KUCHING: Hungary has expressed clear commitment to increase its involvement in Sarawak more actively and comprehensively through various strategic initiatives comprising tourism, education, research and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia Dr Sandos Sipos said this involvement will open a new chapter in strengthening bilateral relations with a more structured approach.

“For the future, the question is how Hungary can participate more actively and more visibly in Kuching, where in June this year we will organise an event together with the Sarawak State Library.

“Hungary also intends to participate in several programmes organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board such as the jazz festival in December, and potentially the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) next year by bringing Hungarian music and dance groups to Kuching,” he said.

He said this in a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex on Wednesday.

In terms of education, Hungary is also committed to strengthening cooperation by offering 40 scholarships to Malaysian students to pursue degree studies in English, in addition to expanding the network of cooperation between higher education institutions for both parties.

“We have also identified a potential area of research in the field of biodiversity, namely how Sarawak’s extraordinary and unique natural environment as a biodiversity hotspot, with a healthy lifestyle and long-life expectancy, as well as very rich cultural opportunities, can be explored and utilised,” he added.

In a similar development, both parties agreed to explore organising a joint exhibition between the Hungary Museum of Ethnography and the Borneo Cultures Museum next year as a platform to strengthen cultural ties.

Also present during the courtesy visit were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarawak Regional Office Dato Fenny Nuli and MTCP Deputy Permanent Secretary Julin Alen. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Jonnie Kiew
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Nerissa Sia