The "Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025,” one of the major Counter Strike 2 tournaments organized annually by ESL, is currently underway in Katowice, the Republic of Poland.

With a prize pool of one million dollars, the tournament invited Mongolia’s “The MongolZ” to the group stage based on their world ranking. On February 3, 2025, the Mongolian team defeated “Team Liquid” 2–1 in their first group match, and the next day, they secured a 2–0 win against “GamerLegion,” a Swedish team captained by Erik “ztr” Gustafsson.

With these victories, they have qualified for the tournament’s playoffs and set a new milestone by becoming the first Asian team ever to advance to the playoffs of an IEM series. On February 5, 2025, “The MongolZ” will compete for the top spot in their group against the winner of the “Team Spirit” vs. “Natus Vincere” match.

The selection of an independent member of the Board of Directors of Golomt Bank is announced as per the provisions of Article 62.1.7 of the Company Law of Mongolia and the “Regulation on Nominating, Appointing and Dismissing Independent Members of the Board of Directors of the Bank” approved by the appendix to the Order No. A/86 of the President of the Bank of Mongolia of 2021.

Requirements for Independent Director:

Have a higher education in banking, finance, economics, and may specialize in law, information technology, or corporate governance. Have at least 10 years of professional experience, including at least five years as an authorized official in a banking and financial institution;

Not a related party and does not have any business relationship with the bank;

Not have any overdue debts under loan, guarantee, or surety agreements;

Have not been convicted of crimes against the economy, property rights, public safety and interests, corruption, national or human security, or peace;

The ethical and business reputation does not conflict with the management of the bank;

If candidate is an authorized official of an organization engaged in professional activities in the financial market, must not have a conflict of interest and must not negatively influence the decision-making activities of the bank;

If candidate was an authorized official at the time the license of a bank or non-bank financial institution was revoked due to a violation, three years must have passed since;

Not be a significant shareholder of a bank or a participant in a banking merger;

Must not have served as an authorized official other than an Independent member of the Board of Directors in the last five years or as any other employee in the last three years in a bank or participant in the banking merger;

Have not received or do not receive bonuses based on the bank's performance indicators.

There are no circumstances that would impede the supervision of the bank's operations and executive management;

Not hold any public, political or official position other than public service;

If a legal entity was bankrupt or deemed insolvent during in which the candidate was an authorized official, it must be proven that the bankruptcy or insolvency was not caused in any way by that person;

Not own, personally or jointly with an affiliated person, more than five percent of a company's common stock;

Neither the candidate nor any of his/her affiliated persons holds any position or employment in the company or any other participant in the company in which the company is a participant, or has not held any position or employment in the last 3 years;

Previous experience as a member of the Board of Directors in a company with international investment will be an advantage.

Application materials:

A) Board Independent member Identification statement; and B) Board Independent member Candidate statement approved per Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the Order No. A/86 of the President of the Bank of Mongolia of 2021;

Short CV (mention work experience, profession, qualifications);

Job reference;

Reference from the previous employer (obtain a reference from the organization providing employment confirming the requirements no.1);

Notarized copies of educational diplomas, certificates, other training and seminar certificates;

Copy of National ID Card;

Reference from the General Department of Court Enforcement;

Court reference (obtain from the Specialized Court Archive).

Deadline and email address for receiving selection materials:

Applications will be accepted by email to solongo_z@golomtbank.com until 12:00 PM February 19, 2025.

Notices:

Scan the materials legibly and attach them to the email in PDF format.

The materials will not be returned after the selection process.

If the deadline is missed or the materials are incomplete, it will not be possible to participate in the selection process.

Only candidates who meet the selection requirements will be contacted by the selection committee.

If necessary, additional clarifications can be obtained and materials can be prepared in accordance with the law.

The Performance Monitoring Unit for reducing air pollution and improving infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar City convened to discuss various initiatives, including resolving power shortages, introducing renewable energy heating solutions for households in ger districts, the planning and development of Hunnu City, and the installation of smart surveillance cameras at city intersections and crossings. The meeting also highlighted the digital transition of the public transport sector.

Currently, 2,606 cameras have been installed at 176 intersections and crossings throughout Ulaanbaatar City. The Video Surveillance Center has been established in the Capital City, along with nine district-level monitoring centers, integrating data from both public and private sector cameras. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being used to process this data.

Mayor Nyambaatar Khishgee stated, "Artificial Intelligence can analyze footage recorded by surveillance cameras. For example, it can monitor fire incidents, flood levels, and the filling status of trash bins in streets and public areas, providing real-time data to relevant authorities. Monitoring a single major intersection in the city center has detected 100,000 violations per day. Many traffic violations, including failure to follow traffic rules, are being identified. Smart cameras help track improper lane usage, traffic light violations, crossing stop lines, and other actions that obstruct traffic flow. We are also laying the foundation for AI-powered traffic violation penalties."

