Ƶ University Press is proud to share the success of the cross-continental book tour of our latest book áԳٳܲ and/és Borneo: A Hungarian Naturalist in 19th-Century Sarawak. Held from June to July 2025, the tour marked the international launch of áԳٳܲ, authored by Dr Tamas Kiss from Ƶ University, Dr Balázs Venkovits from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, and Christopher Higgs from the Borneo Perantis Co-Research Initiative.
The Hungarian-English book chronicles the remarkable life and adventures of Hungarian ethnographer and explorer János áԳٳܲ during his 1870 scientific expedition in Sarawak, Borneo. Drawing on original archival records, personal accounts, and writings, this volume presents the English translation of Xantus’ writings from Borneo for the first time, grounded in a comprehensive historical investigation by the authors. The book, published under the auspices of the Embassy of Hungary in Kuala Lumpur and the Goethe-Institut Malaysia, promises readers an engaging journey exploring the past through research.
Debrecen, Hungary: Méliusz Juhasz Peter Library (14 June 2025)
The international book tour began in Debrecen, Hungary during the 96th Festive Book Week at the Méliusz Juhasz Peter Library. Dr Gábor Pusztai from the University of Debrecen, and co-author of a chapter in áԳٳܲ, moderated the book discussion with Dr Tamas Kiss and Dr Balázs Venkovits before a packed and enthusiastic audience. The event drew great media interest with interviews conducted in both Hungarian and English, marking a strong start to the book’s global launch.
Oradea, Romania: Partium Christian University (16 June 2025)
The second stop was across the border in Oradea, Romania, at Partium Christian University. Hosted by Prof Enikő Maior and facilitated by Borbála Bökös, this event provided another opportunity to introduce the book to a new audience. Dr Venkovits joined the discussion online, reinforcing the cross-border academic collaboration the book itself exemplifies.
Budapest, Hungary: Museum of Ethnography (20 June 2025)
In Budapest, Hungary’s capital, the final European event was held at the prestigious Museum of Ethnography. The large audience, which necessitated extra seating, reflected strong public interest in both the topic and János áԳٳܲ’ legacy. This event marked the successful conclusion of the European leg of the book tour.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Embassy of Hungary (23 June 2025)
Back in Malaysia, a ceremonial presentation of the book was held at the Embassy of Hungary in Kuala Lumpur. Copies of áԳٳܲ were presented to HE Dr Petra Ponevács-Pana, the outgoing Ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia, and Chargé d’Affaires Katalin Böszörményi-Nagy. Ƶ University Press and the authors also briefed the embassy on their European tour and discussed future collaborations between Hungarian and Malaysian academic institutions.
Singapore: Asia-Europe Foundation & Embassy of Hungary (4 July 2025)
In Singapore, áԳٳܲ was featured at a special event hosted by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in collaboration with the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore. The discussion highlighted áԳٳܲ’ travels through Borneo via Singapore, exploring broader themes of cultural exchange and scientific inquiry. Ƶ University Press extends sincere thanks to HE Judit Pach, Ambassador of Hungary to Singapore; Zhang Lei, Executive Director of ASEF; Dr Ken Mizusawa from the National Institute of Education, who moderated the discussion; the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore; the ASEF team; and our partners at Alkem Company, our Singapore distributor.
Bandar Ƶ, Malaysia: Ƶ University (9 July 2025)
The book tour wrapped up on a high note with a homecoming event at Ƶ University, attracting students, academics and members of the diplomatic community. The event was graced by the presence of Prof Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, CEO of the Ƶ Education Group, and Katalin Böszörményi-Nagyand, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Hungary in Kuala Lumpur.
The President of Ƶ University, Prof Sibrandes Poppema, was also present and delivered a rousing opening remark to a full audience. All three authors of áԳٳܲ shared the stage with moderator Edgar Yau from the Centre for English Language Studies, Ƶ University, to discuss the making of the book and their collaboration, and áԳٳܲ’ contributions to ethnography and natural science.
Looking Ahead
The exciting global tour not only celebrated the launch of áԳٳܲ but also reaffirmed Ƶ University Press’ dedication to publishing works that connect cultures, foster dialogue, and deepen our understanding of history and ourselves. We thank all our partners, hosts and attendees for making this international journey memorable and meaningful.
The book is now available for purchase from Ƶ University Press and our distribution partners in Malaysia and Singapore.
Xantus Book Tour
