ Council issued the Petrovietnam Cultural Revitalization Project, establishing a Steering Committee led by the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Members’ Council, with the General Director as Standing Deputy Head, representing the commitment of the entire political system to this important mission.

Simultaneously with Resolution 281, the Party Committee formed and strengthened various steering boards and working groups, such as the Steering Committee 35, the Communication Crisis Management Board, the Cultural Revitalization Task Force, and the Steering Board for grassroots democracy. Political and social organizations within the Group proactively coordinated in all activities to ensure that Petrovietnam’s culture permeated deeply into the mindset and actions of every employee.

The Party Committee also incorporated the contents of Resolution 281 into the Political Report for the Party Congress and encouraged broad contribution and discussion across the entire Party system. Various political campaigns were conducted, including “Solidarity – Discipline – Creativity – Efficiency,” “Self-reflection and Self-correction,” and “One Team – One Goal,” along with thematic studies on following President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and style. Annual inspections and supervision by the Party Committee and the Inspection Commission ensured strong transformation, promoting creativity and addressing limitations. The culture of exemplary leadership, discipline, and responsibility—especially among key leaders—was significantly strengthened.

In its strategic development journey, Petrovietnam has continuously improved its cultural value system and shaped its cultural assets, including:
– The Petrovietnam Cultural Handbook with the core values “Aspiration – Intellect – Professionalism – Affection,” the spiritual foundation of “Petroleum People.”
– The History of Vietnam’s Petroleum Industry and dozens of publications.
– Cultural institutions for education and tradition.
– A modern and unified brand identity system representing Petrovietnam’s aspiration in the new era.
– New musical works, documentaries, and artistic programs inspired by the challenging yet proud life and work of petroleum workers—deeply embedding cultural values into every thought and action, forming a “bonding force” that strengthens unity across the Group.

As an enterprise that places people at the center, Petrovietnam has built a humane, progressive, modern, and harmonious working environment. Its consistent goal is to enhance both material and spiritual well-being, fostering creativity and dedication among employees. Flexible working policies, supplemental insurance, and improved welfare have contributed to an 18% annual increase in average income. Despite the “dual crises”—the COVID-19 pandemic and the global oil price crash—Petrovietnam ensured stable jobs and social security, demonstrating responsibility and compassion.

Social welfare activities and community support programs—such as “Warm Union Home,” “Peaceful and Happy Tet,” “Petroleum Spring of Compassion,” and support missions to offshore platforms—reflect the Group’s deep cultural values. Between 2020 and 2025, the Group allocated over VND 3,569 billion to social welfare. In response to the Prime Minister’s call to eliminate unsafe and temporary housing, Petrovietnam completed and exceeded its commitment, supporting 10,262 Great Unity Houses for poor households and families of policy beneficiaries nationwide.

The Group has also been a strong supporter during natural disasters, including the reconstruction of Kho Vàng village (Lào Cai), building flood-resistant houses in Central Vietnam, and emergency relief operations. Alongside material contributions, Petrovietnam promotes employee volunteerism through the “Petroleum Enthusiasm” blood donation campaign, contributing 25,700 blood units since 2021.

Environmental protection is also a major priority, demonstrated through the nationwide “For a Greener Vietnam” Campaign, planting over 1.2 million trees and expanding mangrove forests, coastal green belts, and industrial ecological zones. The Group is also investing strongly in renewable energy, including offshore wind, LNG-to-power, green hydrogen, and green ammonia—reflecting its commitment to Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 target.

Petrovietnam’s brand value reached USD 1.4 billion in 2023, tripling since 2019, making it one of the top ten enterprises recognized for Vietnamese Business Culture Standards. Petrovietnam ranks first in Vietnam and 11th among the 500 largest enterprises in Southeast Asia in the 2025 Fortune rankings.

We firmly believe that Petrovietnam’s brand is intertwined with Vietnam’s national brand; the Group’s success contributes to the nation’s strength. Guided by the Party and the Government, Petrovietnam enters a new era with determination, vision, and resilience—ready to write the next chapter in its proud journey toward a strong, modern, and sustainable Vietnamese economy.

TRẦN QUANG DŨNG
Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee
Vietnam National Energy & Industry Group