Hungary was a loser in the 20th century but it is determined to be a winner in the 21st, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in a Christmas interview published in daily Magyar Idők on Monday.
“There will be elections in 2019 but we are looking to 2030. Thanks to eight years of joint efforts, we are at the start of a new era and I am convinced that not only have we set off on an upward path but we will reach our goal,” Orbán said.
Commenting on recent opposition protests, he said politics is an area where battles can be under way even on a Christmas Eve and protests are part of everyday life in a democracy. However, this does not apply to violence, destruction and vandalism, he added.
It is easy to assess the situation: the government stands for work, family and security and opposition policies stand for the opposite, Orbán said.
Calm force on one side stands against aggression, violence, support for migration and tax hikes on the other, he added.
Those that argue against the recently adopted amendment of the labour code actually argue against workers because the amendment serves workers’ interests and will result in higher wages, Orbán said. “Contrary to opposition lies,” the higher wages will have to be paid by employers monthly, the same way as it was in the past, he added.
The only move by the governing alliance’s two-thirds parliamentary majority that the opposition would be willing to support is its resignation, he said. The opposition rejected to support even the increase in home care support, they reject constructive cooperation because they want to overtake the government by all means, Orbán added. However, only the electorate has the right to remove the government and the next time this will be possible is in 2022, he added.
Commenting on the situation in Europe, he said large Western European countries were “experimenting” with developing a mixed civilisation and “they think Christian Europe should be turned into a Christian-Muslim Europe.”
Central Europe, however, has decided not to start this experiment because the risks it carries are extremely high, he added.
“We do not want our countries to be inhabited by a mixed population and therefore we are protecting our borders and oppose migration. Everyone can see that those in the west do not respect this decision of ours … They are using the Hungarian opposition as a tool. George Soros and his networks do not tolerate the omission of Central Europe from their great society-transformation experiment … The European Parliamentary elections will be a milestone in this fight because it will involve a power match between political forces that protect Christian Europe and those that support migration.
A historical situation will develop in which Hungary is fighting not only for itself but also for Christian Europe,” Orbán said.
Migration carries extreme risks and the cohabitation of civilisations involves difficulties that Europe may not be able to cope with, he added.
Demographics is a vital issue and the Hungarian government is making every effort to strengthen families because “we believe that families hold the key to the continuation of Hungarian history and the future of the nation,” he said.
“We Hungarians can only rely on ourselves. This is why we have launched a national consultation on families. I consider this the most serious issue on the agenda of Hungarian politics,” he said.
In response to a question about the possibility of an economic crisis, Orbán said “You mustn’t bury your head in the sand.” It is a genuine question to ask whether the success of the Hungarian economy can be maintained during a European or global economic crisis, he added. He said in 2008 Hungary was “among the first countries to collapse”. However, currently the Hungarian economy has strong foundations, Orbán said, adding that even if the circumstances deteriorate, Hungary’s economy will continue to perform well.
During the time of crisis, a stable government with a two-thirds majority support has increased importance because the ability to take action is an important resource, Orbán said.
“It took eight years for Hungarians to convince each other that it is worth working hard. More people hold jobs today than almost any time in the past. As a result, the Hungarian economy is shock-proof,” he said.
At the end of the 200-meter-long medley swimming, Katinka Hosszú was the first one who hit the finish line and the Danube Arena just exploded. During the World Cup in Hungary, she scored four gold and three bronze medals. The fact that she performed so well after the recess of half a year surprised even her. We were talking about the new coach and the work with the Iron Lady.
GLOBS: First of all, we would like to congratulate to you for the new medals that your collection has been expanded with. We are very proud of you! How do you feel that you have scored your 400th medal in the World Cup series?
Katinka Hosszú: Of course it’s great, who would not like it. However, I do not count my medals myself, I leave this to the press. Nevertheless, when I learned that this will be a special milestone, I wanted this important medal to be a gold one. I did my best!
GLOBS: The crowd was furious, the house was full and there were 5000 fans on the grand-stand. Could the atmosphere have been any better? People usually ask this rhetorical question. At the same time, one must realize that there is a great deal of pressure on you when swimming in front of the Hungarian audience. Do you feel this duality in yourself? Otherwise, are you only motivated by the Hungarian audience?
Katinka:
The Hungarian audience is very special. This was also recognized by foreign swimmers during the last year’s World Cup and now as well.
There is no such cheer and loudness anywhere else in the world! Competing in Hungary is always a big burden, especially to me. Everyone takes it for granted that Katinka always wins. Of course, during previous domestic competitions I have learned that I must only concentrate on swimming and on my own performance. Today, I can ignore the world around me very well. I have to admit that lately I have repeatedly wondered what is the point in what I do. I could spend my time with more meaningful things than watching the line in the pool eight hours a day. However, a competition like this is a serious reason to continue, because I receive a lot of love and feedbacks. Many people have said that I am their idol, that I give them strength and motivation for sport and everyday life. I am happy that I can give something to the people.
GLOBS: With so many gold medals from World Cups, Olympics and European Championships behind you, technically every competition is somewhat “risky”. For instance, you have scored six medals at a particular event. In case you scored only five this time, people would not understand what was happening. How can you handle the expectations of others? Do you compare your results with your best performance?
Katinka: There is no need to deal with the expectations of others. I have to meet my own expectations. I always set goals and work to achieve them. These goals are not realized in medals or scores. The most important thing is that I can always show the best performance. I want to feel that I could not have done any better when I hit the finish line. I want to feel that I did my best on that day. I do not want to compare myself to myself either. Obviously,
I know the quality of work I have done and what can be achieved with that amount of work.
Otherwise, it is clear from the time results achieved during the last World Cup that we are moving to a very good direction.
[button link=”https://dailynewshungary.com/katinka-hosszu-is-the-best-female-swimmer-of-the-year/” newwindow=”yes”] KATINKA HOSSZÚ IS THE BEST FEMALE SWIMMER OF THE YEAR[/button]
GLOBS: There was a time at the beginning of the year when you did not swim. Professionals say that avoiding is the corruption of swimming. How did this time affect you physically or mentally?
Katinka: I was surprised how quickly I could go back on track and how well and quickly my body reacted. It was obviously an unplanned rest. However, I believe that I learned a lot from this as well, as I did before. For example, if I find the right balance in life, then I can work and compete more intensively in sports.
GLOBS: Have you ever thought about quitting swimming?
Katinka: I would be lying if I said no, even only for a brief moment. In reality, it is not because I was tired or sick of it. I was rather wondering about how many things would be left to do in life if I had the time for them. At the same time water, swimming, competing and sports mean the essence of life for me. This is a medium without which I can not imagine my life for the time being. I realized how much I can give to people with this, as I did during the World Cup. Kids often approach me in the Iron Swim which is my swimming club. I see how joyful they are when they ask me about my experiences and when they tell me about how much strength they can absorb from our little conversations to write better tests at schools or perform better at trainings. This is a positive feedback for me.
Photo: MTI
GLOBS: You have prepared for the European Championship in Glasgow with a new trainer, Árpád Petrov. This was the first time you two have worked together. What was your conclusion regarding your professional relationship after the competition?
Katinka: Although he was with me at the venue, I have prepared for the European Championship in Glasgow on the basis of my former training plan. We begun our joint work after that. The results of the last two months show that we are moving forward and are heading in the right direction. Our attitude towards work is similar and we can honestly discuss the issues between us. I believe we speak the same language.
GLOBS: What is your focus in your training?
Katinka:
Defining goals is the most important thing. At this point, I am not only talking about long-term, but short term goals that provide the basis for the way ahead, even on daily basis. I can only work if I know what and why I’m doing. Fortunately, I am in agreement with Árpi on that. Being an absolute competitor, I can compete with anyone. In addition, the experience of the past shows that the method “training by competing” works for me. So we do not change that approach. It is also important that we pay close attention to feedbacks. If we try out a new thing, we see if it works or not, and we will utilize the experiences. I prefer this experimental and innovative approach. I think this is the only way to perform better.
GLOBS: As we all know, you do not rest even after a forced march. What is your next goal?
Katinka: As for the near future, the World Cup will continue in November. The three competitions of the last session phase in 2018 will be in Asia. In December, China will host the short-run World Cup. Therefore, there are plenty of goals and work to do, but this is how I like it.
Vivien Nagy started off her blog (fiftypairsofshoes.com) in 2013, and has since been steadily editing and building it up. Currently, in addition to her own publications, she creates content for YSL Beauty and Kérastase, but her collaborating partners include other, successful fashion companies, including Luisaviaroma, Ralph Lauren, Revolve and H&M. Her mission statement is to provide continuous inspiration for the conscious, independent, modern woman.
You’re one of Hungary’s most influential blogger/vlogger. What was your goal in starting?
To tell the truth, I did it on a whim, I didn’t really plan much, just started doing it. I registered on Blogspot.com, created a simple template for the site, and started posting. It totally started as a hobby; I just wanted to share my style with the world. I only observed both national and international fashion from afar; I never would have thought, not even in my wildest dreams, that years later I would have the opportunity to work together with these brands.
I was in a huge dilemma, because I didn’t know what to name my blog. I brainstormed for weeks trying to come up with something unique, to no avail. One day, I woke up and had the idea to count the number of shoes I had.
In the end, it turned out I was the proud owner of fifty pairs thereof, which was how the blog got its name.
Which are your most central topics?
Mostly fashion and current trends, but I write about cosmetology, travel and even lifestyle on occasion, too.
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Since fashion is your most central topic, I have to ask, what style is closest to your heart?
Casual, elegant, and always a bit eccentric, revolutionary. I don’t consider myself subversive, but I do like stretching boundaries.
Which companies do you prefer to work with?
I had and still have collaborations which are very dear to my heart. The most important thing is – and something which I always take into consideration – is a brand’s mission statement and quality. A brand could be a huge name but if I disagree with them, no matter how much they pay, I still wouldn’t work with them.
On your Instagram page, we can see that you travel a lot. What places have you been to?
I love traveling.
If I can, I travel to several places within a year, to broaden my horizons and discover new things. This year, I have been to Greece, the US, Sweden and France.
You have connected your blog to your YouTube channel, your vlog. What are your experiences regarding this?
Ah, yes, filming… When I kicked off my YouTube channel in the January of 2016, I had no idea what I had signed up for. It requires an unimaginable amount of work, if you want to create quality content; you have to be a cameraman, film editor, production manager, anchorman. Now, after two years of vlogging and 100 published videos, I still feel like a total amateur, I still have so much to learn.
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
Photo: Fifty Pairs of Shoes/ Tropical Magazine
But this medium is immensely powerful, and I feel that the more work it requires, the more excitement it makes passing on a story, a mood, an experience. I like doing it, but it swallows up a lot of my time and money, and I hope that after a few more years I will feel the investment will have been worth it. Currently my boyfriend helps me with recording and editing the videos, but in due time I’d like to put together a little team, too, so as to be able to create content for brands and collaborators and not only for my own platforms.
What are your plans for the future?
Even though I do consider myself a Hungarian blogger and love the community I managed to build up at home, I would like to build my brand on an international scale and broaden my community.
I would like to show, in foreign countries, what the Hungarian world of fashion is like, and bring Hungarians closer to the international scene. I don’t know, as of yet, just how I will manage this, but life is an adventure, isn’t it?
Globs Magazine interviewed Maximiliano Gabriel GREGORIO CERNADAS, Argentinian ambassador to Hungary:
GLOBS Magazine: How do you feel in Hungary? What do you think about our country?
Argentinian ambassador: Well, we feel like home since the beginning. I have four children who are between six and thirteen years of age. In fact Hungary, especially Budapest, became our home.
Globs: In recent times, Argentina was often in the focus regarding its economic problems. Could you tell us more about these problems?
Argentinian ambassador: We know exactly how to deal with this crisis in Argentina. The current situation is the price of our mistakes we made in the past. However, the government is still doing its best to solve this crisis. This time, we want to conclude a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund. This may be the basis for a long-term solution to the situation.
Globs: How do you think the European Union can help Argentina get out of this situation?
Argentinian ambassador: There are many ways: One of their options is to assist in opening our market. In Argentina, we produce many products of world-class quality. We can be competitive, but as I said, it is necessary to open up the market. Currently, we are in the last period of concluding an agreement regarding the common market between South America and the European Union.
Globs: What do you think about the relationship between Hungary and Argentina?
Argentinian ambassador: I think we have a lot in common. You know, great many Hungarian immigrants came to Argentina in different times. For example, following the Revolution of 1848, just like János Czetz. The Hungarian community in Argentina is very big, very creative and very important. This is the basis for understanding each other. People come and go and help to build this relationship.
Globs: Trade is an important topic worldwide and especially in the Western Hemisphere. What is the Argentinean Government’s position on free trade and trade wars?
Argentinian ambassador: The new Argentinean government is relatively fresh, entered into office two and a half years ago. This government is quite open towards the world. Foreign policy is very important for us as the main directive, boosting trade and investment. We are very enthusiastic about market opening. This is the fundamental philosophy of the current Argentinean government.
Globs: At the moment, Migration is one of the most important topics in Europe and the Middle East. Latin America has to cope with the wave of refugees coming from Venezuela. Has this wave reached Argentina yet? How can you deal with this situation?
Argentinian ambassador: In Argentina, this situation is completely different from what we see in Europe. Argentina is the country of immigration. At the beginning of the 17th century, more foreigners lived in Buenos Aires than local residents.
We welcome refugees from all around the world. They are coming from Asia, Africa, Europe, etc. Their ethnicity is very mixed.
Our constitution clearly states that those who enter the country are entitled to the same rights as local residents. So being a foreigner in Argentina is a very positive thing. We have enough space and food for many millions of people. Of course, we know that now we see a very special situation in Venezuela. We received thousands of people from there.
Globs: As you know, Hungary has launched the policy of Southern Opening some years ago. How do you see this in Argentina?
Argentinian ambassador: I think the policy of Southern Opening is a wonderful initiative that the Hungarians have launched. This is interesting because it may open up many possibilities. No such thing has happened with the previous governments. So I think we need to benefit from this special situation.
Globs: Which are the most important topics in the bilateral relationship between the two countries?
Argentinian ambassador: I would say: trade and investments. These are the most important initiatives we are working hard on, of course, on both sides. We have some of our core products that we export and import. For example, Argentina has been exporting peanuts, fish and other similar products to Hungary for a long time. However, we can start thinking about other types of products as well. We are able to open new horizons. Such area is water management, which is very developed in Hungary. This is what we desperately need in South America. I have always been in favor of reaching an agreement between the two capitals, Buenos Aires and Budapest. István Tarlós went to Argentina last November and signed an agreement.
Globs: Argentineans are said to be the “most European people” in the western hemisphere. Do you agree?
Argentinian ambassador: I do! At the beginning of the 19 century, mostly Europeans lived in Buenos Aires. We are talking about a mixed population. In Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires, it is not really possible to find ghettos. I mean, people live together. Although there are religious and other differences between people, we can say that European culture has a great influence. For instance, this makes it possible to communicate easily with the Hungarians.
Globs: So this is what helps you during your work?
Argentinian ambassador:
Absolutely. Wherever I go, open gates and arms are waiting for me. My job is very easy in Hungary.
Globs: Let’s talk a little about Argentina’s culture. What should we know if we want to travel there?
Argentinian ambassador: The travelers can experience that there are wonderful sights to see. You can visit the Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. In the eastern part, there is a long mountain range that is enormous. Many lakes and forests can be found in the south-east. Travelers can see huge lakes, waterfalls, and snowy mountains. Buenos Aires is one of the world’s most amazing cities where millions of people live, never sleep, experience the culture and doing tango. The average Argentinean residents even dine at midnight or walk in the streets with their children.
Globs: What can we eat there? Is there any kind of traditional food?
Argentinian ambassador: If you visit a simple restaurant in Buenos Aires, you can see that the menu is very thick. One can find French dishes, Spanish tortillas, etc. Many national dishes can be found because people originate from many different nations. For example, the pasta menu seems infinite because immigrants came from many parts of Italy. So the menu of restaurants is like a mirror that reflects history and the multiplicity of our society.
Globs: What dishes do you like in Hungary? What do you like within our culture?
Argentinian ambassador: Well, I’ve realized that the Hungarian gastronomy is extraordinary. Naturally, goulash is the best. Hungarian goose liver is also wonderful. Of course, I like the wines as well.
Tropical Magazine interview – Persistent, humble, naive, sensitive and funny. This is how Nati Drencheva characterizes herself. She is a blogger, vlogger, and founder of the NANA’S fashion brand. The 24-year-old girl was born in Bulgaria but has lived for 23 and a half years in Hungary. She jumped into the world of fashion at the age of 18. Since then, she has successfully overcome every hurdle. Today, her name is known by many, and her dresses became quite popular in many places.
When did you become a fashion lover? How did this idea come to your mind?
As a little girl, I used to draw a lot, mostly clothes. I have always loved creative things. Besides, I took photos and painted as well. In high school, I was the one who knew the price of every piece, as well as the stores from which they came from. I loved unique things and unusual combinations, even then. At the age of 18, during a trip in London, I came to realize that this profession was a real passion to me, and that I wanted to do this and nothing but this. So, I gave up law school and I submitted a second admission to fashion school.
Photo: Tropical Magazine
You’ve been writing a blog for a long time. When and for what purpose did you create your site?
I founded the blog when I was eighteen. However, I had no conscious vison that one day it would lead to where I am now. I wanted to share my vision of fashion and life with my readers. I created the blog as a source of inspiration, and as a result of my passion. From the beginning I loved blogging, even though I had no experience at all.
Would you share your experiences concerning fashion studies?
I graduated from Fashion Management at the Mod’Art Art and Fashion School. However, I believe that these things only provide a framework, guidance and support. Whether you are able to realize your dreams is only up to you. It depends on your attitude, endurance, and your humbleness.
Now, you have your own successful clothing brand. How was NANA’S born?
This is a long story, which I hope will soon be available written in a book in the bookstores. I’ve been working on it for a while, but writing does not develop as fast as many people think. Anyway, long story short: I was strongly motivated even when I was young and I had a serious vision concerning what I wanted to achieve in life. Since I was 18 years old I have done my best to fulfil my desires and to do everything in accordance with my concept. I started at the bottom working as an assistant and I worked my way up passing through every stage, which, I believe, were essential to be successful in work. Sometimes, when I look around, I cannot believe that I have achieved all this.
