The Hungarian Embassy in Vientiane hosted the 5th annual alumni meeting for Lao graduates of the Stipendium Hungaricum programme.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on August 27, the event brought together 70 former students, government officials, and special guests to celebrate shared experiences and lifelong connections.
Ambassador László Takács welcomed attendees and highlighted the role of SH alumni as “cultural ambassadors” who strengthen ties between Hungary and Laos. Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the value of Hungarian education in shaping Laos’s future.
The gathering featured heartfelt reflections from alumni, including Vixaty Phompanya businessman, one of the first Laotian SH scholars, and Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, Country Representative of UNICEF Laos, who studied in Hungary through Erasmus Mundus. Their stories showcased how Hungarian academic experiences continue to influence careers in government, business, and international organizations.
Prior to the closing reception — inspired by the success of a similar game held last year — participants were surprised with a 20-question quiz titled “Who knows the most about Hungary?” Where winners received books and Hungarian wines as prizes. The event also served to update the alumni database and encourage engagement through the Alumni Network Hungary and the Laos-Hungary Alumni Facebook page.
The atmosphere was warm, nostalgic, and inspiring proof that the bonds formed in Hungary continue to thrive across borders and years.
Interested in joining similar events? Be sure to check your inbox—future invitations may arrive via the Alumni Network Hungary platform, keeping you connected to fellow graduates and upcoming gatherings.