Starting from a timely topic on ESG and electric ride-hailing services, a group of International Business K17 students from FPT University achieved an impressive double milestone: winning the Best Paper Award at the international FCBEM conference and publishing their research in the prestigious international journal Acta Psychologica.
With the study titled “Vietnamese Gen Z and the future of sustainable mobility: the role of ESG factors in driving intention to use electric ride-hailing service”, the student group consisting of Pham Thanh Chung, Tran Van Su, Le Nguyen Boi Ngoc, Dinh Thai Ngan and Nguyen Quy Minh Chau, under the academic supervision of Ngo Thi Thuy An, vice director of the FPT University campus in Can Tho City, made a strong impression on the scientific committee at the Conference on Finance, Business, Economics and Management (FCBEM).
Their connection with the topic came about quite by chance. Through reading the news and reviewing academic materials, the group realized that ESG and electric ride-hailing services were both hot issues, yet there were few studies combining the two. The idea quickly gained approval from their supervising lecturer.
In the context of growing attention to sustainable transport, the research focused on the impact of ESG factors – environmental, social and governance – on the intention of Gen Z in Vietnam to use electric ride-hailing services. The findings show that Gen Z does not choose electric vehicles solely for environmental reasons, but also prioritizes transparency and corporate credibility, clearly reflecting the “G” factor in ESG. The study confirms the relevance of the ESG framework in sustainable mobility and suggests that businesses should build transparent ESG strategies, protect workers and user data, thereby building trust and attracting young consumers who are loyal to sustainable brands. “Using electric vehicles is not only an action for the environment, but also a statement of a modern lifestyle that keeps pace with technology trends.”
Sharing about this achievement, the group emphasized the role of the learning environment at FPT University, where instruction is delivered in English, soft skills are strongly emphasized, and students are consistently encouraged to apply academic knowledge to scientific research and real-world practice. The group expressed deep gratitude to Ngo Thi Thuy An: “We are truly fortunate and grateful to always have her guidance and support. From the very beginning, she explained everything about research in great detail and mapped out the path for us.” Their familiarity built through previous soft skills courses (SSL101c and SSG104) also helped lecturers and students communicate and understand each other more easily. Despite having many members, effective coordination and clear task allocation helped the group avoid heated debates. Each member was responsible for cross-checking others’ work to ensure consistency.
Not stopping there, the group continued to expand the study with a more comprehensive model under the title “Understanding sustainable urban transport adoption in emerging economy: a study of Gen Z’s intention to use electric ride-hailing services in Vietnam”. This extended research was subsequently published in the reputable journal Acta Psychologica, marking a well-deserved outcome of serious academic commitment and strong teamwork.
The success of the K17 student group once again affirms the training model developed by FPT University, which emphasizes practical application, soft skills and diversified student experiences. These achievements are not only individual accomplishments but also represent modern academic thinking and the global integration capacity of the FPTU student generation. Pham Thanh Chung, the group’s representative, shared a message for students interested in scientific research: “The most important thing is to have passion for it. Second, find yourself a good mentor. Everything becomes much easier if you also find like-minded friends who share the same goals.”