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Mongolia — Daily

Mongolia Daily: 2026 budget tightens spend, odd–even paused today, and SCO summit joins

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Politics

Government Submits 2026 Budget to Parliament, Tightening Spending and Prioritizing Health and Education

Published: 2025-09-01

The Cabinet submitted the 2026 state budget and amendments to the medium-term fiscal framework to Parliament, recalibrating spending and revenue targets as commodity prices soften and global uncertainty persists. The draft sets balanced revenue at MNT 31.6 trillion and total expenditure at MNT 32.98 trillion, implying a fiscal deficit of 1.3% of GDP. Economic growth is projected at 5.7% in 2026, rising to 6.5% by 2028. The plan trims current spending to 24% of GDP and seeks efficiency savings, while channeling funds to priority sectors: roughly MNT 1 trillion for education and MNT 1.3 trillion for health, alongside pension and welfare increases of 6%. Tax reform under discussion aims to ease burdens on citizens and businesses by MNT 3–4 trillion.

"Next year’s budget limits spending growth, boosts incomes, and improves essential public services while expanding room for the private sector." - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (ikon.mn)

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Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia’s parliamentary leadership met the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) to gather input on a revised Chamber law and tax package reforms aimed at easing compliance and encouraging private-sector growth. Speaker D. Amarbayasgalan urged a practical public–private partnership framework and invited MNCCI feedback on a posted VAT amendment. MNCCI acting president B. Lkhagvajav said companies are constrained by overlapping rules.

"Firms are now complying with 253 laws and every accompanying regulation, which is shrinking their room to grow." - B. Lkhagvajav, acting president, MNCCI (eagle.mn)

Lawmakers outlined broader reforms: a tax package designed to protect household incomes, comprehensive bankruptcy law updates (first since 1997), measures to cut administrative permits, scrutiny of state-owned enterprises’ market dominance, labor law revisions to expand employment, and new heat and electricity supply legislation. The dialogue signals a push to reduce state intervention and streamline regulation, with implications for investment climate and operating costs.

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Government Moves to Consolidate and Monetize State Assets Linked to Corruption Cases

Published: 2025-09-01

Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar has ordered a campaign to consolidate, value, and recover state assets tied to corruption and failed financial institutions, signaling a tougher stance on illicit enrichment and mismanaged public property. A task force led by the State Property Policy and Coordination Agency will centralize fragmented asset records, reclaim state holdings stranded in defunct or at-risk banks, and pursue recoveries through auctions, court-enforced payments, and debt-for-asset swaps using bonds or securities. Authorities have already brought the "Tögrög Nuur" group of deposits under state control, aligning with constitutional principles that subsoil wealth belongs to the state and potentially boosting future distributions via the Sovereign Wealth Fund. The state reports receivables of MNT 483 billion from three collapsed or troubled banks and MNT 1.3 trillion in non-performing loans from 27 Development Bank borrowers, indicating sizable recovery potential if enforcement proceeds effectively.

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Former Chamber Executive Allegedly Laundered Funds via Crypto After Steering Controversial Tender

Published: 2025-09-01

Prosecutors are investigating former Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) CEO T. Duuren for alleged abuse of office and money laundering tied to a 3.5 billion MNT environmental project tender at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Authorities claim Duuren, while serving as an unpaid advisor to then-minister N. Tserenbat, influenced the selection of Germany’s “B2 Bio-to-power GmbH,” despite noncompliance, causing 2.1 billion MNT in state losses. Investigators say a similarly named entity was created in Mongolia to receive funds in 2019. Duuren is further accused of withdrawing USD 1 million from an MNCCI deposit account and repeatedly purchasing cryptocurrency to launder money. He faces charges under Criminal Code 22.12-1 (abuse of office causing major damage) and 18.6-1 (money laundering). No trial timeline or official prosecutorial statements were provided in the report.

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Judge Reprimanded for Unlawfully Releasing Former Health Insurance Chief in Bribery Case

Published: 2025-09-01

A disciplinary panel has issued an open warning to Judge D. Munkhtuya for improperly releasing former Health Insurance General Authority head L. Byambasuren, who is under investigation for allegedly taking large bribes. Prosecutors sought Byambasuren’s pre-trial detention in September 2024, and a court initially ordered 30 days’ custody. While acting in place of the chief judge, Munkhtuya ordered his release, applying amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code that are only effective from January 1, 2025. The Judicial Disciplinary Committee found she committed a serious breach by invoking a not-yet-effective legal provision, violating the Judiciary Law’s standards. A separate criminal case opened against the judge for alleged abuse of office was dropped by the Prosecutor General’s Office, but disciplinary action proceeded, resulting in a formal public admonition.

