As part of the ongoing Learning from Asia project, we were delighted to host the second session of our seminar series “My Journey in Leadership” on 26 June 2025. This series aims to create a reflective space where students can learn from experienced leaders whose personal stories reveal the many pathways, challenges, and lessons that shape effective leadership.

For this session, we had the honour of welcoming János Setényi, leading education expert and Director of the MCC Learning Institute. With decades of experience in educational development, institution-building, and international collaboration, Mr. Setényi offered participants an exceptionally rich and candid overview of his own leadership journey.

He spoke about the early influences that shaped his professional values, the turning points that demanded resilience and strategic thinking, and the leadership style he has developed through years of managing teams, designing programmes, and navigating complex educational environments. His reflections highlighted several key themes:

• the importance of clarity of purpose,

• the role of intellectual curiosity,

• the need for courage in decision-making, and

• the value of building communities grounded in trust and shared vision.

Although the session took place in a small and intimate setting, this format allowed for deeper engagement. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences, and discuss how leadership develops in academic and multicultural contexts—especially relevant for the diverse group involved in the Learning from Asia project.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to János Setényi for sharing his time, insight, and personal stories so generously.
And of course, thank you to all participants for contributing to a thoughtful and inspiring discussion.

We look forward to continuing the My Journey in Leadership series, offering more opportunities for learning, reflection, and meaningful exchange.