Mongolia News Summary for August 18, 2024

The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.

Today's Stories

Politics

• Review: The Olympics Conclude, Parliament Begins, and Autumn Approaches

Economy

• Household Average Monthly Income Reaches ₮2.5 Million in Q2, Rising by 3.5% from the Previous Quarter
• Revenue of the Public Catering Sector Increased by 10% and Hotels by 12% in the First Half of 2024 Compared to the Same Period Last Year

Infrastructure

• Cleaning of Stormwater Drainage Pipe at Central Area to Allow Free Flow of Water
• The Road Towards 22 Toll Station to Be Temporarily Closed and Improved Starting Today at 23:00
• GOVI-ALTAI: UN Resident Coordinator Ören Shlein Reviewed Project Implementations
• The Vertical Retaining Wall on the East Side of the Protective Dam is 40% Concrete Cast

Society

• 53% of 2.5 Million People Receiving Social Welfare Services are Children Aged 0-18
• A Proposal to Prohibit Minors Under 18 From Riding Sur-Rons and Participating in Traffic
• B. Nomin: It Is Important for Children to Understand from a Young Age the Possibility of Neatly Using and Exchanging Clothes and Toys
• He Defrauded Others by Claiming to Provide “Scholarships to Chinese Schools”
• Recipe: How to Make Salsa

Environment

• Ulz, Balj, Onon, and Kherlen Rivers Exceed Dangerous Flood Levels by 10-85 cm

Innovation

• Experience Everything Smart Here
• Use Digi Pay to Attend Dua Lipa's Concert in Singapore

Health

• Ambulances Handed Over to Soums in Special Protected Areas

Sports

• The Nomad Festival Continues with National Sports Like Horseback Archery and Knucklebone Shooting
• The National Veterans Volleyball Championship Concludes Today

Arts

• Over 150 Artists from All Provinces and Abroad Participate in the World Culture Festival
• Preliminary Reading of Düinkhor Initiation Concludes, Opening Ceremony Held

Politics

Review: The Olympics Conclude, Parliament Begins, and Autumn Approaches

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Summarizing events from the past week.

Vehicles with Local License Plates Must Pay 5000₮ Daily if Traveling in the City for More than 48 Hours

Starting September 1st, local transport vehicles will have to pay 5000₮ per day if traveling within the capital city for more than 48 hours.

The Mayor of the Capital City issued an order on August 12, 2024. According to the order, starting from September 1st, vehicles with local license plates entering Ulaanbaatar City will be subject to a daily charge of 5000₮.

Honored Athlete M. Ankhtsetseg Awarded a Three-Room Apartment

The Executive Council of the Mongolian Weightlifting Federation awarded Honored Athlete Munkhjantsan Ankhtsetseg with a three-room apartment, presenting the certificate to the athlete.

This award was presented during a recognition event for the athlete and her coaches, who have represented Mongolia on the world stage for 17 years in the sport of weightlifting.

Parents to Cover Additional 1000₮ for Kindergarten Meals

Due to the preparations for the new school year, the Minister of Education P. Naranbayar held a briefing.

He announced that the cost of raw materials for kindergarten meals will be increased by 1000₮, to be covered by parents. Calculating on the basis of 22 working days, it amounts to 22,000₮ per month. This will make the daily meal cost 2500-3000₮, ensuring sufficient food. This initiative will first be implemented in the capital.

The government will cover the costs for children from target group families. The General Law on Education stipulates that parents share the cost of kindergarten meals, and this clause is being implemented now. Despite raising the issue eight years ago, a solution has not been found until now. Your paid 1000₮ will be dedicated solely to your child's meal expenses, he said.

The Minister also announced during the press conference plans to increase entrance exam scores, resume the teaching of reading and writing, encourage students to write with pencils, and make changes to textbook content and uniform designs.

Parliament's Extraordinary Session Attendance at Only 54.8%

The Parliament's extraordinary session commenced this Thursday.

