Petrovietnam’s Energy Journey connected young employees with historical witnesses, artifacts and stories of previous generations, turning memory into motivation to carry forward tradition and build the future of Vietnam’s energy industry.
(PetroTimes) – “The traditions of the past, the witnesses and the stories – especially those told by people who deeply love the industry – give today’s generation profound emotional ‘touchpoints’, strengthening their will and determination to continue the work that previous generations devoted so much effort to building.” This was shared by Mr. Tran Quang Dung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam), during the program “Energy Journey: Commemorating 45 Years Since the First Gas Production.”
In that continuing flow, stories of the past are no longer dry fragments of history. They become a source that passes on the flame, builds determination, nurtures faith and reinforces responsibility for today’s generation. This is how tradition is preserved, inherited and spread so that its flame continues to burn in every employee – especially young people who will write the next chapter in the development of Vietnam’s industry and energy sector.
Where memory becomes motivation
The Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site is regarded as one of the industry’s important historical addresses, preserving valuable artifacts and documents about the formation and development of Vietnam’s oil and gas industry. Each keepsake and photograph reflects not only historical milestones but also the lives of pioneering people who laid the foundations of the industry amid immense difficulties and challenges.
Through the artifacts and stories shared directly by veteran officials, Petrovietnam’s young generation had an opportunity to “touch” history in the most vivid and authentic way. Memories of the earliest working days, hardships, challenges and moments of overwhelming joy when achievements were reached were retold with emotion and pride. These experiences became not only emotional memories but also valuable practical lessons that strengthen motivation and courage for the next generation.
Former Petrovietnam General Director Tran Ngoc Canh recalled important early achievements such as developing small gas fields, expanding activities toward the continental shelf, and building oil refineries and fertilizer plants to meet domestic demand. He emphasized that these achievements were not accidental, but resulted from strategic vision and persistent efforts by generations of leaders, from President Ho Chi Minh to later leaders of the oil and gas industry.
Through these stories, he expressed the hope that today’s young generation would better understand its responsibility to inherit and develop what had already been built and continue taking Petrovietnam further in the future.
Practical experience connecting knowledge and emotion
At the second stop – the Memorial Site of the First Petroleum Project, known as the “Ancestral Well” – the journey became more visual and vivid as young participants directly observed equipment associated with important stages of the industry’s history.
From the A50 drilling truck, a key piece of equipment used in many drilling campaigns in Tien Hai between 1970 and 1990, to perforating guns and different drill bits, these items are not only artifacts but also evidence of an era of creative labor and continuous dedication.
Former Chairman of the Members’ Council and former General Director of Petrovietnam Phung Dinh Thuc provided a detailed professional perspective on the design, construction and operation of Well 61, a project that has existed for more than 45 years. From valve design and engineering curves to the use of colors to indicate pressure, each detail was explained clearly, helping young participants understand the technical thinking and creativity of previous generations under highly constrained conditions.
These insights have historical value while also serving as useful reference material for young engineers and officials beginning their careers.
Mr. Tran Quang Dung also sent a message to young people: stories from historical witnesses are emotional “touchpoints” that nurture feelings, willpower and determination. He affirmed that aspiration, intelligence and courage were the foundations behind the industry’s major achievements over its long journey.
As part of the program, the activity “Letters to the Future” left a strong impression. Letters from historical witnesses carrying messages to future generations, together with commitments from Youth Union members, were placed in a “time capsule” symbolizing intergenerational connection.
This was more than a symbolic ceremony. It became a bridge through time where the past, present and future meet through sincere messages. Each letter carries a belief and preserves a promise. When the capsule is opened in the future, it will serve as vivid evidence of Petrovietnam’s continuous journey of inheritance and development.
Spreading community responsibility: Gratitude and sharing
On this occasion, Petrovietnam also demonstrated gratitude and social responsibility through activities supporting employees at units across the Group. A social-welfare program for disadvantaged people in Dong Chau Commune was also implemented, helping difficult households and spreading the cultural value of Petrovietnam’s spirit of compassion throughout the community.
These activities not only express the Vietnamese tradition of remembering those who came before, but also affirm Petrovietnam’s role not only as a major economic group but as an enterprise with a strong sense of social responsibility.
As the journey concluded, the “Energy Journey” was not simply about looking back at a proud 45-year history. It also opened a new journey – one of faith, aspiration and continuity. Every generation of Petrovietnam employees will continue writing that journey with intelligence, courage and hearts that keep the traditional flame burning brightly.
PV Group