UEH Affirms its Academic Role and Promotes Sustainable Knowledge at the 24th ASEAN Accountants Conference (AFA 24)

01 Nov, 2025

By participating as a speaker at the 24th ASEAN Accountants Conference (AFA 24), the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) continues to demonstrate its commitment to partnering with the ASEAN region to promote sustainable development. This activity is part of UEH's strategy to build a Sustainable University ecosystem, contributing to the development of a new generation of accounting and finance professionals with ESG competencies to meet global demands for transparency and green finance.

The UEH delegation attending the AFA 24 Conference

The ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), established in 1977, is a regional professional organization comprising 10 national accounting associations from ASEAN member states. It plays a crucial role in promoting the integration and harmonization of accounting and auditing standards, enhancing financial transparency, and supporting sustainable development in the region. In 2025, Vietnam was honored to host the 24th AFA Conference and assume the AFA Presidency for the 2024–2025 term. Themed “Green Accounting and Finance – Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the conference brought together over 1,500 domestic and international delegates, serving as a key forum to discuss global trends in ESG, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards, and green finance, helping to shape the strategic development of the accounting and auditing profession in the ASEAN region.

Delegates and leaders on stage during the opening ceremony of the AFA 24 Conference

At the opening roundtable discussion, themed “Sustainable Accounting and Reporting – The Foundation for Transparent Green Finance,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Executive Vice President – joined international speakers to discuss the trends in adopting the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards in the ASEAN region.

The panel featured leading experts in accounting, auditing, and sustainable development, including Mr. Pulkit Abrol - Director, Asia-Pacific, ACCA; Ms. Truong Hanh Linh - Director of Risk and ESG Advisory, KPMG Vietnam; Mr. Simon Tay - Executive Director, Professional Practices & Technical, Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA); and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Duc Tuyen - Vice Director of the Accounting and Auditing Supervisory Department, Ministry of Finance of Vietnam. The session was moderated by Mr. Aucky Pratama - Head of Public Relations, Asia-Pacific, ACCA.

Overview of the panel discussion

From an academic perspective, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung pointed out that, in addition to challenges related to corporate ESG data and systems, "the largest gap lies in human capacity," as the workforce is not yet fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of sustainability reporting, green finance, and ESG governance.

To bridge this gap, UEH has implemented a range of synchronous solutions to develop ESG capabilities for learners at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels:

+ Restructuring and developing a strategy for a multidisciplinary and sustainable university based on five pillars: Training, Research, Operations, Governance, and Community.

+ At the undergraduate level, UEH has integrated the “Sustainable Development” course into the general curriculum, providing all students with foundational knowledge of ESG, the circular economy, and social responsibility. It has also embedded sustainability knowledge into its training programs and launched the Bachelor's program in Corporate and Environmental Sustainability Management.

+ At the postgraduate level, UEH has introduced a Master's program in Corporate and Environmental Sustainability Management and is expanding its focus to train experts capable of connecting economics, management, finance, and sustainability to meet the demands of the green economy.

+ Concurrently, UEH is developing ESG Labs and practical case studies from Vietnamese and ASEAN businesses, creating an academic-applied platform for research, policy advisory, and the dissemination of sustainable knowledge.

Concluding his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung delivered a concise yet profound message – “Capacity – Collaboration” – which he likened to “2C = TO SEE.” These are two keywords that nations, businesses, and universities must truly "see" on their journey toward sustainable development. In this context, Capacity represents human, technological, and institutional capabilities—the foundation for implementing ESG standards and initiatives effectively. Collaboration emphasizes the spirit of cooperation—among government, academia, businesses, and professional organizations—to disseminate knowledge and share experiences within the region. The “2C = TO SEE” message is not just clever wordplay but also reflects UEH's leadership vision: placing knowledge and cooperation at the core to create a transparent, effective, and sustainable green finance ecosystem for Vietnam and ASEAN.

From the AFA 24 forum – UEH spreads the spirit of regional cooperation and sustainable development

UEH's presence at AFA 24 not only showcases the university's academic standing and leadership role in the region but also affirms its commitment to building a sustainable educational ecosystem – “UEH: A Sustainable University,” actively contributing to the green development goals of Vietnam and ASEAN.