During the meeting, it was highlighted that Ulaanbaatar City’s public transport system has fully transitioned to a digital system. Passengers can now pay for bus fares using transportation cards, any bank card, or other digital payment methods, making the process more convenient. For instance, by installing the UBCard mobile app, passengers can pay via QR code, check their travel and recharge history, transfer unused balances, access bus routes, stops, and schedules, monitor bus occupancy, navigate routes, submit feedback or complaints, and receive updates on public transport services.

The number of public transport users in Ulaanbaatar City has increased by 14.3 percent. To further facilitate smooth bus operations, plans are in place to expand and construct new roads while enforcing priority lane regulations for buses.

Additionally, onboard surveillance cameras are now transmitting real-time footage to Video Surveillance Center, leading to a decrease in violations such as drivers using mobile phones, smoking, occupying incorrect lanes, or speeding while operating buses. Moreover, the number of passengers and the corresponding fare payments are being analyzed to ensure accuracy. LED screens have also been installed at bus stops, displaying real-time updates on bus locations and estimated arrival times.

We’re pleased to share that Landell Mills’ Communications division has been awarded a new contract titled Strategic Communication of the EU Delegation to Mongolia. The contract has a value of €749,650 and will run from January 2025 to March 2027.

The contract aims to raise awareness of the European Union as a trusted partner to Mongolia through large-scale online and offline public campaigns, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of communication activities to assess effectiveness and impact.

The campaigns will target the general public in Mongolia, with a specific focus on youth. Landell Mills will also engage with the media, and key political and opinion leaders in the country, who will act as multipliers and support promotion of the campaigns.

Landell Mills’ team will be responsible for the development and implementation of a communication strategy and plan for the EU Delegation to Mongolia, which will involve:

the production and sharing of content across print, broadcast and digital channels.

the organisation of online and offline events.

the design of out-of-home activations.

TİKA has provided high-capacity scanners and computers to facilitate the digitization of 70,000 paper-based diplomatic documents that make up Mongolia’s foreign affairs history, currently preserved by the Directorate of Diplomatic Archives.

The project aims to safeguard Mongolia’s diplomatic records by digitizing centuries-old documents while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public services.

Gaadarmaa Ulziibat, Director of the Diplomatic Archives at Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of preserving these documents in a secure environment. He stated: “Thanks to TİKA’s valuable support, historical materials that serve as an open resource for diplomats, researchers, scientists, students, and citizens can now be preserved in a digital format. We extend our gratitude to the Turkish people and TİKA for this support.”

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality in Mongolia, accounting for one in every five deaths, according to the country's National Cancer Center (NCC) on Tuesday.

"A total of 4,755 people died from cancer in Mongolia in 2024, accounting for one in five deaths in the country," the NCC said in a statement on the occasion of the World Cancer Day, which falls on Feb. 4 each year.

Additionally, the Asian country, with a population of 3.5 million, recorded 8,169 new cases of cancer in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 13 percent compared to the previous year. The NCC attributed this rise in part to improved early detection efforts.

While 80 percent of cancer patients in Mongolia were previously diagnosed at a late stage, the situation has improved, with the figure dropping to 65 percent, the center noted.

The most common types of cancer among Mongolians include liver, stomach, lung, cervical, and colorectal cancer, reflecting long-standing public health challenges

Finance Minister B.Javkhlan recently stated, “There is no such thing as a tax without burden. Tax burden is a relative concept.” This was his response to public concerns about the various taxes and fees imposed by the state, which many believe are excessive and place a heavy burden on citizens. The finance minister’s message suggests that the authorities are not prioritizing the well-being of citizens and plan to continue increasing taxes, further adding to the financial strain on the public.

In reality, every working Mongolian feels the weight of these taxes. For instance, a citizen pays 11.5 percent of their salary toward social insurance, while their employer contributes an additional 12.5 percent. On top of that, 10 percent of their salary is deducted as personal income tax. Additionally, a 10 percent value-added tax (VAT) is applied to the price of every good or product purchased.

For those living in the capital, every visit to a service organization comes with a two percent fee paid to the city office. Car owners face even more expenses, as they are required to pay three types of taxes and fees annually: road use tax, motor transport tax and air pollution tax. They must also purchase compulsory insurance. If a rural resident enters the city with a car, they are charged a daily fee of 5,000 MNT starting from the second day.

To make matters worse, the state also imposes a 10 percent tax on the interest earned from savings, further reducing the little money citizens have left after all these deductions. It’s clear that the financial burden on Mongolian citizens is significant and continues to grow.

