TRAINING RECAP: SUSTAINABLE FINANCE INSTITUTE DELIVERS A FREE INTENSIVE TRAINING SERIES FOR TOP 15 TEAMS AT ZESG 2026
ZESG 2026 has officially entered the Semi-final round, where the Top 15 outstanding teams (selected from 555 teams) continue refining their projects with a strong focus on real-world application.
In this context, the UEH Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI-UEH) organized and delivered a series of completely free, in-depth training sessions exclusively for the Top 15 teams. This initiative reflects SFI’s mission to disseminate knowledge and foster practical capabilities in sustainable finance, sustainable governance, circular economy, and related fields to related stakeholders.
ZESG 2026 is not a trend-driven or movement-based competition. Instead, it is designed as a structured “mini training program” with a comprehensive process of mentoring – feedback – coaching, contributing to the development of practical sustainability competencies and mindsets among students - the next generation of knowledge leaders. The competition has attracted 2.296 students from 40 universities1.
The training series for the Top 15 teams consisted of three sessions, designed with a clear and highly integrated roadmap to equip participants with a comprehensive foundation in sustainable business practices. The program began by clarifying the concept of sustainable development and its three core pillars (economic, social, environmental), followed by an analysis of the drivers for transitioning from traditional to sustainable business models, as well as key challenges, barriers, and solutions.Notably, teams were guided on how to identify, measure, and integrate environmental and social risks into financial, investment, and governance decisions. The program also introduced comparative frameworks of international sustainability reporting standards, principles for selecting appropriate frameworks, as well as knowledge on life cycle assessment and sustainable supply chain management. Through this, participants developed the ability to design and apply performance metrics to optimize integrated value and support decision-making from a sustainable leadership perspective.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi Mai Hoai – Dean of the UEH Sustainable Finance Institute, delivering training for the Top 15 Semi-finalist teams
A key highlight of the training series was the distinguished team of trainers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi Mai Hoai, Dr. Pham Thai Binh, and Dr. Dinh Sy Khang - leading lecturers and experts at SFI with strong academic backgrounds and extensive practical experience in training, research, and consulting for businesses and organizations in sustainable finance, sustainable business management, circular economy, and related fields.
Dr. Pham Thai Binh – Deputy Director, delivering training for the Top 15 Semi-finalist teams
Dr. Dinh Sy Khang – Lecturer at SFI, delivering training for the Top 15 Semi-finalist teams
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi Mai Hoai guided the teams in connecting theory with their practical projects.
Through interactive teaching methods that connect foundational knowledge with team projects, trainers emphasized the importance of critical thinking, strategic thinking, and systems thinking when approaching sustainable development projects-especially in business environments where constraints on resources, objectives, and stakeholder interests are always present.
The training sessions were dynamic and engaging, featuring practical discussions and insightful questions that reflected the teams’ strong learning spirit and serious investment. Participants actively engaged in debates, group discussions, and self-reflection to further refine their projects. Many students shared that the training series helped them “broaden their perspectives,” realizing that sustainable development requires not only ideals but also solid knowledge and a systematic approach. After completing the training, many students expressed that the most valuable outcome was not the competition results, but the added value and growth they gained throughout the journey.
Importantly, as teams developed projects in collaboration with sponsoring enterprises and organizations - both domestic and international - the competition has become a meaningful bridge between academic knowledge and real-world demands. Sponsors of ZESG 2026 include:
- Bureau Veritas Vietnam Co., Ltd.
- Yusen Logistics (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.
- Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
- Duy Tan Plastics Corporation
- Tan Cang – Cai Mep International Terminal Co., Ltd. (TCIT)
- Clean Technology Environment Joint Stock Company (CLEANTECH)
- Trung Quy Textile Co., Ltd.
This training series offers a valuable opportunity for participants to experience a professional and modern academic-practice environment. It also demonstrates SFI’s commitment not only to theoretical education but also to creating a learning ecosystem that fosters practical capabilities, analytical thinking, and applied skills-key competencies for thriving in today’s labor market. This further affirms SFI’s strength in training, consulting, and research in globally relevant sustainability topics.
SFI highly appreciates the dedication, proactive learning spirit, and continuous efforts of the Top 15 teams throughout the training series. SFI also extends sincere thanks to all sponsors for their support in making this program impactful and in spreading positive values to the community.
In the coming stages, ZESG 2026 will move forward into more critical rounds, featuring compelling and highly practical presentations.
We warmly invite parents, high school seniors, and university students to follow our fanpage for updates on the competition journey, and to explore academic programs and professional activities at the Sustainable Finance Institute - an institution committed to practical, modern education aligned with global development trends.
SFI also welcomes collaboration with enterprises and organizations interested in consulting, research, and training activities tailored to real-world needs, contributing to long-term sustainable development goals.
🌍 Sustainable development is not just a goal - it must begin with action.
GEN Z IS THE GENERATION READY TO DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE FOR THE FUTURE!
🔸 The Final Round of ZESG 2026 is expected to take place on May 17 at UEH, featuring Challenge – Quick Response – Breakthrough segments that transform ESG ideas into practical solutions.
⚡ ZESG 2026 is heating up every day – Follow our fanpage to stay updated and be part of the journey spreading sustainable values!
Detailed information about the competition:
🔗 Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yi2YtEqbtMC65KumCtxRzTtZggQ0uDK0/view
📌 Contact the Organizing Committee:
Email: sfi@ueh.edu.vn
Hotline: 0902716234
1 University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), RMIT University Vietnam, Fulbright University Vietnam, Western Sydney University Vietnam, Vietnamese-German University (VGU), Foreign Trade University – Ho Chi Minh City Campus, International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU – VNU-HCM), Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), University of Social Sciences and Humanities – VNU-HCM (USSH), University of Science – VNU-HCM (HCMUS), University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE), Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City (BUH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport (UTH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture (UAH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Education (HCMUE), Saigon University (SGU), University of Finance and Marketing (UFM), University of Economics and Finance Ho Chi Minh City (UEF), FPT University, Van Hien University (VHU), Hong Bang International University (HIU), Saigon International University (SIU), Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), University of Information Technology – VNU-HCM (UIT), Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMCOU), Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (ULAW), Van Lang University (VLU), Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU), Hoa Sen University (HSU), Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy, and the Branch of the National Academy of Public Administration and Governance in Ho Chi Minh City.