The extraordinary session discussed drafts including the "Approval of the Government Action Program for 2024-2028", changes to the composition of some standing committees, and the selection of deputy committee chairs. Attendance for the 2024 extraordinary session of Parliament was only 54.8%. Detailed information on the session can be received HERE.

Three Party Leaders Sign the Joint Government Agreement

Expressing commitment to resolving pressing national issues and challenges more effectively through collaborative work, the leaders of three parties signed the "Courage for Rapid Development" joint government agreement to work creatively and stably during their term. Highlight the notable points of the Joint Government’s program, available HERE.

Officials Receiving Mandates from Judo and Wrestling Federation Published

Last week, attention was drawn to which individuals received mandates for the Paris Olympics. For example, nine wrestlers participated in the "Paris-2024" Olympic Games, with the team comprising nine coaches and three supporting staff, a total of 12 people worked in the delegation. This information was announced by the National Olympic Committee HERE.

"Nomads" World Cultural Festival is Happening

The "Nomads" World Cultural Festival is taking place from August 16-18 in the beautiful "Taij Khairkhan Valley" in the 3rd subdistrict of Nalaikh district, Ulaanbaatar City.

The festival's comprehensive program for the week can be accessed HERE.

WORLD NEWS

Ukraine Announces Humanitarian Corridor for Relocating Russian Citizens

Ukrainian forces have penetrated into Russia's Kursk Oblast, continuing military operations. They now control an area of over 1000 square kilometers.

Russian authorities have relocated over 120,000 citizens from the region. According to the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, a humanitarian corridor will be opened to assist with the evacuation of civilians. This is the first instance in two and a half years of war that Ukraine has launched such a large-scale offensive on Russian soil. Ukraine has launched 117 drones into Russia, and the Russian military reports they have been shot down.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated via Telegram, "We are progressing successfully within the Kursk Oblast territory." He also mentioned the possibility of exchanging Russian soldiers captured in Ukraine for Ukrainian soldiers during military operations.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Announces Resignation

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that he will not run in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election next month, meaning he will resign as Prime Minister.

He stated regarding his decision, "Without public trust, it is impossible to accomplish political work. I made this difficult decision with a desire to advance political reform and considering the public." The LDP leadership election will take place in September, and the elected leader will become Japan's new Prime Minister.

Since F. Kishida was elected Prime Minister in 2021, his popularity has been declining. The exposure of unregistered donation funds during a party fundraising event significantly impacted the reputation of Kishida's government.

Quirky Facts and Spectacular Athletes of the Paris Olympics

The Paris-2024 Olympic Games were successfully concluded. Here are brief highlights of the notable events and athletes from this occasion.

Noteworthy moments included skilled marksmen, eccentric freestyle dancers, a charming young athlete's gestures, a return performance by Celine Dion, and couples sharing joy in emotional instances. For more on these remarkable events and interesting athletes, click HERE.

Summarizing events from the past week.

Economy

Household Average Monthly Income Reaches ₮2.5 Million in Q2, Rising by 3.5% from the Previous Quarter

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The share of wage income in the average monthly household monetary income increased by 5.0 percentage points and the share of other income increased by 0.4 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

In the second quarter of this year, the average monthly household income in nominal terms was 2.5 million MNT, which is an increase of 24% or 485.7 thousand MNT from the same period last year, and an increase of 3.5% or 86 thousand MNT from the previous quarter.

Excluding the impact of prices, the average monthly real income for a household was 1.7 million MNT. This is an increase of 255.3 thousand MNT or 17.3% from the same period last year. The main factor influencing the increase in real income was the growth of real wage income by 218.3 thousand MNT or 31.2%.

During the reporting period, the increase in pensions and benefits contributed to a 3.2% increase in total household cash income from the previous quarter. Nationwide, pensions and benefits account for 47-73% of the average cash income for households with monthly incomes ranging from 700 thousand MNT to 1.6 million MNT.

Wages account for 56.4% of household cash income, while 22.9% is made up of pensions and benefits, and the remainder comes from agriculture, production, and service income.

During the April-June period, the share of agriculture production income in the average monthly household cash income decreased by 2.8 percentage points.

The Bank of Mongolia reported that the harsh winter and higher than normal livestock mortality adversely impacted the growth of the agriculture and processing sectors.

Revenue of the Public Catering Sector Increased by 10% and Hotels by 12% in the First Half of 2024 Compared to the Same Period Last Year

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The revenue of the public catering sector in the first half of 2024 reached 816.3 billion tugriks, showing a growth of 10.1% or 136.8 billion tugriks compared to the same period last year.

The growth was mainly influenced by:

• Restaurants, with revenue increasing by 21% or 81 billion tugriks compared to the same period last year.
• Cafés, with an increase of 24.7% or 13.9 billion tugriks.
• Teahouses, with a 16.6% increase or 11.6 billion tugriks.
• Catering services, with a 19% rise or 27.5 billion tugriks.

In the first half of 2024, restaurants accounted for 57.3% of the total revenue in the public catering sector, 10% was from teahouses, and 21.1% came from catering.

Moreover, the hotel industry's revenue in the first half of 2024 reached 244.2 billion tugriks, marking a growth of 11.7% or 25.6 billion tugriks compared to the previous year.

This growth was primarily driven by:

• Hotels with three or more stars, which saw a 9.3% increase or 14.9 billion tugriks.
• Unrated hotels and resorts, which increased by 19.5% or 10.6 billion tugriks.

In the first half of 2024, hotels with three or more stars accounted for 71.9% of the total revenue in the hotel industry, unrated hotels and resorts made up 26.6%, and two-star hotel revenues comprised 1.6%.

Infrastructure

Cleaning of Stormwater Drainage Pipe at Central Area to Allow Free Flow of Water

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In Ulaanbaatar, heavy rain fell yesterday, causing water to accumulate in many areas.

Additionally, a video circulated on social media showing water gushing out along the roads in the city's central area.

Regarding this, the Geodesy and Water Construction Authority reported that "Due to domestic waste clogging the stormwater drainage pipe in the central area, there was a risk of the pipeline backfiring. An inspection was conducted to clean the drainage pipe, ensuring that water can flow freely."

The Road Towards 22 Toll Station to Be Temporarily Closed and Improved Starting Today at 23:00

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Road repair and renewal work is being carried out in stages in the capital city.

This time, a section of the road from the Nomin Shopping Center intersection to the Takhilt intersection in the 20th and 32nd subdistricts of Songinokhairkhan district will be partially closed for renewal from 23:00 on August 17 to 06:00 on August 21.

Therefore, citizens and drivers are advised by the City Road Development Authority to choose alternative routes for travel.

Please note that media organizations (TV, radio, social media, and web pages) must fully or partially reference our content and mention the source (ikon.mn) when using it in any form.

GOVI-ALTAI: UN Resident Coordinator Ören Shlein Reviewed Project Implementations

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

UNICEF's Resident Representative in Mongolia, Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, and the Republic of Korea's KOICA International Cooperation Agency's Resident Representative Ören Shlein, along with experts, worked in Govi-Altai aimag in August.

The local leadership received them, introduced the works being implemented at the local level, and expressed their desire to further strengthen cooperation on a broader scale.

The representatives of international organizations reviewed the results of the project implementations and expressed their intention to continue cooperation, working in Yesönbulag, Khukhmorit, and Biger soums.

In the aforementioned soums, the project "Resilient Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in the Face of Climate Change for Local Communities" was implemented previously with the funding of the Republic of Korea's International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF. Additionally, the "Child-Friendly Local Community" strategy was implemented from 2017 to 2022, yielding significant results in improving children's health, education, and protection.