Better to receive care than pay taxes

Citizens are not seeing the benefits of the numerous taxes they pay monthly and daily. Instead, their lives are becoming increasingly difficult and burdensome. A stark example of this growing frustration was the “Resign Government” demonstration organized by the Freedom Alliance Party on January 11 in the central square. Many people joined the protest, voicing their struggles with the heavy tax burden and criticizing the government’s policies and decisions as being detrimental to the well-being of citizens.

One citizen expressed their frustration online, writing, “How do you register for welfare? After working hard under immense stress, we end up paying taxes in the nine-figure range just to earn a modest income, and what’s left in our hand is barely enough to get by. The worst part is that we don’t get anything in return for the taxes we’ve paid. At this point, it’s better to stop paying taxes, register as poor, receive welfare and just give up.”

Another employer, referred to as Kh., shared his perspective on social media, stating, “After paying employees’ salaries, the remaining money goes straight to taxes. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll make a profit by starting a business. The state will take everything and push you toward bankruptcy.” These sentiments are not isolated; they reflect the harsh reality faced by the majority of Mongolians today.

Unfortunately, the authorities’ approach to taxation appears to be expanding rather than easing. Recently, Chairwoman of the Citizens’ Participation Union Party and representative of the Khan-Uul District City Council Ts.Oyungerel highlighted this issue in a public address. She revealed that the government is considering introducing a new tax called the “city center tax”, which would impose a daily fee of 27,500 MNT on individuals entering the city center. She warned, “The authorities are rushing to pass such a law. If the city center tax is implemented in Ulaanbaatar, everyone will effectively be fined. Very few people can afford this, meaning only the wealthy and powerful will be able to access the city center freely. We must fight to prevent the adoption of such a law.”

Ts.Oyungerel further criticized the government’s contradictory actions, stating, “When we see taxes being increased, it seems the government has no money. Yet, when we hear about large-scale projects, it appears they are spending lavishly. The reality is so far removed from their promises - it’s all lies.”

Budgets being spent on stoves or furniture

Of course, every country collects taxes. However, unlike Mongolia, in many nations, the taxes paid by citizens are used to improve their living conditions and make social services more accessible. Typically, taxes are increased only after citizens have achieved a certain level of income and a decent standard of living. In Mongolia, however, the taxes paid by citizens go into a large “pot” called the state budget and seem to “disappear” without trace. There are numerous examples of these funds being misused, not for the development of the country or its people, but rather to hinder progress.

Member of Parliament N.Nomtoibayar addressed this issue, saying, “Everything related to taxes, fines and fees has gone too far. It seems as though the government is pursuing a policy of stagnation rather than development. Businesses and organizations are shutting down, and young people are leaving the country in droves, often resorting to illegal work abroad. This path is unsustainable and will lead us nowhere.”

Indeed, it appears that taxpayer money is being used primarily to benefit those in power, such as funding lavish trips abroad for officials. A glaring example from this year’s state budget includes allocations of 111 billion MNT for foreign missions and 268 billion MNT for furniture and equipment. Meanwhile, only about 28 billion MNT of the taxes paid by citizens were allocated to distribute stoves to 32,000 households in the capital.

While the government claims to prioritize reducing emissions, its actions often contradict this goal. Instead of focusing on sustainable solutions, there seems to be a push for short-term measures that fail to address the root causes of environmental and economic challenges. This mismanagement of public funds and lack of coherent policy direction are exacerbating the struggles of ordinary citizens and hindering the nation’s development.

Are people ready to fund ‘bosses’?

This year, taxpayers will contribute a staggering 36.8 trillion MNT to the state budget. This means that citizens and businesses will essentially be “feeding” the authorities with this enormous sum. On top of that, an additional 3.8 trillion MNT will be required for the capital city’s budget, placing even greater pressure on individuals and organizations to work harder than ever before. The authorities have already approved historic increases in both the state and capital city budgets, setting a record high for this year. As a result, citizens, businesses and organizations will face unprecedented financial strain, leaving them with less money to support their families and meet their own needs.

There’s a well-known saying, “There is no such thing as state money - only taxpayers’ money.” In other words, it’s crucial to remember that the funds being spent by leaders do not belong to the state but to the taxpayers who earned them. Unfortunately, in Mongolia, the opposite seems to be true. Leaders are treating the money collected from citizens as if it were their own, spending it without accountability or regard for the public’s welfare. This mismanagement is a key reason why ordinary citizens are growing poorer, while taxes continue to rise and leaders with no real business acumen grow richer.

A clear example of this disparity can be seen in the labor market. According to the Mongolian Labor Market Supply and Demand Forecast for the Medium Term for 2024 through 2035, a study presented by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Protection last year, the average monthly salary of workers in Mongolia was projected to be 1.5 million MNT in 2022. However, the actual average salary was measured at just 731,100 MNT, which is less than half of the projected amount. The study also highlighted that real wages have not seen significant growth over the past decade, with little improvement since 2012. In simple terms, this means that the purchasing power of citizens has stagnated, leaving them unable to afford a better quality of life despite their hard work.

