Realizing a Strategic Partnership for Leadership Development in Vietnam’s Industrial Sector in the Era of Sustainability
On October 1, 2025, in Ulsan, South Korea, the Ulsan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (UCCEI) and the VIETSTAR Institute of Management & Consulting (VIETSTAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote bilateral cooperation in industrial leadership training, talent exchange, and investment collaboration.
After nearly six months of dedicated efforts to realize this shared commitment, the Sustainable Leadership Program (SLP)—focusing on innovation-driven growth and sustainable strategies for the energy and industrial sectors, based on Korean experience – was successfully conducted in Ulsan, widely recognized as the “Global Industrial City.” The program took place from March 30 to April 4, 2026, in a city renowned for its three globally competitive core industries: shipbuilding & offshore engineering, automotive manufacturing, and energy & petrochemicals.
Why South Korea and Ulsan?
From a nation devastated by war, South Korea has undergone a remarkable transformation to become one of the world’s leading economic powers. This success is rooted in resilience, discipline, and visionary leadership.
The story of Hyundai Heavy Industries under the leadership of Chairman Chung Ju-yung stands as a powerful testament to this transformation. By engaging directly with South Korea’s industrial ecosystem, Vietnamese leaders and executives gain valuable insights into the strategies that enabled the country to rise as one of Asia’s “economic dragons,” building globally recognized brands such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.
Ulsan – A Global Hub of Industrialization and Innovation
Once a modest coastal fishing village, Ulsan was strategically selected as a cornerstone of South Korea’s industrialization. Over time, it evolved into a hub where global industrial giants were built-spanning shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and energy-laying the foundation for national economic strength.
Today, Ulsan stands not only as South Korea’s industrial capital but also as a convergence point for leading corporations such as Hyundai, SK Group, and the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), representing excellence in operations, innovation, and global-scale competitiveness.
Hosting the Sustainable Leadership Program – Cohort 6 in Ulsan provided Vietnamese leaders with direct, real-world exposure to multinational corporations, enabling them to move beyond theoretical learning and experience firsthand how global enterprises operate and evolve.
The Sustainable Leadership Program (SLP): Empowering Vietnamese Leaders in a Complex Geopolitical Landscape
Conducted amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the program offered profound insights into South Korea’s experience as a nation that has achieved industrial excellence through innovation and resilience in times of crisis.
Key highlights of the program included:
– Best practices in ESG implementation: Participants explored how leading corporations such as SK Group and the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) implement sustainability strategies to mitigate market shocks, while drawing lessons in sustainable leadership from the Korean context.
– On-site corporate immersion: Delegates visited SK Group and Hyundai Heavy Industries, witnessing firsthand how strategic frameworks are translated into real-world operations.
– Fostering dialogue and regional collaboration: In the face of increasingly complex global challenges, the program served as a platform for Vietnamese leaders to exchange insights, strengthen leadership capabilities, and enhance governance practices.
Participants visiting SK Group, South Korea – April 2, 2026
Vietnamese Leaders and Managers receiving Graduation Certificates
VIETSTAR & UCCEI – Pioneering Leadership Development for Vietnam’s Industrial and Energy Sectors
CEO of Ulsan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (UCCEI) and CEO of VIETSTAR Institute of Management & Consulting
The overarching objective of the program is to promote innovation and sustainable strategies that enable energy and industrial sectors to maintain global competitiveness, regardless of geopolitical fluctuations.
Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hang, CEO of VIETSTAR, emphasized:
“We are committed to continuously researching, innovating, and delivering world-class training solutions that meet the evolving expectations and aspirations of Vietnamese enterprises. The upcoming SLP Cohort 7, scheduled for mid-August this year, is expected to bring even greater practical value to business leaders in the era of sustainability.”
This collaboration between VIETSTAR and UCCEI marks a significant step forward in advancing leadership excellence, fostering international integration, and equipping Vietnamese enterprises to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