The Vertical Retaining Wall on the East Side of the Protective Dam is 40% Concrete Cast

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The vertical retaining wall on the east side of the flood protection dam of the Selbe River is currently 40 percent through the concrete casting process. The construction of the retaining wall on the west side of the dam will begin after addressing the engineering infrastructure. N. Manduul, the first deputy governor of the city, responsible for economic development and infrastructure issues, visited the site and urged the acceleration of the work.

Last year's flood caused material damage valued at 35 billion. To prevent a repeat of such a situation, precautionary measures have been implemented in stages since last February. As part of this, in collaboration with the city’s Department of Environment, it has been decided to plant trees on a 50-hectare area in Khan-Uul district, according to M. Baldandorj, head of the City Engineering Department of Ulaanbaatar's Zoning And Architecture Authority (UBZAA).

Z. Batbayar, head of the Water Agency, stated, "Had we not initiated preventative measures early this year, last year's flood would have repeated. By improving the river flow and increasing its width, we were able to mitigate the risk."

Society

53% of 2.5 Million People Receiving Social Welfare Services are Children Aged 0-18

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In the first seven months of 2024, the number of people receiving social welfare services reached 2.5 million, an increase of 3.2%, or 77.3 thousand, compared to the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Office.

When categorized by type among those participating in social welfare services:

• 53% are child monetary benefits
• 11.8% are social welfare pensions, allowances, and services
• 8.2% are benefits for mothers, families with many children, or single parents
• 27% fall under other types.

Additionally, 1.3 trillion tugriks were allocated in the first seven months of the year for social welfare pensions, allowances, aid, services, and discounts.

All children from 0 to 18 years old are covered by the child monetary benefits, receiving 100,000 tugriks monthly.

A Proposal to Prohibit Minors Under 18 From Riding Sur-Rons and Participating in Traffic

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

With the start of the new school year, traffic flow is increasing, and there is a trend of rising accidents of this type. Children are often involved in accidents related to Sur-Rons and get injured, which is why a proposal has been submitted by the Mayor to the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs to prohibit minors under 18 from riding Sur-Rons and participating in traffic.

The Deputy Mayor, L. Khosbayar, and the Head of the Health Department, P. Erkhmbulgan, provided information on this matter.

Over the past three years, there have been 515 traffic accidents related to Sur-Rons. Specifically, 96 in 2022, 178 in 2023, and 241 in the first seven months of 2024 have been registered. 95% of these occurred in the capital city. Due to traffic accidents related to Sur-Rons and bicycles, 121 people have been injured. Some countries treat Sur-Rons like motorcycles, requiring licensing, setting age limits, and implementing preventive measures against traffic accidents.

The Deputy Mayor, responsible for social sectors, green development, and air and environmental pollution issues, L. Khosbayar, said, "In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in teenagers and young people participating in traffic by riding electric bicycles, scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, and Sur-Rons. However, due to the lack of legal regulations, conditions have arisen for traffic accidents leading to damage to their own and others' health and property. Therefore, the Mayor's legal proposal for collaboration has been sent to the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs. In this context, the proposal is to regulate Sur-Rons like motorcycles based on their technical and speed specifications, mandating an 'A' category driving license and a helmet for riders."

In connection with Ulaanbaatar being a city of youth, the plan is being studied by the capital to develop a designated area for such vehicles if Sur-Rons are considered a means of transportation in which adults can lawfully participate in traffic, while minors under 18 would have specific areas to use these vehicles.

The Head of the National Center for the Mental Health and Well-being, P. Erkhmbulgan, mentioned that with increased use of Sur-Rons among youngsters and teenagers, injuries such as brain tissue damage, bone fractures, limb fractures, bruises, chest contusions, and abdominal tissue damage are predominant according to information from the National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE MAYOR'S OFFICE

B. Nomin: It Is Important for Children to Understand from a Young Age the Possibility of Neatly Using and Exchanging Clothes and Toys

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The “Holio Solio” group on Facebook and Instagram initiated another event encouraging minimalism and letting go of unnecessary items by bringing non-used items for exchange or donation. The event took place in the outdoor area of the Central Stadium.

