Scientific Conference on "Researching a Regulatory Sandbox Mechanism for the Blockchain and Digital Asset Sector at the Ho Chi Minh City International Finance Center (VIFC-HCMC)"

03 Feb, 2026

On February 2, 2026, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) hosted a scientific conference on the theme "Researching a Regulatory Sandbox Mechanism for the Blockchain and Digital Asset Sector at VIFC-HCMC." The event, sponsored by the Global On-chain Economy Alliance (GOE Alliance), brought together scientists, experts, government representatives, and businesses from the finance and technology sectors to share international experiences and discuss a suitable sandbox model for Vietnam.

The conference was held as Vietnam implements the establishment of an International Finance Center in Ho Chi Minh City, in line with the National Assembly's Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15. This initiative aims to foster innovation, develop a modern financial market, and enhance the nation's regional standing. In this context, UEH is leading the research to provide the scientific foundation for designing a regulatory sandbox for blockchain and digital assets at VIFC-HCMC.

An overview of the conference at Hall A.103, UEH Campus A.

Distinguished guests and speakers at the conference included: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan – Vice Chairman of the VIFC-HCMC Executive Agency and a seconded expert from UEH; Mr. Nguyen Huu Vu Khoa – Secretary-General of the Global On-chain Economy Alliance; Dr. Tran Nhat Khoa – from the Executive Board and Director of Research at the On-chain Academy; Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quynh – Vietnam Country Director at Republic, a US-based fintech company; and Mr. Nguyen Huy – Head of the Technology Committee at the National Data Association and CEO of Phygital Labs.

From UEH, attendees included: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao – UEH Party Committee Secretary; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Interim President; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong – UEH Advisory Council Chairman; Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – UEH Science and Training Council Chairman; Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – UEH Vice President; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet – UEH Alumni Chairwoman.

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao affirmed: "As the Ho Chi Minh City International Finance Center prepares for its official launch, a regulatory sandbox is considered a crucial and breakthrough tool that will create a competitive advantage for both VIFC-HCMC and Vietnam's financial system as a whole. Today's scientific conference is a forum for scientists, experts, and regulatory agencies to discuss the theoretical foundations, draw on international experiences from major financial centers like Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, and propose a sandbox model that is suited to Vietnam's practical conditions."

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao emphasizing the practical significance of the conference.

At the conference, delegates focused on key issues such as:

The scientific and practical basis for establishing a sandbox mechanism for blockchain and digital assets.
Experiences from implementing sandboxes in various international financial centers.
The orientation and roadmap for implementing a sandbox mechanism suited to the development conditions of VIFC-HCMC.

Dr. Tran Nhat Khoa from the GOE Alliance presenting on "Blockchain Sandbox as a Market Design Instrument for Emerging IFCs."

Mr. Nguyen Phu Dung, a Member of the Investment Council at Solaris Impact Fund (Pacific Bridge Capital), presenting on "Unlocking the Potential of Digital Assets - From Identity to Digital Trust."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Minh Vu from UEH presenting on "Research and Proposal for a Regulatory Sandbox Model at VIFC-HCMC."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quynh, Vietnam Country Director at Republic, presenting on "Market (FI, Conglomerate) Expectations for a Blockchain Sandbox."

Following the presentations, a discussion session focused on clarifying the role of a sandbox in creating a safe testing environment for new financial-technological models, especially as the current legal framework is still being refined.

Delegates engaging in discussion at the conference.

The scientific conference served as a vital academic space, clarifying the role of a sandbox in supporting enterprise innovation, attracting fintech and blockchain projects, and assisting regulatory agencies in progressively refining the legal framework for new financial models. Through this event, UEH continues to leverage its "City-University" model to connect knowledge, policy, businesses, and the community, while also fostering an ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation.