Bridging Cultures: A Celebration of Hungary in Singapore with Ambassador Judit Pach

As Singapore hosts its first-ever Hungarian Month: The Spice of Europe in Singapore, it ushers in a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in Hungarian culture, cuisine, and creativity. The month-long celebration aligns with Hungary’s National Day and commemorates 54 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Hungary, highlighting a dynamic relationship rooted in shared values and mutual aspirations.

In an exclusive interview, Her Excellency Ambassador Judit Pach, the Hungarian Ambassador to Singapore and Brunei Darussalam and Governor to the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), shares her perspectives on the inspiration behind this cultural initiative and what makes it significant. Ambassador Pach reveals the rich heritage, innovations, and vibrant traditions that Hungary brings to this multicultural city-state.

What inspired the idea of organising the first Hungarian Month in Singapore, and how does it tie in with Hungary’s National Day?

The idea for the first Hungarian Month in Singapore stemmed from our desire to further enhance the strong bilateral ties we already enjoy. Over the past year, trade volume between Hungary and Singapore exceeded 1 billion USD, and we are proud of our growing business and academic collaborations. In light of these achievements, we wanted to create an event that also deepens cultural ties and fosters mutual understanding. Aligning it with Hungary’s National Day, a symbol of our country’s resilience and independence, provided the perfect opportunity to share Hungary’s rich heritage with the Singaporean community and strengthen the cultural bond between our nations.

How does this celebration reflect the 54 years of diplomatic ties between Hungary and Singapore, and what makes this milestone significant?

This celebration marks 54 years of robust diplomatic relations between Hungary and Singapore, reflecting the strong foundation of cooperation across various fields, including trade, education, and research. The significance of this milestone lies not only in commemorating our longstanding partnership but also in highlighting the evolving nature of our relationship. We are increasingly collaborating in new areas, and this event showcases our commitment to deepening these connections—especially in culture, innovation, and shared values—ensuring that our ties continue to thrive.

Which aspects of Hungarian culture do you believe will resonate most with Singaporeans, and why?

I believe Singaporeans, known for their love of good food, will truly appreciate Hungary’s rich culinary heritage. We have planned a variety of food and wine tastings to showcase the unique flavours of Hungarian cuisine, including products and wines that are already available in Singapore. It may surprise some to learn that Hungarians have a deep love for spicy food, with our famous paprika powder being a staple ingredient. Additionally, our rich selection of wines, from robust reds to delicate whites, offers something for every palate. These shared passions for food and wine are sure to resonate with Singaporeans, fostering a deeper cultural connection.

Could you highlight any unique cultural elements featured in this celebration, such as the folklore dance performance or Rubik’s Cube competition?

We are bringing a diverse range of cultural activities to this celebration, highlighting both our traditions and our contributions to innovation. Along with the folk dance performances, which showcase the vibrant rhythms and customs of Hungary, we are also focusing on Hungary’s scientific achievements. From the ballpoint pen to Vitamin C and the Rubik’s Cube, Hungary has a rich history of innovation. We are excited to collaborate with Cubewerkz for an official Rubik’s Cube competition, reflecting our nation’s creative spirit and forward-thinking culture.

How do you see Hungarian cuisine contributing to this cultural exchange, and are there any must-try dishes for Singaporeans?

Hungarian cuisine plays a key role in this cultural exchange, offering Singaporeans a glimpse into our culinary heritage. Gulyás (goulash), a classic and hearty meat stew, will be featured at Café Melba, providing a taste of Hungary’s rich flavours.

Additionally, Singaporeans can try Kürtőskalács (chimney cake), a beloved Hungarian pastry with a crispy caramelized exterior and soft interior, available at Rollney’s in VivoCity. These dishes are an invitation to explore Hungary’s warm and authentic food traditions.

In your role as Ambassador and Governor to ASEF, how do you envision fostering more cultural exchanges between Hungary and Southeast Asia?

ASEF is a fantastic platform that promotes people-to-people connections, and Hungary is a strong supporter of its mission and programs. Just this year, we proudly hosted two major ASEF events in Hungary, reinforcing our commitment to fostering dialogue and cultural understanding across Asia and Europe.

We are dedicated to organising annual cultural events in Singapore to enhance cultural exchange between Hungary and the region. Besides this Hungarian Month every year in March, we host the Hungarian Film Festival at Our Tampines Hub, bringing Hungarian cinema to local audiences. We are fortunate to have a vibrant and engaged Hungarian community in Singapore, and together with them, we celebrate traditional holidays with various events throughout the year.

Hungary is also well-represented in the arts scene here, with renowned musicians and artists frequently visiting Singapore. On October 21st, we are thrilled to present the concert Virtuosos: Superstars and Young Prodigies, featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Dimash Qudaibergen performing alongside young Hungarian talents. Additionally, we are proud to support the Kodály Music Academy in Singapore, which plays a vital role in sharing Hungary’s rich musical heritage.

What do you hope Singaporeans will take away from this month-long celebration of Hungarian culture?

I hope Singaporeans will leave this celebration with a deeper appreciation of Hungary’s rich cultural heritage and its contributions to the global community. Whether through our music, art, cuisine, or innovation, I want them to see Hungary as a country that values creativity, tradition, and forward-thinking. Above all, I hope this event sparks curiosity and inspires continued cultural exploration between our two nations. My hope is that the bonds formed through this celebration will pave the way for even greater collaboration in the future. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your diplomatic work in Singapore so far, and how does this celebration align with that experience?

The most rewarding aspect of my work has been seeing the success of initiatives that my team and I have carefully planned come to life. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant progress in boosting trade relations, holding high-level political consultations, and enhancing scientific cooperation between Hungary and Singapore. Now, this festive month feels like the culmination of all those efforts, as we get to share our achievements with the public in a celebratory way. It is incredibly gratifying to see the level of support we have received from Hungarian, Singaporean, and international companies. Their involvement and the funds we have raised are a true acknowledgment of our work and the impact we have made.