International Conference on Business and Finance 2024: Academic Forum for Exchanging Contemporary Issues in Economics and Finance

12 Aug, 2024

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) successfully hosted the International Conference on Business and Finance 2024 (ICBF 2024) on August 8-9, 2024. The conference addressed contemporary challenges in economics and finance, offering a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and academic discourse. By providing a supportive environment for young researchers, the conference contributed to the development of future academic leaders.

Overview of ICBF 2024

Given the growing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation, the conference placed significant emphasis on sustainable development in the realm of economics and finance. The Institute for Business Research (IBR), which is actively conducting research on the financial system's role in energy transition and the digital transformation of Vietnamese businesses by 2045, played a pivotal role in shaping the conference agenda.

Professor Jonathan Batten from RMIT University emphasized the significance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG criteria in the global context. He argued that there is an increasing need for research that goes beyond traditional topics like Net Zero, Green Bonds, and Blockchain, emphasizing the practical benefits of initiatives aligned with the SDGs, particularly in addressing climate change, poverty, and inequality.

Professor Jonathan Batten (RMIT University, Australia)

Professor Aviral Tiwari from Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya (IIMBG) focused on the correlation between climate change and real estate tokens, highlighting both physical and transition risks. He argued that any changes in real estate tokens have a significant impact on climate change indicators. Additionally, he emphasized the potential of diversification and risk mitigation strategies to manage climate-related volatility in real estate token portfolios.

Professor Aviral Tiwari (Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, India)

Professor Siong Hook Law from Universiti Putra Malaysia discussed the impact of economic uncertainty on income inequality in developing countries with varying levels of financial inclusion. He argued that economic uncertainty can actually reduce income inequality in countries with higher levels of financial inclusion. This topic has garnered significant interest among scholars due to the increasing economic uncertainty in the current global context.

Professor Siong Hook Law (Universiti Putra, Malaysia)

Professor Hooy Chee Wooi from Universiti Sains Malaysia delved into how CEOs balance the goal of maximizing corporate profits with the demands of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agendas. His research suggests that CEO power, including ownership, expertise, and reputational power, is positively correlated with greater management risk-taking and negatively correlated with corporate sustainability.

Professor Hooy Chee Wooi (Universiti Sains, Malaysia)

Delving deeper into the topic, Professor Evan LAU Poh Hock from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak highlighted the crucial role of education in preparing future leaders by inculcating the principles of Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He argued that equipping future leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop policies, allocate resources, and drive innovation can foster transformative change, contributing to economic growth, sustainable development, and improved quality of life. In particular, investing in education and technology can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries, promoting equitable growth and enhancing global competitiveness.

Professor Evan LAU Poh Hock (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia)

Professor Gary Campbell from the University of Michigan highlighted the apparent contradiction between mining activities and the goals of a circular economy. With dwindling ore grades and increasing environmental damage, the extraction of non-renewable minerals, which are crucial for renewable energy and green technologies, poses a significant challenge. He argued that government intervention is necessary to steer the market towards more desirable outcomes.

Professor Gary Campbell (University of Michigan, U.S)

Professor Vo Xuan Vinh's research highlights the critical role of green bonds in addressing global challenges such as energy market volatility and the need for sustainable investment. By financing projects in renewable energy, green transportation, and greenhouse gas reduction, green bonds not only mitigate environmental impact but also create attractive investment opportunities. However, developing a robust green bond market in Vietnam requires concerted efforts from the government, businesses, and investors, including a comprehensive legal framework, increased investor awareness, and a diverse range of green bond products.

Speakers participate in discussion about sustainable development

One of the highlights of the ICBF 2024 conference was the opportunity to meet with editors from renowned international journals. This provided researchers with valuable insights into publication standards and processes, as well as practical advice on improving their research. Distinguished editors such as Professor Jonathan Batten (Emerging Markets Review), Professor Brian Lucey (International Review of Economics & Finance), Professor Gary Campbell (Resources Policy) Professor Marcin Staniewski (Contemporary Economics); Professor Evan LAU Poh Hock (Finance & Economics Readings); Professor Aviral Tiwari (International Journal of Emerging Markets); Professor Siong Hook Law (The International Journal of Economics and Management); Professor Muhammad Shahbaz (Journal of Environmental Management); Professor Hooy Chee Wooi (Capital Markets Review) and Professor Daniel Balsalobre Lorente (Sustainable Cities and Society) shared their expertise and experiences. These sessions and workshops facilitated interactions between presenters and editors, enhancing the chances of publishing in top-tier journals.

A session to meet the editors from renowned international journals

ICBF 2024 received over 200 paper submissions. After a rigorous review process by the Scientific Committee, approximately 80 high-quality research papers were selected for presentation at the conference. Within the framework of ICBF 2024, there were 7 plenary sessions and 40 parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics, including business administration, finance, management, banking, behavioral finance, accounting, business, international business, financial markets, finance in emerging markets, international trade, marketing, leadership, public administration, economics, business law, and tourism. At the conclusion of the conference, the Scientific Committee awarded 'Best Paper Awards' to papers that addressed topics of significant interest to the international scientific community and demonstrated the highest level of scientific quality and excellence.

In addition to the primary organizer, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH, CFVG, ISB, IBR), ICBF 2024 was co-organized with Lincoln University, UK, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. The support from Chung-Ang University (South Korea), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Binh Duong University, and Thu Dau Mot University significantly contributed to the resounding success of this year's conference. The ICBF 2024 conference, successfully organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), has solidified its position as a prestigious annual event. The conference provided a valuable platform for scholars, researchers, and experts to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge research, and discuss pressing issues in economics and finance. By connecting researchers and academic institutions, the ICBF 2024 not only expanded cooperation networks but also enhanced knowledge exchange, contributing to the improvement of research quality and global impact.

View all photos from the ICBF 2024 conference: HERE