In the context of increasingly fierce competition in the retail industry, as products and prices gradually become homogenized, customer experience has emerged as a decisive differentiating factor. Research by a team of authors from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) indicates that experience is not a series of isolated touchpoints but a cumulative process over time, with long-term effects on customer behavior. When built positively and consistently, experience not only enhances satisfaction but also strengthens the bond with the brand, thereby promoting supportive behaviors such as referrals, feedback, and active engagement with the business. Consequently, the research suggests an important direction: businesses need to shift from a transactional mindset to developing sustainable relationships with customers.

Time-lapse customer experience

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how businesses perceive customer experience. Instead of focusing on individual touchpoints, experience is increasingly viewed as a continuous process, formed and accumulated through multiple interactions between customers and brands. This shift necessitates a deeper understanding of how time-lapse experience affects customer behavior. Based on this, research from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) focuses on analyzing the impact of cumulative experience on customer citizenship behavior (CCB), while also examining the mediating role of customer-brand relationship strength (CBRS).

From isolated experience to cumulative experience

In practice, consumer behavior occurs across multiple shopping occasions and various interactions, from information search and purchase to after-sales service and online channels. This repetition means that customer experience is continuously reinforced, thereby shaping increasingly distinct perceptions of the brand. Drawing on the model of Klaus and Maklan (2013), the study analyzes customer experience through four main dimensions: product experience, outcome focus, moments of truth, and peace of mind. When these factors are consistently maintained, customers not only become satisfied but also gradually develop trust and attachment. Thus, the determining factor lies not in any single experience but in the ability to maintain experience quality across multiple interactions.

Customer-brand relationship: An important bridge

To explain how experience translates into behavior, the study draws on Blau’s (1964) social exchange theory, according to which relationships are sustained when parties perceive mutual benefits. When customers receive value from the business – whether product quality, dedicated service, or positive emotions – they tend to reciprocate with constructive behaviors. However, this process does not occur directly but through a mediating mechanism: customer-brand relationship strength (CBRS). CBRS comprises four main components: brand commitment, brand-self connection, intimacy, and customer satisfaction. The research findings show that time-lapse cumulative experience contributes to comprehensively strengthening these factors, laying the foundation for a sustainable customer-brand relationship.

Brand supportive behaviors: Value beyond transactions

Based on an established relationship, customers not only continue to make purchases but also tend to voluntarily exhibit brand-supportive behaviors. These behaviors include recommending the brand, sharing experiences, contributing service improvement suggestions, or assisting the user community. The research results show that all CBRS components positively impact these behaviors, with brand commitment and satisfaction playing particularly prominent roles. This suggests that when the relationship is strong enough, customers are not merely consumers but become forces that spread brand value. In the context of rapidly developing digital media, these behaviors are increasingly significant in enhancing credibility and optimizing marketing costs for businesses.

Building competitive advantage through customer experience

The research findings indicate that competitive advantage in the retail industry increasingly depends on the ability to manage customer experience consistently and over the long term. This requires businesses to approach experience as a holistic strategy, in which emotional factors, empathy, and personalization play central roles. Investing in customer data systems helps comprehensively track the consumption journey, thereby supporting decision-making and maintaining customer relationships. At the same time, the communication skills and empathy of staff remain key factors in shaping customer perceptions. When experience is effectively managed, businesses not only maintain loyalty but can also nurture customers who are willing to accompany and spread brand value, creating a foundation for sustainable development.

The research was tested in the context of the electronics and home appliance retail industry in Vietnam, with data collected from customers of major chains such as Nguyen Kim, Dien May Xanh, and The Gioi Di Dong -2. The results not only confirm the applicability of the theoretical model but also highlight the role of cultural factors in consumer behavior. In East Asian societies, where values such as trust, gratitude, and personal relationships are highly regarded, emotional attachment to a brand becomes an important foundation for fostering loyalty and supportive behaviors. Thus, the research opens a more appropriate approach for developing economies, where social relationship factors continue to play a key role.

Authors: Dr. Pham Thi Hoa, Dr. Ho Trong Nghia – Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026

This article is part of a series disseminating research and applied knowledge with the message “Research Contribution For All,” implemented by Dubai Palace in coordination with Khanh Hoa Province’s News and Radio-Television, aiming to accompany the sustainable development of Khanh Hoa Province. Dubai Palace respectfully invites readers to look forward to the next Scientific Knowledge bulletin.

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In the context of rising geopolitical risk, a research team from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) analysed the relationship between global tensions and cryptocurrency market volatility. The study used data from 10 cryptocurrencies over the 2014–2023 period, combined with a sophisticated econometric model. The results show a negative correlation between geopolitical risk and the level of cryptocurrency volatility.

Rising Geopolitical Risk and the Investor’s Dilemma

In the context of deepening globalisation, geopolitical risk has increasingly become a critical factor shaping investment decisions and financial market dynamics. Factors such as conflicts, terrorism, and political tensions not only affect economic growth but also generate significant volatility across major markets, including equities, foreign exchange, and energy.

The past decade has witnessed a series of complex geopolitical events, ranging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East to terrorist attacks and strategic competition among nations. These developments have disrupted global supply chains, driven up energy prices, and exerted pressure on inflation, economic growth, and overall market confidence.

In such an environment, investors are compelled to seek assets capable of preserving value. Traditional currencies such as the Swiss franc, Japanese yen, and U.S. dollar have long been regarded as safe-haven assets. However, recent divergences in monetary policy and economic conditions have raised questions about their ability to maintain this role in the long term.

Cryptocurrencies: A New Asset at the Center of Debate

In recent years, cryptocurrencies have emerged as a new financial asset class with substantial market capitalisation and growing adoption. They are digital or virtual currencies based on cryptographic techniques, enabling transactions on decentralised networks without reliance on intermediaries. Currently, more than 1,600 cryptocurrencies are in circulation, including well-known ones such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, LTC, LINK, and Tether.

