Six Southeast Asian countries presented their traditions, cuisine and cultural heritage at ASEAN Day 2026 in Pécs on 11 November. Organised by the Embassy of Indonesia in Budapest, fellow ASEAN embassies and the University of Pécs, the event aimed to strengthen cultural and diplomatic connections between Southeast Asia and Hungary.
Held at the university’s Faculty of Humanities and Law under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together”, the programme was aligned with the Philippines’ current chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The day-long event brought together six participating embassies: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Their representatives introduced visitors to their countries through cultural displays, traditional clothing, tourism information and food.
Southeast Asian cuisine and traditions take centre stage
The country’s exhibition booths opened at midday, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the diversity of Southeast Asia without leaving Pécs.
Food was an important part of the programme, with the participating embassies preparing authentic dishes and snacks for guests. Indonesian specialities included Indomie noodles, klepon (green sticky rice balls) and tahu isi (stuffed tofu). Visitors could also sample Lao stir-fried noodles and traditional Filipino pastries.
The cultural displays and culinary offerings gave students and other attendees an opportunity to discover the participating countries’ traditions and everyday culture.
Make things easier with professional support in English. Explore Daily News Hungary’s Services in English and find the help you need.
ASEAN diplomats discuss international relations with students
Beyond the cultural programme, ASEAN Day also included an academic roundtable discussion incorporated into an international relations course at the University of Pécs.
Heads of Mission from the participating ASEAN countries spoke with students about Southeast Asia’s position amid global changes in the 21st century and relations between ASEAN and the European Union.
The diplomats also shared personal experiences from their foreign service careers, offering practical advice to students interested in pursuing a future in diplomacy.
During the discussion, Indonesia’s ambassador emphasised that diplomacy extends far beyond official meetings and formal receptions, highlighting the importance of personal connections between people.
The ambassador also spoke about the adaptability and emotional resilience required in diplomatic careers, explaining that diplomats and their families often have to relocate every few years and adjust to entirely different cultural environments.
Don’t miss this: Indonesia’s super priority tourism destinations spotlighted in Budapest to boost Hungarian travel ties
Traditional performances celebrate ASEAN diversity
The programme concluded with a series of traditional cultural performances featuring students and members of the participating communities.
One of the highlights was Indonesia’s energetic Poco-poco dance, performed by a nine-member troupe. Traditional dances from Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam also featured, showcasing the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
Through its combination of cultural exhibitions, culinary experiences, academic discussions and performances, ASEAN Day offered the university community an opportunity to learn more about Southeast Asia while strengthening connections between the region and Hungary.
