ICBF 2025: Bridging global academic networks and shaping a sustainable future

09 Dec, 2025

As the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) approaches its momentous 50th anniversary milestone, the institution successfully hosted the 2025 International Conference on Business and Finance (ICBF 2025). Taking place on December 1st and 2nd, 2025, the event was conducted in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions at UEH with a virtual platform.

ICBF 2025 continues to solidify its reputation as one of Vietnam’s premier academic forums, garnering significant attention from the domestic and international research communities. This year, the conference received over 200 submissions. Following a rigorous peer-review and editorial process by the Scientific Committee, nearly 100 high-quality research papers were selected for presentation.

ICBF 2025 Opening Ceremony

The conference framework featured 29 parallel sessions and 08 plenary sessions, bringing together researchers from prestigious universities worldwide. This year’s discussions were notably interdisciplinary, spanning Banking & Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, Digital Technology, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Energy Transition, Sustainable Development, and International Policy.

Crucially, the research presented focused heavily on contemporary issues such as risk management in digital transformation, green finance, capital markets amidst energy transitions, the impact of ESG on investment, digital economic models, and policies for sustainable growth. This underscores that ICBF 2025 is not merely updating academic trends but is actively fostering knowledge creation and offering strategic insights for future development.

The presence of representatives from partner institutions—including Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), the University of Leicester, the University of Lincoln, the University of Huddersfield (UK), the University of Lodz (Poland), the UEH Institute of School of Business (UEH-ISB), and the French-Vietnamese Center for Management (CFVG)—affirmed the event's international stature. It further highlighted UEH’s scientific mission: promoting applied research to contribute intellectual capital to the national and regional economy.

In the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, Interim President of UEH, emphasized the urgency of the current global context, where climate change and environmental pollution pose unprecedented challenges. He reaffirmed UEH's commitment to building a sustainable university—a hub where researchers and policymakers join forces to engineer solutions. This spirit permeated every session of the conference, capturing the attention of a wide array of scholars.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung (UEH) affirming the conference's pivotal role in advancing UEH’s international academic standing

The plenary sessions of ICBF 2025 commenced with impactful presentations from renowned international scholars: Professor Gary A. Campbell (Michigan Technological University, USA) provided a strategic perspective on the role of by-product metals in the global transition to renewable energy. Professor Jonathan A. Batten (RMIT University, Australia) highlighted the critical importance of digital transformation in corporate risk management, analyzing the impact of data and technology on controlling financial and business systems. Professor Evan Lau Poh Hock (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia) emphasized that data is not merely a knowledge resource but the foundation shaping the future of science, finance, and public policy.

Professor Jonathan Batten (RMIT University, Australia) presenting at the conference

Professor Tao Chen (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) drew significant attention with his discourse on sustainable finance and ESG investment strategies, positioning social responsibility as a core element in capital market restructuring—a topic of particular interest to both researchers and corporate leaders.

Professor Tao Chen (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) presenting at the conference

Broadening the scope of sustainable development from the corporate to the human level, Professor Abhijit Sharma (University of Huddersfield, UK) discussed the nexus between mental health, income, and labor productivity, demonstrating that psychological well-being is becoming a pivotal variable in human resource management strategies.

Professor Abhijit Sharma (University of Huddersfield, UK) presenting at the conference

Subsequently, Professor Siong Hook Law (Universiti Putra Malaysia) presented evidence on the institutional role in enhancing financial inclusion efficiency, particularly within emerging economies.

Professor Siong Hook Law (Universiti Putra Malaysia) presenting at the conference

Professor Sung Y. Park (Chung-Ang University, South Korea) introduced testing methods based on random matrix theory, opening new avenues for quantitative approaches in modern financial research.

A highlight of ICBF 2025 was the special "Meet the Editors" session, offering researchers a unique opportunity for direct dialogue with Editors-in-Chief and Associate Editors of prestigious journals listed in ISI/Scopus. Attendees included the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Economic Development (JED), the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Economics and Management, and Associate Editors from Financial Management (FM) and the Journal of Business Research (JBR). The panel shared profound insights into international peer-review standards, publication strategies, designing research with global academic contributions, and techniques to elevate the quality of scientific papers.

The "Meet the Editors" session gathering Editors-in-Chief and Editors of international ISI/Scopus journals at ICBF 2025

Concurrently, the parallel sessions fostered a vibrant academic exchange across specialized themes, including Sustainable Development & ESG, AI-integrated Marketing, Economics & Public Policy, Consumer Behavior, Banking & Finance, Business Technology, and Digital Marketing. These presentations went beyond academic theory to propose policy implications and practical solutions for governance and business strategy, reflecting ICBF 2025’s orientation toward bridging research with practice.

Images from the parallel sessions at ICBF 2025

Notably, ICBF 2025 left a mark with the Sustainable Development Forum, where industry experts and regulators engaged with scholars on the practicalities of energy transition, the green economy, ESG governance, and the role of green finance and technological innovation. The forum yielded critical recommendations, emphasizing the need for a tight-knit ecosystem connecting scientific research, business operations, and public policy.

The Sustainable Development Forum discussing the green economy, sustainable finance, and ESG strategy in Vietnam

Synthesizing the in-depth discussions and research findings from the two-day event, ICBF 2025 issued an official Policy Statement Announcement. This document aims to help guide economic and financial development in the new era. It underscores the role of ESG in corporate governance, the urgent requirement for digital transformation linked to financial data transparency, the promotion of green finance and sustainable energy markets, and the importance of financial education and market stability amidst global volatility. This statement embodies the conference's commitment to translating scientific knowledge into a consultative foundation for businesses, regulators, and the international community.

Prof. Fabien De Geuser and Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh announcing the policy recommendations at the conference

Beyond the rigorous academic activities, the conference hosted a Gala Dinner to foster connections among scholars, businesses, and regulatory bodies. This was not merely a social gathering but a gateway for research collaboration, policy consultancy, and knowledge transfer, reaffirming ICBF’s role in linking the scientific community with real-world development.

ICBF 2025 Gala Dinner

The Closing Session of ICBF 2025 recognized outstanding academic contributions and the dissemination of research values. The findings and ideas presented have not only enriched the body of knowledge in economics and finance but also offered crucial suggestions for enterprises and policymakers.

ICBF 2025 Closing Session

The conference concluded with resounding success, establishing a forum for deep scientific exchange and research orientation tightly bound to practical development. ICBF 2025 has not only disseminated knowledge but also unlocked numerous strategic partnership opportunities, affirming UEH's role in connecting global academia and accompanying sustainable socio-economic development.

View the full photo gallery of ICBF 2025: HERE

Pillars: Research, Community Connection

Project: UEH Connecting

News, photos: Institute of Business Research, Department of Communications and Partnerships