As part of the official events of APEC 2025, the 7th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM 7) was held from May 11 to 13, 2025, at the Jeju International Convention Center, South Korea. Under the theme "Sustainable Labor Markets and Employment for the Future," the forum served as a crucial platform for high-level policy dialogue among APEC member economies.

Leading the Vietnamese delegation from the Ministry of Education and Training, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thu Thủy, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, was accompanied by representatives from several Vietnamese universities, fostering broad discussions on workforce development and educational cooperation across APEC nations.

Representing the Academy of Finance, the delegation included: Meritorious Teacher, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Đào Tùng – President of the Academy of Finance; Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Vân – Head of the International Cooperation Department; Dr. Hà Văn Sang – Head of the Department of Financial Accounting Informatics

By participating in this forum, the Academy of Finance not only demonstrates its proactive approach to international integration but also reinforces its commitment to cultivating high-quality human resources capable of adapting to rapid transformations in the regional and global labor markets. The discussions and collaborations at HRDMM 7 pave the way for stronger education policies and workforce strategies, ensuring sustainable employment opportunities in the future.

Meritorious Teacher, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Đào Tùng, President of the Academy of Finance, Pictured with Representatives from 21 APEC Member Economies

The HRDMM 7 brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and senior representatives from labor and human resource agencies across 21 APEC member economies. This high-level forum took place amid a rapidly evolving landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), and significant structural shifts in the labor market.

Two key themes were the focus of discussions at the forum: Building a flexible and dynamic labor market – Delegates exchanged insights on digital transformation trends, AI impacts, worker protections, bridging the digital divide, and promoting high-quality employment in an increasingly volatile global economy; Proactive and future-oriented labor market policies – This theme emphasized vocational education, lifelong learning, adaptive skill development, and inclusive policies that support women, youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities in an evolving job market.

Throughout the forum, the Academy of Finance delegation actively contributed to discussions, offering both academic perspectives and practical insights from Vietnam on workforce development in the digital age. Notably, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with leading global technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Huawei, on the role of AI in education and transforming higher education models.

This engagement underscores the Academy of Finance's commitment to international cooperation and advancing education strategies that prepare students and professionals for the future of work.

Meritorious Teacher, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Đào Tùng, President of the Academy of Finance, Pictured with Vietnamese Representatives at the Forum

Through strategic engagements, the Academy of Finance delegation has seized opportunities to collaborate with educational institutions across the APEC region, aiming to develop modern training programs tailored to the future labor market.

Participation in the HRDMM 7 Forum marks a significant milestone, underscoring the Academy of Finance's strong commitment to proactive international integration and contributing to high-level policy discussions on education and human resource development.

Moreover, the forum serves as a platform for the Academy to enhance its global standing, reaffirming its educational philosophy: “Global Citizens in a Changing World.” This aligns with its vision of fostering sustainable higher education governance on a digital foundation, preparing students for the dynamic global workforce.

Some activity highlights of the Academy of Finance delegation at HRDMM 7: