Created: 2025.07.30. 12:26
Széchenyi István University has launched a strategic dialogue with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deepen collaborations in higher education, research, and innovation. In this spirit, the ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and representatives of the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in Hungary visited Győr, expressing openness towards the University’s initiative.
Széchenyi István University recently welcomed the diplomatic representatives of several Southeast Asian countries at its Innovation Park in Győr, with the aim of jointly exploring future cooperation opportunities in higher education, research, and innovation. During the programme, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations, provided a comprehensive overview of the institution’s objectives, international ambitions, and the role of global university rankings – such as Quacquarelli Symonds and Times Higher Education – in enhancing global visibility and partnership networks. She emphasised that Széchenyi University is ranked by both organisations, as well as in six other rankings. According to her, these evaluations not only provide feedback on the institution’s performance but also play an increasingly important role in developing scientific cooperation, joint publications, and dual degree programmes.
Dr Lukács’s presentation placed strong emphasis on the fields in which the University is particularly strong internationally. These include STEM areas – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and research – as well as sustainability, digitalisation, health technologies, and close collaboration with industrial partners. “STEM is a universal language that can serve as a bridge between cultures, economies, and scientific communities. It is through this that we can truly connect with each other,” the Vice President. Remarked. “Széchenyi University aims to establish partnerships with the Southeast Asian region based on shared values, mutual recognition, and common responses to global challenges.”
Participants of the meeting at Széchenyi István University’s Innovation Park in Győr (Photo: András Adorján)
The ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and representatives of Embassies present confirmed their openness to cooperation. Maria Elena P. Algabre, Ambassador of the Philippines, stated that Széchenyi University’s focus on research, innovation, and technology transfer aligns with ASEAN’s vision of inclusive and sustainable development.
“This visit helps us better understand the areas in which the Győr-based institution excels. Széchenyi István University’s clear advantage lies in its STEM focus, which could form the basis for establishing links with Malaysian institutions,” said Vanitha Gopalakrishnan, Chargé d’Affaires of Malaysia in Budapest, who was one of the initiators of the event. She highlighted that the University’s practical approach and openness to international relations inspires confidence among ASEAN delegations and may contribute to the launch of long-term collaborations.
“One of the most important messages of the event was that enduring and effective partnerships require more than just declarations of intent – real cooperation is needed, with concrete programmes, shared goals, and committed professional communities,” explained Dr Lukács. She added that, as a result of the meeting, the University will actively seek out Asian institutions with which to launch double degree programmes, international research projects, or scholarship schemes.