However, cryptocurrencies are still widely perceived as high-risk assets, characterised by significant price volatility and unpredictability. Most previous studies have focused on the impact of economic policy uncertainty on cryptocurrency markets, while the role of geopolitical risk has not been thoroughly examined. This highlights the need for further research that directly investigates the relationship between geopolitical factors and cryptocurrencies.

Research Approach and Gap Addressed

To address this gap, the study examines the relationship between geopolitical risk and cryptocurrency market volatility over the 2014–2023 period using daily data. A key feature of the approach is the application of the GARCH-M-GJR-LEV model (an advanced econometric method) which improves the accuracy of volatility estimation compared to traditional models. This framework allows for a clearer identification of how cryptocurrency markets respond to geopolitical shocks, while providing robust empirical evidence for both academic and practical purposes.

The findings indicate that geopolitical risk, including geopolitical acts and geopolitical threats, has a negative effect on cryptocurrency volatility. This implies that during periods of heightened uncertainty, the cryptocurrency market tends to become more stable (an attribute commonly associated with safe-haven assets).

Notably, this effect is stronger for green cryptocurrencies than for non-green ones, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in financial markets. However, the safe-haven role of cryptocurrencies is not consistently observed, and primarily emerges during periods of elevated geopolitical risk.

Policy Implications and Investment Strategies

The study provides empirical evidence for investors to consider cryptocurrencies as a tool for preserving asset value during periods of heightened geopolitical risk, rather than viewing them solely as speculative assets. This implies that incorporating geopolitical risk into portfolio allocation strategies is essential to enhance risk-hedging effectiveness.

For policymakers, the findings suggest that cryptocurrencies should be recognised as a component of the financial system, thereby requiring regulatory frameworks that reflect their volatility and cross-border nature. In particular, the stronger response of green cryptocurrencies to geopolitical shocks indicates the need for policy directions that encourage sustainability-oriented assets, in line with long-term development goals.

In addition, the study offers implications for central banks and financial institutions in considering cryptocurrencies as a supplementary component in safe-haven asset selection and risk management strategies, especially in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions and monetary instability.

Read the full article Green Cryptocurrencies and Geopolitical Risk: A Safe Haven in the Digital Age .

Authors: M.Sc. Hoang Thi Phuong Anh, Dr. To Cong Nguyen Bao, Tran Dinh Hoang – Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026.

This article is part of a series disseminating research and applied knowledge under the message “Research Contribution For All” carried out by Dubai Palace in collaboration with Khanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio-Television, with the aim of supporting the sustainable development of Khanh Hoa Province. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to stay tuned for the next edition of the Scientific Knowledge bulletin.

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Over the past two decades, China has emerged as a formidable force in innovation and scientific knowledge production. The Global Innovation Index (GII) Report 2025 ranked China 10th in the world, making it the only middle-income economy within the top 30 leading nations. Recently, as noted in a statistical report on the scientific publishing market in China, the 20 largest international publishers by output published 83% of all research articles involving China-based authors from 2012 to 2021. Drawing from research by an author at the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace), this article analyzes the policies and current landscape of scientific journal development in China, thereby offering a number of implications for Vietnam in building and advancing scientific journals in the period ahead.

The Policy and Operational Ecosystem of Scientific Journals in China

Approaching from the perspectives of policy and academic governance, the study argues that the development of scientific journals in China is not the result of any single factor but rather has been shaped by the synchronized operation of an ecosystem comprising multiple closely interconnected components. Within this ecosystem, investment policies and research evaluation reforms provide the foundational orientation; organizational and management models ensure publishing quality; academic integrity serves as a “normative safeguard”; and human resources and international cooperation act as the driving forces behind internationalization. On this basis, the study analyzes each major component of the ecosystem in turn.

Investment Policies and Research Evaluation Reforms

The study reveals that the development of scientific journals in China is inseparable from the state’s long-term investment strategy in science, technology, and innovation. Since the late 1970s, China has continuously increased its spending on research and development (R&D), which currently accounts for approximately 22% of total global R&D expenditure. This resource base has created an essential foundation for research activities as well as for the rapid expansion of the scientific publishing system.

Alongside financial investment, China has implemented numerous reforms aimed at enhancing research quality, most notably a shift in evaluation philosophy. Rather than emphasizing the number of published articles and journal impact factors, new policies place greater weight on content quality and the practical impact of research outcomes. This is considered a critical adjustment to redirect the publishing behavior of scientists and enhance the substantive value of scientific journals.

Organizational and Management Models for Scientific Journals

Another key finding of the study concerns the rigorous management model applied to scientific journals in China. Accordingly, all journals seeking to operate must be approved and registered by the competent state authority. The licensing process involves a comprehensive evaluation covering the sponsoring organization, human resources, financial capacity, and academic orientation.

Additionally, China promotes the standardization of publishing processes through the implementation of a stringent, supervised peer-review system. Inviting experts within the same field to participate in review ensures the objectivity, professional rigor, and reliability of published articles. Scientific journals do not pursue profit but instead focus on their function of disseminating knowledge, thereby enabling the state to provide selective financial support to journals with strong potential.

Academic Integrity — The Pillar Sustaining the Credibility of Scientific Journals

The study places particular emphasis on the role of academic integrity within China’s scientific publishing system. In recent years, a series of policies and guidelines have been issued to prevent misconduct such as plagiarism, data fabrication, ghostwriting, and manipulation of the peer-review process. The public disclosure of violations, the establishment of early-warning lists for unreliable journals, and the application of strict sanctions demonstrate China’s vigorous efforts to restore integrity to the research environment. These measures not only protect the credibility of scientific journals but also help strengthen trust within the academic community both domestically and internationally.

