Born in 1974 in the former northern province of Hai Duong, which is now part of Hai Phong city, Cuong began his career in 1995 as a sailor at PTSC Offshore Services, a unit that later became part of PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation, commonly known as PTSC.

Afterwards, he moved into commercial and project development roles within PTSC, serving as head of business development and project management divisions before being appointed deputy CEO in 2009.

During his tenure at PTSC, Cuong also held leadership positions at several overseas affiliates, including operations in Malaysia and Singapore.

In 2018, he was promoted to CEO of PTSC, one of Vietnam’s leading oilfield services and offshore engineering contractors. Under his leadership, PTSC expanded participation in offshore energy projects, including renewable energy and LNG-related infrastructure.

Cuong joined Petrovietnam’s executive leadership team as deputy CEO in September 2025 before being appointed CEO of the group.

The appointment comes as Petrovietnam, which was rrebranded as the Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group last September, seeks to strengthen its role in Vietnam’s energy transition while maintaining crude oil and natural gas output amid rising domestic energy demand.

The group has been accelerating investments across liquefied natural gas, offshore gas development, power generation and renewable energy, while also pursuing new international partnerships in exploration and energy infrastructure.

In 2025, Petrovietnam reported revenue of more than VND1,100 trillion ($41.84 billion), exceeding the year's target by 36% and rising by VND103.6 trillion, or about 10%, from the previous year, the group said.

The giant had completed its full-year state budget contribution four months ahead of schedule, paying around VND165.9 trillion ($6.31 billion).

By Hai Yen

Theinvestor