During this event, young people brought clothes they no longer wear, washed and ironed, to exchange with others who might use them. Some artisans, who make ornaments and gifts, brought their handmade products to sell or exchange. Some young people couldn't attend due to heavy rain in the afternoon, as reported to the organizers.

Ariumaa, a craftsman from "Zuunar" studio, makes stuffed toys, toy clothes, and souvenirs. This time, she brought her handmade Mongolian vests, stuffed toys, and toy clothes. She has been part of "Holio Solio" for three years, enjoying the exchange of necessary items without necessarily buying them. They exchange not only old items but also new ones.

We had a short conversation with B. Nomin, the initiator and organizer of the "Holio Solio" page. He noted that membership and support have been steadily increasing over the past ten years since he first started running the "Holio Solio" page on Facebook and Instagram.

Ten years ago, when a Facebook event was organized, people found a way to enjoy themselves by selling, exchanging old clothes, playing guitar, and drinking wine. Since then, similar activities have been organized every season, and participants know them well. Recently, there have been more similar activities, and it's pleasing to see that our messages are being received and understood.

We aim to support local artisans and promote their products. Some artisans have been very successful, establishing their own brands over time.

Street shops or second-hand clothing stores have opened in Mongolia. People now view second-hand clothes positively as environmentally friendly. A lot of energy and greenhouse gases are put into producing a new product. Therefore, if one doesn't use a product, passing it on to another who needs it fully utilizes its purpose and is an environmentally friendly way of living.

Various garments, shoes, and toys often go to waste at home. Children's clothes, in particular, become too small quickly and out of use. Therefore, regularly organizing nonprofit activities for selling, exchanging, or for children to buy and exchange clothes, toys, and books at a low price is essential. Understanding that cleanly using and exchanging clothes and toys can lead to children learning to be thrifty and protecting the environment from a young age.

Recently, someone came to donate old clothes. These clothes are sold in the "Circle" second-hand shop, and the proceeds fund volunteer activities.

When it comes to second-hand clothes, people often perceive them negatively as being used only by low-income individuals. However, globally, it is a well-established culture to pass on unused clothes and items to those who need them. This practice is not only environmentally friendly but also economically beneficial.

Traditionally, Mongolians have fully utilized environmentally friendly materials derived from animals. However, with development, this tradition has been lost. Many non-essential items are bought, but there is often a reluctance to spend on necessary, valuable items. People tend to be swayed by materialistic allure. I, too, had such a phase, but I realized that this behavior is harmful to both oneself and the environment. Subsequently, I initiated activities based on this understanding and the global development trend of humanity.

I have a background in tourism services and run a restaurant. This project is voluntary, driven by personal interest. Life becomes much simpler by fully utilizing the items needed and avoiding unnecessary ones. Even when outside, I try to avoid using disposable cups and plates. However, being 100% “eco-friendly” is challenging. If everyone tries within their capacity, waste will decrease, and we can live in harmony with the environment.

I studied in a Singaporean state school. Singapore is a highly developed city-state with many alluring bright objects marketed aggressively to instigate purchases. I had a phase of being attracted and collecting these things. Reflecting on this made me realize they were ultimately futile.

In Singapore's middle school curriculum, lessons on collecting and reusing rainwater, converting sunlight into energy, etc., teach children to live environmentally friendly and economically from a young age. Being an island nation with scarce freshwater resources, it imports drinking water and has policies to reduce the cost of this imported water, instilling these ideas into children from the first grade, which I admired greatly.

In contrast, it seems in our country, people think tap water will always flow endlessly, revealing a lack in water conservation efforts. For Mongolians, it feels necessary to try to generate as little waste as possible to live environmentally consciously and teach this to our children, as Nomin explained.

