On June 26, 2026, 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), successfully organized The 3rd International Conference on Economics (ICE 2026) under the theme "The New Global Economy: Digital Transformation, Green Growth, and Human Resilience".

Building on the success of its previous two editions, ICE 2026 reaffirmed its position as a prestigious international academic forum in economics, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, scholars, business leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from Vietnam and around the world. The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation to broaden academic engagement and strengthen international research collaboration.

In his opening address, Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade 

In his opening address, Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, emphasized that in an era where digital transformation, green growth, and human resilience have become key drivers of the global economy, ICE 2026 serves as a platform for scholars, experts, and business leaders to exchange knowledge, share practical experiences, and propose innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development.

A highlight of the conference was the (Keynote Session), featuring distinguished international scholars and industry experts who presented diverse perspectives on the major trends shaping the global economy amid digital transformation and sustainable development.

Dr. Thai Doan Thanh presented flowers to the keynote speakers in appreciation of their valuable contributions.

Professor Carlo Brambilla from the University of Insubria (Italy) opened the session with an analysis of the evolving dynamics of globalization under the influence of contemporary economic, political, and geopolitical challenges. He also proposed directions for reforming multilateral institutions to establish governance principles better suited to the changing global landscape.

From a technological perspective, Mr. Truong Gia Bao, Chairman of the DTS Digital Transformation Alliance, shared insights into emerging trends in the digital economy and artificial intelligence. His presentation highlighted how AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cloud computing are driving the emergence of autonomous enterprises, creating new opportunities for businesses to enhance competitiveness and adaptability toward 2030.

Adding a sustainability perspective, Dr. Doris Ifeoma Ogueri of Shinawatra University (Thailand) emphasized the importance of climate education and environmental action in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang Lin, representing Bank of China (Hong Kong), Ho Chi Minh City Branch, analyzed new trends in Vietnam–China economic and trade cooperation, particularly the shift of investment toward high-tech industries, renewable energy, and green development.

Concluding the keynote session, Dr. Tin Doan from Northumbria University (United Kingdom) presented research on sustainable and inclusive tourism, proposing a co-creation model that brings together academics, businesses, and local communities to generate long-term sustainable value.

A highlight of the conference was the morning Keynote Session, which brought together numerous distinguished international scholars and experts.

Following the keynote session, the afternoon program featured six parallel technical sessions centered on ICE 2026's three strategic pillars: digital transformation, green growth, and human resilience. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including the digital economy and artificial intelligence in business; sustainable trade and global value chains; innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystems; social inclusion and human capital development in the digital era; green tourism and creative industries; and green finance, green accounting, and the circular economy.

Through these in-depth discussions, researchers shared their latest findings, exchanged practical experiences, and proposed solutions to address economic challenges as the global economy continues its rapid transition toward digitalization, sustainability, and green development.

The afternoon program continued with six parallel technical sessions, focusing on the three strategic pillars of ICE 2026.

One of the most remarkable features of ICE 2026 was its significantly enhanced level of internationalization. In addition to strategic partners from the United States, Italy, South Korea, and Thailand, the conference attracted researchers from leading ASEAN universities, including Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (Indonesia), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (Malaysia). The participation of these international scholars further expanded research collaboration networks, strengthened cross-border academic exchanges, and reinforced ICE's position as a regional platform for knowledge sharing and academic cooperation.

Alongside its academic sessions, the conference also featured a research poster exhibition, an international cultural Gala Dinner, and a Networking Tour in Phan Thiet for keynote speakers, researchers, and international guests. These activities not only created valuable opportunities for networking and experience sharing but also promoted research collaboration, business engagement, and partnerships between HUIT and universities and research institutions worldwide.

Notably, outstanding papers presented at ICE 2026 will be published in a special issue of the HUIT Journal of Science and may be invited for further development and publication in prestigious international journals indexed in SSCI and Scopus Q1/Q2. This serves as strong evidence of the conference's continuously improving academic quality and HUIT's long-term commitment to the internationalization of scientific research.

ICE 2026 continued to reaffirm its position as a leading international academic forum, connecting knowledge and fostering research collaboration for sustainable development.

With its international scale, high-quality academic content, and the participation of numerous experts and scholars from Vietnam and abroad, ICE 2026 continues to serve as a bridge connecting knowledge, disseminating innovative solutions, strengthening research collaboration, and contributing to the sustainable development of the global economy in the new era.

TT TS & TT