On the evening of July 28, the Institute of International Education at National Economics University (NEU) hosted the semifinals and final of the ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024, a debate competition on initiatives to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for school and university students nationwide.

The semifinals and final of the ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024 held in the evening

Representing NEU at the ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Education; and the University’s faculty, staff, and students. Representing the sponsors were MSc. Tran Thi Ha, General Director of the Commercial Division at ProSports, the Diamond Sponsor; Nguyen Tuan Anh, CEO of Moci Solution Media Imaging Solutions Joint Stock Company, the Diamond Media Partner; Nguyen Le Vu Linh, CEO of IVY Moda and Metagent, the Silver Sponsor; and Bui Bao Tam, representative of the Color ME Graphic Design Training Center, the Bronze Sponsor.

The semifinal judging panel comprised MSc. Tran Thi Ha, General Director of the Commercial Division at ProSports, the Diamond Sponsor; Fashionista/ Content Creator Khanh Linh; and Dr. Le Thi Huong Lan, Head of the Cooperation and Development Division at the Institute of International Education. The final judging panel comprised Vu Anh Tuan, Academic Director of the Vietnam Academy of Debate and Public Speaking (VADP) and Head of the Organizing Committee for the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) 2023; Hoang Duc Vinh, champion of the National Schools Debating Championship (NSDC) 2022; and Nguyen Danh Thai Duong, the first Vietnamese Tab Master at the Australian Debating Championships. Content Creator Aime Linh Vuong also attended as a guest.

Under the theme “Sustainable production in the context of minimalist consumption,” the ISME Business Case Debate Contest (IDC) 2024 focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. It offered an opportunity to raise awareness of the social responsibility of businesses and consumers in protecting the environment. The contest also empowered students at NEU’s Institute of International Education to strengthen their capabilities and develop event management and organization skills.

The semifinal judging panel of the ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024

The final judging panel of the ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024

Officially launched in June, IDC 2024 achieved impressive figures, marking an exciting start to a memorable season of events. The contest attracted more than 200 contestants from 112 high schools across 20 provinces and cities nationwide. This demonstrated that IDC is truly a valuable and meaningful intellectual arena. IDC 2024 also achieved substantial reach, with 51,000 recorded on social media platforms, not only raising the contest’s profile but also enabling contestants and those interested in education, debate, and sustainable development to follow, support, and learn from the competition.

The quarterfinals were held online via Zoom on July 19. The judges selected six outstanding teams to advance to the semifinals: AVENGERS, LLUPO, 2415, MEO MEO, TAM CO NUONG, and GLAMOROUS. Among them, nine contestants flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi to compete in the semifinals and final at NEU.

In the semifinals, the teams were asked to address a real-world case based on ProSports Professional Sports Fashion Co., Ltd., which was also the contest’s Diamond Sponsor. Each team took turns presenting ideas for launching a campaign to help ProSports communicate its commitment to sustainable production when working with international partners. At the same time, the campaign needed to balance this with responsible consumption in clothing purchases.

Opening the semifinals, Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Education, emphasized the importance of the fashion industry: “Fashion has long been a powerful means of self-expression and cultural reflection. Today, fashion stands at a critical crossroads. An industry that once prioritized rapid trend cycles and mass production is being called upon to reinvent itself. This challenge requires you to strike a delicate balance—creating a desire for fashion while promoting conscious consumption, and driving business growth while minimizing environmental impact.”

The six semifinalist teams were divided into two groups, A and B, and took turns presenting their projects or campaigns. Although each team had only one week to plan and complete its entry, all presentations clearly conveyed the project ideas and demonstrated the contestants’ research, persuasion, and problem-solving skills. The semifinals went very well, leaving a strong impression through the meticulous preparation and serious approach evident in every presentation, affirming the talent and tireless efforts of the young contestants.

At the end of the semifinals, two outstanding teams, TAM CO NUONG and GLAMOROUS, advanced to the final. The two teams drew lots to determine their positions—for or against—and competed head-to-head in an AP-format debate on a motion related to sustainable development for first and second place. In his opening remarks at the final, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, said: “In this final, we look forward to hearing creative ideas, sharp arguments, and breakthrough solutions from our talented contestants. Your debate will contribute to the broader dialogue on sustainable development and may inspire practical changes in production and consumption, raising awareness of the responsibility of all stakeholders, from governments and businesses to customers, for sustainable development.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, delivers the opening remarks at the final

The final presented a challenging motion: “We oppose the proliferation and elevated status of thrift shops in the fashion industry.” The two teams delivered an intensely dramatic debate. Over 55 minutes of fierce competition, both teams presented sharp arguments, concrete evidence, and strong rebuttals to defend their positions. The contestants demonstrated not only an in-depth understanding of the fashion industry but also outstanding debating skills, logical and critical thinking, nerves of steel, and confidence in expressing their views in a tense, high-pressure arena.

The two teams, GLAMOROUS and TAM CO NUONG, advance to the final

After tense and suspenseful moments, GLAMOROUS, from Chu Van An High School and High School of Natural Sciences, claimed the championship with a convincing 3-0 score. TAM CO NUONG, from Le Quy Don High School and Gia Dinh High School in Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a consistent and impressive performance to finish as runner-up. Third-place awards went to 2415 and MEO MEO, whose creativity and sharp arguments shone through every round. Although AVENGERS and LLUPO did not secure the top positions, they left a strong impression with fresh ideas and enthusiasm, earning well-deserved Promising Team Awards. These victories not only recognized the teams’ efforts and talent but also brought an emotional and impressive ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024 season to a close.

GLAMOROUS, comprising three contestants—Tran Nhan Quang, Lai Hong Anh, and Phan Hong Anh—from Chu Van An High School and High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, wins the ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024 championship with an outstanding performance

TAM CO NUONG, comprising Ngo Mai Phuong, Nguyen Thu Thao, and Le Khanh My from Gia Dinh High School and Le Quy Don High School in Ho Chi Minh City, delivers a consistent and impressive performance to finish as runner-up

The ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2024 left a special impression on its audience not only through its fresh and engaging program but also through the exceptionally generous support of its sponsors. The Organizing Committee extends its deep gratitude to the sponsors and media partners whose continued support made this event a success: ProSports, LiiQ Rush, Metagent, DOL English, ColorMe, Moci Solution, Ybox, Youth+, Edu2Review, iVolunteer, ADSangtao, Spiderum, and CMeSi. Sincere thanks go to all sponsors and partners for helping deliver an electrifying event for school and university students nationwide.

IDC 2024 contestants visit NEU and meet and interact with the leadership, staff, and students of the Institute of International Education

Following the thrilling evening of competition, IDC 2024 contestants visited NEU on the morning of July 29 and met and interacted with the leadership, staff, and students of the Institute of International Education. This informal gathering offered contestants an opportunity to learn more about the contest organizer—the Institute of International Education—as well as NEU’s culture, history, and academic programs. Participating in the contest, receiving guidance from experts, and working with the Institute of International Education’s capable and enthusiastic staff helped contestants gain knowledge and greater confidence in making choices about their future studies and careers.

Article and photos: Institute of International Education

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.