Photo: Tropical Magazine
Who inspires you in design?
It depends. Sometimes I find inspiration in a street photo, a neckline or material of a dress in the display window, or the collections of large fashion brands. But occasionally I just think of something and quickly put it on paper. For me, traveling gives the greatest source of inspiration. Almost all of my greatest ideas and a major part of the collections came to my mind when I was abroad.
How would you define your own style?
It is varied, but mostly pure and feminine. I like to combine things the way others do not, maybe that is what makes my style unique. Of course, there are days when I am not willing to wear anything but training shoes and comfortable pieces. Then everyone looks at me as if was an alien.
Who do you recommend your clothes to?
To girls and women who love pure, yet unique pieces they can wear in many different ways on weekdays and for more formal occasions as well.
Photo: Tropical Magazine
Do your clothes always reflect you or are you paying attention to other aspects during the design process?
Both are true. Maybe this is the hardest part. To keep the balance. I try to keep my own style while considering the relevant public as well. I think this is what the NANA’S is about.
You travel a lot. Where do you like to go? What are those inspirational places for you?
It is true. As I mentioned, travel is the main source of inspiration for me. If I can, I like to get out of the ordinary every two months. I am a big fan of Italy. My favorite places are Lake Garda, Capri and Amalfi. However, there is no place in Italy that would not have fascinated me so far. It is best to cross the small towns and drive on winding roads. I also love Porto and, of course, Bulgaria. Besides Budapest, Bulgaria is my home. I even speak the language fluently. Though, there are still plenty of places I want to visit. Bali and Morocco will be the next destinations.
What are your goals regarding the future?
There are plenty. Regarding the brand, my primary goal is to establish a solid Hungarian base. The next step is to build a franchise-network abroad. In addition, I would like to create permanent charity projects within the trademark. I have always wanted to deliver a message to people, both on my blog and through the NANA’S. I want to tell them to not be afraid to take a step, be persistent, pay attention to each other, and help if they can.
As far as my personal life is concerned, of course, I would like to have a family and children in a few years’ time.
The glass we use day by day has a long history behind. As Caius Plinius – Roman author and polyhistor – said the glass was discovered by mere accident by Phoenician traders. It was around 5000 B.C. next to the river Belo that they landed in Syria where they camped down and lit a campfire, put their pots on the top of the saltpeter blocks they carried as cargo. The saltpeter melted due to the warmth of the fire and mixed with the sand of the shore, generating a new, see-through matter – Tropcial magazine report and interview.
The first findings, which are dated back to the 4th millennium B.C., were not quite as beautiful as today’s glasses.
They almost completely lacked the property that gives the essence of glass today: transparency. The antique glass was actually a glassy enamel, its appearance was blurred and almost always tinted.
They started to use glass for coating and decorating the household objects in Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium B.C. It was in the 1st century B.C., that they discovered glass blowing in Palestine, which enabled more sophisticated and more complex techniques. The Romans occupied a major role in the development of craftsmanship thanks to producing the design of templates for glass blowing. Around 100 B.C., the possible production scale was enlarged to a greater extent and they created the geometric shapes that are now called the Roman glass.
In the Roman Empire – and during Emperor Augustus’ reign – glass was used as an architectural piece, among others in windows and glass domes too, for example in the famous baths of Agrippina.
Around 500-600 the art of glass processing began to develop rapidly as the new procedure of flat glass production was invented. In Egypt they developed the production of Roman glass, experimented with gilding and in Mesopotamia the first school was established where they worked on making cut glass. Two hundred years later the developed technics were written down in many codices and talented craftsmen appeared across Europe, in France, Germany, England and Russia. In the 10th century, it was already Venice that played the leading role; Murano, the Mecca of Venetian glass production is still immensely popular.
Over time, more and more sophisticated and modern techniques were found and started to be used creating greenhouses, galleries, conservatories, and later ornaments or decorative objects. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Libbey-Owens process, the Pittsburgh process and the manufacture of float glass were born. However, something has not changed in the face of many innovations: the love of the ancient craft of glass blowing and the little mystery surrounding it.
Interview
In Tropical interview, Zoltán Vasvári, glass blowing master is guiding us to his profession and telling us about where he met the craft, how much time is required to finish a piece of work and how he sees the glass blowing scene and future.
How to get into the glass blowing world?
When taking part at different events, I would always give gifts to my friends. As a native of Szabolcs county, I would give them the most different types of pálinka from the fruits grown in the county. The biggest problem for me was not the quality of the pálinka but finding the proper packaging. This inspired me to make custom bottles that fit the occasion. With the help of the right professionals, I began to master the secrets of glass blowing, they have been helping my work since then and we have been working together.
What captivated you the most?
The artistic nature of the work and the fact that when we present our work and the objects we have created, we see glittering, appreciative eyes.
How long does it take to master the profession?
This a long and complicated question, so I would like to divide my answer to some sections. A few years are enough to acquire the basic professional tricks. However, you need several years of experience and continuous training to be able to create a more complex object. This is only true if the creator has an artistic tendency, but if this is lacking, you can spend a lifetime to learn this profession.
Where do you produce the glass?
In Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, there is a small factory in Nyíregyháza where our products are produced.
How long does it take to create one piece?
It will largely depend on whether it is a complex piece or a relatively simple structured glass we are talking about. Depending on this, production time could take from six hours up to five days.
How do you see the present and the future of the glass blowing profession?
Glass blowing is now a very rare profession, to my knowledge, there are only 210 such qualified professionals in Hungary, some of whom, due to their age, don’t work.
As far as I know, the younger generation does not participate in this kind of training anymore, so the problem of the next generation is not solved. As I see, small manufactures of quality product manufacturing can not only stay on the market, they can even develop.
What are the three things you would highlight about the art of glass blowing?
Cleanness, uniqueness and creativity.
What could make an entrant fall in love with this profession?
If the entrant’s soul is artistic, they would fall in love with the glass itself, and that love would unfold in the form of glass and would be complete.
According to Tropical Magazine, Sándor Balogh feels at home in the international business world. He is a businessman, chairman, and founder of the African-Hungarian Union and the International Trade and Cultural Center. Additionally, he is the Vice-Chair of the International Department of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers and Co-President of the Moroccan-Hungarian Business Council. He also plays an important role in several sections of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce. He inspired entrepreneurs in several regions of Transylvania and gave them lectures about business opportunities.
Hungarian Trade and Cultural Center (HTCC), which he founded, provides assistance for businessmen and enterprises who seek expansion opportunities in the global market as well as visibility in countries with less known business cultures and economies. HTCC prepares its partners for the special business conditions and unknown markets in remote continents. Local knowledge is the unbeatable advantage of the 17 representations in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Their associates working on location abroad have established decent acquaintances with the governmental and business sectors. They are aware of the local business opportunities and know how to negotiate in certain countries.
Why was the network of the Hungarian Trade and Cultural Center established?
By the time the idea emerged, my closest colleagues and myself had spent decades in the Hungarian foreign trade. We have seen that Hungarian entrepreneurs are not willing to go farther than 700 kilometers from their place of business. Even though they have products and services that would be in serious demand in distant markets, even in comparison with the saturated European Union. Seven is not some kind magical figure; 700 kilometers is roughly a day’s journey by car. According to the popular expression: they do not like to leave their comfort zone.
So the idea was to widen this comfort zone, to create places that are physically far from Hungary but still provide the homelike feeling and the security that is expected by Hungarian entrepreneurs. It is not only that such houses have Hungarian-speaking staff, but the people who work there know both the Hungarian and the local business culture and regulations.
They are part of the connection network that is able to solve problems efficiently in both Hungary and at the place of their business. It should be added that this task is different in each case, so it requires increased flexibility and creativity from us and those who work on the field.
How did you get in touch with foreign affairs and trade?
I graduated from a university in Moscow, which was popular among young people from all around the world. Such a place has a special atmosphere. No matter what you study, the environment itself, the students coming from many different places and different cultures broaden your way of thinking. These years can not go unnoticed, since they provide a global connection network. Of course, work experience came afterwards. It was the slow and systematic exploration of what Hungarians can contribute to the world economy and what we can sell abroad.
“THERE IS NO BUSINESS WITHOUT CULTURE” – Sándor Balogh
In addition to your economic activity, you are the founder of many charity organizations. Which one are you most proud of?
Charity is a strange thing. Donors always get criticized concerning the target of donations. Their selflessness or the situation of the receivers do not matter. Therefore, we have been trying to balance our charitable activity for a long time. The largest publicity is perhaps given to the medical missions of the African-Hungarian Union. We have sent 18 missions to many countries, ranging from Uganda to Malawi. In addition, we took our part in the charity work in Iraq and at the peak of the migration crisis in Hungary. We are constantly assisting the needy in the disadvantaged micro-regions of Hungary.
Also, we regularly participate the Csángó tour or organize donations to Hungarian schools in Transylvania or the Ukraine.
During your travels, what was the most important experience of yours that can be utilized in Transylvania?
The most important lesson is to be self-identical. Our culture and origins do not make us less. We should not assimilate but learn how the world works. Taking our own culture proudly and keeping our own traditions, we have to learn how to operate the technology of the twenty-first century.
How often do you go to Transylvania?
