"In today's globalized world, education needs an open approach that integrates different cultures and meets the diverse needs of students from around the world," said Junkai Ma, the President of Wekerle Sándor Business School.
The landscape of education is rapidly changing, driven by globalization and the increasing demand for cross-cultural competence. Amidst this dynamic environment, Wekerle Sándor Business School in Hungary has embarked on a transformative journey under the ownership of Chinese educational investors, introduced Lili Mezző, a student at MCC and an intern in the Learning Institute's "Learning from Asia" project, who was the moderator of the June 6th event.
Junkai Ma explained that the university's mission is to create learning opportunities and deliver high-quality education, emphasizing the importance of corporate relations and practical training with enterprises and their business partners. "Our activities aim to benefit society and support the development of Hungarian and European scientific and economic life."
According to János Setényi, the Director of the Learning Institute, the starting point of this journey was the strategic decision of Chinese investors to expand their educational footprint into Europe, choosing Hungary as their first destination. This decision was informed by Hungary's strategic location, strong bilateral relations with China, and its esteemed reputation for educational excellence. The convergence of Chinese investment and Hungarian educational expertise created a symbiosis, blending Eastern and Western educational philosophies to create a unique learning environment.
By prioritizing the needs of its diverse staff and student body and fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity, and effective communication, the school created an environment conducive to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Furthermore, the school recognized the importance of understanding market dynamics and articulating a clear vision for its future trajectory.
An integral part of the school's mission is its commitment to student recruitment and cultural exchange programs, through which it provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for global diversity.
The collaboration with its Chinese owners is characterized by effective communication and mutual influence, with both sides working together to achieve shared goals. While the involvement of international staff, including professors from Asia, is currently limited, the school is open to this idea and acknowledges the value that diverse perspectives bring to its educational offerings.
According to Professor Gábor Halász, a senior researcher at the Learning Institute, the transformative journey of Wekerle Sándor Business School exemplifies the transformative power of globalization in education. By embracing collaboration, adaptation, and cultural exchange, the school has redefined the contours of international education and positioned itself as a beacon of innovation and excellence in preparing students for success on the global stage. As it continues to evolve and adapt to changing realities, the school serves as a testament to the transformative potential of cross-cultural collaboration in shaping the future of education
