MATE Strengthens Its Presence in Southeast Asia with Visits to Vietnam and Indonesia

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) continued its international student recruitment activities in Southeast Asia, taking part in education fairs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 28 October and Jakarta, Indonesia, on 2 November 2026. The visits were also an opportunity to reconnect with former students and build new partnerships in the region.​​​​​​

Southeast Asia is an important focus of MATE's internationalisation efforts. Representing the University at the two education fairs were Krisztina Zákányi from the Centre for International Strategy and Coordination and Kinga Püspökné Szabados from the Department of Foreign Language Programme Coordination. They met prospective students interested in studying abroad and introduced them to MATE's English-taught programmes, study opportunities in Hungary and international student life.

One of the highlights of the trip was a MATE alumni reunion in Ho Chi Minh City on 29 October. The gathering was hosted by Gábor Lehőcz, Hungary's Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, himself a former student of the University. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, graduates shared memories of their years in Hungary and spoke about where their careers had taken them since leaving university.

There were touching moments as old memories resurfaced, alongside plenty of reasons to celebrate the professional achievements of MATE's former students. Their stories showed how university experiences, friendships and professional connections can remain meaningful long after graduation.
The reunion also opened the door to new collaborations between MATE and its alumni. What began as an opportunity to reconnect developed into conversations about future cooperation, showing how former students can help strengthen the University's international network and create new links between Hungary and Vietnam.