As often as I can. Of course, Hungarians in the motherland often have a romantic idea of Transylvania. I must admit that at first I felt the same. The history of thousands of years and the Hungarian identity is what connects us.
In Transylvania we often want to see our better, more beautiful self, without the corruption of the twentieth century. Today, this romantic idea is not enough. Just as Hungary, Transylvania also lives in the twenty-first century.
Businessmen come here to do successful business as anywhere else, to exploit the opportunities in a region that is close geographically and culturally but has different characteristics. They also have a high-tech industry with excellent software developers, there are also industrial and commercial opportunities here, as in other regions of the European Union.
What is your most important goal in the coming period?
Up to now, we have focused on non-European regions within the framework of HTCC. However, we need to see that we can not afford to not be present in Central Europe or in the Balkans. We want to show new opportunities to business people in the region. The interconnected neighboring area is a new challenge for us. Now, we would like to accept this challenge.
Henri PFR may be only 22 years old, but the talented Belgian DJ is already famous all around the continent. He was only 14 when he got into the industry, and his career has skyrocketed not long after. A little bit more then a month ago he took the DJ booth at Balaton Sound and performed in front of thousands of fans. On his way to superstardom, he kindly answered to Funzine questions about his music, future plans, and goals.
You released your debut when you were only 14. Who were your biggest supporters at the time, and what was the first response of the music industry?
At the time I was releasing songs that only my friends and family listened to. I remember the day I first passed the bar of 100 plays I was so happy haha! Then little by little my tracks started getting attention and I got over 1000 plays, then 10,000, then 1,000.000, … That’s the magic of the internet, being able to make music in your room and in one click share it with the whole world.
What is your favourite thing about being a DJ?
Music. I’m passionate about music and it’s because of the love of music that I started producing electro and became a DJ. I come from a classical piano and solfege background but I have always loved music of all genres. I love to travel as well, so I’ve found my dream job!
Do you feel like you missed out on your ‘best teen years’?
Yes. Sometimes I regret missing out on student life a little, and starting to work directly. But I’m lucky to be able to live for my passion and I think it’s priceless. On the other hand, I try to stay in touch with my childhood friends, who eventually visit me while I am on tour. It’s important to stay connected to friends and family.
How do you differ from other EDM producers?
It’s a good question because there are so many electro DJs right now that it gets harder and harder to be different. I think it’s my music that sets me apart. I have my own sound and way of producing to differentiate me. For a long time I wanted to make music to be on radio or was trying to make the same music as Garrix or Guetta. But I quickly realized that it would not work. As a DJ I have often been told that my sets are nice to watch because of all the energy I give on stage. I really enjoy myself and people can see it and therefore enjoy with me.
Henri PFR, Photo by Tina Herbots
Who do you look up to the most professionally?
Many artists, it’s hard to name only one. Within the electronic industry Martin Garrix impresses me enormously by his young age, the quality of his productions and his energy on stage. Kygo also inspires me very much because he has managed to be much more than a “simple” DJ by truly becoming a POP Star with an incredible live show. Also, I grew up with intense classical piano training and a rock and roll fan father so I am open to many more music genres and musical idols. Outside the electro world, I would say, Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones – despite his age he is still a beast on stage.
You have stand out shows coming up at Tomorrowland and Parookaville. How does it feel to be invited to such festivals?
It’s just amazing! Especially for me, who not so long ago was just a regular music fan in the audience of Tomorrowland partying with my friends. Now, being able to play on the Mainstage of Tomorrowland for the 2nd year in a row is simply amazing, same goes for Parookaville where I performed on the mainstage. I was super stressed and excited at the same time.
What are your biggest career goals? Is there a dream destination where you would love to perform?
My main goal would be to continue to live my passion for as long as possible, because I’m really addicted to that! Making music for the right reasons and enjoying all the opportunities that are offered to me as much as possible. I have seen so many cool places in the last few months and there are so many yet to come. I have always liked to do thing differently so I will be very happy to play on the first space shuttle. Music vs. Gravity – that could be an interesting challenge.
What you have achieved so far is truly amazing. What does the future hold? Are there any exciting collaborations in your plans?
I have a lot of new songs coming up, with tracks for my own project, collabs, tracks for other artists, but right now I am in full summer touring mode with a heavy schedule and lots of fun ahead.
Congratulations on your work, and thanks for the interview!
Thank you so much for your time. Hope the readers will like it and head over to my socials (Instagram, Facebook,, etc.). I try to stay close to people and I love when people send me comments about my tracks or shows or send me new songs. So don’t hesitate to contact me.
Magyar Idők recently conducted an interview with Hungarian Minister for Innovation and Technology, László Mosóczi, in which the minister reported on the government’s plans regarding the transportation system of Hungary. Here is a summary of what was said.
László Mosóczi said that that Hungarian government is presently preparing the union of the road and rail transport systems, which he regards to be his most important task at the moment as head of the transport authorities.
[button link=”https://dailynewshungary.com/transport-curiosities-open-train-doors-distracted-drivers/” type=”big” color=”green” newwindow=”yes”] The curiosities of Hungarian transport – open train doors, distracted drivers[/button]
The government is currently working on creating a national collective tariff for transportation, which would mean that one would be able to travel from one point of the country to another with a single ticket, regardless of how many types of transport one uses.
Supposedly by 2023, Hungarians will be able to use the same ticket for local and regional transport, for trains, buses and coaches.
The union would not only mean integrated tickets but integrated schedules and integrated information service for travellers; these are the three keystones of the new concept.
The whole idea is that people would be able to use the same ticket for local and regional, inner and outer city transport. The minister also said that in order to achieve this goal, at first, it would not be necessary to combine all the companies into one collective group of companies.
The government plans to eliminate all parallel bus and train routes, and organise safe bus and train connections instead.
Mosóczi also said that by 2022, there would be many train tracks in the country where trains will be able to travel with 160 km/h. Supposedly, the railway tracks will also reach every big city and border crossing point in the country.
The minister also said that the government has HUF 1500 billion to spend on developing the country’s track infrastructure, and HUF 2550 billion on developing motorways and main roads.
The plan is that by 2030, car drivers, from any point of the country, should be able to reach some part of the motorway network within half an hour.
The minister also said that they are working on developing the highways as well, and if everything goes according to plan, within the next four years, the Hungarian highways will be double in length.
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The Apropó – Demeter Wine Bar on Király Street welcomes visitors in a cozy and friendly environment. Spacious interior, comfy sofas and chairs provide the comfort of guests. However, seeing the food and drink menu, it is difficult to choose from the delicacies. So, if we are clueless, polite waiters will help us, and we can trust their recommendations absolutely.
There is a wide range of wines also, as well as the food service, which is adjusted to the wine bar. But, of course, this place is not only for wine enthusiasts. It is worth visiting the bar for a coffee with special aroma or fresh fruit lemonade, too. The chef of the restaurant, Dániel Kardos, gave us an interview, in which steaks were given special attention and some tips were shared with us about cooking.
Argentinean steak:
As a first step, we put the beef into the oven heated to 70 °C for 7-8 minutes. Yet, this also depends on the thickness of the beef. For some meats, the aging time may be up to 70–180 days. Then, Dani made some barbecue sauce with coffee and a potato cream – made with lots of butter, high fat milk and a very small amount of cocoa powder – for the steak. At serving, mustard seeds – made with alcoholic fermentation – along with salad and horseradish leafs got added to the plate for the sake of freshness.
Photo: Tropical Magazine
After it, the meat gets fried in purified butter and a little oil. The purified butter has a slight peanut taste, and it is a bit like brown butter. Thus, this gives a different flavor to the meat, as if we were using just ordinary oil. While frying, we add salt and flip the meat over in every 40 seconds. But after the steak is done, it is very important to rest for a few minutes. Then, the serving comes, and the only limit is our imagination.
Tropical Magazine: When did you come up with the idea of becoming a cook?
After finishing primary school, I heard about the Gundel School from a friend. So, I applied there. By the end of the first year, I started to feel that this was my thing. But it is interesting because I had never thought this as my main profile. I always imagined that I was going to be a lawyer, and then, that was how it was.
Photo: Tropical Magazine
TM: What is the basis for making up the menu?
The most important thing for me is seasonality, and what kind of inspiration comes to my face from the life. I like to make it varied, so I try to update the menu in every one and a half month.
TM: What is the most popular dish from the current menu?
Pork with ratatouille cream, and Rib-eye steak are the all-time favorites of foreigners and Hungarians as well.
TM: Do you have any favorites you like to prepare or consume?
I really like each dish from the current menu. However, if I had to choose one, I would pick up the Rib-eye steak.
TM: Do you offer particularly Hungarian dishes?
Currently, the ratatouille (“lecsó”) is the one that connects to the Hungarian cuisine. And the pork with ratatouille cream is in perfect harmony with the wine menu. While foreign and domestic guests really like the smoked trout with sour cream foam or Rösti.
Photo: Tropical Magazine
TM: Now let’s talk about steaks! What’s the difference between the steaks in each country? How is a Scottish steak different from an Argentinean steak?
Essentially, what is most important is the cattle’s origin, what kind of life it lived and what was fed to it. In our country, the angus beef is fed only with cereal, and it can be seen on its fat and the meat structure. It is much more marbled than a grass-fed cattle, which has a lot less fat in its meat. But steak roasting has very deep traditions. For instance, cattles from Ireland are very good, and I believe that they are competing with the American ones.