Facebook page: Holio Solio

He Defrauded Others by Claiming to Provide “Scholarships to Chinese Schools”

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Citizen B created a false situation by claiming to provide scholarships to schools in China and deceived others into giving him 2.2 million MNT.

In his statement as the accused, he mentioned, "I saw a post on a Facebook page asking how to study in China with a scholarship and if there was anyone who could help with it. I wrote in the comments section that I could provide information, and we started a conversation through chat. I received 2.2 million MNT for various fees like brokerage fees, application registration fees for sending applications to schools, and language preparation classes. I ended up spending the money gradually on gambling."

He was found guilty of deliberately creating a false situation, deceiving others, hiding the real facts, and misappropriating the property of the owner by deceiving others in violation of Article 17.3, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.

Consequently, according to Article 17.3, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code, B was sentenced to 400 hours of community service and was ordered to reimburse the victim for 2.2 million MNT.

Article 17.3. Fraud

1. If a person deceives, or uses documents, items, electronic means, or deliberately creates fictitious situations, takes advantage of belief, hides the truth, misleads others, or uses trust built in previous relations to misappropriate property or property rights of the owner, that person will be fined an amount equal to four hundred to fourteen thousand units of currency, or will be required to perform community service for a period of two hundred forty to seven hundred twenty hours, or will have their freedom of movement restricted for a period of six months to three years, or will be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of six months to three years.

Although the defendant B voluntarily admitted his guilt in committing the crime, considering the nature of the crime, the circumstances under which the crime was committed, the nature of the damage and consequences, the personal situation of the person who committed the crime, and the prosecution's suggestions regarding criminal liability, and given the social danger and form of the crime, the court deemed it appropriate to assign community service as punishment under Section 17.3, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code as proposed by the prosecutor.

Recipe: How to Make Salsa

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

During the season when delicious Mongolian tomatoes are available, make salsa and mix it with your favorite meals and snacks. This salsa can be included in burritos, used as a dip for chips, or simply enjoyed as a side dish.

Explanation:

• tbsp – tablespoon (15 ml)
• tsp – teaspoon (5 ml)

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes - 6 large or 9 medium-sized
• Parsley - one bunch
• Onion - 1 piece
• Salt - a pinch
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon - half

Instructions:

1. Dice the tomatoes and onion into small cubes. Finely chop the parsley as well.
2. Mix all the ingredients together well.
3. Cover with food wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before eating.

Other Cooking Recipes:

• Youtube: Home Cook – Гэртээ Тогооч
• Facebook: Home Cook – Гэртээ Тогооч
• Instagram: Home Cook – Гэртээ Тогооч

Environment

Ulz, Balj, Onon, and Kherlen Rivers Exceed Dangerous Flood Levels by 10-85 cm

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

As of August 17, the water levels of rivers like Delger Moron Eg, which starts from the Khentai Mountain Range, Khurkh and Bark that flow from the eastern slopes of the Khuvsgul Mountains, and Terelj originating from the western slopes, Selenge, and the Onggi and Baydrag Rivers that draw water from the Hangai Range, have risen by 10-55 cm compared to the previous day.

The Ulz (Dashbalbar, Ereentsav), Kherlen (Baganuur-Mungunmorit-Choibalsan), and Balj (Dadal) rivers have exceeded their flood levels by 5-25 cm. Meanwhile, Khurkh, Tuul (Lun), Orkhon (Orkhontuul), Onon, and Kherlen (Undurkhaan) have surpassed the dangerous flood levels by 10-85 cm and remain under severe flooding.

In the coming days, heavy rains are expected in the eastern regions, which might cause rapid increases in the river water levels within a short period, and there is a risk of flash floods flowing through dry beds, so the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring (NAMEM) has issued an urgent warning to be cautious of flood hazards.

