HSU students showcase their in-depth analytical skills at Behind the Data 2025

Recently, the final night of the 5th season of Behind the Data – a prestigious annual academic competition organized by the Faculty of Finance and Banking, Hoa Sen University – officially concluded with impressive research topics presented by the top 5 finalist teams.

Developing Academic Thinking through Practical Research

Behind the Data is an annual academic research competition organized by students of the Faculty of Finance and Banking, with guidance from lecturers and businesses, aiming to develop scientific research capabilities, foster data analysis thinking, and conduct in-depth business evaluations. Entering its 5th season, the competition continues to affirm its role as one of the key activities that help students sharpen academic skills and cultivate advanced thinking in finance and banking.

After more than three months of developing and completing their projects with the participation of 21 teams, the final round took place on January 17, 2025, attracting significant attention from students and faculty. The top 5 teams presented timely and highly practical topics to the judging panel. The final results were:

• First Prize – “Factors Affecting the Behaviors to Adjust Profit on Financial Statements of Real Estate Companies Listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE)” by the student team: Do Nguyen Minh Anh, Nguyen Thu Phuong, Nguyen Minh Tri, Duong Nguyen Thao Uyen, Bui Trieu Thao Vy.

• Second Prize – “Factors Affecting Personal Financial Management Behaviors of Students in Ho Chi Minh City” by the student team: Huynh Tan Dat, Tran Pham Truc Ly, Truong Ngoc Thanh Nha, Pham Nguyen Gia Toai.

• Third Prize – “Factors Affecting the Use of Information Technology in the Accounting Profession” by the student team: Tran Bao Khanh Linh, Nguyen Tran Nhu Bao Ngoc, Bui Ngoc Phuong, Huynh Thi Thanh Truc, Nguyen Ngoc Kieu Van.

• Consolation Prize awarded to:
  • Consolation Prize – “Psychological Factors Affecting Young People’s Stock Investment Decisions Today” by the student team: Chu Kieu Chinh, Nguyen Ninh My Duyen, Le Thu Huyen, Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc.
  • Consolation Prize – “Factors Affecting Payment Behaviors of Residents in Ho Chi Minh City” by the student team: Le Hong Ha, Do Quoc Hung, Nguyen Thuy Tuyet Ngan, Le Thi Que Tram.

A value that goes beyond the scope of an academic competition

Beyond being an academic competition focused on scholarly knowledge, Behind the Data also serves as a “practical laboratory,” where students directly engage with data, hone their analytical thinking, and develop deep insights into financial and social issues.

This year’s competition brought together a prestigious panel of judges, composed of senior industry experts, providing objective and practical perspectives. Notably, dedicated faculty advisors guided students throughout their research journey, offering topic direction, professional support, and step-by-step assistance: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Thai Minh Trang – Dean, Faculty of Finance and Banking, HSU; Dr. Cao Thi Cam Van – Former Vice Dean, Faculty of Accounting – Auditing, IUH; M.A. Bui Thi Thu Trang – Director of Client Relations, VPBank Securities.

Behind the Data 2025 not only concluded with well-deserved awards but also opened a journey of growth for students through research and creativity. Each project represents a step in connecting knowledge with practice. The competition clearly demonstrates that education extends beyond textbooks; it is through academic and practical experiences like this that HSU students gradually develop the confidence, mindset, and adaptability needed to enter the highly competitive finance and banking market.

Translated by: Mr. Do Tan Tai