TM: Many Hungarians are concerned about consuming pink-roasted meat, since we eat all meat well done. While in the Anglo-Saxon countries people tend to look strangely to those who order a well done steak. What is your experience? Which one do you prefer?
I especially love the bloody meat. However, it is a common misconception that these steaks are bloody, since there is absolutely no blood in them. The more heat and air the meat gets, the hemoglobin disappears more and more quickly. Therefore, the remaining liquid in it is the gravy of the meat.
TM: Many people do not dare to start making a steak at home because they are afraid of doing it the wrong way or not keeping the right roasting time. Do you have any advice for beginners? What is the most important step or rule that you need to pay attention to?
In my opinion, the most important thing is that you should never start roasting fridge-cold meet. Take it out from the fridge at least half an hour before roasting in order to warm it up to room temperature. In the restaurant, I prepare the meat preheated to 70 °C for 7 to 8 minutes. Then, I put it into the hot pan. I roast it in purified brown butter, and flip it over in every 30 seconds, depending on the guest’s request.
Travel 8500 kilometers from Hungary, turn your head towards Japan and stop a couple of kilometers from the shores of the Korean mainland. This is where you find a gorgeous little island: Jeju. While the world’s peace-loving population is crossing its fingers for the two Koreas to reconcile, the governor of this small Korean island tweeted US President Trump. He proposed his „island of peace” as the location of the talks between Trump and Kim Jong-un. A very friendly step. Even though Jeju didn’t make it this time, the proposal definitely made its way right to the New York Times and gave me a platform as well to meet István Medvigy and his wife, Mi Kyoung who run Budapest Inn here. There is no better source to learn about today’s Korean society than a successful Hungarian entrepreneur who is spending his 11th year in Korea. István and Mi Kyoung withstood a broad variety of questions with grace and humor, whether it be their story, Korean culture, dramas, the business world, history or Koreans’ view on Hungary – GLOBS Magazine.
K: So how does a Hungarian guy gets to run an apartment in Jeju? How did you come you to Korea?
I: I first came to Korea in 2002. At that time, I was working for a Budapest—based film studio as a production manager and we were working on the cartoon version of Mr. Bean. Soon work became so much that we needed a partner studio. The studio we found was in Seoul and Mi Kyoung was working for them, actually on the Simpsons. After 6 months we finished our project and I came back to Hungary. Then in 2007 we decided to settle in Korea. Afterwards I worked as an investment analyst. When I quit after 6 years, I started to seriously learn the language but it is not enough to just learn the words and grammar, you really need to understand the history, the culture of the country, – they are all tightly interwoven. And Budapest Inn we started with my wife. She has been working in the real estate business so she travelled quite often to Jeju. None of us had really the experience in hospitality but Mi Kyoung said why don’t we give it a try. Her dream had been anyways to move to Jeju.
K: I guess when you first came here it was not easy to get used to a completely different culture. What were the most shockingly different things for you?
I: Then everything was strange. At that time, I lived in Gangnam, Seoul. The skyscrapers, the nightlife, the 24/7 vibration and hustle. We enjoyed every moment of it. If somebody is eager to see the urban lifestyle, this is really a good choice. They should all go to Gangnam but it is really expensive as well so be prepared. Although I do not consider Seoul a beautiful city (I am from Europe after all), there are tons of beautiful, exciting, interesting corners in it. At first glance it might look like a concrete jungle but when you need to look for interesting places, the variety is great. It is also super safe. Whenever and wherever you go, you can be sure that no one would harm you. In terms of criminality Korea is very safe. Maybe once or twice a year you hear or read of some major criminal case but it is pretty rare and it is rather safe to say that Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. This is also embedded in the culture I think.
K:And in the business world what kind of difficulties did you have to face in terms of cultural differences compared to Hungary? What was the biggest challenge?
I: It is completely different; for example the functioning of the company: sticking to every little rule or the hierarchy. If there is a meeting it is mostly the boss who does the talking and the others are listening and nodding. It was really hard to get used to it. Especially because back in Hungary I worked in an upper management position, while in Seoul I started from junior level; and many times when I tried to share my views and opinion I realized they were not taken into consideration most of the time, so gradually this made me lazier and less initiative.
K: You worked for a Korean company, right?
I: Yes, for one of the chaebols (large conglomerates run by a Korean family). I worked for the financial “arm” of Hanwha (one of the top ten largest chaebols in Korea). The company (Hanwha Asset Management) did hire some 1-2 interns before I joined, but I was the only full-time, long-term foreigner at the company. Otherwise, all the employees were Koreans.
K: But did you fight to be able to say your opinion?
I: Well, to be honest there was no struggle. It was just an internal process of getting used to it. But as an investment analyst they had to listen to what I had to say anyways because those investment decisions have been made based on my research work and opinions.
K: Did you have the feeling that you were treated differently because you are from abroad?
I: Yes, of course. Because it is hard when you don’t speak the language. Overall it was not a bad experience at all, despite some tough situations…One example is the business dinners after work, which is really part of the culture here. When I went out with my team, first they paid much attention to speak English but then they got tired of it and started speaking in Korean.
K: Did you feel homesick?
I always do, to some extent.
K: Even though it won’t stop you from missing home but Korea is a very good country to live in as far as I see. The economy is booming.
I: But what I said before about the business culture, this is changing all the time as well. Korea is changing. Many people study abroad and the country gets Westernized as well. This strict hierarchy and the boss-subordinate relation is slowly changing. It might take a few generations, but it is changing. Also the traditionally patriarchal society is not that strict anymore.
K: More and more women are working as well.
I: Yes, but not just that. Women are working until they have babies. Traditionally when a woman gets married and has her children she won’t return to the labor market, then she is a mother. The husband is earning money and the wife is raising the children. And then comes the schools, the study groups, the study groups of study groups… Children here go home around ten, eleven o’clock at night, or even midnight. And quite often, at home they still have to do their homework after school. This is a vicious circle. They study, they grow up, they have a good job, then they get married and have children but still they work themselves „dead”. Because they need money to be able to send the children to good schools and so on and so on.
K: We see many old women on the streets (ajummas) selling products and the social security system is not working very well, they don’t get pension or very little. I read that in the traditional Confucian society the biggest asset you could have was your children. They were the investment for the future and the guarantee that the parents will be taken care of when they get old.
I: This is not only in Asia, but this is a quite global problem that society is changing. Korea is really copying the American example. The pension and support for young mothers are lacking. This is changing now. More and more women go back to work after childbirth and usually grandparents take care of the children.
Now I am turning to Mi Kyoung. So we are talking about Korean society. That the new economy made the traditional society fall apart – or evolve. E.g. some elderly people decide to commit suicide because they cannot make ends meet and they don’t want to be a burden.
M: Suicide is a huge problem also for young people. Reasons can be the hard studying, the pressure, and the social acceptance. The speed is tough. And also social media, which is a global phenomenon. It distorts reality.
K: I saw Koreans love social media and selfies and all those tech things.
I: Koreans actually have their own model. Kakao talk was the first. Then came Kakao Story, Kakao pay, Kakao taxi. It is a Korean IT-success story: a small team developed it, it became popular. Then a large local tech company (Daum) bought it. They are different from Facebook. First it existed only on mobile. Facebook was used globally everywhere but couldn’t make it work in Korea. Almost all Korean people were using local chat programs and apps and had a hard time getting used to Facebook, so initially most of them rejected it, saying it is weird and difficult to use. So they had their own and still using Kakao talk a lot. (Kakao Talk is the chat program, – think WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram. Kakao Story is similar to Facebook but since its inception it is used on phones only).
K: Koreans are also famous for having their own dramas, own films. I heard many of them prefer to watch their films than buying a ticket for a foreign film. Korean dramas are taking over the world. They are portraying the history of the country and they seem to enjoy immense popularity.
I: Many Korean dramas have a low budget. It is not necessarily a question of money. They used to be very simplistic. Now following Western patterns, they seem to spend more effort and money on story development and scripts so the dramas have become more interesting and engaging. My wife loves the K-dramas; I personally could tear out my hair after five minutes. But for example the historical series, they are really catchy.
K: This is a huge export product, Korea’s soft power.
I: These historical series are also based on profound research and they are easy to watch. All around Asia but perhaps Japan and China are leading Korean drama and K-Pop importers. By the way, Korean dramas, fashion, K-Pop conquered Asia and parts of the world. This gain of popularity via these sectors is often referred to as “Hallyu”, i.e. Korean Wave.
Photo: GLOBS
K: But let’s talk a bit more about your inn. We know that you have founded it two years ago after longing for Jeju. How do you shape it?
I: We restructured the building a bit. We made it a bit more „Budapest-style”. There are so many ideas with which we could even make it look nicer, you can spend a lot of money on that. Plenty of photos, partly taken by me and by friends and professional photographers, all black and white, remind guests of Budapest.
K: Is there Hungarian food or pálinka?
I: Whenever I/we make gulyás we serve it free of charge for the guests, – we consider it a treat, a tiny gesture towards the guests, to give them a glimpse of Hungarian cuisine and culture. Whenever we can spare some pálinka, we are happy to serve it too. Our guests appreciate it a lot! There are actually many young people who came and said, oh yes, we have already visited the real Budapest.
