Created: 2025.12.02. 16:07
Students of Széchenyi István University recently had the opportunity to attend a professional lecture in English focussing on the diplomatic and business processes of Southeast Asia. The speakers were Edit Kerekes, former Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore, and Enikő Bartha, CEO of Sundance Group International. The event showcased the University’s expanding research and institutional partnerships with countries in the region.
Széchenyi István University recently hosted a professional programme in English titled “South-East Asia through Multiple Lenses: EU/Hungary South-East Asian Strategies” The event provided up-to-date diplomatic and business insights for students interested in the region. Enikő Bartha, CEO of Sundance Group International, delivered her presentation in person, while Edit Kerekes, former Chargé d’affaires at Hungary’s Embassy in Singapore, joined online.
The presentations were particularly timely, as Southeast Asia has become one of the most dynamically developing regions of the global economy in recent decades. With its stable business environment, technological innovation and rapid growth, the region holds strategic significance for both the European Union and Hungary. The programme offered a comprehensive overview of how these developments shape diplomacy, foreign economic relations and international business.
Győr-born Enikő Bartha spoke about the intersection of international business and diplomacy. Over the course of her career, she has worked at Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at the EU Delegations in Singapore and Tel Aviv, as well as in the international diamond industry. “Diplomacy, business and human relations are inseparable. Success is built on mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build bridges between different worlds,” she emphasized. Students gained an insight into how EU and Hungarian relations are formed in Southeast Asia, what business opportunities the region offers, and why a diplomatic approach centred on human relationships and trust is essential.
Edit Kerekes offered a look into the workings of Singaporean diplomacy, the representation of Hungarian interests, and the importance of education diplomacy. She highlighted the key role of scholarship programmes such as Stipendium Hungaricum in strengthening ties between Hungary and Southeast Asia. “Scholarship students coming to our country not only exchange knowledge but also build strong connections between nations. This is the most valuable investment in the future. Academic cooperation, joint research projects and an inclusive environment all contribute to a country’s visibility and professional reputation,” she noted.
Edit Kerekes, former Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore, also emphasized the role of education diplomacy in her online lecture (Photo: Máté Dudás)
In recent years, the University has significantly expanded its Southeast Asian network. It recently hosted a high-level diplomatic meeting with ambassadors from the region to explore potential collaborations in higher education, research and innovation. In addition, a new partnership has begun with Professor Srinivasan Madhavi of Singapore’s world-renowned Nanyang Technological University (NTU), focussing on energy storage and battery recycling. Joint research efforts and planned laboratory developments further demonstrate the institution’s dynamic role in scientific and innovation cooperation with the region.
The event “South-East Asia through Multiple Lenses: EU/Hungary South-East Asian Strategies” attracted strong interest among students. (Photo: Gergely Nagy)
