The event was opened by Miklós Lengyel, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who emphasized that this day was not only a celebration of academic success but also a reminder that every alumnus remains an integral part of Hungary’s extended community.
Miklós Lengyel, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Following his speech, Richárd Bodrogi, General Director of the Tempus Public Foundation, warmly welcomed the new graduates and highlighted the lasting significance of international education and alumni engagement through Alumni Network Hungary — the largest alumni community for international students who have studied in Hungary.
Richárd Bodrogi, General Director of the Tempus Public Foundation
An inspiring moment of the event was the keynote speech by Agra Adipta, an alumnus from Indonesia and now a Biofuel Compliance Analyst at ExxonMobil Hungary. In sharing his personal journey, he highlighted the transformative power of the Stipendium Hungaricum and the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship programmes and the lasting impact it has had on his academic and professional life.
Agra Adipta, an alumnus from Indonesia and Biofuel Compliance Analyst at ExxonMobil Hungary
Following the keynote speech, students from the University of Szeged—singers Ange Kato and Lilya Kurogi, accompanied by pianist Sonoko Asaoka—delivered a heart-warming musical performance. Their program included an English song, a Japanese classic, and a traditional Hungarian folk tune, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the alumni community.
Ange Kato and Lilya Kurogi, accompanied by pianist Sonoko Asaoka
The programme then featured video messages from Hungarian ambassadors abroad, with warm congratulations and encouragement to stay connected. On-site, twelve embassies were represented, reflecting the event’s international scope.
The event continued with the introduction of dedicated alumni volunteers whose ongoing work strengthens the global alumni network. Both seasoned and new volunteers shared inspiring mottos and stories, symbolizing the spirit of community and service.
Volunteers of Alumni Network Hungary
In the second half of the event, the Networking Expo offered newly graduated alumni a valuable opportunity to expand their professional connections. Held over the course of an hour, the expo brought together a diverse group of participants. Alumni engaged directly with representatives from 12 embassies, reinforcing diplomatic ties and opening doors to future international cooperation.
In addition, attendees connected with alumni offices of their Hungarian universities, the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy, and the Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Candidates (DOSZ), alongside key organizations supporting international alumni. These included AlumniHU-KZ, the alumni network for Kazakh graduates of Hungarian universities, and the GiLE Foundation, which supports the personal and professional development of international students and young professionals in Hungary.
The expo also featured information about the Practice Your Hungarian Language program—an initiative designed to help international students and alumni learn and polish their Hungarian language skills. Serving as a dynamic space for dialogue and resource sharing, the expo fostered collaboration and deepened the sense of belonging within Hungary’s academic and professional communities.
As the Europa Ship cruised along the Danube, the day concluded with a joyful farewell reception. This inaugural fest was more than a celebration—it was a significant moment in strengthening bonds across cultures.
The message was clear: your journey with Hungary does not end at graduation—it continues through connection, community, and shared experience.
We connect. We belong. And together, we go further.
