UEH - Strategic Member of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City
12 Feb, 2026
On the morning of February 11, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee held a ceremony to launch the Vietnam International Finance Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), officially marking the center's operational commencement in Vietnam's process of global financial integration. The event was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Head of the Steering Committee for the International Finance Center in Vietnam, along with leaders from the government, central ministries and agencies, Ho Chi Minh City, international organizations and domestic and foreign financial institutions.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the establishment of the International Finance Center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang is a practical requirement and strategic choice, built on three core elements: outstanding institutions, a unique model, and flexible, effective governance - all grounded in a foundation of "transparent institutions, seamless infrastructure, and smart governance."
Within this ecosystem, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) was officially certified as a Strategic Member of VIFC-HCMC, affirming its core academic role in policy consulting, human resource training, and direct participation in the Center's executive body.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, UEH Acting President, receiving the certificate of Strategic Membership of VIFC-HCMC. Source: Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper
A partner from the institutional design phase
From the earliest preparatory stages for the Centre's establishment, UEH was assigned by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to join the advisory team for the development of VIFC-HCMC. In its academic capacity, UEH has been involved in researching, providing policy consulting, and proposing organizational models, operational mechanisms, and management-supervision-compliance frameworks for an international financial centre in accordance with global practices.
Beyond theoretical contributions, UEH has also leveraged its network of domestic and international experts to provide the scientific foundations for refining the legal framework, ensuring the center is designed to be modern, transparent, and regionally competitive.
One of the breakthrough initiatives has been the research into a regulatory sandbox for blockchain and digital assets. On February 2, 2026, UEH hosted an in-depth scientific conference on this topic, bringing together scientists, finance-technology experts, and government representatives.
At the conference, delegates discussed the implementation of sandboxes in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, analyzed the scientific and practical basis for developing a testing mechanism for digital assets; and proposed a roadmap suitable for Vietnam's conditions. This activity contributed essential scientific grounds for designing policy mechanisms that promote innovation within a safe regulatory framework.
Preparing the core human resources for the center
In parallel with policy advising, UEH has rolled out a human resource training roadmap to directly serve VIFC-HCMC's human resource needs.
On February 7, 2026, UEH officially launched the training course on "Knowledge for Operating the Vietnam International Financial Centre" in Ho Chi Minh City. The program was developed based on the National Assembly's Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15 and is aligned with the "one center, two destinations" model in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
The first course brought together 45 participants, including leaders and key officials from HCMC's departments and agencies, VIFC-HCMC personnel, and UEH faculty involved in training programs related to the IFC.
The program consists of eight core modules covering the global financial system, international IFC organizational and operational models, management-supervision-compliance mechanisms, capital markets, fintech, crypto and digital assets, as well as the VIFC-HCMC implementation strategy and international connectivity. Teaching activities combine theory, international case study analysis, and practical workshops, featuring participation from UEH experts and financial institutions.
Previously, UEH signed a strategic partnership with the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF) - the training organization founded by the New York Stock Exchange - to implement in-depth training programs for the Center's core personnel and staff.
On a long-term basis, UEH is implementing a project on training international-standard workforce in Finance and Banking, as part of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee's master plan on training international-standard workforce (08 disciplines) for the 2020-2035 period. The program is delivered entirely in English, integrating international academic standards with financial market practices. To date, UEH has already trained two cohorts of students in this program, gradually forming a young workforce for the IFC ecosystem.
A University integrated with national development strategy
Speaking at events related to VIFC-HCMC, the leadership of Ho Chi Minh City affirmed that the city has been comprehensively preparing for the Center's operation, from institutions, infrastructure, and personnel to the partner ecosystem. Within this structure, UEH is identified as a strategic academic partner, involved in training, policy advisory, international networking, and the governance of the Center.
As Vietnam enters a phase of deep financial integration, UEH's role in VIFC-HCMC demonstrates a university model that extends beyond training to become a knowledge hub accompanying government and enterprises in national strategic projects.
Becoming a Strategic Member of VIFC-HCMC is therefore not just a cooperative milestone but also an affirmation of UEH's role in shaping institutions, developing human resources, and building the knowledge foundation for a regionally significant finance center - contributing to Vietnam's deeper integration into the global financial map.
News, photos: Department of Communications and Partnerships
