With the objective of establishing an interdisciplinary academic forum where knowledge, policy, and practice converge to advance gender equality within the broader context of global sustainable development, Vietnam Women’s Academy, in collaboration with Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies (JABES) (Scopus Q1), will organize the HERASIA 2025 International Conference on 21 November 2025 under the theme “Gender Equality and the Role of Women in Sustainable Development.” Sponsored by German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK), the conference brings together a diverse network of experts, scholars, and policymakers from Vietnam, Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and Latin America to exchange scientific knowledge, policy experiences, and women-centered sustainable development models.

The conference welcomes distinguished scholars, keynote speakers, and institutional leaders from Vietnam, Asia, and Latin America – individuals whose academic contributions continue to shape contemporary discourses on gender, economics, culture, and development policy.

Within the framework of HERASIA 2025, each speaker is expected to contribute a unique scholarly perspective to an interdisciplinary landscape of inquiry, where issues relating to women’s economic participation, empowerment in science and technology, equitable access to resources, and transformations in contemporary society are critically examined through rigorous academic approaches and professional intellectual engagement.

The Organizing Committee is honored to introduce several prominent scholars and leaders whose expertise has significantly contributed to the fields of gender equality and sustainable development in Asia.

 Professor Nguyen Trong Hoai – Editor-in-Chief of JABES (Scopus Q1)

Recognized as one of Vietnam’s leading economists, Professor Nguyen Trong Hoai is distinguished by his contributions to advancing academic standards aligned with international scholarship. Under his leadership, JABES has become an influential bridge connecting Asian economic research with the global academic community.

At HERASIA 2025, he brings an innovative academic vision emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research, where economics, gender, and sustainable development intersect to generate meaningful implications for public policy formulation.

Professor Su Dinh Thanh – Former President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City

Specializing in green economics, sustainable growth, and public governance, Professor Su Dinh Thanh is widely regarded as an influential voice in policy-oriented research. His scholarly works have frequently informed national policy development initiatives.

HERASIA 2025 provides an opportunity for him to present interdisciplinary analyses at the intersection of economics, environmental governance, finance, and gender equality, thereby contributing to the intellectual foundations of sustainable development strategies.

Professor Daniel Lemus-Delgado – Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico

Professor Daniel Lemus-Delgado is a scholar at the School of Social Sciences and Government, Tecnológico de Monterrey, where he teaches International Relations Theory, Foreign Policy Analysis, and Asia-Pacific Studies.

He previously served as a visiting scholar at Fudan University, conducting research on regional innovation systems, international development cooperation, and East Asian foreign policy.

His participation in HERASIA 2025 contributes valuable cross-regional perspectives, extending the conference’s intellectual dialogue from Asia to Latin America and enriching its international academic dimension.

Associate Professor Aslina Binti Baharum –  Sunway University, Malaysia

As a member of the Steering Committee of the Young Scientists Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), Associate Professor Aslina Binti Baharum represents a new generation of innovative STEM scholars in the region.

Her research on technology, innovation, and women’s empowerment in engineering raises critical questions regarding women’s participation and leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors. HERASIA 2025 offers an important platform for these perspectives to be explored through evidence-based and interdisciplinary discussions.

Professor Nguyen Vu Hung – Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Economics and Development (Scopus Q1)

Associate Professor Nguyen Vu Hung brings to HERASIA 2025 the perspective of a scientific administrator with extensive expertise in research methodology and international publication trends. His academic interests focus on emerging economic models, policy transformation, and development opportunities within the digital economy.

His participation reinforces the conference’s commitment to academic excellence while fostering expanded collaboration between domestic and international scholars.

Associate Professor Tran Thu Huong  – University of Social Sciences and Humanities

With an interdisciplinary background in sociology, culture, and media studies, Associate Professor Tran Thu Huong examines gender issues through profound social and cultural lenses. Her scholarship highlights the influential role of cultural and media environments in shaping women’s behavior, perceptions, and opportunities.

At HERASIA 2025, her expertise contributes to broader discussions on social transformation and human development.

Associate Professor Pham Huong Tra –  Academy of Journalism and Communication

As a sociologist, Associate Professor Pham Huong Tra has produced significant research on social transformation, community development, and the role of women within evolving media and cultural environments. Her work critically analyzes the ways mass media, social networks, and social norms influence women’s positions in contemporary society.

Her contributions at HERASIA 2025 are expected to strengthen interdisciplinary dialogue connecting culture, communication, gender, and sustainable development.

Mr. Christian Grajek – Country Representative of German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK)

With extensive professional experience across Germany and Southeast Asia, Mr. Christian Grajek brings practical insights into microfinance, community savings initiatives, and women’s economic empowerment programs.

His participation reflects the conference’s interdisciplinary orientation, linking academic discourse with development practice while opening opportunities for deeper cooperation between Vietnam and international financial institutions.

Associate Professor Tran Quang Tien – Director of Vietnam Women’s Academy

Since the institutional transformation of the Academy in 2012, Associate Professor Tran Quang Tien has played a foundational role in shaping its academic orientation. He has consistently pursued a strategy integrating education and research with the goals of sustainable development and gender equality.

Serving as a bridge between academic scholarship and social action programs, he has significantly contributed to positioning women’s and family studies as strategic academic strengths of the Academy.

At HERASIA 2025, he presents a vision of an interdisciplinary knowledge ecosystem in which scholars, policymakers, and international communities collaborate to position gender equality as a driver of regional development.

Associate Professor Duong Kim Anh – Vice Director of Vietnam Women’s Academy

A leading expert in gender, policy, and development studies, Associate Professor Duong Kim Anh plays a central role in the academic coordination of HERASIA 2025 and in connecting international speakers and scholars.

Her analyses consistently integrate theoretical and practical dimensions, examining gender equality policies within the context of socio-economic transformation. Through her systemic thinking and intellectual leadership, she contributes significantly to shaping the conference agenda and emphasizing women’s central role in sustainable development.

Associate Professor Lai Xuan Thuy – Vietnam Women’s Academy

Associate Professor Lai Xuan Thuy is a researcher with substantial contributions to the fields of women’s entrepreneurship and economic development. His analyses are grounded in empirical evidence and closely aligned with the development needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-led businesses.

At HERASIA 2025, he offers important insights into microeconomics, labor markets, and policy mechanisms supporting women in the context of international integration.

The participation of distinguished speakers and session chairs from diverse disciplines and countries not only shapes the academic identity of HERASIA 2025 but also serves as a guarantee of the scholarly quality of its discussions.

With the engagement of academic leaders, international experts, interdisciplinary scholars, and representatives of development organizations, HERASIA 2025 is expected to become an influential academic forum where diverse perspectives contribute to expanding knowledge, connecting experiences, and shaping practical solutions for gender equality and sustainable development in Asia.

The conference will take place on 21 November 2025 and is expected to attract broad interest from the scientific community, development partners, policymakers, and individuals committed to social progress.

HERASIA 2025 is not merely a scientific conference; it also represents Vietnam’s enduring commitment to advancing gender equality and contributing to sustainable development across the region.