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Teachers’ Union Seeks Dismissal of Education Minister over Alleged Illegal Appointment

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia’s Teachers’ Trade Union has asked the Civil Service Council to initiate the removal of Education Minister P. Naranbayar, alleging he unlawfully appointed B. Aidyn as acting head of the Bayan-Ölgii Education Department on January 31, 2025. The Council’s Resolution No. 227 (May 30, 2025) found the order violated multiple provisions of the Civil Service Law and instructed the minister to nullify it and report compliance by July 1, 2025. The union says the appointment remains in force, triggering a clause that allows recommending dismissal and recovery of damages from responsible officials. The union is requesting the Prime Minister receive a dismissal notice for the minister and that state losses be recouped from him, with a written response due by September 15, 2025. The case highlights stricter enforcement of civil service appointment rules in provincial education governance.

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Economy

Central Bank Scraps “Blacklist,” Launches Credit Scoring; 70,000 Records Cleared

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia has abolished banks’ long‑used “blacklist” and shifted to a credit‑scoring regime following amendments to the Credit Information Law passed in June. The Bank of Mongolia issued an order effective today to invalidate blacklist records across all data providers—banks, NBFIs, telecoms, and public funds—clearing about 70,000 individuals and firms. From September 10, credit reports will no longer show borrower classifications; lending decisions will rely on scores, with a typical range cited between 511 and 999 and an average around 650, where higher scores unlock better terms. Officials frame the move as replacing a punitive six‑year exclusion with risk‑based pricing aligned to international practice.

"The central bank president today issued an order nullifying the commercial banks’ blacklist for both companies and citizens." - E. Batshugar, Minister for Digital Development and Communications (eagle.mn)

"From the 10th of this month, former blacklist information will not appear in credit references; only scores will be used." - G. Enkhtaivan, Deputy Governor, Bank of Mongolia (itoim.mn)

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Central Bank Buys 690 kg of Bullion in August as Year-to-Date Purchases Fall 24%

Published: 2025-09-01

The Bank of Mongolia purchased 690.1 kg of precious metals in August, bringing year-to-date acquisitions to 7.7 tonnes—down 24.1% from the same period last year, according to official releases. Regional intake continues to be concentrated in key mining provinces: the Darkhan-Uul branch has procured 494 kg so far this year, while Bayankhongor has collected 1,138.7 kg. The central bank sets domestic purchase prices in line with global markets; the average buy price for gold in August was about MNT 387,000 per gram. The pullback in volumes suggests artisanal and small-scale supply may be tightening or shifting to alternative channels, and could influence foreign reserves and seasonal cash liquidity ahead of the autumn mining and trade cycle. Monitoring global price moves and domestic sourcing policies will be key for forecasting fourth-quarter inflows.

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World Bank Flags Weakening Competitiveness of Mongolia’s Export Basket

Published: 2025-09-01

The World Bank’s office in Ulaanbaatar warns that Mongolia’s ability to sustain new exports in foreign markets remains limited versus peer economies. Of all newly introduced export products, 31% achieve stable sales after two years, but this share declines to 13% by the tenth year—indicating fading competitiveness over time. Typically, new export lines face high discontinuation risk in years 1–3, relative stabilization in years 3–5, and average stability thereafter. In Mongolia’s case, only about a third of new products weather early shocks, with long-term persistence notably weak. The Bank’s “Trade Competitiveness Report of Mongolia” cites low product competitiveness, weak standards compliance, underdeveloped supply chains, and high transport costs as key constraints. For investors and traders, the findings underscore structural bottlenecks that could hinder diversification, scale-up of non-mineral exports, and resilience in volatile markets.

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Economic Ministry Official Urges Counter‑Cyclical Budget and Diversification as China Slowdown Hits Mining Exports

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia should craft the 2026 budget around global headwinds and a cooling Chinese economy that is weighing on coal demand and prices, according to I. Batkhuu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Development. He said GDP growth underperformed in H1, with Q1 at 2.4%, as border coal prices fell about 40% and export volumes slipped. The ministry will base projections not only on models but also on miners’ production plans and contracted sales. Batkhuu advocates maintaining capital investment to support activity while capping current spending and creating room for tax reform that reduces the state’s footprint. Priority growth avenues include value‑added mining (steel, coke‑chemicals, coal washing, oil refining, copper processing), upgraded animal health systems to lift agribusiness exports, large‑scale renewables with cross‑border sales, tourism via aviation liberalization, and IT services.

