The Institute of International Finance Education successfully organized the 2025 Student Research Conference: “Sustainable Economic Development in the New Context: Connecting Knowledge – Shaping the Future”

Anh The

On the afternoon of August 19, 2025, the Institute of International Finance Education – Academy of Finance organized the 2025 Student Research Conference themed “Sustainable Economic Development in the New Context: Connecting Knowledge – Shaping the Future.” The event aimed to create an academic forum for students to exchange ideas, update global trends and challenges, and apply knowledge to solving real-world problems.

Panoramic view of the flag-salute ceremony prior to the conference

In attendance were: Ms. Luong Thi Thu Giang – Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of SXC Corporation (Technology Investment Group), General Director of Hichem Vietnam; from the Academy of Finance: Dr. Nguyen Thuy Nga – Deputy Head of the Department of Scientific Management; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ha – Deputy Director of the Institute of Finance and Economics; representatives of the Broadcasting Board and the Student Association; along with press units. From the Institute of International Finance Education: Dr. Trinh Thanh Huyen – Director; Dr. Nguyen Bich Thuan – Deputy Director; together with staff, lecturers, students whose papers were included in the proceedings, and other students interested in the conference theme.

Advisory Board and Presidium of the conference

The Organizing Committee takes commemorative photos with the guests

Dr. Trinh Thanh Huyen shared: “In two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, the Institute of International Finance Education successfully organized three Student Research Conferences: Corporate Financial Management in the Context of Globalization; Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Financial Market; and Sustainable Economic Development in the New Context. These conferences drew the attention and submissions of nearly 500 student authors from the DDP program, the Academy of Finance, and leading economics universities such as Foreign Trade University, University of Commerce, Banking Academy, National Economics University, … Building on that success, and on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Institute of International Finance Education, the 2025 Student Research Conference has been organized with a profound and practical theme: Sustainable Economic Development in the New Context: Connecting Knowledge – Shaping the Future.”

Dr. Trinh Thanh Huyen – Director of IIFE – delivers the opening address

Delivering the conference’s introductory remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ly Phuong Duyen – Head of the Advisory Board – emphasized: “Amid a world facing complex upheavals—from environmental challenges and climate change to the sweeping shifts brought by technology and the digital economy—sustainable development is no longer a choice; it has become an urgent imperative. This is not only the responsibility of policymakers and businesses, but also the mission of the younger generation—those who will shape the future.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ly Phuong Duyen – Head of the Advisory Board – delivers the lead-in remarks

The conference was honored to welcome Ms. Luong Thi Thu Giang – Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of SXC Corp. A distinguished businesswoman with more than 20 years of leadership experience, she has held key positions at multinational corporations such as Coca-Cola and Unilever. She has led numerous international projects in ESG strategy, digital transformation, and the circular economy, and is a frequent speaker at major conferences at home and abroad.

Ms. Luong Thi Thu Giang – Chairwoman of SXC Corp – engages with students at the conference

At the event, Ms. Luong Thi Thu Giang offered students deep, practical insights and inspiration regarding the entrepreneurial journey, business leadership, and the role of the younger generation in self-orientation and in building a green, sustainable economy.

This year’s conference attracted nearly 50 research papers from students of the Academy of Finance; the DDP program at IIFE; and students from leading economics universities such as the University of Commerce, Banking Academy, and Hanoi Law University, … Of these, 44 high-quality papers were selected for publication in the proceedings, focusing on three thematic groups:

Green, sustainable economic development and the energy transition;
Digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship;
Sustainable Finance–Accounting and corporate governance.

In addition to the guest speaker’s sharing, the conference featured presentations by four outstanding author teams, with diverse research topics ranging from the impact of ESG on corporate financial performance and assessments of sustainability disclosures under IFRS S1 & S2, to studies on capital mobilization, the energy transition, and innovative startups.

The conference atmosphere was vibrant, with students actively posing questions, exchanging views, and debating with the speaker, lecturers, and peers. Many fresh, creative perspectives with practical value were put forward, clearly demonstrating the young generation’s analytical ability, critical thinking, and academic enthusiasm.

To recognize outstanding contributions, the Organizing Committee awarded “Best Paper” to “Assessing Sustainability Disclosures under IFRS S1 & S2: Practical Analysis of Three Major FTSE 500 Financial Firms” by Phạm Hải Anh (Cohort 8), whose research and presentation were judged the best of the conference. In addition, the “Best Presentation” award went to team “Vnbiz bankers,” whose delivery was confident, creative, and effective; the “Promising” award duly honored team “Elite,” recognized for a novel approach and strong development potential; one “Best Q&A” award was presented to the “Four Fairies” presentation team; and one gift was given to student Hoang Thuy Duong (Cohort 9) for the “Most Impressive Question” during the discussion session. These awards and gifts not only celebrate research achievements but also encourage students to share boldly, debate, and learn from one another.

Student Phạm Hải Anh wins the “Best Paper” award

Team “Elite,” the first presenting team and winner of the “Promising” award

The 2025 Student Research Conference of the Institute of International Finance Education – Academy of Finance affirmed the vital role of scientific research in educating a young generation that is dynamic, creative, and socially responsible. The event not only provided opportunities for students to access new knowledge and meet experienced experts and speakers, but also laid a solid foundation to further promote the scientific research movement within the Academy—thereby enhancing training quality and contributing tangibly to the country’s sustainable development.