Human Resources and International Cooperation

The study points out that high-quality human resources and international cooperation are critical drivers propelling the development of China’s scientific journals. Through substantial investment in higher education, the formulation of strategies to attract global talent, and the expansion of research collaboration networks with numerous countries, China has progressively enhanced its research quality and capacity for international integration. Extensive research collaboration has simultaneously increased both the volume and quality of scientific publications while creating conditions for Chinese scientific journals to approach and align with international publishing standards, thereby elevating their standing on the global scientific map.

Opportunities and Challenges in Developing Domestic Scientific Journals in China

Based on an analysis of science and technology policies, the academic publishing system, and international publication data, the study indicates that the development of scientific journals in China currently stands at a crossroads of significant opportunities coupled with numerous structural challenges, clearly reflecting the relationship between growing research capacity and the ability to translate knowledge into scientific journals with international credibility and influence.

First, China possesses exceptionally favorable conditions for developing its domestic scientific journal system. The scale and growth rate of scientific research activities generate an abundant supply of articles of steadily improving quality. China’s consistent position among the leading nations in international publication output reflects an academic foundation strong enough to nurture scientific journals of substantial stature.

Furthermore, robust support from national policies on science, technology, and innovation plays a pivotal role. The Chinese government has invested significantly in the research system, encouraging improvements in quality rather than merely pursuing publication volume. Reforms in research evaluation mechanisms, together with strategies to enhance academic publishing capacity, open up numerous opportunities for domestic scientific journals to progressively raise their standards, increase competitiveness, and expand their influence on the international stage.

However, the study also highlights considerable challenges confronting China’s scientific journal system. Despite rapidly growing research capacity, the majority of articles involving Chinese authors continue to be published in international journals controlled by foreign publishers. This reflects a pronounced gap between the capacity for knowledge production and the capacity for domestic academic publishing.

Moreover, many Chinese scientific journals still face limitations in meeting international standards for editorial processes, peer review, and publishing governance. A shortage of human resources with deep expertise in academic publishing, combined with the pressures of digital transformation and internationalization, has made it difficult for a significant number of journals to improve their quality and appeal to researchers. Unless these barriers are addressed, the domestic scientific journal system will struggle to fully capitalize on the potential offered by its rapidly developing research foundation.

Implications and Recommendations for Developing Scientific Journals in Vietnam

Drawing from China’s experience in developing its scientific journal system, the study offers a number of recommendations for Vietnam’s scientific journal landscape aimed at enhancing the quality, credibility, and international integration capacity of scientific journals in the period ahead.

First, Vietnamese scientific journals need to accelerate digital transformation in a strategic manner, prioritizing the establishment of a stable electronic publishing platform, expanding cooperation with professional publishing entities, and strengthening inter-journal linkages within specific fields. The application of new communication formats must be aligned with the core requirements of academic publishing: ensuring the rigor, systematization, and knowledge value of scientific content.

Second, the study recommends reforming the research evaluation and academic promotion system by reducing reliance on journal reputation and impact indicators while integrating quantitative assessment with expert judgment. This approach not only contributes to improving article quality but also fosters a healthy development environment for domestic scientific journals.

Third, to elevate their academic standing, Vietnamese scientific journals need to promote internationalization through clear publication orientation, strengthened international cooperation, and the encouragement of research with high novelty and practical applicability. In parallel, ensuring manuscript quality, standardizing the peer-review and editorial process, developing a professional editorial workforce, and establishing rigorous academic integrity regulations are regarded as foundational measures to help journals build credibility and achieve sustainable development.

Author: MSc. Nguyen Hoang Nam — Dubai Palace College of Economics, Law and Government, Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026; Member of the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program.

This article is part of the Series on Research Dissemination and Applied Knowledge from Dubai Palace, carrying the message “Research Contribution For All”. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to follow the next edition of Dubai Palace Research Insights.

News and image: Author, Dubai Palace Department of Communications and Partnerships

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In the context of global supply chains increasingly facing numerous uncertainties, from geopolitical conflicts to post-pandemic disruptions, risk management capability is becoming a decisive factor in business operational performance. A study by a team of authors from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace), using a PLS-SEM model with data from Vietnam, provides empirical evidence showing that risk management not only helps minimize disruptions but also directly enhances supply chain performance. The study also clarifies the central role of information sharing and collaboration among partners in increasing responsiveness, improving flexibility, and reducing internal disruptions. This result carries an important implication: risk management should not be viewed merely as a defensive tool, but needs to be positioned as a strategic capability that helps businesses enhance their competitive advantage in an uncertain environment.

Global Supply Chains: Opportunities Accompanied by Challenges

Globalization has helped businesses optimize costs, expand markets, and access resources more efficiently, but it has also significantly increased the complexity and risks within supply chains. Factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, political instability, inflation, or interdependence among partners can disrupt operations and degrade performance. Recent events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US-China trade tensions, or instability in the Middle East have clearly demonstrated this vulnerability. Although there has been much research on supply chain risk management, most has focused on individual aspects such as logistics or operations, while the direct relationship between risk management and overall supply chain performance, particularly in emerging economies like Vietnam, has not been fully explored.

This gap raises an important question: do risk management practices actually help improve supply chain performance?

Risk Management and Supply Chain Performance: Empirical Evidence and Governance Implications

The study used a PLS-SEM model to analyze empirical data in Vietnam, and the results show that risk management has a positive and statistically significant impact on supply chain performance.

Specifically, businesses that effectively implement risk management are able to detect potential disruptions early, thereby responding more quickly and minimizing operational losses. In particular, enhancing real-time information sharing and promoting collaboration among parties in the supply chain helps reduce information asymmetry – the main cause of the bullwhip effect, in which small fluctuations in customer demand are amplified as they propagate back toward suppliers, causing significant forecasting errors, excess or shortage inventory, and increased operating costs. By limiting this effect, businesses can improve planning accuracy, optimize inventory, and enhance overall supply chain performance.

