KUCHING: Hungary is set to strengthen its presence in Sarawak with a stronger focus on education collaboration, including scholarships, student exchanges and closer ties between universities.
Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr. Sándor Sipos said both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the education sector, with Hungary offering 40 scholarships to Malaysians to pursue English-taught bachelor’s degree programmes.
“We will collaborate strongly in education, including scholarship and student exchange programmes, as well as university-university relations,” he told a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
Sipos added that both parties also identified potential joint research areas, particularly in biodiversity, leveraging Sarawak’s rich natural environment.
“We have identified possible areas of research in biodiversity, given Sarawak’s unique position as a biodiversity hotspot, alongside opportunities in culture, knowledge development and talent-building,” he said.
On broader cooperation, he noted that Hungary is keen to play a more active and visible role in the state, including cultural and academic engagements.
Among planned initiatives are collaborations with the Sarawak State Library and a potential exhibition involving Hungary’s Museum of Ethnography and the Borneo Cultures Museum next year.
Sipos said Hungary is also looking to participate in major tourism and cultural events in Sarawak, including the Jazz Festival this December and the Rainforest World Music Festival next year, bringing Hungarian folk music and dance performances to Kuching.
Touching on global challenges, he said Hungary is ready to work with Sarawak on climate-related issues and green initiatives.
“Climate change is a transboundary challenge, and every country must contribute. Hungary is ready to collaborate and offer solutions and innovations together with Sarawak,” he said.
He added that historical ties between Hungary and Sarawak date back over a century, noting that a Hungarian researcher had conducted studies in the region as early as the 19th century, contributing to collections now housed in Hungary’s Museum of Ethnography.
Sipos said the growing Hungarian community presence in Kuching, including families and businesses, reflects the strengthening relationship, which is expected to deepen further through education and cultural exchanges.
