National Scientific Seminar Series UEH - NEU: Shaping a Sandbox Mechanism for the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center (VIFC-HCMC)

06 Apr, 2026

On April 2, 2026, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the National Economics University (NEU), the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center (VIFC-HCMC), and the Global On-chain Economy Alliance, co-organized a scientific seminar on the theme “Shaping a Sandbox Mechanism for the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center (VIFC-HCMC).” This event is part of the UEH - NEU National Scientific Seminar Series, bringing together representatives from state management bodies, scholars, experts, administrators, and business representatives.

Overview of the seminar held at NEU

In the context of financial technology rapidly reshaping the global financial system, building a experimental legal framework has become urgent so that Vietnam does not miss development opportunities. In response to this trend, Resolution 222/2025/QH15 has opened an important direction with the sandbox mechanism, a legal framework that allows fintech models to be tested within limited scope, time, and participant groups.

Attending the seminar on behalf of UEH were: Prof. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao - Secretary of the UEH Party Committee; Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung - Interim President of UEH; Prof. Nguyen Dong Phong - Chairman of the UEH Strategic Development Council; Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Committee; together with representatives of the author group and UEH’s specialized units.

Representing NEU were: Assoc. Prof. Bui Duc Tho - Secretary of the NEU Party Committee; Assoc. Prof. Bui Huy Nhuong - President of NEU; Prof. Tran Tho Dat - Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council; together with representatives of units, management agencies, and domestic and international experts and scholars.

Representing VIFC-HCMC were: Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Huu Huan - Vice Chairman of the Executive Agency of the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center, and seconded official from UEH.

Representing the Global On-chain Economy Alliance (the sponsor) were: Mr. Tony Tran - Executive Board member of the Global On-chain Economy Alliance, Director of Research at On-chain Academy; Mr. Lai Hong Phong - Global On-chain Economy Alliance; and Mr. Nguyen Huu Vu Khoa - General Secretary of the Global On-chain Economy Alliance.

In addition, the seminar was attended by other delegates: Assoc. Prof. Pham Tien Dat - Rector of the University of Finance and Marketing; Prof. Nguyen Quoc Suu - Vice Director of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Bui Huy Nhượng, President of NEU, affirmed the role of the sandbox mechanism as a bridge between innovation and state management, helping remove legal barriers, promote the development of the fintech ecosystem, and create an important foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to gradually realize its goal of becoming an international financial center in the future.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Huy Nhuong speaks at the seminar opening

In his keynote remarks, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung emphasized: “The sandbox is not merely a technical space, but a legal institution that serves as a policy bridge, allowing fintech models to be tested safely and based on real-world data. Today’s seminar focuses on discussing core legal boundaries (security, AML/CFT, foreign exchange), risk control and emergency stop mechanisms, as well as a suitable product portfolio and pilot roadmap aligned with Vietnam’s realities.”

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung delivers the keynote remarks at the seminar

At the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Huu Huan - Vice Chairman of the Executive Agency of the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center (VIFC-HCMC) also shared the strategic development orientation of VIFC-HCMC, emphasizing the role of the sandbox mechanism in promoting financial innovation and enhancing Ho Chi Minh City’s competitiveness in the region.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Huu Huan speaks on the strategic orientation of VIFC-HCMC

The delegates focused their discussions on fintech trial activities and the monitoring and risk management mechanisms within the sandbox, while also referring to international experience to propose a model suitable for Vietnam and improve policy in the coming period.

Dr. To Cong Nguyen Bao (UEH) presents a paper on “Monitoring and Risk Management Mechanisms in Sandbox Design”

Assoc. Prof. Ngo Minh Vu (UEH) presents a paper on “Proposing Typical Fintech Trial Activities”

The presidium leads the open discussion session at the seminar

Delegates focus on exchange and discussion

The scientific arguments and policy recommendations presented at the seminar are expected to serve as an important foundation for building a sandbox mechanism in Vietnam. In doing so, they contribute to promoting the safe and efficient development of the digital financial ecosystem, while gradually realizing the goal of making Ho Chi Minh City a competitive international financial center in the region./.