On the morning of June 20, the 10th International Conference on Accounting and Finance (ICOAF-2025) officially opened at the University of Economics – The University of Danang (DUE). The conference attracted over 100 participants, including leading domestic and international experts, scholars, lecturers, and policymakers.

In the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Ngoc Phi Anh, Vice Rector of the University, emphasized, “ICOAF-2025 is a particularly meaningful event, taking place during the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Economics – UDN, marking half a century of contributions to academia, social development, and global integration. The conference is not only an academic forum but also a strong testament to our global commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing major challenges of the modern economy and society.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Ngoc Phi Anh delivering the opening speech

The plenary session featured two keynote speakers: Professor Tom Smith from Macquarie University (Australia) and Mr. Ren Varma, Regional Head of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for Southeast Asia.

In the presentation titled “Economic and Business Development in the New Era”, Prof. Tom Smith analyzed how financial markets are adapting to external challenges such as environmental risks and policy shifts. Drawing from research in asset pricing theory, market microstructure, and financial derivatives, he proposed new pricing models that incorporate environmental risks, the design of sustainable financial instruments, and emphasized the role of transparent and efficient markets in allocating capital to low-emission economies.

Professor Tom Smith presenting at the conference

His insights offered valuable perspectives for the academic and practitioner communities, especially in areas such as green finance, ESG integration, risk analysis, and climate-related financial disclosures.

In the afternoon, Mr. Ren Varma presented on “Evolving Roles of Financial Professionals and Skills Needed - 2030 and Beyond”, offering a global and strategic outlook from ACCA. He highlighted key trends shaping the future of the profession, including the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, the growing emphasis on ESG reporting, and the critical role of ethics in building public trust. He proposed a roadmap for collaboration among universities, professional organizations, and businesses to train a new generation of globally competent financial professionals - technologically savvy, ethically grounded, and digitally agile.

Mr. Ren Varma emphasized the future shift in roles and capabilities of finance professionals

Alongside the plenary sessions, ICOAF-2025 featured nine parallel sessions with 52 peer-reviewed research papers, covering highly relevant topics such as sustainable finance, digital transformation, corporate governance, and climate risk analysis. Lively discussions fostered new research directions and enhanced academic networking and collaboration among scholars from Vietnam and abroad.

Delegates presenting and engaging in panel discussions

The conference concluded with the Best Paper Awards presented to outstanding research contributions:

-       Author Shin-Rong Shiah-Hou for the paper: “The Impact of CFO’s Expertise in Financial/Accounting and Non-Financial/Non-Accounting on Corporate Financial Policy.”

-       Group authors: Tung Lam Dang, Duc Trung Do, Ly Ho, Yue Lu for the paper: “Carbon Risk and Cash Holding Adjustment Speed: Global Evidence.”

The organizing committee presents Best Paper Awards to the winners

ICOAF-2025 reaffirmed its reputation as a prestigious academic platform, gathering scholars and educators from numerous institutions to share ideas, disseminate knowledge, and receive rigorous peer feedback. With strong support from local and international partners, the University of Economics – UDN aspires to position ICOAF among the leading accounting and finance conferences in Southeast Asia.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Huy – Rector of DUE and Prof. Dr. Le Quang Son – Vice President of UDN present flowers of appreciation to the co-organizers of ICOAF-2025

The Organizing Committee expresses gratitude to international speakers for their contribution to global knowledge exchange and academic collaboration

View photos of the 10th International Conference on Accounting and Finance (ICOAF-2025) here.

Media coverage of the ICOAF 2025 Conference:

-       Danang Newspaper: 10th International Conference on Accounting and Finance

-       Education Times Newspaper: Economics lecturers update trends in accounting and finance

-       Danang Radio & TV: ICOAF 2025 coverage (from 1:00)

-       Danang Police Newspaper: ICOAF-2025: Prestigious International Forum in Accounting and Finance

 Looking back at ICOAF-2025:

Video

Office of Student Affairs, Business Relations & Communications