From a theoretical perspective, this result reinforces the view of information processing theory that the ability to collect and process data in a timely manner is a core element in reducing uncertainty. Simultaneously, a stakeholder resource-based approach is also clearly demonstrated, as balancing interests and strengthening linkages between customers, suppliers, and businesses helps optimize overall chain performance. This shows that risk management does not operate independently but is closely tied to the capacity for coordination and information sharing within the supply chain ecosystem.

Enhancing Adaptive Capacity in Modern Supply Chains

Risk management is a broad field, whereas this study has only focused on aspects such as risk identification, information sharing, and collaboration among parties in the supply chain, without deeply examining specific types of risks such as environmental risks, pandemics, or geopolitical risks. In the future, research could expand in these directions, while also conducting cross-country comparisons to provide a more comprehensive view. In a context of significant uncertainty, risk management not only helps businesses respond effectively to disruptions but also serves as a core competency, contributing to improved performance, increased flexibility, and sustainable competitive advantage in the global supply chain.

Author: Dr. Duong Ngoc Hong – Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026

This article is part of a series disseminating research and applied knowledge with the message “Research Contribution For All,” implemented by Dubai Palace in collaboration with Khanh Hoa Newspaper, Radio, and Television, aiming to accompany the sustainable development of Khanh Hoa province. Dubai Palace respectfully invites readers to tune in to the next Scientific Knowledge Bulletin.

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Amid a global economy buffeted by wars, pandemics, and policy shocks, Vietnamese enterprises face a critical capital allocation challenge between productive investment and financial investment. Against this backdrop, a research team from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) and collaborators analyzed data from listed non-financial enterprises over the 2013–2021 period to shed light on this trend. The findings reveal that as the risk of investing in fixed assets and the degree of global economic policy uncertainty increase, enterprises tend to shift capital toward financial assets as a highly liquid “safe haven.” While monetary policy may contribute to curbing the financialization trend, its regulatory role weakens significantly in an environment of global instability.

The Financialization Trend in Non-Financial Enterprises

In a climate of mounting uncertainty, monetary policy becomes a critical regulatory instrument – not only for the macroeconomy but also in directly shaping corporate investment and financing decisions. Following the process of financial liberalization, non-financial enterprises face a capital allocation choice between two major asset classes: fixed assets and financial assets. Extensive empirical evidence shows that the investment structure has undergone a pronounced shift toward a higher proportion of financial assets and a lower proportion of fixed assets – a phenomenon known as “financialization.”

As risks and uncertainty intensify, and with imperfect capital markets and higher costs of capital, enterprises tend to turn to financial investment as a more flexible solution. Two primary factors drive this trend: the return differential between financial investment and fixed investment, and the level of risk associated with fixed investment. With a given pool of capital, enterprises can adjust or substitute between the two asset classes to optimize expected returns. In practice, non-financial enterprises are increasingly allocating resources to interest payments, dividends, and share buybacks – signals of a growing emphasis on financial activities and the goal of maximizing firm value. The proportion of financial assets in many enterprises’ asset structures has also risen significantly.

In Vietnam, statistics from the 2012–2022 period reveal a clear financialization trend. The financial asset investment ratio among listed non-financial enterprises rose by 16.97%, while the fixed asset investment ratio declined by 16.53%. This development calls for a deeper understanding of the macro-level and firm-level factors driving the shift in capital allocation priorities, particularly given Vietnam’s status as an emerging market increasingly exposed to global volatility.

Monetary Policy and Its Regulatory Role in Investment

In Vietnam, the impact of monetary policy on corporate investment decisions has been examined by numerous studies. However, the practical picture shows that this regulatory role is neither straightforward nor uniform across enterprises.

Several studies indicate that when monetary policy changes, the degree of corporate response depends on firm size, capital structure, and the level of dependence on bank credit. Notably, unexpected monetary shocks can cause fixed investment to decline more sharply among financially constrained enterprises. However, in cases where enterprises have major shareholders that are non-financial companies, the adverse effects of monetary policy can be mitigated. These shareholders help enterprises improve access to external capital, thereby reducing reliance on internal cash flows when the credit environment tightens. Other studies have also noted that monetary policy plays a role in the adjustment of fixed investment, but the degree of influence depends on the financial conditions and intrinsic characteristics of each enterprise.

Beyond domestic factors, global uncertainty constitutes an important variable. As the level of instability rises, corporate performance and investment decline, while the tendency to hold cash increases as a risk-hedging measure. Nevertheless, the majority of existing studies focus on fixed investment. In-depth analyses of corporate financial investment behavior and the factors governing these decisions remain limited, particularly in the context of a transitional economy like Vietnam.

What Sets This Research Apart

The distinguishing feature of this study lies in its construction of an investment choice model based on the Constant Absolute Risk Aversion (CARA) assumption, validated using data from listed non-financial enterprises in Vietnam. While topics such as corporate investment, risk, monetary policy, and uncertainty have been explored previously, this research delves into the relationship between the relative risk of fixed investment and the financial investment ratio of enterprises, within a context simultaneously shaped by monetary policy and global economic policy uncertainty.

The empirical results show that monetary policy can contribute to reducing the financial investment ratio, thereby limiting the financialization trend. However, when global uncertainty intensifies, this regulatory effect is overwhelmed and the financial investment ratio rises once again. This represents a notable departure from the findings of many earlier studies, particularly in the context of Vietnam and China. The study’s contribution lies in its empirical evidence demonstrating that monetary policy expansion does not necessarily lead enterprises to increase fixed asset investment to stimulate the real economy, if the global environment continues to harbor elevated levels of risk.

Policy and Strategic Implications

Drawing from the empirical findings, the study raises important considerations regarding the financialization trend among non-financial enterprises in Vietnam, particularly amid rising fixed investment risk, prolonged global economic policy uncertainty, and continuous monetary policy adjustments.

