On the morning of August 30, 2024, at Hall 202, 35-37 Ho Hao Hon Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Open University collaborated with Nha Trang University, organized The 3rd International Conference on Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management (ICAEFM 2024) with the theme "Navigating the Future of Finance, Accounting and Auditing"

The conference aimed to provide a platform for researchers and experts to present and discuss the latest research in accounting, auditing, finance, and management in the current context. This event focused on identifying innovative practices and proposing ideas in the fields of finance, accounting, auditing, and management from a global and sustainable development perspective. In addition, the conference served as a bridge to enhance exchange, learning, and promote research cooperation among individuals, universities, and research organizations in the region and worldwide.

Overview of the conference
The conference was attended by: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Prof. Dr. Trang Si Trung – President of Nha Trang University, leaders of various units from both universities, and four keynote speakers including: Prof. Martin Kreeb – President of Charlotte Fresenius University, Vienna, Austria; Prof. Dr. Nazrul Islam – Associate Director of the Centre for Financial Technology, University of East London, UK; Dr. Duong Minh Chau – Senior Lecturer, University of East London, UK; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norfaiezah Sawandi – Universiti Utara Malaysia. Over 100 scholars, experts, researchers, lecturers, postgraduate learners, and undergraduates from both domestic and international universities also participated.

Participants at the conference
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha - President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, stated: 'HCMCOU has always maintained an open-minded approach, actively engaging with other educational institutions, research organizations, and businesses to foster and enhance the quality of research in the fields of accounting, auditing, finance, and management. Over the past five years, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in Vietnam in terms of the number of research publications indexed in the Web of Science (WoS), as reported by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). The University also ranks among the top 10 universities in Vietnam in the fields of Economics, Econometrics and Finance; Business, Management, and Accounting; Social Sciences; Computer Science; and Mathematics (SCIMAGOIR, 2022-2024).

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha - President delivering the opening speech
Prof. Dr. Nazrul Islam, Associate Director of the Centre for Financial Technology at East London University, UK, presented on the topic: "Worker and Workplace Artificial Intelligence (AI) Coexistence." 

Prof. Dr. Martin Kreeb, President of Charlotte Fresenius University Vienna, Austria, presented on the topic: "Interoperability of ESRS sustainability standards and ISSB standards European experience in implementing the requirements of the sustainability reporting standards of the Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG)." 

Dr. Duong Minh Chau, Senior Lecturer at East London University, UK, presented on the topic: "It's a Small World" Effect: How the Networks of Board Directors Influences Financial Reporting Practices?"

Prof. Dr. Norfaiezah Sawandi, from College of Business at Universiti Utara Malaysia, presented via Zoom on the topic: "Sustainability Reporting Practices: Case Studies of Malaysian Companies."

Beyond the four keynote addresses by global experts in accounting, auditing, finance, and management, the conference featured a wealth of contributions from attendees, encompassing three live presentations and more than 40 papers in the proceedings. A significant focus was on the impact of digital technologies, particularly AI, ML, RPA, and blockchain, on streamlining financial and accounting practices and improving accuracy. Additionally, the conference explored tools and strategies for data-driven decision-making and the implications of international accounting standards.

On behalf of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha, President, presented flowers to the speakers.

All participants took a commemorative photo.