SLSU Co-hosts International COMBELT 2025; Faculty and Students Present Research in Vietnam

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly served as a co-host institution of the International Conference on Management, Business, Economics, Law, and Technology (COMBELT 2025), held in Da Nang City, Vietnam, on August 1, 2025.

Representing SLSU were Dr. Melvin S. Sarsale, Head of the Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES); Dr. Catherine M. Garcia, Research and Innovation Coordinator; Ms. Ria A. Micate and Ms. Verheart Medel Buatis, Master in Management students; and Mr. Dindo Alaras, a Master in Management alumnus. Three delegates showcased research addressing key global and regional issues:

Ms. Ria A. Micate presented "Linking Financial Literacy and Financial Performance: A Q-study among Women-led Organizations in the Philippines," a timely investigation into financial empowerment and inclusion.

Dr. Melvin S. Sarsale contributed "The ASEAN Economic Community: Insights from a Bibliometric Review," offering valuable analysis of scholarly trends and regional integration. He also served as the Overall Chairperson of the International Business Plenary during the conference.

Dr. Catherine M. Garcia shared "Unveiling the Plight of Rural Banks during the Pandemic Using a Single Case Study," an in-depth look at financial vulnerabilities during global crises.

COMBELT 2025 was hosted by the University of Da Nang – University of Economics (Vietnam) and jointly organized with renowned international partners, including Babeș-Bolyai University (Romania), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Kalasin University (Thailand), Liège Université (Belgium), National Economics University (Vietnam), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), University of Economics – University of Hue (Vietnam), and Yuan Ze University (Taiwan), with Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) serving as the co-organizing institution from the Philippines.

COMBELT 2025 brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in academic exchange and collaborative innovation, addressing pressing challenges in sustainable development, digital transformation, and interdisciplinary business research.

SLSU’s active role in COMBELT 2025 aligns with its Strategic Internationalization Plan 2025–2029, reinforcing its mission to bridge local relevance with global excellence.