The Flame Challenge 2025 – Rise of Stars Grand Finale: An Academic English Arena for UFM Students
The Flame Challenge 2025, organized by the English Club under the Institute of Finance & Banking Technology, University of Finance & Marketing, officially entered its most important stage—the Grand Finale—on 09/11/2025. This is the third consecutive season of the competition, reaffirming its prestige as an in‑depth academic arena that enables students to develop English proficiency for academic and practical application. After two successful seasons, The Flame Challenge has become an annual event eagerly anticipated by many students. The competition not only consolidates language knowledge but also creates conditions for students to practice critical thinking, presentation, analysis, and problem‑framing—key competencies for study and future careers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi My Linh – Director of the Institute of Finance & Banking Technology – delivers the opening remarks
The Flame Challenge owes its success to the strong companionship and sponsorship of DOL IELTS Dinh Luc. With its academic‑English training oriented around logical thinking (Linear Thinking), DOL has become a reputable institution attracting many learners thanks to its effective, distinctive methodology. DOL’s support gave contestants greater access to a professional learning environment, helping them improve foreign‑language proficiency and personal development—one of the key factors that defined this year’s season.
In addition, the companionship and support of lecturers from the Institute of Finance & Banking Technology helped nurture a generation of courageous, knowledgeable, and internationally integrated students, contributing to the training of high‑quality human resources for the finance sector in particular and society in general.
MSc. Pham Cong Nhat – National Communications Director of DOL IELTS Dinh Luc – served on the judging panel and, as sponsor representative, presented awards to the teams
The competition consisted of three rounds, designed to assess English‑language ability from foundational to applied levels:
• Round 1 – Online English Multiple‑Choice Test
Conducted via MS Forms, Round 1 attracted over 500 contestants from various faculties/institutes. The test focused on grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning in English. The highest‑scoring contestants advanced to Round 2 and were grouped into teams for continued competition.
• Round 2 – Presentation and Debate
Round 2 brought together six teams to present and debate—in English—on topics in economics, finance, and banking. The structure and content assessed argumentation, critical thinking, and team coordination. Four standout teams advanced to the Grand Finale.
• Round 3 – Grand Finale
The four best teams entered the Grand Finale, presenting and debating advanced, topical academic subjects in economics and finance. Results from the final determined the champion of The Flame Challenge III – 2025.
The lineup of four teams ready for the Grand Finale
The Grand Finale took place in a formal yet vibrant atmosphere with the participation of judges, organizers, lecturers, and many cheering students. The carefully designed components allowed contestants to synthesize English knowledge, presentation skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. Beyond a knowledge contest, it was a stage for contestants’ composure, agility, and adaptability when facing probing academic questions. Dramatic debates, sharp arguments, and persuasive, fluent English created many memorable moments.
The auditorium was packed as UFM students enthusiastically attended the Grand Finale of The Flame Challenge 2025.
After emotional performances, the judging panel selected the top‑performing team to be crowned Champion of The Flame Challenge III – 2025. The announcement moment came amid cheers and anticipation across the hall. Alongside the Champion title, the organizers also presented Second Prize, Third Prize, and Consolation Prize to acknowledge teams’ efforts and creativity. IFBT leaders and the DOL IELTS Dinh Luc representative personally delivered the awards, honoring achievements and spreading academic spirit among UFM students.
Team Nova won First Prize at The Flame Challenge 2025, affirming impressive composure, knowledge, and teamwork throughout all rounds
Team Girls was honored with Second Prize after compelling presentations and debates
Team Brainflash took Third Prize after confident, coherent performances
Team XTAR received the Consolation Prize, recognizing the team’s effort and determination throughout the competition
The Flame Challenge 2025 concluded in an exciting and emotional atmosphere. Thanks to thorough preparation, sponsorship support, and contestants’ passion, the competition was a resounding success, leaving meaningful impressions. The program received much positive feedback from students—not only about organizational quality but also about the academic value and real‑world experience it offered. The Flame Challenge continues to affirm its role as UFM’s prestigious language arena, inspiring learning and encouraging students to keep honing English proficiency in today’s integrated environment.
The Award Ceremony of The Flame Challenge III – 2025 closed in a radiant, proud atmosphere with the presence of the winning teams and the Organizing Committee
Panorama of the Grand Finale hall of The Flame Challenge 2025
English Club, Institute of Finance & Banking Technolog