International Service-Learning Program #29: Welcoming Students from Singapore Management University (SMU)

On the afternoon of December 19, 2025, Van Lang University organized the International Service-Learning (ISL) program #29, featuring the academic seminar “Sustainable Finance in Practice: Opportunities and Costs for Modern Firms.” The program was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Thai Minh Trang – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Banking, Van Lang University, and Vice President of Binh Duong University of Economics and Technology (BETU); Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuc – Deputy Head of Financial Investment Department; along with students from Van Lang University and Singapore Management University (SMU).

International Service-Learning (ISL) is a program implemented through collaboration between ECO Vietnam Group, Van Lang University, and international education partners, aiming to provide students with access to a multicultural learning environment, enhance academic experiences, and promote exchange and connection between domestic and international students.

As part of the event, the seminar, co-organized by the Faculty of Finance – Banking, focused on clarifying the role of sustainable finance in the development strategies of modern enterprises. Through practical analyses, the program helped students gain a clear understanding of the opportunities offered by sustainable finance, while also identifying the costs, challenges, and ongoing debates surrounding current “green” business models.

Dr. Huy Pham – Lecturer at RMIT University Vietnam, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MoneyFi.Fund

The speaker of the program was Dr. Huy Pham, Lecturer at RMIT University Vietnam and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MoneyFi.Fund. Drawing on both academic and professional experience in corporate financial management, he delivered in-depth analyses and vivid real-world examples, ranging from business and production activities to the selection of eco-friendly materials and the growing trend of electric mobility. His insights not only highlighted the urgency of sustainable development issues in today’s context but also guided students to approach these topics from a critical, multidimensional, and strategic perspective.

The atmosphere of the program became more dynamic during the open discussion session, where students from both universities actively raised questions and exchanged perspectives on societal issues, the role of public policy, and the responsibility of enterprises in balancing economic efficiency with social and environmental values. This interactive activity contributed to enhancing students’ analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and academic communication skills.

The International Service-Learning #29 (ISL #29), organized by Van Lang University, concluded successfully, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and experiential learning between VLU and SMU students. Through exploring how enterprises implement sustainable finance and evaluating strategic opportunities and costs, students gained in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience. The event also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the internationalization of education, fostering a dynamic and multicultural learning environment while promoting sustainable collaboration among students and faculty from both domestically and internationally.

News: Thuy Tram 
Photos: Nguyen Huu Tai & Bui Xuan Khanh