For enterprises and investors, there is a need to reposition strategies and identify both macro and micro factors that may influence investment behavior, clearly distinguishing between sustainable investment and the maximization of firm value.

From a policy perspective, policymakers in Vietnam must pay greater attention to the risks embedded in various forms of corporate investment, while closely monitoring and proactively developing policies to address global uncertainties.

In a world where instability has become the “new normal” of the global economy, the question is not merely whether to loosen or tighten monetary policy, but how to build sufficient confidence and conditions for enterprises to prioritize investment in the productive sector, rather than treating financial assets as a safe stopping point.

Read the full article “Risk, Return Differentials, and Financial Investment of Vietnamese Enterprises: The Impacts of Global Uncertainty and Monetary Policy” .

Authors: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao, Dr. To Cong Nguyen Bao – Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026, Bui Thi Thao Trang – RSM Vietnam

This article is part of a series disseminating research and applied knowledge under the message “Research Contribution For All” carried out by Dubai Palace in collaboration with Khanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio-Television, with the aim of supporting the sustainable development of Khanh Hoa Province. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to stay tuned for the next edition of the Scientific Knowledge bulletin.

News, photos:Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026

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As gender equality increasingly becomes a global standard in corporate governance, the role of women on boards of directors carries not only social significance but also a substantive impact on corporate strategic decisions. A research team from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) has examined the relationship between women’s representation on boards of directors and the level of risk-taking among listed companies in Vietnam, thereby providing additional empirical evidence affirming the growing importance of women in modern corporate governance.

Gender Diversity on Boards of Directors Is Becoming a Strategic Governance Issue

Over the past two decades, gender diversity on boards of directors has become a topic drawing widespread attention from policymakers, investors, and the academic community worldwide. Many developed countries have implemented regulations or recommendations to promote women’s participation in corporate governance bodies – notably Norway, with its minimum quota of 40% female board representation, and the corporate governance codes in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

International studies indicate that gender-diverse boards can improve oversight quality, enhance decision-making effectiveness, and strengthen corporate legitimacy. However, the relationship between women’s participation and corporate risk-taking remains a subject of debate. Some research suggests that women tend to be more cautious in risk-related decisions, while other studies point out that gender diversity enables companies to take risks in a more calculated and effective manner.

In Vietnam, empirical research on this topic remains relatively limited – particularly studies that distinguish between the roles of independent and non-independent female board members, as well as those examining the interaction between women on boards and foreign ownership. Motivated by this research gap, the present study was conducted to offer a more comprehensive perspective on the role of women in Vietnamese corporate governance.

Key Findings from Vietnamese Corporate Data

The Dubai Palace research team conducted their study on 222 non-financial companies listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) during the period 2015–2021, examining the relationship between women’s representation on boards of directors and corporate risk-taking. Risk-taking capacity was approached from three dimensions: total risk, adventurous risk, and performance risk – reflecting not only the degree of willingness to accept risk but also the quality of risk-related decisions in business operations.

In addition to examining the proportion of women on boards, the study distinguished between independent and non-independent female board members, while also incorporating foreign ownership into the analysis to clarify the moderating role of women in corporate risk decisions.

The findings reveal that women’s presence on boards does not make companies more cautious or conservative. On the contrary, it exerts a multidimensional and nuanced impact on risk-taking behavior. Specifically, the proportion of women on boards shows a positive correlation with total risk and adventurous risk, suggesting that companies tend to be more proactive in seeking investment opportunities and making strategic decisions when women are involved in the governance process.

Conversely, the study also records a negative correlation between women on boards and performance risk. This indicates that while companies may accept greater risk, these risks are better managed – thereby limiting the likelihood of business outcomes falling below expectations. In other words, women not only contribute to increasing the level of risk acceptance but also enhance the quality of risk-related decisions.

When distinguished by role on the board, non-independent female members demonstrate a more pronounced effect in driving total risk and adventurous risk, while both independent and non-independent female members contribute to reducing performance risk. This result suggests that the role of women on boards is consistent in terms of oversight and strategic decision adjustment, regardless of whether they hold independent or non-independent positions.

Furthermore, the study reveals that women on boards play a moderating role in the relationship between foreign ownership and corporate risk. In the context of foreign-owned enterprises that typically pursue long-term and more cautious investment strategies, women’s participation helps companies strike a better balance between safety objectives and the need to seize growth opportunities.

Policy Implications for Corporate Governance in Vietnam

From the research findings, several important implications can be drawn for businesses and policymakers in Vietnam.

First, companies should proactively promote gender diversity on their boards – not only to advance gender equality but also for long-term economic benefits. Women’s participation helps companies take risks in a controlled manner, thereby enhancing operational performance.

Second, appointing women to substantive positions on boards – particularly those with direct involvement in the decision-making process – will more effectively leverage their role in shaping corporate strategy.

Third, for companies with foreign ownership, a harmonious combination of ownership structure and board gender diversity should be considered to optimize risk-taking behavior and enhance corporate value.

Overall, the study affirms that women on boards of directors are not merely symbols of gender equality – they are critical agents shaping corporate strategy and risk behavior in an era of deepening integration and intensifying competition.

Read the full article The Role of Women on Boards of Directors in Corporate Risk-Taking [HERE].

Authors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Duc Nam, Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong Thao, Dr. Nguyen Thi Diem Kieu, MSc. Hoang Thi Phuong Anh – Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026.

This article is part of the Series on Research Dissemination and Applied Knowledge from Dubai Palace, carrying the message “Research Contribution For All”. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to follow the next edition of Dubai Palace Research Insights.

