The SPE Vietnam Section recently hosted a landmark visit from 2024 SPE President Terry Palish and Asia Pacific Regional Manager Justin Kijam. The 2-day engagement was designed to reinforce SPE’s commitment to its global sections, engage with key industrial and academic partners, and inspire the next generation of energy professionals in one of Southeast Asia's recently active and vibrant energy hubs. The visit highlighted the dynamic activities of the local section and its role in advancing technical dissemination and professional development in the Vietnam community.
Strategic Engagements and Industry Collaboration
The visit began with a welcoming dinner that brought together the SPE Vietnam Section Board, committee members, and dedicated volunteers. This initial gathering provided an invaluable platform for open dialogue, where local leadership shared insights into the section's strategic goals, recent achievements, and the specific challenges and opportunities facing the Vietnamese energy sector.
A cornerstone of the visit was a strategic meeting with the senior management of PVD Baker Hughes, a key industry partner and a significant contributor to the technological advancement of Vietnam's upstream sector. The discussion delved into critical industry topics, including the deployment of advanced completions and drilling technologies in the region's complex geological formations, local talent development initiatives, and collaborative efforts to enhance operational efficiency and safety standards. This meeting highlighted the collaboration between SPE Vietnam and industry leaders, a collaboration crucial for navigating the evolving energy landscape.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Energy Professionals
A central focus of the leadership’s itinerary was direct engagement with students at the SPE Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) Student Chapter. This session proved to be a highlight, directly addressing the future of the industry's workforce.
2024 SPE President Terry Palisch delivered a compelling presentation titled "The Future of Energy—Career Pathways for the Next Generation." He provided a comprehensive overview of the global energy outlook, emphasizing the dual challenge of meeting rising energy demand while driving decarbonization efforts concurrently. He encouraged students to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability, highlighting the growing importance of multidisciplinary skills.
"The energy transition is not a threat to petroleum engineering; it is an expansion of its scope," Palisch remarked. "Your foundational knowledge in subsurface characterization, fluid dynamics, and project management is directly applicable to emerging fields like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), geothermal energy, and hydrogen storage. You are the architects of a more complex and integrated energy future."
The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session, during which students eagerly inquired about the essential competencies required for future success, including proficiency in data analytics, artificial intelligence applications in reservoir management, and an understanding of energy economics. The dialogue left a profound impact, with students and faculty alike describing the session as a powerful source of motivation and clarity for their future careers.
Enhancing Technical Dissemination and Professional Growth
The visit coincided with SPE Vietnam’s monthly Technical Talk and networking session, a flagship event for the section. The presence of Palisch and Kijam served as a significant endorsement of the section’s commitment to continuous professional development. The technical presentation for the evening, focused on "Digital Solutions for Optimizing Mature Field Production," drew a large audience of industry professionals from various operating and service companies.
This event is a critical component of the section’s activities and a cornerstone of its nomination for the 2025 SPE Regional Outstanding Section Award in the technical dissemination and professional development category.
Palisch, in his address to the attendees, praised the section for its consistent delivery of high-quality technical content. "The SPE Vietnam Section exemplifies the vibrancy and resilience of our community in the Asia Pacific region," he stated. "By consistently creating platforms for knowledge sharing and networking, you are not only enhancing the capabilities of your members but also strengthening the entire energy ecosystem in Vietnam."
A Renewed Vision for the Future
The visit from Palisch and Kijam was a significant milestone for SPE Vietnam, infusing the section with renewed energy and a reinforced sense of purpose. It unequivocally demonstrated SPE's support for the local chapter's mission to foster technical excellence and empower energy leaders at all career stages.
"We are immensely grateful for the time, insights, and encouragement shared by Terry Palish and Justin Kijam," said the SPE Vietnam Section Chair. "This visit has strengthened our resolve to continue building a collaborative and forward-looking professional community. We are more committed than ever to supporting our members as they navigate the complexities of the energy transition and contribute to Vietnam's energy security and sustainable development goals."
As SPE Vietnam looks ahead, it will build on the momentum from this visit, continuing to expand its programs and collaborations to serve the evolving needs of the nation's energy industry for years to come.
Pham An Khuong Nguyen is as a reservoir engineer at Murphy Vietnam, focusing on field development planning and reserves management. As an active member of the SPE Vietnam Section, she supports programs that promote lifelong learning and nurture the next generation of energy professionals.
She holds a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering from The University of Adelaide.
Le Anh Tu Nguyen is a dedicated professional and the treasurer for the SPE Vietnam Section. He focuses professionally on production management and optimization, applying his interdisciplinary skills to maximize asset value and efficiency. Through his volunteering, he helps the SPE Vietnam Section build a robust platform for knowledge sharing, lasting connection, and benefit to the energy community. He is committed to empowering the next generation of engineers and embodying SPE’s "Solution People Energy" mission.
He holds a combined bachelor of engineering (honors) in petroleum and chemical engineering from The University of Adelaide.