Expanding international relations is of key importance for our university, as it facilitates cross-border exchange of knowledge and innovation while reinforcing global cooperation. “The first-ever Hungarian-Malaysian Rectors’ Forum aimed to establish academic and educational ties with one of the fastest-growing nations in the Southeast Asian region and to initiate as many professional collaborations as possible,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács regarding the delegation’s visit in mid-February.
“I consider it essential to maintain close and fruitful relations with the East Asian region and its leading higher education institutions. The Rectors’ Forum not only enhanced our university’s international visibility but also provided a platform to discuss best practices, innovations, and future directions for development,” said the Rector.
The delegation visited several universities, including Sunway University, one of Malaysia’s leading private institutions. To foster joint research projects and academic exchange programs, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prof. Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University. Sunway focuses on addressing key global challenges through high-impact research while offering a diverse and high-quality education from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

At INTI International University, the Rector of Obuda University reaffirmed an agreement with Rector Joseph Lee, covering student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, dual-degree programs, and collaborative conferences. This agreement builds on discussions held during an institutional visit to Obuda University last October. INTI collaborates with over 1,000 industry partners worldwide and is one of Malaysia’s top private universities, offering fully online and research-based postgraduate programs across Asia.

“Gaining international experience and building relationships is a key objective for us. One of the primary goals of our visit to Malaysia was to explore the best practices of rapidly developing universities in the East Asian region,” stated the Rector. He further added, “During our trip, we also had the opportunity to visit other outstanding international higher education institutions, including Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, and University Teknologi Petronas.”
The insights gained from these leading institutions reaffirmed that their leadership is deeply committed to high-quality education, supporting entrepreneurship, and conducting research that addresses critical global issues. They strive for excellence in multidisciplinary research, aiming to become top-tier institutions both locally and globally. These universities have meticulously developed strategies to advance innovation, critical thinking, and global competitiveness, demonstrating their ability to anticipate and respond swiftly to the rapidly changing demands of the world.
“At every university visited during the Hungarian-Malaysian Rectors’ Forum, I observed a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning ecosystem that maximizes student opportunities while ensuring that education remains highly relevant to industry practices,” Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács concluded.