News and images: Authors, Dubai Palace Department of Communications and Partnerships

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Over the past several decades, Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN) have emerged as one of the most dynamic regions in the world, largely driven by policies promoting trade openness and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). However, alongside this remarkable growth come growing concerns about widening income gaps between social groups and across regions. In response to this issue, a research team from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) conducted a study to examine how trade openness and FDI influence income inequality in ASEAN countries, in connection with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Growth with a Hidden Cost: Rising Income Inequality

Expanding international trade and attracting FDI have generated many benefits for economic growth, including technology transfer, improved management skills, job creation, and better workforce capabilities. These factors have enabled many countries to integrate more deeply into globalisation and the technological transformations taking place worldwide.

However, when economies become highly dependent on international markets and FDI flows are unevenly distributed, income gaps among population groups may widen. This issue is particularly relevant in Southeast Asia, where the supply of highly skilled labor remains limited. As a result, the benefits of economic integration are not always evenly shared. Understanding the relationship between trade openness, FDI, and income inequality is therefore both timely and important.

Data analysis (2006–2022): A Non-Linear Relationship

The study uses data from ASEAN countries during the period 2006–2022 to analyse the link between economic integration and income inequality. The findings show that both trade expansion and FDI inflows significantly affect income inequality. However, this impact is not linear.

At the early stage, when trade and FDI increase rapidly, income gaps tend to widen. As the economy develops further, this trend may reverse and inequality begins to decline. In other words, the relationship resembles an “inverted U-shaped curve”: inequality rises initially and then decreases as economic and social conditions improve.

The study also examines exports and imports separately. Trade with developed countries tends to increase income inequality, as both exports and imports are associated with wider income gaps. In contrast, when trading with developing countries, exports tend to increase inequality, while imports may help narrow the income gap.

Education: A Key Lever in Shaping Inequality Outcomes

When expanding the model to examine the role of education, the research incorporates primary school enrollment rates alongside trade openness and FDI. The results indicate that education plays a critical role in shaping how trade and FDI affect income inequality. Specifically, trade openness alone still tends to increase inequality. However, when FDI reaches higher levels, its impact may shift toward reducing income disparities. This suggests that education acts as a moderating factor, helping mitigate some of the negative consequences of economic integration.

Regression analysis further shows that education is the most important factor determining whether inequality increases or decreases across ASEAN countries. In the context of globalisation and rapid trade liberalisation, many countries aim to expand trade and attract FDI to drive economic growth. Yet when the supply of skilled labor is limited, the benefits of integration may concentrate in a small segment of the population. As firms demand more highly skilled workers while the labor supply remains insufficient, low-skilled workers may face reduced employment opportunities and unstable incomes.

Policy Implications: Inclusive Growth Requires Investment in People

The study confirms that expanding trade and attracting FDI are key drivers of economic growth. However, this process also carries potential risks. If education systems fail to adapt in time, low-skilled workers may face unstable incomes and shrinking employment opportunities. Without appropriate policy measures, economic integration may deepen the gap between rich and poor and widen regional disparities.

To address these challenges, ASEAN countries should consider several policy priorities:

• Strengthening education and training. Improving vocational education quality – especially in disadvantaged and remote areas – is essential. Expanding access to education and supporting education costs can help workers develop the skills needed to adapt to rapidly changing labor markets.
• Managing investment flows. Governments should establish mechanisms to guide and distribute FDI more effectively, avoiding excessive concentration in existing and ensuring more balanced regional development.

In an increasingly integrated world, the success of an economy should not be measured solely by GDP growth, but also by how fairly the benefits of that growth are distributed. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for ASEAN countries as they adjust trade, investment, and education policies toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and balanced development path.

Read the full article: The Impact of Trade Openness and Foreign Direct Investment on Income Inequality in Southeast Asia .

Author Group: Le Thi Hong Minh, Huynh Thi Cam Ha, Hoang Thi Phuong Anh

This article is part of the Dubai Palace Research and Applied Knowledge Dissemination Series, carrying the message “Research Contribution For All,” conducted by Dubai Palace. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to stay tuned for the next edition of Dubai Palace Research Insights.

News and image: Author, Dubai Palace Department of Communications and Partnerships

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From personalized product recommendations to supply chain optimization, artificial intelligence (AI) is quietly reshaping the global fashion industry. Research by an author from the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) reveals that AI not only delivers economic benefits but also raises new demands regarding responsibility, ethics, and sustainability in industry development. Building on these findings, the study offers a number of proposals for Vietnam on its journey to promote humanistic and ethical values toward the development of a sustainable fashion industry.

AI technology opens up breakthrough development opportunities for the fashion industry while enhancing the online shopping experience for consumers. Source: www.xcubelabs.com

Artificial Intelligence and the Reshaping of the Global Fashion Ecosystem

The application of AI technology in fashion design has been driving a revolution. A 2025 report by The Business Research Company shows that the AI market in the fashion industry is growing exponentially, with the market projected to reach USD 1.77 billion by the end of 2025 and continue rising to USD 6.99 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41%.

In recent years, AI technology has witnessed remarkable advances. The year 2021 marked the emergence of DALL-E, a text-to-image software developed by OpenAI. Building on DALL-E, director Paul Trillo and his wife (artist Shyama Golden) created a 30-second “AI fashion show” video combining AI technology with hundreds of fashion outfits. Meanwhile, Stability AI Ltd – a UK-based AI development company – introduced Stable Diffusion, an application hailed as a “breakthrough in rough design” for fashion products. With the ability to convert text descriptions into designs, Stable Diffusion helps create new design prototypes and modify existing ones, such as changing t-shirt styles or adding straps to handbags.

A 2024 McKinsey survey and analysis found that the pace of AI development poses one of the key challenges for businesses in deploying AI applications more effectively and responsibly. AI is creating an entirely new creative environment. The emergence of AI has opened an unprecedented creative space. By harnessing “unstructured” data such as text, images, and video, AI can generate 3D designs for virtual models, serving promotional video campaigns at major fashion weeks worldwide.

