Ms. Tamara Vér delivers a presentation titled “Discover Hungary.”

On November 3, the New Taipei City Government Secretariat held another session of its Ambassadors on Campus program, inviting Tamara Vér, Head of Mission of the Hungarian Trade Office in Taipei, to Banqiao Junior High School. Through her presentation, “Discover Hungary,” Ms. Vér took an audience of 500 faculty and students on a cultural journey. Drawing on Hungarian cultural icons such as the Rubik’s Cube, goulash, and paprika, Ms. Vér brought Hungary’s rich cultural heritage and innovative achievements to life. She also shared her personal experiences and reflections on her career as a diplomat while exploring the similarities and differences in everyday life and customs between Taiwan and Hungary.

Ms. Vér spotlighted Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Buda Castle District and the scenic banks of the Danube, and pointed out that it is the only European Union capital where Turkish bath culture has been preserved. She also showcased several globally acclaimed Hungarian innovations and discoveries like the Rubik’s Cube, the ballpoint pen, and vitamin C research, along with Hungary’s contributions to the development of Microsoft Word and Excel. During the cultural exchange, Ms. Vér drew parallels between both nations: Hungary’s iconic trams, passion for water polo, and the dramatic Busójárás carnival vis-à-vis Taiwan’s ubiquitous scooters, love for baseball, and the renowned Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. Connecting these cultural staples to familiar aspects of everyday life sparked energetic interactions as students gained a fresh appreciation for both the shared spirits and unique distinctions of each culture.


Students enthusiastically ask questions and engage in lively exchanges with Ms. Tamara Vér.


Ms. Tamara Vér poses for a group photo with teachers and students at Banqiao Junior High School.

Banqiao Junior High School Principal Yi-Ting Peng praised the New Taipei City Government Secretariat’s Ambassadors on Campus program for offering teachers and students across New Taipei City a valuable opportunity to experience other cultures right in their classroom. She noted that Ms. Vér’s engaging presentation covered Hungarian culture, world-changing inventions, and her career as a diplomat, which aligns closely with the school’s longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary learning and cultural education. The interactive Q&A session further helped students feel more connected to the wider world. Principal Peng expressed hope that the session would inspire students to embrace Hungary’s spirit of innovation and commitment to pass down its cultural heritage, using this immersive exchange as a springboard to broaden their worldview.

Hui-Mei Juh, Director General of the New Taipei City Government Secretariat, explained that the Ambassadors on Campus program brings diplomats stationed in Taiwan into local schools to share insights into their countries’ cultures, international affairs, and firsthand diplomatic experiences. By broadening students’ global outlook, the program helps develop their cross-cultural understanding and communication skills while anchoring city diplomacy among younger generations. The momentum continues at the next event, where Belizean Ambassador to Taiwan Katherine Vanessa Meighan will address students at Ger-Jyh Senior High School as part of the city’s ongoing drive to nurture global perspectives among its youth.


After her presentation, Ms. Tamara Vér cheered on the school’s tug-of-war competitors, adding a heartwarming and spirited moment to this memorable international exchange.