On October 31 and November 1, 2025, the School of Economics - Hanoi University of Science and Technology, along with 12 universities and economic organizations from Vietnam and abroad, successfully hosted the 13th International Conference on Emerging Challenges: Business Motivation in a Breakthrough Economy (ICECH 2025).

The event attracted significant interest from international researchers

ICECH 2025 received more than 200 paper submissions. Over the course of two days, more than 180 participants attended both in-person and online. A total of 120 presentations were delivered during official conference sessions, alongside three keynote speeches from top international speakers.

In addition to domestic presenters, the conference welcomed researchers from countries such as the UK, France, Italy, Russia, Indonesia, Australia, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and India.

The topics discussed were diverse, ranging from leadership and management, strategic management, supply chain governance, innovation and technology, green finance, ESG, and sustainable development.

Selected papers will have the opportunity to be published in reputable scientific journals such as The Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment (ESCI, Q1), International Review of Economics and Finance (SSCI, Q2), Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies (ESCI, Q1), Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting (SSCI, Q1), Journal of Internet Commerce (SSCI, Q1), Pacific Asia Journal of the Association for Information Systems (ESCI, Q2), and L’Industria (Scopus, Q4).

When leading economic minds discuss AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity

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Professor Francesca Spigarelli from the University of Macerata presenting at the conference. Photo: Organizing Committee

Professor Francesca Spigarelli from the University of Macerata (Italy), a renowned scholar in applied economics, delivered a profound talk on the integration of AI and blockchain in business models amid digital transformation. She emphasized benefits such as improved efficiency and sustainable growth, while also warning of potential risks.

Professor Khaled Hussainey from Bangor Business School (UK), ranked among the world's top 2% of researchers by Stanford University, shared insights on corporate cybersecurity risk management. He highlighted the significant influence of CEOs and audit committees in mitigating cyber threats in large enterprises.

Associate Professor Mieszko Mazur from ESSCA School of Management (France), a respected expert in digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and corporate finance, provided compelling insights on blockchain applications in financial services and offered strategic guidance for business adoption.

A key highlight of ICECH 2025 was a roundtable discussion themed “Business transformation in a breakthrough economy.” Dr. Can Van Luc, Chief Economist at BIDV and a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, presented meaningful perspectives on transforming challenges into opportunities for Vietnam's economy. He also proposed innovative policy frameworks and practical business solutions.

Following the roundtable, Associate Professor Mazur analyzed the concept of “de-globalization,” exploring the driving forces behind the trend and its unintended consequences for emerging economies.

Hoang Quoc Anh, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Independent Directors Association (VNIDA), contributed further perspectives on ESG in corporate governance. With more than 15 years in investment, he emphasized that attracting and retaining capital today depends not only on economic growth but also on ESG compliance and governance quality.

Science for development: When research meets reality

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Associate Professor Nguyen Danh Nguyen delivering the opening speech. Photo: Organizing Committee

The conference opened with remarks from Associate Professor Nguyen Danh Nguyen, Rector of the School of Economics at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. He spoke about breakthrough changes in the economy and posed critical questions about transforming uncertainty into innovation and growth. He noted this as not only a catalyst for progress but a foundation for sustainable development in today’s volatile economy.

Throughout the conference, speakers presented a range of studies exploring cutting-edge technologies in business and economics. Emphasis was placed on practical application and international collaboration in research. Participants shared personal experiences from their fields, underscoring how research projects can deliver real-world solutions for businesses amid digital transformation.

Now in its 13th year, ICECH remains a prestigious international platform where economists, researchers, and scholars from Vietnam and around the world come together to exchange ideas and address challenges in the rapidly evolving global economy.

Universities co-organizing the event with the School of Economics - Hanoi University of Science and Technology included: University of Economics and Business (VNU), National Economics University, Foreign Trade University, University of Economics - Hue University, University of Economics - Danang University, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, and the University of Economics (VNU Hanoi). International partners included University of Hertfordshire (UK), AVSE Global (France), PPM School of Management (Indonesia), EM Normandie (France), and University of Macerata (Italy).

Hai Phong