"The main pathway for Mongolia’s economy is diversification." - I. Batkhuu, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy and Development (itoim.mn)

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Shunkhlai LLC to Issue Rated Public Bond on Mongolian Stock Exchange

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia’s Financial Regulatory Commission approved Shunkhlai LLC to issue a public, A-rated bond, with subscriptions open on the Mongolian Stock Exchange from September 2–8, 2025. The 12‑month bond offers a 17.0% annual coupon paid semiannually, positioned about 3–4 percentage points above the average announced bank deposit rate, and subject to a 5% interest tax—half the rate applied to deposit interest. Each bond has a face value of MNT 100,000. The deal forms part of a broader push to boost capital-market participation by TOP‑100 enterprises. Shunkhlai Group, active across energy, manufacturing, beverages, retail, and technology, established Shunkhlai LLC in 1995 and is a leading petroleum products distributor. TDB Securities serves as lead underwriter, with SG Investment & Securities as co‑underwriter; Niyamazon Audit is auditor, Legal Policy LLC is legal counsel, and MIRA assigned the credit rating.

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Seoul Labor Union Leader Urges More Contract Workers for Metal and Recycling Sectors

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolian officials met South Korean Federation of Trade Unions President Donmyong Kim to discuss the E-9 contract labor program. Since 2004, Mongolia has sent a cumulative 38,500 workers to South Korea, primarily in metalworking, food processing, electronics, and waste recycling. Mongolian workers currently receive three-year permits across industry and services, with deployments scheduled monthly; 722 were sent in 2023. Kim emphasized stronger safety and rights protections as South Korea recruits from 17 countries.

"Foreign contract workers face industrial accidents, sometimes fatal. Our government is prioritizing better working conditions and stricter oversight of workplace safety, along with regular training for workers and employers to prevent accidents." - Donmyong Kim, President, Korean Federation of Trade Unions (unuudur.mn)

He added that reducing wage disputes and improving human rights and social protection require joint efforts from both sides, signaling attention to compliance and risk management for employers receiving E-9 workers.

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Diplomacy

Khurelsukh Joins Record-Size SCO Summit in Tianjin, Backs Transit and Climate Agendas with China Ties in Focus

Published: 2025-09-01

President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders’ expanded session in Tianjin as an observer, after being formally received by China’s Xi Jinping. Mongolia emphasized neutrality and multi-pillar diplomacy while pitching “Transit Mongolia” to deepen cross-border logistics, energy, tourism and the planned gas pipeline with Russia and China. Khurelsukh also highlighted climate cooperation ahead of hosting UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar in 2026 and showcased national drives such as “Billion Trees” and food security. The summit—one of the SCO’s largest—gathered over 20 leaders including Russia and India, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres present. For Mongolia, the forum offers momentum for trilateral projects and access to regional financing and markets, while maintaining its observer status and balanced foreign policy.

"Mongolia stands ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with all SCO members and contribute to regional integration." - President U. Khurelsukh (montsame.mn)

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New Zealand House Speaker Makes First-Ever Official Visit, Marking 50 Years of Bilateral Ties

Published: 2025-09-01

New Zealand’s Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, arrived in Ulaanbaatar for an official visit through September 3 at the invitation of State Great Khural Chairman D. Amarbayasgalan. The delegation was received by Deputy Speaker H. Bulgantuya, Ambassador D. Davaasuren, and MP S. Erdenebold, who chairs the Mongolia–New Zealand parliamentary group. This is the first visit to Mongolia by a New Zealand Speaker and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1975. The agenda includes formal talks between Amarbayasgalan and Brownlee on broadening bilateral relations and deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation. The delegation also toured the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, a standard cultural stop for high-level visitors. The visit signals intent to increase high-level exchanges and could open channels for cooperation in governance, education, agriculture, and people-to-people links as both sides recalibrate ties at a milestone year.

