SACOMBANK Welcomes University of Hawai’i Delegation to Explore Modern Banking Practices in Vietnam

On 13 July, SACOMBANK welcomed the delegation from the University of Hawai’i. The visit was conducted under the Asian Field Study program - an annual experiential learning initiative that brings students to leading organizations and enterprises across Asia to gain firsthand exposure to real-world business environments.

SACOMBANK welcomes the delegation from the University of Hawai’i (USA). 

The delegation was led by Mr. Benjamin Bystrom, Director of the Asian Field Study Program, and included 15 students majoring in business and finance. According to Mr. Bystrom, Vietnam has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic economies, with the banking sector playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development. Visiting one of the country’s leading commercial banks therefore provides students with valuable practical insights that complement their academic studies.

Sharing Practical Insights into Banking Digital Transformation

During the session, SACOMBANK representatives introduced the Bank’s development journey, highlighted the transformation of Vietnam’s banking industry in recent years, and shared its innovation strategy to meet evolving customer expectations and the changing landscape of the financial market.

SACOMBANK emphasized that technology is a core pillar for enhancing service quality, optimizing operations, and delivering superior customer experiences, while also serving as a key driver of the Bank’s future growth. In parallel with expanding the use of Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation across its business operations, the Bank continues to invest in technology infrastructure, strengthen risk management capabilities, and reinforce cybersecurity and information security to address increasingly sophisticated digital threats.

During the interactive discussion, University of Hawai’i students showed strong interest in how SACOMBANK applies technology in practice. Their questions focused on the use of AI in product and service development, data management, fraud prevention, and customer protection against increasingly sophisticated cyber scams. Students also explored how the Bank integrates financial and technological solutions into everyday life, ranging from public transportation payments and e-commerce to cross-border digital payment solutions.

Students from the University of Hawai’i (USA) participate in the discussion session. 

"Throughout our development journey, SACOMBANK has always valued international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and exposure to diverse global perspectives. This commitment is also reflected in our strategy of attracting professionals with international experience, gradually integrating advanced management practices and expertise from developed markets into our transformation journey.

We therefore highly appreciate international academic programs such as the Asian Field Study. Beyond providing an opportunity to share insights into Vietnam’s banking industry, these programs foster meaningful two-way exchanges between businesses, young talent, and the global academic community," said Mr. Le Duc Thinh, Deputy CEO of SACOMBANK.

Mr. Le Duc Thinh, Deputy CEO of SACOMBANK, presents a commemorative gift to Mr. Benjamin Bystrom, Director of the Asian Field Study Program

From the Classroom to Real-world Experience

According to the Director of the Asian Field Study Program, engaging directly with businesses is an essential component of the University of Hawai’i’s educational approach.

"What students learn in the classroom becomes far more meaningful when they can observe how companies operate, hear business leaders discuss strategic decisions, and understand real-world challenges. We chose SACOMBANK because it is one of Vietnam’s leading banks and is implementing many digital transformation initiatives that are of great interest to our students," said Mr. Benjamin Bystrom.

Mr. Benjamin Bystrom, Director of the Asian Field Study Program, delivers remarks during the visit. 

Following the discussion, the delegation toured SACOMBANK’s Information Technology Division and the Central Branch to gain firsthand insights into the Bank’s working environment, operational processes, and the practical application of technology in business operations and customer service.

For many students, this was their first opportunity to experience the operations of a Vietnamese bank firsthand.

The University of Hawai’i delegation tours SACOMBANK’s Information Technology Division. 

Mical Beniamina, an Accounting student at the University of Hawai’i, shared: "I had a truly fascinating experience at SACOMBANK today. I was impressed by the Bank’s rapid development, especially the way AI is being applied in daily operations and the high adoption of digital payment channels among customers. From what I observed at SACOMBANK, as well as during my time in Vietnam, I can clearly see the country's dynamic economic growth. This visit has given me valuable practical insights and a fresh perspective on Vietnam’s banking industry."

SACOMBANK’s management representatives pose for a commemorative photo with the University of Hawai’i delegation.

In recent years, as Vietnam has become increasingly integrated into the global economy, a growing number of international universities have selected the country as a destination for field studies in economics, finance, and business management.

Hosting the University of Hawai’i delegation not only provided international students with a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s banking sector but also strengthened SACOMBANK’s connections with the global academic community. Through initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and practical learning, SACOMBANK continues to reaffirm its commitment to innovation while supporting education, research, and the development of high-quality talent for the banking and financial industry.