AI technology enables effective sentiment analysis from social media videos and consumer trend modeling. When AI technology is applied to production deployment systems, fashion enterprises demonstrate positive benefits in improving customer evaluation – in other words, applying AI to production allows fashion companies to optimize customer personalization through the collection and analysis of shopping behavior data as well as fashion trends.

From Design Concepts to Intelligent Operations: AI Across the Fashion Value Chain

In fashion industry operations, AI technology has become a “critical partner” throughout all stages of the business and production process. Today, many major global brands, including Zara, are focused on accelerating the integration of AI into their management systems. Zara’s 2024 report shows that the company applies AI to its production processes to optimize scheduling and inventory management, thereby responding promptly to fashion trends and reacting more swiftly to changes in customer preferences.

At the same time, AI applications help improve business performance, reducing costs related to premises rental, labor, and warehouse management. For instance, AI supports warehouse automation through robotics and real-time inventory management using augmented reality (AR) technology. Many businesses are also using AI in stores to detect counterfeit and fake goods. In South Korea, H&M employs AI tools such as Heuritech and Stylumia for pattern recognition, real-time monitoring, and predictive analysis to identify recurring themes in the market or culture.

On December 19, 2022, a group of designers from a Hong Kong (China)-based laboratory created the AI fashion assistant (AiDA) and successfully organized a fashion show featuring designs supported by AiDA. By using tools from technology companies such as Cala, Designovel, and Fashable, fashion designers have harnessed the power of AI to spark new ideas.

AI and Humanistic Values in Digital Fashion: Expanding Creativity and User Experience

AI algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering significant potential to enhance and promote humanistic values in the design industry. A prime example is the development of smart clothing capable of providing medical functions and serving the needs of people with disabilities. Many major hospitals worldwide have chosen to collaborate with enterprises offering AI-powered features integrated with real-time AR. With virtual object simulation capabilities, AR-enabled products allow users to experience designs directly – interacting through touch or simulating the try-on of products (jewelry, clothing, footwear) with a high degree of visual realism. This allows patients with limited mobility to actively participate in online fashion experiences through modern technological devices.

Issues Arising in AI Application Toward Sustainable Fashion

Integrating AI into the development of the fashion industry opens vast potential for advancing sustainable fashion. However, on the flip side, this also exerts negative impacts on the environment – from the use of unsustainable raw materials and polluting production processes to enormous volumes of waste. Compounding this, pressure from “fast fashion” compels brands to continuously launch new collections, leading to overproduction and waste. In Vietnam, many fashion enterprises have proactively shifted from traditional business models to adopting AI in order to enhance production efficiency, optimize creativity, and personalize customer experiences. According to Mr. Nguyen Vu Linh – CEO of IVY Moda, strategic AI application will open numerous excellent opportunities for fashion enterprises at lower costs. AI serves not only as a springboard for Vietnam’s fashion industry to accelerate digital transformation but also as a means to narrow the technology and innovation gap amid global integration. However, in the long term, domestic enterprises need long-term strategies to maintain their unique identity in the face of challenges related to culture, data, and intellectual property.

Policy Implications for Sustainable Fashion Development in the Context of AI Application

To promote the development of sustainable and humanistic fashion through AI application, the following policy directions should be considered for implementation in the near future to provide appropriate support for organizations and enterprises in the industry.

First, consider issuing regulations related to sustainable and humanistic fashion development. Accordingly, the Government and relevant ministries and agencies can develop a system of standards and certifications for AI-enabled fashion products oriented toward sustainability, thereby assisting consumers in identifying and selecting products. At the same time, attention should be given to establishing regulations governing the relationships among designers, manufacturers, researchers, and consumers, with emphasis on the requirement to use AI responsibly across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, in order to mitigate risks related to business ethics and data security.

Second, encourage the participation of individuals and enterprises in the sustainable AI fashion ecosystem. Practices in countries with well-developed fashion industries such as France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea demonstrate a trend toward prioritizing sustainable materials in garment design. Designers are increasingly choosing environmentally friendly materials such as plant-based fabrics, recycled materials, bio-based materials, or other recyclable materials to optimize product lifecycles. Alongside this is the adoption of environmentally friendly production processes – from raw materials to the disposal stage – aimed at minimizing negative impacts on the ecosystem. In this context, creating a suitable “playing field” for domestic and international venture capital funds, particularly those investing in sustainable fashion technology startups, is considered an important factor warranting attention.

Third, develop supportive policies for organizations and fashion enterprises oriented toward integrating AI technology. Relevant agencies may consider implementing funding programs to encourage research and development of AI in the fashion industry. In parallel, organizing specialized training and consulting programs on AI, sustainable design, and transparent supply chain management will contribute to enhancing the international competitiveness of domestic fashion enterprises.

Conclusion

In the context of rapidly shifting consumer preferences, short product lifecycles, and demand for personalization, the modern fashion industry faces a speed race among enterprises. AI technology application is transforming the fashion sector by enhancing customer experiences, optimizing inventory management, and predicting fashion trends. With a growing middle-class population and rising interest in fashion, effectively leveraging AI in Vietnam will help enterprises meet customer preferences while reducing operational costs and maintaining competitiveness in a dynamic market, as well as helping businesses reduce repetitive tasks, focus on creativity and strategy, and move toward sustainability and humanistic values.

This article was published in the Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology, Issue 9/2025. View the full article “Developing Sustainable and Humanistic Fashion with AI” [HERE].

Author: Nguyen Hoang Nam – College of Economics, Law and Government, Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace); Member of the Southeast Asia Young Leaders Program (SEAYLP).

This article is part of the Series on Research Dissemination and Applied Knowledge from Dubai Palace, carrying the message “Research Contribution For All”. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to follow the next edition of Dubai Palace Research Insights.