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ASEAN Ties Deepen with New Envoy, Trade Deals, and Direct Singapore Flights

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar is accelerating its “third neighbor” outreach across Southeast Asia, targeting trade diversification and sectoral cooperation with ASEAN and key members Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Singapore. Mongolia appointed D. Enkhtaivan as ambassador to ASEAN in March 2025, restoring a post vacant since 2017, and signaled intent to become an “ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner.” Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg signed an MoU with the ASEAN Secretariat and ERIA in Jakarta in May 2025 to expand joint research and training. Thailand ties marked their 50th anniversary with mechanisms to promote specific-sector trade; bilateral trade reached USD 355.43 million in Jan–Sep 2024, up 45.22% year-on-year. Vietnam relations advanced during the 70th anniversary, with trade tripling since 2017 to USD 132 million in 2023. Laos agreed new cooperation in health, agriculture, and exchanges, while direct Singapore–Ulaanbaatar flights begin in November 2025 alongside sustained Singaporean mining investment.

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Infrastructure

Odd–even traffic rule pauses for Sept. 1, resumes Sept. 2 under citywide 08:00–20:00 schedule

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar suspended its odd–even license plate restriction on September 1, the first day of the school year, allowing all vehicles to circulate. The measure—introduced on August 27 to ease congestion during the back‑to‑school period—will continue from September 2 through September 16 across the capital’s six central districts without zonal exemptions. Vehicles with even-numbered plates may drive on Sept. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16; odd-numbered plates on Sept. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15. The rule applies daily from 08:00 to 20:00, according to multiple city advisories. Some outlets reported a 08:00–22:00 window, but most specify 08:00–20:00. Businesses and commuters should plan logistics accordingly during the two-week rotation.

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Daily Train Exchanges at Zamiin-Uud Raised to Boost Rail Exports by 1.2 Million Tons

Published: 2025-09-01

Railway delegations from Mongolia, Russia, and China agreed in Ulaanbaatar to increase the number of freight trains exchanged daily at the Zamiin-Uud border crossing to at least 16, creating capacity to raise Mongolia’s rail-borne exports by about 1.2 million tons annually. The adjustment equates to roughly 850 wagons per day and is projected to add around USD 14 million in yearly revenue, according to reports by UBTZ. The trilateral consultations also advanced measures to streamline cross-border rail operations and improve transport efficiency on connecting lines. For Mongolia’s mineral-heavy export mix, especially coal and copper concentrates moving to China, the added slots at the main rail gateway should ease bottlenecks and smooth year-end dispatches, while broader coordination on scheduling and procedures could reduce dwell times and improve reliability for shippers.

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Ulaanbaatar to Withhold Building Permits from Developers Lacking Stormwater Systems

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar will deny future building permits and levy fines on developers that fail to install compliant stormwater drainage, following inspections across major residential complexes and commercial sites. Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar said the city has installed 16.3 km of new drainage this year and plans about 30 km more next year, but alleged some builders are channeling runoff onto public roads and even damaging pipes—costs the city now intends to recover through legal claims. Comprehensive inspections of the citywide drainage network will conclude before October 1 to shape 2026 plans. The move signals stricter enforcement against private projects that externalize infrastructure costs and damage public assets.

"We will impose fines and withhold subsequent building permits until mistakes are fixed for any new housing estates that haven’t resolved drainage." - Kh. Nyambaatar, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar (urug.mn)

"We will phase out behaviors that pursue profit under ‘wild capitalism’ and harm the public." - Kh. Nyambaatar, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar (gogo.mn)

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Ulaanbaatar Expands School Bus Fleet to 296 Vehicles for 2025–2026 Academic Year

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar is scaling up its “School Bus” program to 296 buses serving both public and private schools in the 2025–2026 academic year, up from 66 buses last year. City authorities aim to ease central traffic congestion and provide safer commutes for students living far from school. Of the total, 62 buses operated by five state-owned entities will run 60 routes serving 76 schools across three outer districts—targeting areas with the most pressing transport needs. Technical inspections for all school buses were completed August 21–29, and services begin today. The expansion comes as the capital operates 326 schools educating over 412,000 students, highlighting continued demand for dedicated student transport since the program launched in 2020. No fare, schedule, or route-map changes were detailed beyond the additional fleet and outer-district coverage.

