PRESS RELEASE

THE 3^rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ECONOMICS - ICE 2026

Conference Date: June 26, 2026 (Friday)

Venue: Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade

To promote economic research both domestically and internationally, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), in collaboration with Texas A&M University (USA), the University of Insubria (Italy), Kyung Hee University (South Korea), Sun Moon University (South Korea), and Shinawatra University (Thailand), will organize The 3rd International Conference on Economics – ICE 2026 under the theme: "The New Global Economy: Digital Transformation, Green Growth, and Human Resilience".

ICE 2026 continues to affirm its position as one of Vietnam's prestigious international academic forums in the field of economics, with the participation of numerous universities and international organizations. The conference will be held in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions at the University's main campus (140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) with online participation.

The Scientific Committee brings together many distinguished international scholars and experts, including Professor Raffaello Seri, Professor Carlo Brambilla (University of Insubria, Italy), Dr. Doris Ifeoma Ogueri (Shinawatra University, Thailand), Associate Professor Eric Sanders (Elmhurst University, USA), Dr. Tin Doan (Northumbria University, United Kingdom), Mr. Truong Gia Bao (Chairman of DTS Group Digital Transformation Alliance), Mr. Zhang Lin (Director, Bank of China – Ho Chi Minh City Branch), together with many domestic and international experts.

A highlight of ICE 2026 is the Keynote Session, taking place in the morning, featuring five strategic keynote presentations that explore the restructuring of economic models, digitalization, and the green transition:

- Professor Carlo Brambilla – University of Insubria (Italy) will open the session with the presentation "Globalization: Multidimensional Perspectives and Current Challenges." The presentation analyzes the historical evolution and transformation of economic globalization under the impact of contemporary international shocks, while proposing reforms to multilateral institutions in order to establish common governance frameworks for the future.

- Mr. Truong Gia Bao – DTS Group Digital Transformation Alliance will present "Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business." The presentation illustrates the comprehensive transformation from 2025 toward the 2030 vision, in which the convergence of AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing will shape Autonomous Businesses, restructuring operational processes and enhancing data-driven adaptability.

- Dr. Doris Ifeoma Ogueri – Shinawatra University (Thailand) will discuss the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the presentation "Climate Literacy in Action: Building a Sustainable Development Future." The speaker will introduce approaches to environmental education and practical climate action, strengthening the connection between academia and global ecosystem protection.

- Mr. Wu Lin (Zhang Lin) – Deputy General Manager, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Ho Chi Minh City Branch, will present "New Trends and Requirements in Vietnam–China Economic and Trade Cooperation in the Context of Digital Transformation and Green Development." The presentation examines the upgrading of Chinese investment value chains in Vietnam from cost-oriented strategies toward high value-added sectors such as new energy and advanced technologies, while proposing solutions to optimize the digital business environment.

- Dr. Tin Doan – Northumbria University (United Kingdom) will conclude the keynote session with "Multiple Stakeholder Voices in Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development." Applying Agency Theory, the presentation proposes a transition from one-way knowledge transfer to knowledge co-creation between experts and local communities, ensuring sustainable and equitable benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises and local residents.

Following the Keynote Session, the afternoon program will focus on three core pillars of the modern era: Digital Transformation – Green Growth – Human Resilience, through six specialized parallel sessions reflecting major global trends:

- Session 1: Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business.

- Session 2: Sustainable Trade and Global Value Chains.

- Session 3: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Startup Ecosystems.

- Session 4: Social Inclusion and Human Capital in the Digital Era.

- Session 5: Green and Sustainable Tourism, Creative Industries.

- Session 6: Green Finance and Accounting, Circular Economy.

Outstanding papers accepted by the conference will not only be published in a special issue of the HUIT Journal of Science (equivalent to 0.5 points in the Economics discipline under the regulations of the State Professorship Council of Vietnam), but will also have the opportunity to be invited for extended publication in prestigious international SSCI/Scopus Q1 and Q2 journals, including Employee Relations and the International Journal of Tourism Cities.

One of the most notable features of ICE 2026 is its enhanced internationalization and stronger ASEAN regional connectivity. In addition to strategic partners from the United States, Italy, South Korea, and Thailand, this year's conference has attracted authors and researchers from leading universities across the region, including:

- Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (Indonesia).

- Universitas Indraprasta PGRI (Indonesia).

- Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (Indonesia).

- Universiti Teknologi MARA (Malaysia).

The participation of ASEAN scholars contributes to expanding research collaboration networks, promoting cross-border academic exchange, and strengthening ICE 2026's role as a regional knowledge-sharing platform.

In addition to the official academic sessions, ICE 2026 will organize various networking and international exchange activities. On June 26, 2026, the program includes the Keynote Session, research poster exhibition, six parallel technical sessions, and an International Cultural Gala Dinner. From June 27 to June 29, 2026, a Networking Tour will be organized for keynote speakers, researchers, and international guests in the coastal city of Phan Thiet, featuring company visits, partnership discussions, and academic networking activities.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) is a leading public application-oriented higher education institution under the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. Guided by its philosophy of comprehensive education, HUIT continuously pioneers efforts to enhance educational quality, promote research closely connected with business and industry practices, and expand international cooperation to strengthen its position within the regional higher education landscape.

The University cordially invites media agencies, journalists, researchers, and businesses to attend, report on, and support this international academic event.

For conference registration, interview requests, or additional media materials, please contact the ICE 2026 Organizing Committee.

- Address: 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

- Content Representative: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van It – Head of the Conference Content Committee.Tel: (+84) 908 813 785, Email: itnv@huit.edu.vn

- Organizing Representative: Dr. Ho Thanh Tri – Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, Tel: (+84) 938 468 238, Email: triht@huit.edu.vn

- Official Conference Website: www.ice.huit.edu.vn