ELG 2025 International Conference: “Resilience, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia”

07 Aug, 2025

On August 1–2, 2025, the College of Economics, Law and Government (CELG), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), successfully organized the 2025 International Conference on Economics, Law, and Government (ELG 2025) under the theme: “Resilience, Sustainability & Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia.” This annual academic forum serves as a platform to connect researchers, scholars, experts, and policymakers from both Vietnam and abroad, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue through the exchange of research findings, innovative ideas, and impactful initiatives.

With the theme “Resilience, Sustainability & Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia,” ELG 2025 aimed to foster academic and practical discussions on adaptation, sustainable development, and digital transformation amidst rapid regional and global changes.

The conference focused on interdisciplinary topics in the fields of economics, law, and public governance, including:

- Technological and policy solutions for post-crisis economic recovery;

- Governance and legal frameworks in response to environmental changes and digital transformation;

- Public finance, behavioral economics, and institutional capacity;

- Quantitative models and data analytics for sustainable policy planning;

- The role of culture, arts, and the humanities in shaping inclusive and resilient societies.

ELG 2025 continues to serve as a vital bridge between academia and policy practice-especially as Southeast Asia emerges as a dynamic region facing pressing challenges related to the environment, digitalization, and global uncertainty.

Conference Overview

Delivering the opening remarks at the ELG 2025 Conference, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), stated: “The theme of this year’s conference – ‘Resilience, Sustainability and Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia’ - is both timely and profoundly significant. We are living in a world that is changing faster than ever, confronting numerous challenges, from climate change to the rapid pace of digital transformation. These issues affect not only Southeast Asia but the entire globe. At UEH, we believe that knowledge and collaboration are key to addressing today’s challenges. That is why this conference holds such special meaning. It brings together researchers, faculty, and policymakers from various countries and disciplines to share ideas, learn from one another, and identify effective solutions that can drive positive change in our economies and societies. This year’s conference continues the discussions we initiated at last year’s conference on the concept of twin transformation – an integrated approach to addressing both climate change and digital transformation. We are proud to have outstanding researchers joining us once again to deepen and expand these important conversations.”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh delivered the opening address at the ELG 2025 Conference

The conference featured three distinguished keynote speakers who presented groundbreaking research on climate adaptation, resource management, and artificial intelligence:

- Professor Pamela Jagger, University of Michigan, USA, with the presentation titled “Building Data and Capacity for Local Resilience to Climate Shocks in Developing Countries.” Her talk emphasized the critical role of building reliable data systems and strengthening local governance capacity to enhance resilience to climate shocks in developing nations;

- Professor Carlos Chávez, University of Talca, Chile, and Co-Editor of the journal Environment and Development Economics, delivered a keynote titled “Managing and Defending the Commons: Experimental Evidence.” His presentation focused on experimental findings related to the management and protection of common-pool resources;

- Professor Jeannie Marie Paterson, University of Melbourne, spoke on “Transparency and Accountability: The Role of the Law in Promoting Trust, Resilience and Sustainability in a Time of Digital.” She highlighted the essential role of legal frameworks in fostering transparency and accountability - two foundational elements for building public trust, enhancing societal resilience, and promoting sustainable development in the era of digital transformation.

Professor Pamela Jagger - University of Michigan, USA - delivered a presentation on the topic: “Building Data and Capacity for Local Resilience to Climate Shocks in Developing Countries.”

Professor Carlos Chávez - University of Talca (Chile), Co-Editor of the journal Environment and Development Economics - and Dr. Ho Quoc Thong - School of Economics, UEH - engaged in a discussion on the topic: “Managing and Defending the Commons: Experimental Evidence.”

Professor Jeannie Marie Paterson - University of Melbourne - delivered a presentation on the topic: “Transparency and Accountability: The Role of the Law in Promoting Trust, Resilience and Sustainability in a Time of Digital.”

The ELG 2025 International Conference received 190 submissions from authors across various countries, covering a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. In addition to three plenary sessions, 96 selected papers were presented across 32 parallel sessions held on August 1-2, 2025. Notably, eight sessions were dedicated specifically to Law and Legal Studies, emphasizing the vital role of legal research in the context of twin transformations - climate change and digital transition.

These parallel sessions, which addressed pressing global issues, provided scholars with opportunities to expand their expertise, share academic insights, and contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue. At the same time, the conference served as a valuable platform for building long-term international collaborations, promoting cross-disciplinary and cross-border education and research, and raising public awareness of the pivotal role of digital transformation in achieving sustainable development and resilience.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam, Dean of the College of Economics, Law and Government (CELG), UEH, and Chair of the ELG 2025 Organizing Committee, remarked: “The ELG 2025 Annual International Conference is a prestigious academic platform that brings together researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss feasible solutions to today’s challenges. This event promotes research collaboration, academic exchange, and the proposal of practical policy recommendations that can be applied across countries in the region. It also fosters the development of sustainable international cooperation networks. Throughout the two-day conference, numerous critical topics were explored - particularly the close links between climate vulnerability and economic poverty, the importance of community-based resource management, and the need to establish a balanced AI governance framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding social interests. The most frequently cited keywords among the conference papers - such as ‘digitalization,’ ‘sustainability,’ ‘developing countries,’ ‘legal,’ ‘green,’ and ‘health’ - clearly reflect current priorities in addressing global challenges. These trends highlight the key concerns of both experts and the academic community.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam presented the objectives, significance, and structure of the ELG 2025 Conference

Parallel Sessions at the Conference

Among the papers presented during the parallel sessions, the following were selected by the Scientific Committee as Outstanding Research Papers of the ELG 2025 Conference: “Examining Fuel Subsidy Effects on Fleet Compliance in the East China Sea” by Jorge Montero-Mestre and Jorge Marco; “Production Performance and Variability in Shrimp Farming: The Role of Social Capital” by Ho Quoc Thong and Do Huu Luat; “Legal Innovations for Sustainability and Green Economy” by Nguyen Minh Ngoc.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam and Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh presented the Best Paper Awards of the ELG 2025 Conference

The ELG 2025 Annual International Conference is a prestigious academic forum that brings together researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss feasible solutions to contemporary challenges. The event contributed to promoting research collaboration, academic exchange, and the formulation of practical policy recommendations applicable across countries in the region, while also fostering the development of sustainable international cooperation networks.

Conference Group Photo

Additional Highlights from the Conference:

Professor Almas Hehmati delivered remarks on the opportunity to publish high-quality research presented at the conference as book chapters

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh presented souvenirs to the keynote speakers of the two plenary sessions on August 1, 2025

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam presented souvenirs to the keynote speakers of the plenary session held on the morning of August 2, 2025

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam presented certificates of appreciation to the keynote speakers of the conference

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam engaged in discussions with the keynote speakers

Dr. Nguyen Quang from the School of Economics moderated the Q&A session following Professor Pamela Jagger’s presentation

Dr. Ho Quoc Thong from the School of Economics moderated the Q&A session following the presentation by Professor Carlos Chávez

Participants asked questions regarding the keynote speaker’s presentation during the plenary session

Researchers attending the plenary sessions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam announced the Best Research Papers of the ELG 2025 Conference

Guests attended the Gala Dinner and enjoyed an interactive performance with the traditional music band

The Organizing Committee check-in and distribute participation badges for ELG 2025

Research teams took commemorative photos at the conference

Pillars: Research, Community Engagement

News and photos by: CELG-UEH, Department of Communications and Partnerships