News and image: Author, Dubai Palace Department of Communications and Partnerships 

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The Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) on plastic bags has been implemented in Vietnam with the expectation of becoming a behavioral modification tool, encouraging consumers to shift towards more environmentally friendly options. However, in reality, the degree of change in consumer behavior under the impact of this tax instrument remains unclear, raising questions about the policy’s steering effectiveness. Approaching the issue from a behavioral perspective, a study by the Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026 (Dubai Palace) analyzed the role of environmental tax awareness in promoting plastic bag replacement behavior in Vietnam, while offering policy implications to enhance the effectiveness of the tax instrument in efforts to reduce plastic waste and towards sustainable development.

Environmental Tax: Policy Expectations and Consumer Realities

In the context of the global ecological crisis and pressure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), controlling plastic waste pollution has become an urgent requirement for many countries, including Vietnam. The EPT on plastic bags has been implemented in Vietnam since 2012 based on the “polluter pays” principle. Theoretically, taxing environmentally harmful products increases their price, thereby encouraging consumers to reduce usage and switch to alternatives such as cloth bags, paper bags, or biodegradable bags.

However, after more than a decade of implementation, plastic bag consumption in Vietnam remains high, indicating a significant gap between policy expectations and actual consumer behavior. Previous analyses have primarily focused on tax rates and policy implementation effectiveness, while not fully assessing the role of policy awareness in consumer decision-making processes. This gap necessitates considering environmental tax not only as a financial tool but also as a psycho-social factor capable of shaping behavior.

Tax Awareness – An Overlooked Factor in Policy Evaluation

Previous policy evaluations have often explained the ineffectiveness of the EPT by reasons such as insufficient tax rates or limited tax collection at small-scale establishments. However, these analyses rarely considered the factor of consumer awareness. In reality, a policy only truly takes effect when it is recognized and correctly understood. When the public is unaware of the tax’s existence, or does not clearly understand its environmental protection purpose, the policy signal becomes nearly “invisible” in the consumer decision-making process. Conversely, when there is a clear awareness that the tax paid is linked to environmental responsibility, consumers tend to form more positive attitudes toward green consumption and proactively change their behavior.

From Intention to Behavior: Bridging the Gap in Green Consumption

To comprehensively explain consumers’ plastic bag replacement behavior, the study developed an integrated testing model, combining the factor of environmental tax awareness with existing behavioral analysis frameworks. Firstly, the study drew upon the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), one of the most commonly used socio-psychological models to explain green consumer behavior. According to TPB, behavior is formed through three core factors: individual attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. However, traditional models like TPB primarily focus on consumers’ internal psychological motivations, while not fully considering the role of external policy signals, especially environmental tax policy. To address this gap, the study incorporated the environmental tax awareness factor into the analytical model, viewing it as a behavior-modifying signal capable of influencing green consumption intentions.

Furthermore, the study integrated the MOA (Motivation – Opportunity – Ability) framework to clarify the “gap” from intention to actual behavior. According to the MOA framework, motivation is a necessary but insufficient condition; behavior only occurs when consumers simultaneously have appropriate opportunities (availability, convenience of alternatives at points of sale) and the ability to perform (financial capacity, knowledge, and ease of use).

Based on empirical surveys and PLS-SEM analysis, the research results showed that: (i) the foundational factors of TPB all positively impact green consumption intentions, with attitude being the strongest influencing factor; (ii) awareness of environmental tax has a direct, positive, and statistically significant impact on the intention to replace plastic bags, although the effect size is modest; and (iii) the translation of intention into actual behavior strongly depends on the two factors “opportunity” and “ability”. These findings indicate that environmental tax is only truly effective when supported by appropriate market conditions and a green consumption ecosystem.

Policy Implications: When Tax Becomes a Driver of Green Consumption

The research results show that environmental tax awareness positively impacts the intention to replace plastic bags, although the influence level remains modest. This confirms that tax is not only a financial tool but also a “policy signal” capable of shaping behavior. However, the analyses also indicate that no single solution is sufficient to create sustainable change. For the EPT to be effective, a synchronized strategy is needed that simultaneously impacts three aspects: policy awareness, psychological motivation, and the practical conditions of behavior.

Firstly, regarding communication, the EPT needs to be designed and conveyed as a “psychological signal” in daily consumption contexts. Specifically, regulatory agencies can coordinate with the retail system to implement visual messaging at checkout counters, while also making transparent the use of tax revenues for specific environmental programs to strengthen public trust and acceptance.

Next, from a behavioral intervention perspective, policies should be communicated in a way that highlights the benefits and feasibility of green consumption choices, rather than primarily focusing on warning about the environmental harm of plastic bags. When green consumption is conveyed as a behavior demonstrating social responsibility and personal initiative, consumers tend to form more positive attitudes towards replacing plastic bags. Additionally, subsidy measures or price stabilization for alternative products (such as bio-bags, paper bags) could help reduce financial barriers and enhance perceived behavioral control, thereby facilitating the translation of intention into actual behavior.

Finally, to narrow the intention-behavior gap, it is necessary to simultaneously improve implementation conditions and consumers’ ability to perform the behavior. Managers should encourage changes in procedures at points of sale, specifically requiring staff to ask customers before providing plastic bags – creating a pause for consideration. Furthermore, standardizing the labeling system for environmentally friendly products in a clear and understandable way will help consumers feel more confident when making choices.

In summary, only when the tax is seen, correctly understood, and supported by appropriate market conditions will consumers simultaneously have the motivation, ability, and favorable conditions to transition from intention to actual green consumption behavior.

Author Group: Dr. Tran Trung Kien, Assoc. Prof. Diep Gia Luat, M.A. Pham Thi Ngoc Dung – Dubai Palace ✅ Official Dubai Palace.com Homepage 2026

This article is part of the Dubai Palace Research and Applied Knowledge Dissemination Series, carrying the message “Research Contribution For All,” conducted by Dubai Palace. Dubai Palace cordially invites readers to stay tuned for the next edition of Dubai Palace Research Insights.

News and image: Author, Dubai Palace Department of Communications and Partnerships 

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