UEF holds iREX 2026, promoting interdisciplinary research on AI and digital transformation

OCTOBER 16, UEF successfully held the iREX 2026 Conference on Innovation, Research, Exchange and Exploration under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation in Economics, Services, and Education.” The conference provided a forum for academic exchange among experts, researchers, and students, focusing on AI applications, current trends in digital transformation, and the impact of technology across various fields.

With the aim of promoting innovation and interdisciplinary research, iREX 2026 was not only a place to share research findings, but it also encouraged discussion on the connection between theory and practice. Through specialized presentations and discussions, the conference gave participants opportunities to approach emerging research problems, discuss findings from multidisciplinary perspectives, and explore different ways to apply knowledge in practice.

The conference brought together many researchers and participants

Viewing human beings as the center of the technology era

The opening ceremony welcomed Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hoang, Business Development Manager - Head of Sale in Vietnam, integrated resort NagaWorld (Phnom Penh, Cambodia); Dr. Du Thong Nhat, Head of the Education Management program, Department of Educational Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education; Mr. Nguyen Hoang Bao, Director of Golden Adventure Travel Co. Ltd.; Mr. Nguyen Hau Can, LDM cum HRM, Hotel Indigo SaiGon; Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Binh, Recruitment Specialist, Let's Win Group; and Ms. Nguyen Hoai Yen Nhi, Recruitment Specialist, Let's Win Group. 

UEF representatives included Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal, Director of the UEF International Institute; and lecturers of the UEF International Institute and other units.

UEF representatives expressed appreciation for the support from sponsors, businesses, and researchers

In his opening remarks, Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc, Vice President of UEF, emphasized that the rapid development of science and technology, especially AI, is fundamentally changing how people learn, work, and organize society. These changes lead to demands for innovation in research methods, problem-solving when encountering new challenges, and the way we approach knowledge.

Therefore, it is essential that universities not only provide knowledge but also create an environment that provokes new ways of thinking, encourages critical thinking, and nourishes the spirit of innovation. Based on this orientation, iREX 2026 aims to motivate students to engage in research activities, ask questions, experiment with their ideas, and break their limits on the exploration journey. “AI can assist information processing and provide answers quickly, but it is creativity, eagerness to learn, and the ability to ask meaningful questions that will be the foundation to create true research values.” Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc shared.

Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc emphasized the role of mastering technology in the current context

At the conference, Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal, Director of the UEF International Institute, presented the research topic “Modelling an Academia-NGO International Collaboration to Sustain Blue Economy.”

This action research aims to gather academic resources and local knowledge to bring a positive impact to the community. Through the case of the fisherman community in Andaman, the model demonstrates its potential to enhance locals’ autonomy and address practical issues related to health care, food security, and livelihood. 

The research opened up possibilities for universities to bridge knowledge, research, and practical demands

This approach opened up directions for strengthening cooperation between universities, social organizations, and local communities in Vietnam. From this perspective, scientific research can go beyond academic fields to directly contribute to the sustainable blue economy development goals while placing the community at the center.

Diverse topics - diverse perspectives on AI in economics and education

The discussion sessions focused on two fields, Economics & Management and Education & Language, and created a space for researchers to present research findings, elaborate on their approaches, and receive in-depth feedback from the panel of chairs and participants.

In the Economics & Management session, the presentations discussed AI applications in economics, customer behavior on digital platforms, and how technology assists the development of services. Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal and Ms. Le Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, Head of the Marketing program, UEF International Institute, co-chaired the session. In addition, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics, UEF International Institute, assisted the session as the secretary. The three research topics included “When AI Knows Too Much: A Dual-Appraisal Model of AI Personalization in Social Commerce”, “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Personalization on Consumer Engagement on E-commerce Platforms: A Consumption Value Perspective,” and “A study into factors influencing tourists’ intention to use interactive digital maps and suggestions for experiential tourist routes development along Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City.”

The studies showed emerging research gaps in AI and digital technology, such as personalizing customer experience, promoting user interactions on e-commerce platforms, and enhancing tourist experience with digital tools. These topics demonstrated the importance of evaluating the compatibility between technology solutions, user needs, and development goals of each field.

Authors presented research findings in the Economics & Management session

Meanwhile, the Education & Language session focused on the relationship between digital transformation, digital competence, learning, and the ability to apply AI in language research. Attending the session were the two co-chairs, Dr. Du Thong Nhat, Head of the Education Management program, Department of Educational Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, and Dr. Hoang Viet Hien, Head of the English Language and Linguistics program, UEF International Institute, as well as Ms. Vo Dinh Nhat Duyen, Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics, as the secretary. The three presentations included “Mapping the Research Landscape of Generative AI in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis Using the Dimensions Database”, “The mediating role of digital competence in the relationship between digital transformation and student academic performance,” and “Does Artificial Intelligence Understand Language or Simulate Human Language Use?”

From systematizing research on generative AI in higher education to analyzing how digital competence affects academic performance, the studies helped clarify key concerns about digital transformation in education. Additionally, the question of whether AI can comprehend language or just imitate how people use languages introduced new discussion topics, such as the nature of technology, limitations of AI systems, and the important role of language competence in the new context.

The Education & Language session approached different aspects of the ability to apply AI and technology in the field

With the two sessions, iREX 2026 was an opportunity for researchers to address practical issues and encouraged academic exchange between different fields that have similarities in technology applications and research methods.

For students, the conference gave them a chance to directly discuss with experts and young researchers, receive feedback through evaluation, and expand their network with the academic community whose topics of interest are similar to theirs. Furthermore, learners could gain exposure to a professional environment, which will gradually help them develop critical thinking and independent research competence.

Winners of the Best Presentation Awards

The conference has concluded, and iREX 2026 continued to reinforce the role of building an open academic environment where knowledge can be shared, ideas can be challenged, and interdisciplinary perspectives can be brought together. Building on that, UEF commits to promoting the spirit of scientific research, encouraging the young generation to take initiative in exploring knowledge, and finding innovative solutions as technology and society are undergoing rapid transformation.

Center of Communication and Marketing