K: I heard that in Korea people think of Budapest as the capital of romance. Is it true?
I: Hm, that I don’t know. When I first came here, many people knew of the country. People know about Hungary and Budapest. I didn’t know why but it turned out that Hungarian history and the 1956 revolution are written in their history books. Also, the movie Gloomy Sunday (Szomorú vasárnap) is rather popular here. When I first came to Korea, I heard it from several people – and back then I did not even see the movie, so I felt slightly offset by being told of a Hungarian movie that I did not even know about. The melancholy, the war, the suicides… perhaps some common features and issues, depicted in the movie, due to which it gained popularity here.
Budapest Inn from Gapado Island, photo: GLOBS
K: And where do your guests come from?
I: 80-90% Koreans. But we have had guests from 22 countries already. We rarely have Hungarian tourists but there are always some. Foreigners who come to Korea as a tourist usually come to Jeju as well for a couple of days.
K: Let’s talk a bit about Korean democracy. We hear in the news about Kim and Moon Jae In’s summit but there are even more news about the Korean Air marketing executive, daughter of the company’s chairman who poured water on the head of an advertising company. The other daughter of the chairman, executive employee at the company as well became famous for her „nut rage” scandal. She humiliated a Korean Air flight attendant because she didn’t serve her macadam nuts in a plate, but instead, rightfully served them in a bag.
I: This sheds light on the world of Korea’s chebols and their misconduct. That is the reason it gets so much attention in the news because what you see here is only the tip of the iceberg. There are about 10-15 really large ones that the whole Korean economy relies on. Clearly, these companies were the ones who rebuilt this country. But every coin has two sides. They gained also much trust from the government. The sectors of the economy were given to certain powerful families. Those families are now owners of these companies. The main positions are given to family members traditionally. As long as it is working well, nobody is saying anything but people started to see that sometimes they abuse their power. Now in the news you can see one example and the least is that there is a public outcry. There are many things we don’t even hear about. So it was high time that they said stop.
Photo: GLOBS
K: The Korean Times is full of articles about the North and South. How do ordinary Koreans perceive this topic? Is there a dominant idea about what should be done?
I: There are 3 types of popular approaches. Firstly, to have two countries without borders with free access of persons and goods, secondly, people think this is impossible and the two countries should not unite at all. Finally, there are people who think they should be united but it would take decades. Some people in South Korea think unification is good because South Korea has no natural resources, whereas in the North there are natural resources which could help the economy of the Korean peninsula. Since North Korea has no wealth, no facilities to mine those resources out, after unification South Korean technology and money could do that. Quite a few people think that this is just another bluff from North Korea: Kim Jung-un’s grandfather Kim Il Sung, and especially his father – Kim Jong-Il did use these political tactics more than once This is the third time now in the last 20 years that they seem to be opening up but then it completely vanishes. We don’t know much about Kim Jong-un. We knew about his father, what he was like and how he ruled the country but we don’t know about Kim Jong-un. Is he honest, is he not honest?
K: On a less serious note, can we tell our readers to visit Budapest Inn in Jeju?
The new name of the King Sigismund University is Milton Friedman University, which will also have a new role in the higher education market. Dr. Péter Szatmári, the Rector of the university, works for the institution for more than a decade. In the beginning, he was a college instructor. Today, he is the rector. Thereby, he has a very close perspective of the college and university education. In his opinion, the work in innovation and education will decisively influence the economic development of Hungary for the coming years and the progress of our competitiveness – GLOBS Magazine.
GLOBS: You have been working at the University for more than a decade. In the beginning, you were a college instructor. Today, you are the rector. How much has the higher education system changed during this time?
Rector Péter Szatmári: The higher education system has changed a lot, just like our institution. In the 2000s, a fundamental change has begun in the Hungarian higher education market. Ecclesiastical institutions showed up, along with private institutions. In the beginning, there was a significant struggle among these institutions, in order to gain reputation. People had to understand that private institutions don’t sell degrees, but they do sell services. It is very important. 18 years ago, that was our basic principle, when the institution was opened. I joined this team 16 years ago. Since then, we managed to build up a very solid and well-going brand. This work showed its results. In 2016, we got the “University of Applied Sciences” status from the higher education governance.
GLOBS: How did the university change after receiving this status? Therefore, it is very important in the perspective of competitiveness as well…
Szatmári: We had no problem with the transformation. Providing professional academic knowledge was already a part of our philosophy. On the other hand, we tried to channel our students to the labour market. This status is the confirmation of the successful work we achieved. According to our experiences, nearly 90% of our graduates manage to find job within 3 months in the area of their qualifications. The payment category of our students is very close to the Corvinus University of Budapest and the Eötvös Loránd University. I think, the “University of Applied Sciences” status is an opportunity, which further strengthens our portfolio.
GLOBS: Is the world of sciences interchangeable with the world of practicality?
Szatmári: It is interchangeable only if we provide massive academic knowledge to our students since the beginning of the training. Besides, we introduce them to the labour market in the first semester. We invite professional and practical specialists, who instruct their daily profession during the training. Our students spend at least one semester with professional practice.
GLOBS: Do students expect to find a place in the labor market immediately?
Szatmári: In the case of this type of institutions, it is a clear expectation. They expect outstanding quality service, in exchange for the tuition fee. My responsibility is to open for our students the labour market. We developed a competence training right in the beginning of their studies. We are trying to measure and observe the needs of each student, as well as their personal qualities. However, students are free to change their mind and choose a different path of education in the meantime.
GLOBS: How much have the interests of the students changed during this one and a half decade?
Szatmári: On the one hand, the popular courses remained popular. For instance, the business course is always the favorite. Interestingly, the popularity of the communication course is not always confirmed by the labour market. It is not easy to find a job. We had to develop relevant brands and specializations for the students. There is one more conspicuous change. The diversity of students has changed completely, just like the way to instruct and educate them. Reading habits changed fundamentally. Knowledge became virtualized. The content gets processed through a very different system of tools. Therefore, we are expected to change as well.
GLOBS: In the case of a university instructor, what are the necessary qualities and abilities to be able to address a student?
Szatmári: We have to be excellent educators. Now, the university provides the framework for the students, just like the elementary school and the high school before. This is the “family” where they can feel safe. We pay special attention to that. It is important to provide a safe environment for them, and we have to enforce that. We have to act as mentors. Moreover, the good presentation skills are very important. Today, it is not enough to provide content, but it has to be delivered professionally for the students. It is very important to know this space for providing the proper orientation of our students.
GLOBS: How did you personally manage to adapt yourself to this?
Szatmári: Luckily, I have 3 children who always keep me under control. The other important standpoint is to be very knowledgeable, and to be present in in all kinds of information sets constantly. It is required because we need to provide orientation. We have to possess information in politics, economy, society, sport, etc. We have to read and gather knowledge. We also have to train ourselves and practice the presentation techniques regularly. Although I am the head of the institute know, I did not stop teaching. I did not put that aside. I think, one cannot understand what’s going on around him and in the minds of students without this impulse. It is required to know the needs and feelings of every age group. No matter if the person is 18, 25, 40 or even 60 years old. It is required to know the needs, desires, thoughts of every age group, in order to keep the attention during your lecture. The static and textual presentation is useless for today’s children. We need to use more and more visions, images and moving pictures, in order to keep their attention.
GLOBS: How do you personally teach? Do you have your own method?
Szatmári: I was preparing for teaching since my childhood. There is certainly some sort of passion inside me, which is sensible for the students. I am trying to read more than the average, and I am spending my time efficiently. I always prepare for the subjects I instruct again and again. I do not think routine is the right way. I obviously have routine after 25 years of teaching. However, I always observe the reactions of the audience during my lectures. In case I experience disinterest, I am able to change the topic quickly. Anything can be presented on an interesting way.
GLOBS: You have spent a lot of time abroad as a scholarship student. How do you see the differences among higher education systems? What is worth to take over?
Szatmári: In my opinion, we are in a very good position concerning the content and academic knowledge. In the western countries, practical education is clearly on a more professional level. Furthermore, they are able to use the individual abilities in education more effectively. The mobility of the Hungarian students is below average, which is a fundamental difference. It is not good, because it is important to discover the European space, no matter where we were born. I always tell my students that it is essential to spend some time abroad, in order to get acquainted with a completely different culture. Furthermore, it is important to visit a foreign language environment, in order to learn the language or experience the differences in lifestyles.
[button link=”http://www.uni-zsigmond.hu/en” type=”big” color=”purple” newwindow=”yes”] Visit the official site of he King Sigismund University/Milton Friedman University[/button]
GLOBS: What do you think about the Bologna education system? Is it proved to be efficient?
Szatmári: It triggered many disputes. In certain educational areas, it is hopeless to implement However, we managed to fix these issues. For instance, it was not relevant in the teacher’s training. Legal and medical education required to keep the traditional educational system. In the case of other areas, it turned to be efficient, providing great opportunities. Therefore, a student is allowed to go abroad or to another institution, during every segment of the training.
GLOBS: The new name of your institution is Milton Friedman University. The new label will bring new identity…
Szatmári: Rebranding is not the only essential thing to further expand beyond the Hungarian market. We need to create new content for the new identity. Our work so far proved to be very good. However, the market declares more and more severe requirements. We always have to come up with new ideas.
