Obuda University Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Obuda University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), one of Malaysia’s leading engineering and technology universities, at the Embassy of Malaysia in Budapest on November 5, 2026. The agreement lays the foundation for student and staff mobility, research internships and joint research in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, energy systems and smart grid technologies.
The meeting was hosted by the Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Malaysia in Budapest, Norafizan Mustaffa. Opening the meeting, he emphasized that the aim is not simply to sign documents but to launch initiatives that bring real results for the universities and for educational relations between Malaysia and Hungary. Ludovika University of Public Service, represented by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Pier Paolo Pigozzi, also signed an agreement with UTP at the event.
UTP was founded in 1997 by PETRONAS, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company. The university focuses on pioneering technologies and innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and its alumni network numbers more than 25,000 worldwide. In the 2026 rankings, UTP placed 251st in the QS World University Rankings, in the 201–250 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and 43rd in the THE Asia University Rankings.
Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács recalled the Obuda University delegation’s visit to Malaysia two years ago and his close ties to the region. “It is a privilege to meet you and to have the opportunity to sign an MoU with you. We are looking forward to collaborating,” he said.
Nor Adela Dinyati, Director of Student Mobility at UTP explained that the university’s main goals is full internationalization: every undergraduate student should gain international experience during their studies, through short study tours, exchange semesters or placements. UTP students also complete a seven-month internship, which can take place in industry (including the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in Brackley, UK) or as research assistants in university laboratories. She invited Obuda University to offer such opportunities, noting that this is UTP’s first partnership with Hungarian universities.
The partnership has developed quickly over recent months. Following an initial meeting in May and online talks in October, the partners identified student and staff mobility, research internships, joint R&D projects, the Pannonia Scholarship Program, and specialized and micro-credential programs as key areas of cooperation. Shared research interests include robotics, artificial intelligence, Industrial IoT, energy systems, smart grid technologies, distributed energy, and hydrogen and nuclear energy.
As next steps, the universities will prepare a Pannonia mobility agreement and align their research topics and laboratory opportunities, with the aim of launching concrete mobility, research and education programs.
A partner with a strong engineering profile
UTP was founded in 1997 by PETRONAS, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company. The university focuses on pioneering technologies and innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and its alumni network numbers more than 25,000 worldwide. In the 2026 rankings, UTP placed 251st in the QS World University Rankings, in the 201–250 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and 43rd in the THE Asia University Rankings.
Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács recalled the Obuda University delegation’s visit to Malaysia two years ago and his close ties to the region. “It is a privilege to meet you and to have the opportunity to sign an MoU with you. We are looking forward to collaborating,” he said.
Every UTP student abroad
Nor Adela Dinyati, Director of Student Mobility at UTP explained that the university’s main goals is full internationalization: every undergraduate student should gain international experience during their studies, through short study tours, exchange semesters or placements. UTP students also complete a seven-month internship, which can take place in industry (including the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in Brackley, UK) or as research assistants in university laboratories. She invited Obuda University to offer such opportunities, noting that this is UTP’s first partnership with Hungarian universities.
Next steps
The partnership has developed quickly over recent months. Following an initial meeting in May and online talks in October, the partners identified student and staff mobility, research internships, joint R&D projects, the Pannonia Scholarship Program, and specialized and micro-credential programs as key areas of cooperation. Shared research interests include robotics, artificial intelligence, Industrial IoT, energy systems, smart grid technologies, distributed energy, and hydrogen and nuclear energy.
As next steps, the universities will prepare a Pannonia mobility agreement and align their research topics and laboratory opportunities, with the aim of launching concrete mobility, research and education programs.