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Society

Graduation-Style Social Protection Pilot Achieves 96% Success; Government Plans Nationwide Rollout

Published: 2025-09-01

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the Asian Development Bank concluded a two-year “graduation approach” pilot aimed at helping vulnerable households recover from the post-pandemic downturn. Launched in June 2022, the program supported 1,259 targeted households with assets, equipment, and skills to build livelihoods, reporting a 96% overall success rate. Of participating households, 80.6% met graduation criteria, shifting from assistance to self-sustaining income generation, often through microproduction using provided equipment. Adult employment rose from 33.6% at baseline to 93.3% after completion, while access to technical and vocational education increased from 4% prior to enrollment. The ministry has drafted amendments to the Social Welfare Law to scale the model nationwide, embedding measures that boost household self-reliance and reduce poverty exposure. The proposed legal changes would institutionalize asset transfers, skills training, and performance-based graduation benchmarks across the country.

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Environment

River Levels Rise in Central and Northeastern Basins; Flood Warnings Issued for Ulz River

Published: 2025-09-01

Water levels on several rivers have increased, with the Tuul River near Zaamar up 15 cm from the previous day. The Eg River at Khantai and the Onon River near Dadal rose 5–15 cm. Authorities report the Ulz River is exceeding flood thresholds: 9 cm above the flood level near Dashbalbar and 20 cm above the dangerous flood level near Ereentsav. Officials advise keeping camps and overnight stays away from mountain ravines and riverbanks, maintaining observation when recreating near rivers and lakes, and using designated roads and bridges only. Rising levels during summer rains can rapidly inundate low-lying pastures, rural roads, and informal campsites, disrupting travel and seasonal herding activities. Businesses operating near waterways should review contingency plans and monitor updates from local emergency services.

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Erdenet to Build Fully Automated Nursery Complex to Scale ‘Billion Trees’ Drive

Published: 2025-09-01

Erdenet Mining Corporation is expanding its role in the national “Billion Trees” campaign with a fully automated “Erdenet” sapling production complex adjacent to its Forestry Genetics Center in Orkhon. The facility—now equipped with fencing, irrigation, and power—is slated for completion next year. Since joining the initiative three years ago, the company has planted 3.6 million trees along the Khangal River, in Orkhon province, and near its tailings site. It is also developing two regional nurseries for dryland zones, including a 50-hectare site in Dundgovi to produce 5 million saplings annually, underpinning a plan to plant 30 million trees in the Gobi region. Spring 2025 efforts added 100,584 trees across multiple sites, with further autumn planting planned.

"Leveraging the regional nursery in the Gobi, we aim to plant 30 million trees" - B. Ser-Oddamba, Head of Erdenet’s Green Development Project Unit (montsame.mn)

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Geomagnetic Storm to Trigger Sharp Cold Snap and Snow in Mountain Areas This Week

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia is forecast to experience a sudden temperature drop and early-season snowfall in mountainous regions late Thursday into Friday, following a strong solar flare and incoming geomagnetic storm. International solar activity monitors expect elevated geomagnetic conditions over Central Asia and Russia, including across Mongolia, which the national forecast links to weather instability. Rain is likely across much of Khuvsgul, Zavkhan, Arkhangai, Bulgan, Selenge, Tuv, Uvurkhangai, Dundgovi, and parts of Umnugovi, with wet snow over the mountains of Khuvsgul, Zavkhan, Arkhangai and around the Khentii range. Nighttime temperatures could fall to 0–4°C, with winds reaching 12–14 m/s and potential blizzard conditions in affected areas. Authorities advise heightened caution for vulnerable individuals and drivers on inter-province roads during this period.

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Innovation

Ulaanbaatar Launches 2+2 Metro Engineering Program with Korea’s Halla University

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar’s City Administration, the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), and South Korea’s Halla University have launched a “2+2” metro engineering track to build local capacity for future urban rail. Students will study two years at MUST, including Korean and English, then two years at Halla for specialized training across four tracks: rolling stock/mechanics, civil construction, control and operations, and signaling/electrical systems. The initiative includes simulator labs and faculty upskilling through six-month practicums at Halla’s Railway Academy and Korean transit corporations, aligning instruction with international standards and broader rail and transport needs, including LRT and mining logistics.