Innovation

Experience Everything Smart Here

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The biggest event where you can experience both Mongolian and Japanese cultures together, "JAPAN FESTIVAL IN MONGOLIA 2024," is being organized this Saturday and Sunday at Sukhbaatar's Square.

During these days, there will be fascinating activities such as performances by artists from both countries, E-Sport, cosplay, anime song competitions, and the main sponsor Mobicom Group has exciting news for you.

For those attending the festival, there is a segment to travel through the movie world, try out the latest smartphones and devices, and witness the marvels of technology. Additionally, by visiting Mobicom's booth, you have the chance to purchase products and services from Mobicom, MonPay, VOO, and the world's best brands with great gifts.

Use the Monpay application to purchase your ticket for just 1₮ and participate in the festival.

The biggest event where you can experience both Mongolian and Japanese cultures together, "JAPAN FESTIVAL IN MONGOLIA 2024," is being organized this Saturday and Sunday at Sukhbaatar's Square.

During these days, there will be fascinating activities such as performances by artists from both countries, E-Sport, cosplay, anime song competitions, and the main sponsor Mobicom Group has exciting news for you.

For those attending the festival, there is a segment to travel through the movie world, try out the latest smartphones and devices, and witness the marvels of technology. Additionally, by visiting Mobicom's booth, you have the chance to purchase products and services from Mobicom, MonPay, VOO, and the world's best brands with great gifts.

Use the Monpay application to purchase your ticket for just 1₮ and participate in the festival.

Use Digi Pay to Attend Dua Lipa's Concert in Singapore

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Khan Bank has announced a special promotional campaign for its customers. In the framework of this campaign, you have the unique opportunity to attend the concert of the world-famous pop star Dua Lipa in Singapore and explore the country's beautiful sights.

How to participate in the campaign?

Participation is very easy! All you need to do is make a transaction by scanning the QR code with the Digi Pay app. For every five transactions, you will receive one qualification entry, and there is no limit to how many entries you can collect during the campaign period.

Dua Lipa's "Radical Optimism Tour" concert in Singapore will be held in November 2024. Two selected participants will win concert tickets, flight tickets, hotel expenses, and travel rights within the country. In other words, not only will you enjoy an exciting concert, but you will also have a chance to visit Singapore's famous Marina Bay Bridge, Gardens by the Bay, and renowned shopping centers. This fantastic journey will become one of the unforgettable memories of your life.

Duration:

This campaign will run from August 12 to September 30, 2024, and the winner will be announced on October 10, 2024, through a live broadcast on Khan Bank's official Facebook page.

Instructions for making a transaction using a QR code:

You can make transactions using the Digi Pay QR code in three ways:

1. Scan the QR code on Khan Bank's POS device,
2. Scan the printed QR code of Digi Pay,
3. Select Digi Pay to make a payment from the cash screens of major network stores.

You can easily check your qualification entries from the Loyalty section of the Digi Pay app.

Join the Digi Pay campaign and become the lucky winner of a magnificent trip with the world-famous star! Enjoy Everything!

Scan the following QR code to download the Digi Pay app!

Collaborative Growth - Khan Bank

Health

Ambulances Handed Over to Soums in Special Protected Areas

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Ambulances have been handed over to the soums in special protected areas, according to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Specifically, Toyota Land Cruiser LC78 ambulances, which have excellent traversing capabilities and special equipment, have been provided to health centers in 17 soums across 11 aimags, including Uvs, Khovd, Govi-Altai, Bayan-Ulgii, and Bayankhongor.

Sports

The Nomad Festival Continues with National Sports Like Horseback Archery and Knucklebone Shooting

Published: Sun, 18 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The "Nomad" World Cultural Festival is continuing at the base of Taij Khar Mountain in Nalaikh District, the capital city.

This year's festival is notable for bringing together nomadic cultural nations, showcasing the unique and remarkable heritage and traditions of humanity in one place, according to the organizers.

