KOTA KINABALU — Sabah and Hungary are exploring potential strategic cooperation in several fields, including education, agriculture, green technology, biodiversity research, medical technology, culture and tourism, to strengthen bilateral ties and support the state’s development.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this when receiving a courtesy call from Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Sándor Sipos at Menara Kinabalu here today.
“Sabah welcomes the visit and hopes that the friendly ties between Hungary and the state will continue to strengthen through the exploration of potential strategic cooperation in various fields for the benefit of Sabah and its people,” he said.
Hajiji said the visit could open up more opportunities for the exchange of expertise, technology and experience between both sides, particularly in areas that could support economic development and improve the well-being of Sabahans.
“I also hope that the potential areas of cooperation identified will translate into closer ties and collaborative opportunities that will bring long-term benefits to Sabah, particularly in education, agriculture, green technology, biodiversity research, medical technology, culture and tourism,” he said.
On education, Hajiji expressed hope that more Sabahans would benefit from the 40 scholarships offered annually by the Hungarian Government to Malaysian students, including those from Sabah, under the Stipendium Hungaricum programme.
The scholarships cover Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.
Reach More Customers.
Promote your business with Labuan Times.
Advertise Now →
Meanwhile, Sándor said Hungary planned to organise a scientific expedition to Sabah next year in collaboration with Hungarian and Malaysian scientists and universities to explore research opportunities and commemorate the contributions of Hungarian scientist Franz Xaver Witti, who conducted expeditions in the state during the 19th century.
He said the expedition would strengthen cooperation in scientific research and cultural heritage, with a book on Sabah and Witti’s contributions to the state’s history to be published following the initiative.
Sándor said Hungary’s historical connections with Sabah were also reflected in several geographical names associated with Hungarian figures, including the Witti Range in the Sandakan area and Andrassy Hill in Tawau.
He also identified opportunities to deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education and research.
Sándor said the Hungarian Government offered 40 scholarships annually to Malaysian students in various fields, with more than 600 courses available in English.
He added that he would work towards promoting Sabah as a tourist destination in Hungary, highlighting the state’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Earlier, Sándor paid a courtesy call on Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman on June 30 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic development cooperation between Hungary and Sabah.
On May 30, he also met Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar to discuss potential cooperation in agricultural modernisation, research, innovation and sustainable agricultural development.
