ICE 2026 Discusses Solutions for Sustainable Economic Development in the Digital Era

26/06/2026

The 3rd International Conference on Economics (ICE 2026) brought together experts and scholars from Vietnam and abroad to discuss digital transformation, green growth, and human resilience.

A Knowledge-Sharing Forum for the New Global Economy

On June 26, 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 and Sun Moon University (South Korea), and Shinawatra University (Thailand), organized the 3rd International Conference on Economics (ICE 2026) under the theme: "The New Global Economy: Digital Transformation, Green Growth, and Human Resilience'.

The conference attracted economists, researchers, representatives of government agencies, businesses, research institutes, organizations, and universities from Vietnam and abroad.

Domestic and international delegates attending the conference.

ICE 2026 continues to affirm its position as one of the prestigious international academic forums in the field of economics in Vietnam, with the participation of numerous universities and international organizations. The conference was organized in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade with online participation, enabling scholars and experts from Vietnam and abroad to engage in academic exchange.

As the global economy undergoes profound transformation driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the trend toward green growth, strengthening knowledge exchange and international cooperation has become increasingly important. ICE 2026 was organized to provide a forum for researchers, experts, businesses, and learners to share research findings, exchange practical experiences, and discuss solutions for promoting sustainable economic development in the digital era.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, emphasized that the world is entering a new stage of development characterized by profound and comprehensive changes. Advances in digital technology are transforming production, business, and governance on a global scale

Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, delivers the opening remarks.

According to Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, digital transformation has become a key driver of innovation and productivity growth; green growth is an essential pathway to balancing economic development with environmental protection; while human resilience—including adaptability, creativity, lifelong learning, and the ability to overcome challenges—is increasingly recognized as a core pillar of sustainable development.

Discussions on the Three Pillars of the Future Economy

During the conference, participants focused on three key pillars of the new global economy: digital transformation, green growth, and human resilience.

A highlight of ICE 2026 was the morning keynote session, featuring five strategic presentations analyzing major trends shaping the global economy.

Professor Carlo Brambilla of the University of Insubria (Italy) presents his keynote.

Opening the keynote session, Professor Carlo Brambilla from the University of Insubria (Italy) presented "Globalization: Multidimensional Perspectives and Current Challenges." His presentation analyzed the evolution of globalization amid international changes and discussed the need to reform multilateral cooperation mechanisms to adapt to the new context.

From a technological perspective, Mr. Truong Gia Bao of the DTS Group Digital Transformation Alliance presented "Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence in Business." His presentation examined the application of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and cloud computing in business operations, moving toward data-driven management and operational models.

Mr. Truong Gia Bao of the DTS Group Digital Transformation Alliance presents his keynote.

Meanwhile, Dr. Doris Ifeoma Ogueri of Shinawatra University (Thailand) shared perspectives on sustainable development through her presentation "Climate Literacy in Action: Building a Sustainable Development Future." Her presentation emphasized the role of education and public awareness in addressing climate change.

Mr. Wu Lin (Zhang Lin), Deputy General Manager of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Ho Chi Minh City Branch, analyzed trends in economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and China in the context of digital transformation and green development. His presentation addressed changes in investment strategies and new requirements for the business environment.

Dr. Tin Doan of Northumbria University (United Kingdom) presents his keynote.

Concluding the keynote session, Dr. Tin Doan of Northumbria University (United Kingdom) presented research on sustainable and inclusive tourism development. His presentation highlighted the role of local communities in tourism development, aiming to balance the interests of all stakeholders.

Expanding Academic Cooperation and Strengthening ASEAN Connectivity

Following the keynote session, the afternoon technical sessions were organized into six parallel tracks reflecting major global economic trends.

The topics included: Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence in Business; Sustainable Trade and Global Value Chains; Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Startup Ecosystems; Social Inclusion and Human Capital in the Digital Era; Green and Sustainable Tourism and Creative Industries; and Green Finance and Accounting, Circular Economy.

Mr. Wu Lin (Zhang Lin), Deputy General Manager of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Ho Chi Minh City Branch, presents his keynote.

Through these specialized sessions, researchers, experts, and businesses had the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions on practical issues while proposing solutions to enhance competitiveness, promote innovation, and foster sustainable development.

According to the Organizing Committee, outstanding papers accepted by the conference will be published in a special issue of the HUIT Journal of Science. Selected high-quality papers will also have the opportunity to be invited for extended publication in international journals indexed in SSCI and Scopus.

Another notable feature of ICE 2026 is its increasing internationalization and stronger academic connections within the ASEAN region. In addition to partners from the United States, Italy, South Korea, and Thailand, this year's conference welcomed authors and researchers from universities including Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (Indonesia), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (Malaysia).

Dr. Doris Ifeoma Ogueri of Shinawatra University (Thailand) presents her keynote.

The participation of ASEAN scholars contributed to expanding research collaboration networks, promoting cross-border academic exchange, and strengthening the role of ICE as a regional knowledge-sharing forum.

In addition to the academic sessions, ICE 2026 also organized various networking and international exchange activities. On June 26, the program included the keynote session, a research poster exhibition, six parallel technical sessions, and an international cultural exchange program. From June 27 to June 29, a Networking Tour for keynote speakers, researchers, and international guests was held in Phan Thiet, combining company visits, partnership discussions, and academic networking.