Kota Kinabalu: Hungary is offering 40 scholarships annually to Malaysian students, including those from Sabah, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and strategic development.
Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Sándor Sipos said education remains a key pillar of relations between Hungary and Malaysia, with the country keen to encourage more students from Sabah to pursue their studies there.
“The Hungarian government offers 40 scholarships every year to Malaysian students to pursue undergraduate, master’s and doctoral (PhD) programmes conducted in English,” he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Head of State Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Tuesday.
“We hope more students from Sabah will take advantage of the opportunity before returning to contribute to the state’s development.
Beyond education, Dr Sipos said Hungary also sees potential for cooperation with Sabah in medical devices, biodiversity and trade.
He was pleased to return to Sabah after his first visit during the Kaamatan Festival, describing the state as rich in cultural diversity and heritage, with warm and welcoming people.
Meanwhile, he said the Embassy of Hungary is planning to organise a scientific expedition to Sabah this August to commemorate the contributions of Hungarian researcher Franz Xaver Witti, who conducted research in Kudat and Kota Marudu in the late 19th century.
The expedition will also include visits to the Witti Range in Sandakan and Andrassy Hill in Tawau, both named after Hungarian figures, reflecting long-standing historical ties between Hungary and Sabah.