GLOBS: There are many new subjects in the university. There is the Sports Facility Management course, which is unique in Europe. What special knowledge do students get here?
Szatmári: There is no such fusion training either at home or in Europe. However, there are many facilities being built all across Europe, where such specialists are needed. I am talking about sports facilities in general. These facilities can be swimming pools, sports halls or community areas. In many settlements, the sports facility provides the meeting venue. We need to train specialists who are qualified in sports. Furthermore, these specialist should be able to organize the communities in these spaces, and operate them economically. Finally, they have to know how to organize and communicate the events. In my opinion, it is a very complex training, which makes us unique in the market.
You might have already heard of Tímea Babos, who is the best Hungarian female tennis player of the last few years. It has become official: Tímea Babos is also the first Hungarian tennis player to become WTA Doubles World No. 1, 24.hu reports.
Babos and her partner Kristina Mladenovic won 14 matches in Wimbledon 2018, and they only lost two so far. However, regardless of the outcomes of Wimbledon 2018, Tímea Babos will become the World No. 1, because the second-best Andrea Sestini Hlavackova – Barbora Strycova double lost. Babos knew that the only way she did not get the title was if Hlavackova wins.
[button link=”https://dailynewshungary.com/hungarian-win-at-the-atp-tennis-world-tour-after-36-years/” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Amazing! Hungarian win at the ATP Tennis World Tour after 36 years[/button]
In an interview with Nemzeti Sport, Tímea Babos said that she tried not to pay attention to what others were achieving, but she focused on herself and her partner. She also emphasised in the interview:
“The World No. 1 title was not handed to me by others; I managed to get it with years of hard work.”
Photo: www.facebook.com/BabosTímea
She also mentioned that so far, she has always managed to achieve every goal she and her coach set for her, let that be the WTA finals in Singapore, the Australian Open or the World No. 1 title right now.
In another interview with wtatennis.com, Tímea said that
“We set this goal this year that, after winning the Singapore Masters last year, I would like to have a Grand Slam title and the world No. 1 spot in my pocket. Here I am having both at the moment.”
She also said that she is incredibly happy and thankful that she managed to get the title. She also mentioned that she feels capable of achieving big things with different partners, as she won in Singapore and at the Australian Open with two different partners. She also told during the interview with WTA:
“The Grand Slam title was waiting for itself. I had a couple of finals behind me, so to finally get that title, especially with one of my best friends on tour, it was extraordinary (…) I have a feeling that I keep writing history all the time with having the Australia Open title or the masters title, or I was holding the highest career ranking also before, and just to be No. 1 is, of course, very special.”
She thinks that the people at home are delighted and supporting, even though Hungary is not a typical tennis country.
Hungary’s justice minister has told Bloomberg that the European Union should not overstep its authority when evaluating Hungary’s latest round of reforms to its justice system.
“Setting up the organisation of the judiciary is a national responsibility; EU institutions have no mandate to specifically determine its framework,” László Trócsányi said in an emailed response to questions from the American newswire.
“The most important thing is to ensure the independence of judges; this is the benchmark that can never suffer.”
Trócsányi said the EU would be overstepping its authority if it monitored the rule of law among member states.
Several foreigners live in Hungary, who have contributed to the country’s development with their intellectual and financial capital. The “Study in Hungary” education service made an interview with Vasilis Chachopoulos, the Director of the Preparatory Institution for International Students (PIFIS).
How would you briefly define PIFIS in 3-4 sentences?
PIFIS is the institution that organizes the preparatory program of the two most prestigious business universities of Budapest: Corvinus University of Budapest and Budapest Business School – University of Applied Sciences (BBS). We have been organizing the preparatory program of Corvinus for more than 25 years and for BBS since 2016. The main goal of our program is to help students develop their English and Mathematics skills in order to be able to enter the desired universities. Both programs offer and English and Mathematics course although with different intensity. The preparatory program for Corvinus University has a less intensive English course and a harder and longer Math course, while the preparatory program for BBS has a more intensive English course and a shorter (also less hard) Math course. Both of them are taught in English, therefore the application procedure is also in English.
What are the competitive advantages of joining PIFIS?
We are the only preparatory program for the business bachelor programs of Corvinus and BBS,
moreover we promise direct admission for those who meet specific requirements at the end of the year. Furthermore we work together with specialized professional teachers and professors from the universities, who know and teach specifically what is needed and necessary in order to get accepted to the universities. We also pay attention and help students to improve their soft skills, get settled in Hungary and get used to the European culture.
What are the tuition fees, dormitory costs and other living expenses of your students?
Our fee in total is 5500€ per year which includes the registration fee, the evaluation fee, the application fee and the tuition fee itself.
For accommodation we offer different dormitories based on students need (e.g.: 1 or more person per room, facilities, services, etc.) starting from 150€/month. As for living expenses, generally Budapest is a cheap city to live in, compared to other European capitals. For example you can get a lunch meal for 3€, buy your monthly public transport pass for 30€ or rent a flat for 260€/month.
Which programs do your partner universities offer to foreign students and what are the languages of instruction?
Our partners offer different programs specified below.
1. Corvinus University of Budapest:
– BA in Business and Management
– BA in International Business
– BA in Applied Economics
2. Budapest Business School – University of Applied Economics
– BA in Commerce and Marketing
– BA in Tourism and Catering
– BA in International Business Economics
– BA in Finance and Accounting
If you already have a relevant bachelor’s degree (or study in the last year of your bachelor studies), upon finishing our program and meeting specific requirements, you can gain direct admission to the following master’s degree programs at Budapest Business School – University of Applied Sciences (BBS):
-MA in Tourism Management;
-MA in International Relations;
-MA in International Economics and Business.
What are the tuition fees, dormitory costs and other living expenses of your students when they start studying in Corvinus University and Budapest Business University?
The tuition fees vary from 2200€ per semester to 2900€ per semester depending on which bachelor program and which university a student attends. The living costs are mostly the same although as university students they will receive about 50% discount for public transportation and several other services.
Preparatory Institution for International Students (PIFIS) – Budapest, Hungary
Could you give us information about your campus and its facilities (library, dormitory, computer lab, etc.)?
Our campus is located in the heart of Budapest, only a couple hundred meters away from the river Danube. As one of our program’s main part is the online homework, we require students to bring their own laptop, and we provide them with free Wi-Fi on campus. Our students are also entitled to register to Corvinus University’s library and use it in their own time.
As mentioned before, we are in partnership with different dormitories to provide the opportunity for students to choose the accommodation that fits their needs the most.
The dormitories are all located near our campus and close to the city center with great public transport connections.
How would you describe the social life of your students besides their formal studies?
The social life of our students reflects life in Budapest really well: it is colorful and always buzzing. We put emphasis on building a community in our classes and in our institution. There is always something to do in Budapest and we encourage our students to take the opportunities and experience as much as possible, day and night. Students are motivated by specific class works (e.g.: make a presentation about a historic sight in Hungary) as well as by personal attention and shared experience from the staff of our institution.
What are the current and new target countries for your university to recruit new students?
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in his regular Friday interview to public broadcaster Kossuth Radio, said he planned to reorganise the Prime Minister’s Office when the new government is formed.
He also said that Mihály Varga, the economy minister, will stay as head of the economic cabinet.
Orbán said he wanted to transform the government’s “brain center” and create a different management structure.
“Serious negotiations” are under way and will continue over the weekend, he added.
He said he wanted the government to be formed as soon as possible.
Orbán said, however, there were no plans to set up new ministries. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. It’s worth keeping the current system with large ministries headed by high-powered officials, he added.
The new government will have “some of the same people” while keeping the “old targets unchanged”, he said. “The people voted to preserve the government’s targets” not for continuity in terms of personnel, he added.
The prime minister said that, like in past years, parliament should pass next year’s budget before the summer break. He said he had already held talks about this with Varga, whom he described as “an extremely talented and experienced minister”.
Commenting on demographics and family support, Orbán said he wanted to sign a comprehensive agreement on the outlook the government can offer to Hungarian women for the next 20-30 years. “Demographics depend on them; it is their decision,” he said. Having children is a highly personal issue but one that is important to the community, he added. The job of the government is to listen and understand women if they want to have children, Orbán said.
Commenting on the outcome of the general election, he said voters had underlined their support for the government’s essential targets such as economic growth coupled with fiscal rectitude, full employment, support for families, preserving the value of pensions and guaranteeing security by “not yielding to Europe in immigration policy and maintaining Hungary as a Hungarian country”.
“I know they won’t accept the outcome of the election; they will organise all sorts and they have unlimited financial means,” he said, referring to organisations financed by billionaire George Soros.
Orbán said his job was to defend Hungary against speculators.
He also said the most important issue of the next decade would be immigration. “It is a moral obligation to talk about it and the message must get into every household a hundred times, and if need be a thousand times.”
“Fidesz has done a lot of things that Jobbik wanted in 2010, and we saw it first-hand how badly it turned out,” this is partly the reason why Jobbik has changed its policy, Gábor Vona explained in an interview given to hvg.hu. The top man on Jobbik’s national election list says the fate of two generations is at stake on 8th April. In the first part of hvg.hu’s interview series with the politicians heading the national lists of each party, they asked Gábor Vona about Jobbik’s responsibility, Lajos Simicska, Jews and Islam, as well as the dangers of Hungary’s isolation. We summed up the interview’s most relevant questions and answers.
