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    Sunway University hosts forum on Hungary, Hungarian Culture; marking start of collaboration with Hungarian universities

    The ‘Brief Introduction to Hungary and Hungarians’ forum held in Sunway University is part of an intercultural communication learning and research project between Sunway University and three Hungarian universities, University of Debrecen, University of Miskolc, and University of Nyíregyháza.

    Sunway University is broadening its collaboration with European universities, including those from Central and Eastern Europe, to increase its presence in the region as a key research partner and education provider. The university will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with these three Hungarian universities to enable research and teaching collaborations, staff and student exchange in the next three years.

    Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies Stephen J Hall commented that “applying globally relevant skills depends on building cross-cultural competencies. In an increasingly digital world such competencies need to be built through cross cultural education such as we are developing in collaboration with select Hungarian universities. Today is the beginning of collaboration between Sunway University and three Hungarian universities, with students’ cross-cultural communication skills in mind”.

    The Hungarian partners are equally committed to broadening their international relations, said Dr Magda Ajtay-Horvath Head of Department, University of Nyiregyhaza, which was echoed by Dr Agnes Magnucz-Godo from the University of Miskolc. She said that the cooperation provided “a framework to organise joint projects with our students and share experience and expertise concerning good practices in the two institutions”. Dr Balazs Venkovits from Debrecen University also applauded the joint projects as “excellent opportunities for students to improve their intercultural and communication skills, and to acquire an international experience”.

    The forum introduced students and staff of Sunway University to the nation of Hungary, Hungarian culture and educational collaborations between the two countries. Hungary’s Ambassador to Malaysia, her excellency Dr Petra Ponevács-Pana was part of the panel and talked about scholarships the Hungarian government offers for Malaysian students in the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum scheme. She said: “In Hungary the internationalization of higher education has reached outstanding achievements. The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship program- established in 2014- is the flagship state project of the student mobility platform of Hungary, including 60 countries and 12,000 students around the world. As part of this programme, the Hungarian government offers 40 full time educational scholarships for Malaysian students at undergraduate, masters, and doctorate levels”.

    Professor Elizabeth Lee, CEO of Sunway Education Group, said “this event marks the beginning of exciting collaborations between Sunway University and Hungarian Higher Education Institutions. I believe that such endeavours will greatly contribute to the development of joint teaching, learning and research projects that benefit both countries.”