Participants from twenty-one provinces and the capital city are camping and presenting native art, rituals, performances, and exhibitions of handmade crafts. Additionally, representatives from the Philippines, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia's Altai region, South Korea, and Germany, who are participating by invitation, are showcasing artistic performances. Foreign and domestic visitors and delegates are not only introduced to cultural heritage but also witness our national sports such as Uriankhai and Buryat archery and knucklebone competitions.

For visitors coming to the "Nomad" World Cultural Festival, public transport will be operating daily from 08:00 to 22:00, departing from the old Lenin Club's parking area, now St. Petersburg Square, to the base of Taij Mountain in Nalaikh District, until August 18.

The National Veterans Volleyball Championship Concludes Today

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The National Veterans Volleyball Championship is taking place at the Sports Palace A Hall from August 10 to 17. Today, the final round of matches will continue and conclude.

It should be noted that many interesting matches featuring the best masters of the past will only be seen on this field.

In the competition, a total of 47 teams competed in the men's age categories of 40-47, 48-54, 55 and over, and women's age categories of 35-42, 43-50, 51 and over.

Notably, many famous figures including the honored athlete, renowned basketball player Ts.SharaVjamts, athlete L.Narantuya, and honored coach G.Bayarsaikhan participated in this tournament. Since 1985, the "Erchis Tal" team has won the most titles, having come in first place six times.

Honored athlete Ts.SharaVjamts played for the "Tengis" and "Monsam" teams in volleyball while also playing on the basketball league courts in the 1990s, winning three bronze medals in the league and one gold medal from the national championship.

Arts

Over 150 Artists from All Provinces and Abroad Participate in the World Culture Festival

Published: Sat, 17 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In the World Culture Festival, the festival of the nomadic cultural heritage is taking place at the foot of Taij Khar Mountain, located in the territory of Nalaikh District of the capital city. This year's "Nomad" cultural festival features 880 inheritors from Mongolia representing the seven intangible cultural heritages, and more than 150 delegates from 12 countries across Asia, Europe, and South America.

Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia S. Amarsaikhan conveyed his greetings at the "Nomad" World Culture Festival, emphasizing, "Mongolia ranks highly in the world with the number of tangible and intangible cultural heritages registered with UNESCO. The government is paying special attention to preserving and protecting cultural heritage while enhancing their value and enriching them with diverse content and forms to increase their social and economic benefits. This festival provides a significant opportunity for recognizing and respecting the heritage and culture of various ethnic groups in Mongolia from one place, where inheritors can learn from each other, recall and honor their history and ancestry, and inspire and pass it down to future generations."

At the cultural heritage festival, tourists and visitors can explore and engage with the heritage at different camps and platforms, enjoy performances, purchase cultural production products, participate in educational programs designed for children and families, and savor delicious food, all conveniently centralized in one location.

Preliminary Reading of Düinkhor Initiation Concludes, Opening Ceremony Held

Published: Sun, 18 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

At the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the center for Buddhism in Mongolia, the preliminary reading for the Düinkhor initiation, also known as the Great Empowerment of the Wheel of Time, began on August 9. The initiation ceremony itself was opened on August 16. The event began with the construction of the sacred mandala and ritual dances.

During a press conference at Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Deputy Abbot Gachuurt Gantumur stated, "The Düinkhor initiation is considered very important in Buddhism. It is the highest of the tantric teachings. The empowerment is given first when spreading and teaching to the public. The Dalai Lama has bestowed the Düinkhor initiation 34 times. The 22nd occasion was held at Gandantegchinlen Monastery in 1995."

The preliminary reading prepared participants by purifying their internal thoughts, promoting correct intentions, and leading up to the initiation on August 16 under the theme of global peace. Today, disciples continue with the preliminary teachings of the Great Empowerment of the Wheel of Time.

Foreign guests and numerous devotees have arrived in Mongolia to participate in this event. The main empowerment ceremonies will be held from August 18 to 20.