"Even if students choose metro engineering, they will be positioned to work across LRT, electric and road transport, ropeways—and even transition into the mining sector." - N. Purevdorj, Dean, MUST School of Mechanical Engineering and Transport (unuudur.mn)

"We aim to train high-skill engineers domestically to global standards, reinforced by hands-on practicums at Korea’s railway labs and operators." - J. Azjargal, Associate Professor at MUST (urug.mn)

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New School Year Opens with 1.28M Learners as Teacher Shortages and Facility Gaps Persist

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia opened the 2025–2026 academic year with 2,458 institutions serving about 1.284 million learners, including 826,860 in general education and 78,166 first-graders. Ulaanbaatar alone enrolled roughly 41,000 first-graders. Enrollment growth continues to strain capacity: six schools in the capital still run three shifts, and a nationwide shortfall of 3,324 general education teachers plus 1,147 preschool staff remains. Planned procurement lapses forced the clawback of funds for desks and furniture, pushing cities and provinces to cover urgent needs. The government has not yet announced a concrete raise for teachers beyond a three-year plan under discussion, while rolling out digital initiatives and AI-assisted tools for classrooms.

"We view teachers’ demands as reasonable... the Government will present a three-year plan to steadily increase salaries and identify funding sources." - Education Minister P. Naranbayar (ikon.mn)

"Fifteen schools and twenty kindergartens could not get essential furniture after the tender missed its legal deadline and 11 billion tugriks were withdrawn." - Deputy Mayor A. Amartuvshin (gogo.mn)

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Ulaanbaatar Opens Second-Round Preschool Enrollment via E-Mongolia Through Sept. 8

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar’s public preschool system is taking second-round applications online until September 8 through the E-Mongolia portal. This phase is intended for families who missed the initial registration window and for children of temporary residents, expanding access to places that may still be available after the first intake. Applications opened on August 27 at 09:00, with the capital’s Education Department directing parents to the centralized digital system for processing. The move continues the city’s shift toward unified e-services to streamline education enrollment and reduce in-person queues. For foreign and internal migrant families without permanent registration in the city, this round provides a defined pathway to secure limited remaining slots before the academic year advances. No additional policy changes or seat expansions were announced alongside the timeline, suggesting capacity constraints will remain a consideration for late applicants.

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Police Freeze ₮8.8 Billion in Suspected AI-Driven Fraud Transfers

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia’s National Police Agency warned of rising cyber fraud schemes using AI-generated voice and video deepfakes of public figures to lure victims with “profitable offers,” then harvest internet banking credentials and personal data. In the first seven months of 2024, authorities registered 1,589 cyber fraud-related reports and imposed restrictions on transfers linked to 1,158 cases, freezing a total of ₮8.808 billion while investigations proceed. Police also reported full restitution of ₮2 billion to 310 victims. The advisory urges heightened vigilance against clicking fraudulent links, which can compromise online banking, personal information, and social media accounts. The figures underscore escalating sophistication and financial impact of cybercrime, prompting sustained enforcement actions and public awareness efforts to limit losses and recover funds.

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Police Warn of AI-Driven Scams Using Voices of Former Presidents to Harvest Personal Data

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia’s police warn of a surge in online scams that promise large payouts, rapid returns on deposits, or urgent “guaranteed” investments while harvesting personal data. Fraudsters are leveraging AI tools to mimic the voices and writing of well-known figures, including former and current presidents, to build credibility. Authorities urge heightened skepticism toward messages claiming endorsements from senior officials or celebrities, and advise against entering bank details or passwords into unverified apps. The guidance underscores the growing use of deepfake audio and text in financial fraud. Businesses and individuals should strengthen verification protocols and educate staff about social engineering risks in Mongolian-language channels. The police emphasize verifying online claims and cross-checking sources before sharing sensitive information.

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Nationwide School Surveillance Overhaul Reports 19,000 Cameras Fully Operational

Published: 2025-09-01

Police authorities report that surveillance upgrades at general education schools have brought 19,000 cameras into full operation across 885 institutions. The inspections were conducted under Mongolia’s MNS 6784:2019 standard for school safety and general requirements, with remedial work completed on 558 cameras at 54 schools. The push indicates a systematic effort to standardize school security infrastructure, aiming to bolster incident prevention, monitoring of premises, and evidence collection capabilities. While the update signals broad compliance, specifics on data retention, access protocols, and privacy safeguards were not disclosed. Stakeholders may look for follow-on guidance from education and law enforcement bodies as implementation continues and schools align operational procedures with national standards.

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Teacher Training Hub Launches at Mongolian National University of Education to Scale EdTech in Classrooms

Published: 2025-09-01

The Mongolian National University of Education (MNUE) opened its Smart Education Hub on September 1 to train faculty in advanced educational technologies, including AR/VR/MR, AI, STEM kits, drones, and Arduino. The center aims to help instructors plan lessons using technology and develop practical methods and skills, with support from local edtech firms providing content for K-12 and early childhood education. MNUE leadership framed the hub as a response to labor-market needs and contemporary teaching demands.

