Photo: iStock
Nguyen Hoang Linh
15/05/2025 06:00
The first Vietnamese individuals arrived in Hungary at least as early as the late 1940s. However, it was not until the two countries officially established diplomatic relations in 1950 – 75 years ago – that the Vietnamese presence began to grow. This marked the start of an era where Vietnamese students were sent to Hungary to study, benefiting from the warm hospitality of the Hungarian people, who stood by Vietnam during the difficult years of war.
Unforgettable years
This was the sentiment shared by thousands of Vietnamese students, military trainees, researchers, interns, scientific collaborators, and technical workers who spent time in Hungary during the 1950s to 1980s. Although most of them did not stay permanently in Hungary, they laid the foundation for the friendship between the two nations. Many of them went on to hold key positions in the political, cultural, scientific, and social life of Vietnam.
Having studied, worked, and lived in Hungary during the intense years of war and in the post-war decade, when Vietnam still faced immense hardship due to the war's aftermath, the efforts of the Vietnamese in Hungary during this period left a strong impression on Hungarian officials. They regarded the Vietnamese community as one that, though not originally Hungarian, had acquired a rare proficiency in Hungarian language and culture.
These unforgettable memories are frequently recalled in conversations, reunions, and on the internet forums of former Vietnamese students who have returned home and contributed to Vietnam for many decades. Interestingly, the memories of their Vietnamese friends are often brought up by a renowned Hungarian scientist, Dr. Katalin Karikó.
Formation of the community
However, it wasn't until the 1990s, alongside political and social changes in Hungary, that the Vietnamese community began to solidify. Some Vietnamese students and researchers, having completed their studies and research, decided to stay in Hungary to live and work.
Over the years, the community grew and diversified, with Vietnamese immigrants arriving for family reunification and business opportunities. The first generation of Vietnamese settlers in Hungary mostly consisted of individuals engaged in trade and commerce, operating in markets, shopping centers, retail shops, and wholesale establishments. A small number of intellectuals worked in educational and scientific research institutions.
Between 1989 and 2004, a period marked by Hungary's transition to a market economy and its eventual accession to the European Union (EU), a successful business community emerged. Several Vietnamese-owned companies and a shopping center dedicated to the Vietnamese community were established. Many of these businesses began exporting Vietnamese products to Hungary and Europe, opening up new avenues for trade.
Associations and unifying strengths
In the process of the community's formation and gradual stabilization, several key organizations and active members played vital roles. The first social organization, the Vietnamese Association in Hungary, was established in 1995. Over the years, numerous other associations were created, such as the Business Association, the Senior Citizens Association, the Women's Association, the Students Association, the Veteran’s Contact Group, the Buddhist Association, the EMVE Charity Organization, and various sports clubs like tennis, golf, and table tennis clubs (2002–2010).
The growth of the community through these groups led to the need for a central organization that could represent and unify the various groups. This resulted in the formation of the Vietnamese Association in Hungary, which was legally recognized by Hungarian courts in April 2008. The association aims to foster unity, strengthen solidarity, and ensure effective cooperation among its members, and it has operated for three terms.
The mission of the association is to help the community integrate deeply into Hungarian society, contributing to the strengthening and expansion of the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations. It also seeks to preserve the Vietnamese language, cultural identity, and values within Hungary, while encouraging community members to participate in contributing to their host country and continue supporting Vietnam through intellectual, physical, and financial means.
An integrated and humanitarian community
At the 3rd Congress held in mid-November 2024, the Association reviewed the activities that the Vietnamese community had undertaken during a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. Traditional, meaningful, and professional activities continued, notably charity drives to support those in need, aid for the victims of natural disasters, and assistance for those affected by the pandemic in Vietnam, Hungary, and other European countries.
Every year, cultural, artistic, sports, and recreational programs are organized to preserve and spread the beautiful values of the Vietnamese people. The community has also extended its support to disadvantaged Hungarian individuals, notably through the annual Christmas gift-giving program for elderly care homes, social institutions, and orphanages in Hungary.
On an individual level, many members of the Association have been elected to key positions in domestic and international organizations. In recent years, efforts have been made to elevate the community’s status and prestige, such as successfully registering 1% of personal income tax from Vietnamese workers in Hungary to create revenue for the Association’s fund. Efforts to encourage the Hungarian government to recognize the Vietnamese community as an indigenous, integrated ethnic group in Hungary have also been ongoing.
Cultural, social, and intellectual growth
Initially focused on economic activities and business operations, the Vietnamese community in Hungary has increasingly developed in cultural, social, and intellectual fields. The second and third generations of Vietnamese, born and raised in Hungary, have reached a high level of integration. Many young Vietnamese are now pursuing careers in culture and the arts, areas that the older generations were unable to explore.
In recent years, cultural activities have grown, attracting widespread interest from the community. Among the over 40 associations and groups currently operating, several artistic groups have moved beyond informal performances and now offer high-quality shows with true artistic merit. Well-known names such as Sen Viet, Ao Dai Heritage Club, and Dance Club have emerged.
The community has also established media outlets and news channels that regularly share authentic, diverse, and comprehensive information about Hungary and the world. Furthermore, the basic knowledge and understanding of many members of the community have greatly improved, with educational programs being organized to help Vietnamese individuals apply for residency or citizenship, marking a significant step forward in their cultural and political integration into Hungarian society.
Alongside the development of bilateral cooperation between the two nations, the Vietnamese community in Hungary has, over many decades, become a key player in the "people-to-people diplomacy" between Hungary and Vietnam. The community has contributed significantly to opening doors for Vietnam in the European Union and Southeast Asia, building bridges between two continents, all while maintaining strong ties to their homeland and nurturing memories of their origins.