August 21, 2025. The Faculty of Economics and Management, VNU – International School, recently hosted a seminar as part of its ongoing series dedicated to knowledge and science exchange.

Chaired by Associate Professor Nguyen Phuong Mai, the seminar reflects the foresight of the faculty leadership in fostering a vibrant academic environment that encourages innovation, scientific inquiry, and collaboration. With a clear vision for advancing research and scholarship, the leadership has continually sought to create platforms where faculty members and graduate students can engage in meaningful scientific dialogue. This commitment is particularly evident in the strong encouragement of PhD student participation, highlighting the Faculty’s focus on enhancing the quality of graduate education through active scholarly engagement.

Faculty members and graduate students gather for a group photo at the research seminar.

The seminar featured three insightful presentations. Dr. Pham Thanh Son examined the phenomenon of “evergreening loans” and its adverse effects on productivity and capital allocation, offering important lessons for financial regulation. PhD Candidate Nguyen Khanh Hang addressed the role of international investment in renewable energy in alleviating energy poverty and reducing emissions, underscoring the critical link between climate finance and sustainable development. Dr. Le Huong Linh presented on Vietnam’s transition from traditional industrial zones to eco-industrial parks, identifying barriers and opportunities for sustainable industrial-urban integration. Together, these presentations highlighted pressing policy implications for Vietnam and beyond, showing how academic research can inform evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Phạm Thanh Sơn shares insights on the theoretical model.

The atmosphere of the seminar was engaging and stimulating, with active participation from faculty members, researchers, and graduate students. The lively exchange of ideas fostered a spirit of scholastic discourse and scientific curiosity, exemplifying the faculty’s commitment to cultivating a research environment that is both rigorous and inclusive. Such forums not only enrich academic understanding but also inspire young scholars to pursue ambitious research agendas. The interactive nature of the seminar, with thoughtful questions, critical reflections, and constructive feedback, created a genuine sense of intellectual community. This dynamic exchange encouraged participants to refine their ideas, broaden perspectives, and strengthen their capacity for collaborative inquiry.

PhD student Nguyễn Khánh Hằng discussing the findings of her research on renewable energy and sustainability.

This seminar also reflected the broader commitment of the faculty and the university to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By tackling pressing global challenges, ranging from climate change to financial stability, through science and evidence, the university reaffirms its mission to contribute to inclusive and sustainable progress at both national and international levels. The research presented demonstrated the direct link between academic inquiry and real-world policy solutions, showing how rigorous evidence can inform strategies for resilience, innovation, and equity. This alignment of research with global priorities underscores the leadership’s vision to integrate education, research, and practice in pursuit of transformative impact.

Dr. Lê Hương Linh elaborates on the methodological approach underpinning her research.

Dr. Nguyen Tra My,
Faculty of Economics and Management, VNU-IS