Semmelweis University and Malaysia’s UCSI University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 August 2026. The partnership marks a new chapter in Semmelweis University’s relations with Southeast Asia, as UCSI University is its first higher education partner in Malaysia. During the two-day visit, the two institutions discussed opportunities for cooperation in education, research and clinical practice, while the delegation also gained first-hand insight into the work of several departments and clinical units at Semmelweis University.
The UCSI University delegation consisted of Prof. Ir. Dr. Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university’s Springhill Campus, and Prof. Dr. Mogana Sundari Rajagopal, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The establishment of the partnership and the delegation’s visit were also actively supported by Norafizan Bin Mustaffa, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Hungary, who highlighted the importance of educational cooperation in further strengthening relations between the two countries.
Founded in 1986, UCSI University is one of Malaysia’s leading private universities, with campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Springhill, as well as a growing international presence. With more than 12,000 students, the university offers over 150 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in fields of medicine and health sciences, pharmacy, engineering and business.
On the first day of the visit, the delegation was welcomed by representatives of the Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs of Semmelweis University. During the institutional presentations, the two sides discussed their education and research structures, internationalisation strategies and potential areas for future cooperation. The meeting also addressed Semmelweis University’s growing international student community and expanding global network. UCSI University similarly has a strong international outlook, with a highly diverse student body and an extensive network of international partners. The two institutions also share similarities in their development trajectories and positions in international university rankings, providing a solid foundation for longer-term cooperation in education and research.
As part of the professional programme, the delegation gained a closer insight into pharmaceutical education and research at Semmelweis University. Dr. Tamás Tábi, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented the Faculty’s educational and research profile, followed by a visit to the Department of Pharmaceutics, where the guests were welcomed by Dr. Emese Bertalanné Balogh. The programme then continued at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, where Director Dr. Zsolt Molnár introduced the delegation to the unit’s clinical, educational and professional activities.
The cooperation agreement was formally signed on 13 August in the Senate Hall of Semmelweis University. On behalf of Semmelweis University, the agreement was signed by Dr. Éva Feketéné Szabó, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Development. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their intention to translate the new institutional partnership into concrete educational and research activities.
Potential areas of cooperation include student and faculty mobility, joint research projects, participation in international funding programmes, as well as collaboration in pharmaceutical and health sciences. UCSI University’s practice-oriented educational model, its own teaching hospital and extensive international network offer several points of connection that could provide a basis for joint educational and research initiatives in the future.
The partnership provides a concrete foundation for further developing Semmelweis University’s relations in Malaysia and opens new opportunities for cooperation between the two institutions.
Gallery
