Vietnam's state oil monopoly Petrovietnam's financial arm PVFC ordered 21 officials to make "self-criticism" reports for not singing karaoke at a contract-signing ceremony near Hanoi on Saturday.

Tien Phong (Pioneer) newspaper reported on Wednesday that at least eight department heads were facing suspension.

A company official is quoted by Reuters as saying, "No one has been laid off yet but they have to criticize themselves for not participating in collective activities."