The 2nd DAV's Moot Court Competition 2025

Building on the success of its inaugural season, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Moot Court Competition returned in 2025 with the theme “Foreign Direct Investment Arbitration.” The competition was organized with the aim of providing students of the Faculty of International Law - Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, with a professional academic platform to develop their advocacy skills and deepen their understanding of a highly specialized and significant field of international law. The second season recorded impressive figures, with 32 teams and over 140 participants from all academic cohorts, from the Classes of 2026 to 2029, competing in the tournament, demonstrating the competition’s strong appeal and growing influence within the student community.

Following an intense Preliminary Round, the competing teams demonstrated thorough preparation, strong competitive spirit, and increasingly refined legal reasoning skills. As a result, eight outstanding teams were selected to advance to the Oral Rounds of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Moot Court Competition 2025.

The Oral Rounds were honored to receive the support and participation of a distinguished Panel of Arbitrators comprising legal professionals with extensive practical experience in the legal field. The Panel of Arbitrators included Mr. Nguyen Huu Phu, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Law and Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Trinh Hai Yen, Faculty of International Law, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, FCIArb, Arbitrator at the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC); Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, National Economics University; Mr. Nguyen Hoang Anh Linh, Senior Manager, EY Law Vietnam; Mr. Doan Nhat Minh, Senior Associate, Vilaf; Mr. Hoang Le Quan, Senior Associate, Lexcomm; Ms. Nguyen Anh Huong, Senior Associate, IDVN; Mr. Hoang Ngoc Quan, Associate, Baker McKenzie; Mr. Le Thanh Hieu, Associate, LNT & Partners; Mr. Do Duy Hung, Investment Management Specialist, Viettel Group; Ms. Nguyen Mai Huong, Legal Counsel, FPT USA Corp and Champion of FDI Moot Vietnam 2019; Ms. Nguyen Mai Huong, Official at the National Boundary Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Chu Le Minh Duong, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Viet Nam and Runner-up of FDI Moot Vietnam 2020; and Ms. Nhung Pham, Policy Analyst at Asia Group Advisors and Runner-up of FDI Moot Vietnam 2020.

At the Final Round, the Competition was honored by the presence of leaders from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Faculty of International Law. Representing the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the event was attended by Mr. Nguyen Manh Dong, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. Representing the Faculty of International Law, the ceremony was attended by Mr. Tran Huu Duy Minh and Dr. Ngo Thi Trang, Vice Deans of the Faculty of International Law.

Throughout the Oral Rounds, the teams demonstrated strong research capabilities and sharp legal reasoning, effectively applying their knowledge of international law and oral advocacy skills in English within a highly professional simulated setting. At the conclusion of the Quarterfinals, four outstanding teams advanced to the Semifinals, namely Team 01 - DAESANG, Team 11 - POLARIS, Team 23 - BONA FIDE, and Team 24 - DOLZER. During the Semifinal Round, the Mooters delivered compelling oral arguments, showcasing sharp rebuttals and confident courtroom demeanor before the Panel of Arbitrators. Following careful deliberation and objective evaluation, the two best-performing teams of the season were selected to advance to the Final Round: Team 11 - POLARIS and Team 23 - BONA FIDE.

The Final Round of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Moot Court Competition 2025 marked the pinnacle of the tournament, where the finalist teams fully demonstrated the advocacy skills, legal acumen, and analytical thinking honed throughout the competition. With persuasive legal arguments, a coherent approach to the issues, and strong teamwork, Team 11 - POLARIS impressed the Panel of Arbitrators and was officially crowned Champion of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Moot Court Competition 2025. The winning team members were Le Kim Ngoc Minh, Le Thi Hien Hanh, Pham Thi Quynh Anh, Tran Nguyen Chuong, and Tran Thao Vy.

In addition to the Champion and Runner-up titles, several special awards were presented to recognize outstanding efforts and achievements throughout the competition. The Runner-up title was awarded to Team 23 - BONA FIDE; the Best Advocate award was presented to Nguyen Ngoc Linh (Team 23 - BONA FIDE); the Best Written Submission for Claimant award was awarded to Team 11 - POLARIS; the Best Written Submission for Respondent award went to Team 01 - DAESANG; and the Most Favorite Team award was presented to Team 06 - AVENTUS.

The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Moot Court Competition 2025 concluded successfully, leaving a strong impression of academic rigor, a professional advocacy training environment, and the remarkable development of the participating Mooters. The Organizing Committee extends its sincere appreciation to the Panel of Arbitrators, the lecturers of the Faculty of International Law, and all students and participants whose dedication and enthusiasm contributed to the success of this year’s competition./.