Compass in a Changing World – Óbuda University at the THE Asia Summit
At the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Universities Summit 2026, hosted in partnership with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Obuda University was represented by rector, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, in a high-level, invite-only Presidents’ meeting on the future of higher education leadership.
The session brought together rectors from a distinguished group of universities (THE rankings), including the University of Sydney (53), the University of Bristol (80), Sunway University (301–350), Universitas Pelita Harapan (401–600), Ewha Womans University (501–600), Obuda University (601–800), Universitas Indonesia (800–1000), and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (801–1000).
Held under the theme “Igniting global transformation: Asia’s leadership”, the summit explored how universities respond to disruption while shaping long-term societal progress. In the invite-only session “The steward’s compass: Cultivating legacy in an age of disruption”, Rector Kovács addressed the challenge of maintaining institutional values in a changing environment. He emphasised that universities must remain anchored in public service rather than political cycles, ensuring academic independence while continuing to serve social development through education and research. Reflecting on institutional identity, he highlighted that Obuda University combines long-standing academic roots with the agility of a modern institution, having been established as a university in 2010. This dual perspective enables both stability in values and flexibility in strategy.
Responding to a question on leadership legacy, Rector Kovács identified three areas that a future rector could build upon: advancing internationalisation, strengthening global visibility, and the targeted allocation of resources to strategically prioritised research and development areas. These actions support the university’s ambition to achieve its goals and further enhance its performance in international rankings, particularly within the Times Higher Education framework.
Obuda University was also present at the event with an exhibition booth, providing an opportunity to engage with international partners, showcase its educational and research achievements, attract international students, and present its innovation ecosystem, while further strengthening its strategic global presence, particularly in Asia..
Held under the theme “Igniting global transformation: Asia’s leadership”, the summit explored how universities respond to disruption while shaping long-term societal progress. In the invite-only session “The steward’s compass: Cultivating legacy in an age of disruption”, Rector Kovács addressed the challenge of maintaining institutional values in a changing environment. He emphasised that universities must remain anchored in public service rather than political cycles, ensuring academic independence while continuing to serve social development through education and research. Reflecting on institutional identity, he highlighted that Obuda University combines long-standing academic roots with the agility of a modern institution, having been established as a university in 2010. This dual perspective enables both stability in values and flexibility in strategy.
Responding to a question on leadership legacy, Rector Kovács identified three areas that a future rector could build upon: advancing internationalisation, strengthening global visibility, and the targeted allocation of resources to strategically prioritised research and development areas. These actions support the university’s ambition to achieve its goals and further enhance its performance in international rankings, particularly within the Times Higher Education framework.
Obuda University was also present at the event with an exhibition booth, providing an opportunity to engage with international partners, showcase its educational and research achievements, attract international students, and present its innovation ecosystem, while further strengthening its strategic global presence, particularly in Asia..
