IDC 2025: Youth and Local Culture on the Debate Stage

ISME Debate Contest 2025 honors the critical thinking of Vietnam’s young generation, with XAVAN Inc. accompanying them to promote indigenous cultural values and guide sustainable development.

Hanoi, July 31, 2025 — The Semifinals and Finals of the ISME Business Case Debate Contest 2025 took place at Hall A2, National Economics University, marking the conclusion of this year’s season. The event brought together teams from various provinces and cities across the country, delivering diverse debates rich in critical thinking, while presenting numerous ideas on the preservation and development of Vietnamese culture in the context of globalization.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Trung Thành Lê Trung Thành - International School of Management and Economics (ISME) - National Economics University (NEU)

Ms. Lê Ngọc Hà Thu (far right) and the Semifinals judging panel.

With the theme “Sustainable Development of Indigenous Culture in Globalization”, this year’s contest challenged teams to propose solutions that were both creative and practical. As a partner, XAVAN Inc. served as content sponsor and co-developer of the Business Case topic, drawing on the real-life example of the Hanoi City Map cultural tourism project.

Aurora team contestants (Vinschool Imperia High School) presenting their proposal

Top 6 contestants presenting in the Business Case round

A debate competition focused on Vietnamese local culture and cultural products like IDC 2025 provided young participants with opportunities to voice their perspectives on issues that deeply concern both the public and the government. In developing the Business Case topic, XAVAN Inc. placed particular emphasis on equipping contestants with foundational knowledge and credible data sources to strengthen their arguments and proposals. This year’s IDC stands as a successful example of combining debate on a nation’s intrinsic values with the dedicated support of educators and cultural practitioners.

The two finalist teams

In the Semifinals, the Top 6 teams tackled the challenge “Promotion Strategy for the ‘Phố Hàng: Memories and Present’ Tour,” bringing unique perspectives, in-depth research, and creative ideas. The Finals featured a one-on-one showdown between isUS (National Economics University) and Aurora (Vinschool Imperia High School) in the Asian Parliamentary format, demanding sharp reasoning, quick responses, and confident stage presence.

A musical performance by students of the National Economics University (NEU)

Ms. Ngô Quỳnh (second from right), representing the sponsor Hanoi City Map, presenting the award to the team

Victory moment of the isUS team (NEU) lifting the championship trophy

IDC25 Organizers

IDC 2025 concluded not only with awards but with a lasting message: the journey of learning, debating, and creating is the greatest prize — equipping Vietnam’s youth to shape the future while preserving their cultural roots.