FEB UNPAD and SOA UEH Strengthen Academic Collaboration through Enterprise Engagement and Sustainable Development Activities

On [event date], Faculty of Economics & Business, Universitas Padjadjaran (FEB UNPAD) and the school of Accounting, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (SOA UEH) successfully organized an academic exchange program that brought together professors, graduate students, and representatives from leading enterprises in Vietnam and Indonesia. This initiative went beyond traditional academic discussions, incorporating field trips and hands-on activities that emphasized the critical roles of enterprise engagement and sustainable development—key elements of UEH’s strategy to become a multidisciplinary and sustainable university.

A standout feature of the program was the active involvement of businesses (Veda Praxis Indonesia and its HCM unit), which provided practical insights into sustainable practices and innovation. Mr. Dadan Gunawan of Veda Praxis Headquarter and Mr. Toan Nguyen of Veda Praxis Vietnam shared their experiences in applying sustainable accounting and management practices, showcasing how businesses governance, risks, and compliance measure and enhance their environmental and social impact. Discussions also focused on business innovation, with real-world lessons drawn from successful entrepreneurial ventures.

The program also included immersive real-world experiences. Trung Nguyên Legend, a renowned symbol of sustainable development in Vietnam, shared its journey of integrating sustainability into its business strategy, emphasizing how sustainable thinking has shaped its mission to promote Vietnamese coffee as a cultural and globally recognized brand. Participants visited Trung Nguyên Legend’s facilities to understand its global branding strategies and how it incorporates cultural heritage and sustainability into its products.

Another significant activity was a tree-planting initiative at the Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, where participants directly contributed to environmental conservation efforts. This activity underscored the importance of natural resource preservation in the fight against climate change while reflecting the shared commitment of both universities to sustainable development.

This collaborative program marked a significant step in redefining the relationship between academia and enterprise. For UEH, it highlighted the practical implementation of its multidisciplinary strategy by bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. For UNPAD, it offered valuable insights into adopting Vietnam’s sustainable business models to enhance teaching and research in Indonesia. Speaking at the event, a representative from UNPAD remarked, “The connection between academia, enterprises, and communities is fundamental to creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the ASEAN region. We are proud to partner with UEH in such a meaningful initiative.”

The program’s success not only created immediate value for participants but also laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration between UNPAD and UEH. Moving forward, both universities envision expanding their applied research projects, developing exchange programs that immerse students in sustainable business practices, and organizing community-driven initiatives such as tree planting and environmental conservation. This event serves as a powerful testament to how academia and practice can intertwine to create lasting, sustainable value for the ASEAN region and beyond.

Written and photographed by: Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD)