On the morning of August 19, 2026, the National Economics University welcomed and worked with the delegation from the University of Adelaide (Australia) to discuss directions for strengthening collaboration in education, academic research, and the development of short-term training programs. Within the framework of the visit, the two universities also organized a scientific seminar on the topic “Sustainable Development as a Strategy: From Business Decisions to Consumer Choices.”

Scene of the meeting

Welcoming and working with the delegation, on behalf of the National Economics University were: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice President of the University; along with representatives from the leadership of Schools, Departments, Faculties, Institutes, and Centers. On behalf of the University of Adelaide: Assoc. Prof. Rebecca Dolan – Head of International Collaboration and External Relations, Business and Law School; Prof. Hussain Rammal – Head of Academic Affairs, School of Management; Dr. Dang Nguyen – School of Management; along with representatives in charge of international business development.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice President of the University, discussing with the delegation from the University of Adelaide

During the meeting, both parties focused on exchanging the collaborative achievements already established in education and research, while discussing mechanisms to continue supporting and promoting existing collaborative initiatives. On this basis, the National Economics University and the University of Adelaide considered new collaboration possibilities with the Business and Law School, aiming to develop in-depth activities aligned with the strengths of both parties.

In the direction of future collaboration, both parties focused on discussing the development of short-term training courses, programs for management teams, and training programs linked to the practical needs of businesses. Additionally, the National Economics University and the University of Adelaide also discussed the possibility of coordinating with state management agencies in areas such as public policy, sustainable development, and some priority fields, thereby creating more opportunities for Vietnamese management staff and experts to participate in training programs and enhance their professional capacity in Adelaide.

Furthermore, the two universities also discussed the possibility of implementing a transfer program between the University of Adelaide and the Business School and the School of Economics and Public Management – National Economics University. This initiative continues to open new connections in education, contributing to diversifying learning opportunities and access to an international educational environment for students.

The delegates attending the meeting exchanged gifts and took commemorative photos

Immediately following the working session, experts and scientists from both universities participated in a scientific seminar titled “Sustainable Development as a Strategy: From Business Decisions to Consumer Choices.” The seminar focused on issues that are receiving increasing attention in research and management practice, from how businesses respond to the pressures of climate change to shifts in consumer awareness and choices.

Scene at the Seminar

Prof. Hussain Rammal – Head of Academic Affairs, School of Management shares at the Seminar

In his presentation on the strategic responses of multinational enterprises to climate change, Prof. Hussain Rammal – Head of Academic Affairs, School of Management approached the issue from Friedman’s theory, questioning the true motivations driving businesses to act: whether they proactively contribute to climate goals or primarily respond to the demands of the institutional environment and the changing “rules of the game.” The research highlights the gap that still exists between climate commitments and the specific actions of businesses, thereby raising the question of the role of institutional pressure on the environmental strategies of multinational corporations.

Prof. Rebecca Dolan – Head of International Collaboration and External Relations, School of Business and Law shares at the Seminar

Continuing the perspective from the business side, Prof. Rebecca Dolan – Head of International Collaboration and External Relations, School of Business and Law offered a market and consumer approach through research on perceptions of alternative wine packaging. According to the presentation, packaging is not merely a means of containing products but can also become a strategic tool in brand positioning, building trust, and influencing consumer acceptance.

The shared results indicate that consumers are increasingly concerned with the convenience, portability, and functionality of packaging; while glass packaging remains associated with perceptions of quality and tradition, the acceptance of new packaging forms is on the rise. Notably, the message of sustainable development can positively impact purchasing decisions when consumers perceive authenticity, and providing clear information also enhances the acceptance of new packaging forms.

From the research results, the discussion shows that sustainable development is increasingly viewed not only from an environmental responsibility perspective but also closely linked with business strategy, how companies adapt to changes in the institutional environment, and the ability to understand consumer behavior.

Besides the professional content, Assoc. Prof. Rebecca Dolan also shared experiences in proposal development and seeking funding for academic research projects, contributing additional practical insights into research development and promoting international academic collaboration.

Faculty members and students attending the Seminar take a commemorative photo

The exchanges within the program framework have contributed to deepening the relationship between the National Economics University and the University of Adelaide, while also providing an opportunity for scientists from both sides to share knowledge, connect research directions, and promote new collaborative initiatives. From training and academic research to global issues such as climate change and sustainable development, the foundations strengthened this time will continue to open up opportunities for both universities to gradually realize collaborative content, aiming towards practical and long-term valuable programs.

Article and Photos: Communications Department