"Our duty is to prepare the owners of this era. We established this not just to add new equipment or classrooms, but to align teachers and students with the requirements of the time," - Prof. J. Batbaatar, MNUE President (news.mn)

A first-year software student said access to the hub and a campus science club enabled rapid prototyping of robotics projects, indicating hands-on benefits for students as well.

"What I once viewed as a long-term goal, I built in three days—so I’d say my dreams have no limits," - L. Naranbat, MNUE student (news.mn)

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Australia Education Fair 2025 Set for Sept. 13 at Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

Published: 2025-09-01

Australia’s Embassy in Mongolia will host the “Australia Education Fair 2025” on Saturday, September 13, from 12:00–17:00 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Entry is free but requires prior registration via Study Australia’s EventsAir links in English or Mongolian. Now in its 14th year, the fair brings representatives from Australian institutions across all levels—English language, VET, colleges, and universities—offering guidance on admissions, scholarships, and pathway options such as 1+2 programs. For the first time, IDP IELTS Mongolia will participate, providing information and advice on IELTS testing. Confirmed participants include the University of Sydney, Monash, Macquarie, Curtin, Flinders, Murdoch, Adelaide, QUT, UTS College, Torrens, Eynesbury, Ozford, NSW Government Schools, Texila College Australia, and James Cook University (Singapore). Organizers emphasize official sources for accurate scholarship and study information.

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Health

Government Advances Pediatric Lung Hospital Plan with UNICEF; Earmarks Child Fund for Diagnostics and Facilities

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia’s National Council for Children, chaired by Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar, approved using the Children’s Fund’s MNT 7.8 billion budget in three areas: purchasing diagnostic and treatment equipment for early detection of childhood illnesses and disabilities, co-financing a dedicated pediatric lung hospital, and renovating outdoor and football facilities at the “Nairamdal” complex. The government is pursuing a tripartite model with UNICEF and private sector partners for broader child health and education initiatives, including ventilation upgrades in schools and shifts away from coal-fired boiler heating in 51 schools. Zandanshatar emphasized mobilizing private financing through tax incentives and shared investment structures for the lung hospital.

"For the pediatric lung hospital, the state will provide 20%, while international organizations and the private sector will cover 80% for better results and accountability." - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (itoim.mn)

"UNICEF’s assessment found indoor air quality in Ulaanbaatar schools is very poor, with carcinogenic substances five times higher than normal." - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (itoim.mn)

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Measles Cases Reach 13,442 as Health Officials Urge Two‑Dose Vaccination

Published: 2025-09-01

Mongolia has confirmed 13,442 measles cases as of September 1, according to the National Center for Communicable Diseases. Hospitalized patients total 16 (3 mild, 12 moderate, 1 severe). Overall, 13,413 have recovered, two are under home care, and 11 deaths are recorded. Authorities identify 96,794 contacts, signaling sustained transmission risk. Children 10–14 years old comprise the largest share with 5,038 cases, followed by ages 0–4 (3,072) and 5–9 (1,728). The profile points to immunity gaps likely tied to incomplete or missed vaccinations, particularly in school-age cohorts. Health officials emphasize that measles is highly contagious yet preventable with two doses of vaccine, underscoring the importance of rapid immunization catch-ups and potential school-based campaigns to curb further spread during the academic year.

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Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Historic ‘Tуул’ Restaurant vs. Planned Four-Star Hotel

Published: 2025-09-01

Ulaanbaatar’s Supreme Court is set to rule this week on whether the historic “Tуул” restaurant building (built 1946–48 as the city’s first public dining facility) can be replaced by an international franchise four-star hotel, or must remain under local heritage protection. Owner Narantrade LLC acquired the site in 1997 and received an architectural planning assignment in 2008 for a hotel but did not commence construction. City authorities revoked that assignment in 2023 and, following a 2021 City Council move, listed the building under district-level heritage protection. Lower and appellate courts split: the first instance favored Narantrade; the appeal court upheld the city’s revocation but annulled the Council’s heritage listing for procedural shortcomings. The National Center for Cultural Heritage considers the site eligible for elevation to city-level protection, underscoring regulatory tensions between development rights and urban heritage preservation.

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