The PM of 15 million Hungarians
The interview starts with a provocative question about which segment of the society Vona would particularly like to serve. In his answer, Jobbik’s leader says that he wants ‘to
promote a kind of organic social harmony
where the divides intensified and abused by the politicians of the past could be brought to a balance. ‘That is why
we want a technical government
with experts in each field so that we would trigger as few ideological disputes as possible.’ – he added.
Thus, he would start with launching a Parliamentary and social dialogue with NGOs, trade unions and other representative organisations. Speaking about the integration of Roma children, the leader of Jobbik would keep the party’s boarding school initiation. However, that would only be one option. According to Vona,
the goal is integration.
Jobbik’s PM candidate Gábor Vona is talking at the party’s March 15 celebration. Photo: MTI
But social experience is that forced integration frequently leads to spontaneous segregation. Thus, streaming, setting differentiated education projects, these ideas are part of the relevant literature, too. Even Lívia Járóka herself, the Fidesz-delegated MEP in charge of developing a Roma strategy wrote about creating differentiated groups.
Who threatens who and who should be afraid?
According to Vona, Jobbik would join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). This and independent heads leading independent institutions would guarantee to hold politicians to account without a political showdown.
He stated that PM Orbán could regard his prison sentence promise said in the parliament as a threat. However, it was said in a heated political debate when he was talking about the corruption scandal of the PM in office. On the contrary,
that disagrees with him at a national celebration. Furthermore, he was reading out his pre-written speech which excludes any spontaneous outburst of anger.
Regarding independent courts, Vona highlighted that
Jobbik will do ‘whatever a government can do to ensure the freedom of the judicial system.’
Vona: ‘I feel we are ready to govern Hungary!’
Regarding former Fidesz-oligarch now one of the biggest adversary to PM Orbán, Lajos Simicska Vona said that
‘there is no area where Jobbik and I could be influenced by either Lajos Simicska or any other business lobby group.’
According to Jobbik’s PM candidate, they honestly cooperated with the State Audit Office as much as they could.
Speaking about the party’s past, he highlighted that Jobbik never was a Nazi party, and everybody should examine what Jobbik has said and done when they had to stand for democracy. ‘We were always on the good side.’ – stated Vona. He added that whatever vice president László Toroczkai says,
his position is valid. ‘Jobbik has found its purpose, voice and programme.’
Regarding other opposition parties and left-liberal PM candidate Gergely Karácsony, Vona said that he does not want to replace him.
He wants to replace PM Viktor Orbán.
Jobbik’s International Press Conference – 27. 10. 2017. Photo: Balázs Béli
Foreign policy: can isolation be avoided?
Regarding the migrant crisis, Vona cleared that
Jobbik would comply with the international treaties.
They would not dismantle the border fence, and they reject the idea of quotas. However, he stated that Jobbik would not make such propaganda out of it. Vona said that
he would go firstly to Austria or Germany on his first visit abroad.
Moreover, from the very first day, they will send the message towards the West that Hungary is a stabilising and not a de-stabilising force. Finally, Vona cleared that Jobbik never received any foreign funding and would develop the best possible relationship with the more influential countries Germany, Russia, Turkey, the USA and China. However, he does not want Hungary to become a pawn in a chess game that they play against each other.
Reestablishing democracy and creating an atmosphere of cooperation
Regarding Palestine, Jobbik supports the relevant UN Resolution as a guideline: an independent Israel and an independent Palestine. ‘We want to achieve the best possible relations with the Hungarian Jewish communities’ – he added. Thus, Vona was happy that
the head of the Hódmezővásárhely synagogue openly supported Jobbik’s candidate.
Vona highlighted that he rejects radical Islam and terrorism, but he considers each world religion an important fountain of knowledge that could be inspiring for any European Christian person.
Jobbik’s party congress. Photo: Balázs Béli
Talking about restoring democracy, Vona mentioned that its government would show generosity, a better attitude towards society. He said that despite the radicalisation of Hungary Jobbik chose a moderate tone and stated that
we should rise above partisanship, understand and accept each other.
According to Vona, the 2018 Election will decide the fate of the generation below 40. He added that if Jobbik does not win, he will resign but
he does not want to withdraw from politics.
However, he thinks that if the government remains, more people will emigrate abroad. About a possible Jobbik government, he said that after a couple of months everybody would see that it does not pose a risk to anybody.
According to GLOBS Magazine, a decades-long good relationship was strengthened further when the Hungarian Trade & Cultural Centre opened its office in the capital of Thailand. (Hungary has run an Embassy in Thailand for decades.) Thanks to the new representation, it will be much easier for Hungarian entrepreneurs to get a footing in the market of 67 million people in the future. Bilateral trade amounted to roughly half a billion US dollar per year in the last period. To celebrate this achievement, we interviewed the Kingdom of Thailand’s Ambassador to Hungary, Jakkrit Srivali, who was accredited in Budapest a year ago.
Even though the Thai diplomat has worked in international organisations like the UN, his current job is the one closest to his heart. For instance, being an amateur composer, he is very much inspired by Hungarian composers.
First of all, I only compose piano pieces for the entertainment of my family and myself, but I like Hungarian music. I’ve been inspired a lot by Ferenc Liszt. And Budapest is one of the best spots for the lovers of classical music, and I hope that I will spend enough time here to get to know the Hungarian music, songs better.
GLOBS: Why do you find Hungary to be a special country and what role does it play in the foreign affair strategy of the government in Bangkok? Jakkrit Srivali: Europe has always been a privileged partner for Thailand. And in the Cold War period, we realised that Hungary is the gate of the continent, especially Eastern-Central Europe. So one of its main strengths is its geographic location. Moreover, it also stands out in the knowledge-based sectors. Several great minds and inventions come from Hungary. Therefore, we would like to encourage to realise more and more exchange programmes, so that we can learn from Hungarians. Thailand is in need of the most modern technologies in the fields of education and agriculture.
GLOBS: Currently, 40 Thai students study in Hungary with scholarships. Which fields are the most popular and what do the Southeast Asian needs call for? Jakkrit Srivali: To be honest, almost everything. Hungarian universities are excellent and they offer very practicable knowledge. There are more and more programmes that encourage sustainable development. Unfortunately, it took us a long time to realise how important it is that we don’t exhaust our natural environment. In Hungary, great emphasis is laid on the cleanness of waters and environmental protection. There’s a lot we could learn about sustainable agriculture and organic farming.
GLOBS: Thailand welcomes 35 million tourists every year, so tourism is one of the main sources of income for the country. How do you try to seduce Hungarians? Jakkrit Srivali: We don’t have to introduce Thailand to Hungarians. More and more Thai restaurants, massage salons and Thai box halls can be found all over the country. Last September, we organised a Thai festival in the City Park. Everyone could learn our traditional dance, taste our most delicious meals and enjoy several performances. We hope the festival will continue next year. We also had an online cooking competition, which was visited by many. I believe that the more someone knows a country, the more he/she will want to visit it.
GLOBS: The country was shaken by several terrorist attacks last year, especially in the southern counties where the Muslim separatist organisations are active. Does this pose a danger to tourists? Jakkrit Srivali: Thailand still remains one of the safest countries of the region. I am confident to state that there’s no serious security threat there. Naturally, smaller incidents happen everywhere, but these don’t affect holiday resorts. I don’t even remember the last time a foreigner fell victim to an attack.
GLOBS: And what does Thailand offer to Hungarian businessmen? Which are the best fields for investment? Jakkrit Srivali: The most attractive factor is probably our location since Thailand is found in the heart of Southeast Asia. Bangkok is the centre of the whole region. We are surrounded by the most dynamically developing countries of the world, such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Thanks to the recent development in the Thai road system, these states can be reached easily. The highway leading to India will be inaugurated in two years. In addition, high speed railway lines will be launched to China in the near future. This means that the main trade route between India and China will cross Thailand, which is a great opportunity for us. Furthermore, there aren’t many places in the world, where the conditions for enterprises are better. We have the third lowest tax rates in Asia. Moreover, we are part of several economic integrations, so investors can reach huge markets. Thanks to all of this, our GDP grew by 3.9% last year and the unemployment rate is also infinitesimal.
GLOBS: How can the Embassy itself help entrepreneurs? Jakkrit Srivali: Even though we don’t have a bilateral state trade representation in Budapest, anyone can turn to us with any type of question. We try to help in everything. However, the Thai trade centre is the organisation responsible for economic cooperation and investments. Hungary’s role is demonstrated well by the fact that the headquarters of the agency responsible for the whole of East Europe is found in Budapest.
GLOBS: It’s been over a year since King Rama IX, who was the father of all Thai people, passed away. After one year of mourning, his son came to the throne. What has changed? Jakkrit Srivali: The deceased king ruled for a very long time, seventy years. Hence, most Thai only knew one king. Moreover, he was so affective and honourable that everyone loved him and thought of him as a wise teacher. In the 20th century, Thailand developed very fast, people lost their roots and the sole point of safety left for them was the king. They found peace in his thoughts. And his philosophy became a state confession. This philosophy is based on social justice and still plays a significant role in the everyday life of the country.
Interview
How long does it take to create one piece?
