On 18 October in Hanoi, Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex, ticker symbol: PLX) and FPT Corporation officially launched the consulting project of developing a comprehensive digital transformation strategy for Petrolimex by 2025, with an orientation to 2030. The project kick-off ceremony was a highlight to open a new chapter in the history of cooperation between the two enterprises.

Over more than 66 years of operation, Petrolimex has gained significant achievements in implementing data digitalization and constructing processes empowered by technology. Examples include the ERP - SAP enterprise resource management system, the electronic invoice system, the cashless payment system, and the Egas retail store management system... They have made critical contributions to Petrolimex's business management and administration.

Digital transformation (DX) is the next level of technology development. Mainly, it creates disruptive changes, helping to focus and synchronize the business activities of Petrolimex into the digital environment to achieve the goals and requirements in accordance with Resolution No. 93-NQ/ĐU dated 12/11/2021.

The Digital Transformation strategy will orient and define the primary contents of the preparation and implementation of digital transformation at the corporate level and in petroleum companies. It also assists in instructing standardization and synchronous integration with corporations/specialized companies/franchise systems. More specifically, it ensures objectivity, comprehensiveness, practicality, feasibility, and efficiency as a solid foundation for designing the Group's DX roadmap, strategic programs, projects, or annual plans at the subsidiary level.

The project is divided into two phases. FPT Digital, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation specializing in providing digital transformation roadmap consulting services, will take on a leading role in this project. Initially, FPT Digital will survey and evaluate the level of digital maturity at Petrolimex. In the next phase, FPT Digital will advise on the digital transformation planning, including the following components: digital transformation strategy and roadmap, IT architecture and automation master plan, communication & education on digital transformation. At the same time, the project approach coordinates the handover, guidance, and training activities to implement the digital transformation roadmap smoothly. The activities under the project's scope will be implemented at the Group and 43 petroleum subsidiaries, with the requirement of integration and synchronization of its 07 corporations/specialized companies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Party Committee Secretary, Chairman of Petrolimex, and Head of Petrolimex Digital Transformation Steering Committee Pham Van Thanh said: "Digital transformation is a fundamental and comprehensive transformation of all activities, including the leadership of Party committees and organizations, the direction and management from the Group to its member units based on digital technology platforms. Therefore, digital transformation strategic consulting is the starting point of Petrolimex to prepare for the implementation in the spirit of Resolution No.93-NQ/ĐU with six guidelines and six basic objectives."

Mr. Truong Gia Binh - Chairman of FPT - affirmed: "We are glad that Petrolimex has concentrated corporate resources on digital transformation to enhance the competitive capabilities, which means increasing employee performance and making breakthroughs in customer service quality. In addition, digital transformation will assist Petrolimex in preparation and response to uncertainties, maintaining its leading position in the national petroleum and petrochemical industry."

On behalf of the Executive Board, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, a BOD member, and General Director of Petrolimex Dao Nam Hai expressed his faith that FPT will understand Petrolimex's pain points enough to propose suitable, practical solutions. It will be the foundation for an effective Digital Transformation strategy for Petrolimex which focuses on clarifying and deepening the 4.0 technologies that can work well with the Group. In addition, the digital transformation activities need to be implemented synchronously and comprehensively, from the Group to its member companies, branches, general warehouses, warehouses, and stations, with determined participation from all levels. The most immediate objective is to complete the DX evaluation report at the end of 2022 to take it as a basis to propose the Digital Transformation strategy in March 2023. Furthermore, General Director Dao Nam Hai suggested FPT promote shared experiences of the leading technology corporation and world-class DX firm to help Petrolimex form a digital workforce and culture towards a successful digital enterprise by 2025.

The leaders of both sides agree that DX has diverse, complex, large requirements for content and workload. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the scope of work, roadmap, and action plan per resources, practicality, feasibility, and efficiency. The methodologies must be appropriate and follow each specific stage, avoiding delay and haste. Furthermore, evaluating urgent issues and prioritizing highly effective solutions is required.

Being held for the first time, the event demonstrates the determination of Petrolimex and the whole organizational system to keep promoting DX towards the national digital transformation and the development of three core digital pillars (Digital economy - Digital society - Digital enterprises). At the same time, it is to respond to the National Digital Transformation Day (10 October) under Decision No. 505/QD-TTg.