KOTA KINABALU 12 November 2026
Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Sándor Sipos will promote Sabah as a tourist destination in Hungary.
He cited the state’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Sipos said this during a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Menara Kinabalu.
He said Hungary sees scope for closer ties in culture, tourism, education and research.
Hungary plans a scientific expedition to Sabah next year. Hungarian and Malaysian scientists and universities will take part.
The expedition will explore research opportunities. It will also honour Hungarian scientist Franz Xaver Witti, who explored Sabah in the 19th century.
It will end with a book on Sabah and Witti’s contribution to the state’s history.
Sipos said Hungary’s historic ties to Sabah live on in place names. They include the Witti Range near Sandakan and Andrassy Hill in Tawau.
Hajiji listed education, agriculture, green technology, biodiversity research, medical technology, culture and tourism as areas for cooperation.
He said he hoped the visit would lead to exchanges of expertise, technology and experience. These, he said, could support economic development and improve Sabahans’ well-being.
Hajiji also urged more Sabahans to study in Hungary.
Hungary offers 40 scholarships a year to Malaysian students, including Sabahans, under the Stipendium Hungaricum programme.
The scholarships cover bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. More than 600 courses are taught in English.