This troubling trend underscores a growing divide between the government’s priorities and the realities faced by ordinary citizens. While taxpayers are forced to shoulder an ever-increasing financial burden, the benefits of their contributions are not being reflected in improved public services, infrastructure, or living standards. Instead, the money seems to vanish into a system plagued by inefficiency, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency.

Unless there is a fundamental shift in how public funds are managed and allocated, the cycle of rising taxes, stagnant wages, and growing inequality will continue to erode the well-being of Mongolian citizens and hinder the nation’s progress. It is imperative for leaders to recognize that the money they spend belongs to the people and to prioritize policies that genuinely improve the lives of those who fund the state.

Lower incomes, better outcomes

In his New Year’s address on March 31, Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene highlighted positive economic projections for 2024, stating that the economy is expected to grow by five percent and foreign exchange reserves will reach 5.1 billion USD. He also mentioned that amendments to the tax and social insurance laws would be submitted to the spring session of Parliament, based on proposals from citizens and businesses. While these statements may sound promising, they appear to be more of a temporary attempt to placate citizens who are increasingly frustrated with the heavy tax burden rather than a genuine commitment to meaningful reform.

For instance, officials from the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies have been holding frequent meetings and discussions on reforming tax legislation. However, experts warn that these so-called reforms are merely superficial changes that fail to address the root causes of the problem. A.Munkhbold, president and researcher of the Mongolian Logistics Association, criticized the approach, saying, “It is true that the tax burden is high. To address this, a comprehensive socio-economic analysis must be conducted to determine the actual burden on citizens and businesses. Specifically, the impact on the middle class must be carefully considered. Our current tax system is a significant obstacle for citizens. Compared to countries with similar economies, our tax rates are excessively high. Honest taxpayers, or both citizens and businesses, have been suffering for a long time, while those who evade taxes and exploit loopholes thrive. It is unrealistic for the finance minister to claim that tax legislation can be updated within two months. From what he has said, it seems he is only proposing cosmetic changes. As the saying goes, ‘a dirty rabbit will have feces in its fur.’”

Indeed, the statements made by Finance Minister B.Javkhlan have done little to inspire confidence. One citizen aptly summarized the proposed solutions, noting, “They are trying to reduce the tax burden by making minor adjustments to VAT.” This observation seems particularly relevant, as the minister also mentioned plans to introduce VAT benefits for low-income groups. While this may sound like a step in the right direction, it raises a critical question, “Are Mongolian leaders effectively discouraging citizens from earning higher incomes by imposing greater financial pressure on those who do?”

This approach risks creating a system where citizens are penalized for striving to improve their livelihoods, while those who remain in low-income brackets receive limited relief. Such policies not only stifle economic ambition but also perpetuate inequality, as the middle class and honest taxpayers bear the brunt of the tax burden.

The government’s focus on superficial reforms and its failure to address the systemic issues within the tax system suggest a lack of genuine commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Without comprehensive, well-considered changes that prioritize fairness, transparency, and economic growth, the cycle of high taxes, stagnant wages, and public dissatisfaction will continue.

Ultimately, the government must recognize that its primary responsibility is to serve the people, not to burden them. Meaningful tax reform should aim to create a fair and equitable system that supports economic growth, rewards hard work and ensures that all citizens - not just a select few - can thrive. Until then, the promises of reform will remain little more than empty words, and the trust between the government and its citizens will continue to erode.

During its plenary session on January 23, 2025, the State Great Khural of Mongolia approved the draft Law on Supporting Planning, Development, and Promotion of Kharkhorum City, along with the accompanying proposals submitted by the Government in December 2024.

The draft Law focuses on facilitating the restoration and development of the historical Capital City of the Great Mongol Empire Kharkhorum while safeguarding Mongolia’s national history, cultural heritage, and nomadic civilization. Additionally, it aims at promoting sustainable tourism, ensuring balanced regional development, and establishing an environmentally friendly, comfortable urban environment. The draft law provides a legal framework for city planning, infrastructure development, and urban growth.

The draft Law regulates issues such as delegating certain municipal functions to private sector entities and integrating advanced information technology to develop a smart city model, ensuring transparency in city operations and development activities by maintaining open access to relevant information and establishing specific requirements for urban planning and defining principles to guide infrastructure development.

Specifically:

• Promoting diverse and sustainable tourism based on historical and cultural heritage, archaeological sites, tangible and intangible cultural assets, unique natural landscapes, and the nomadic way of life;

• Ensuring that city planning, infrastructure, and services align with the collective rights and interests of residents while fostering a human-centered, multi-nodal urban system that provides equitable access to public services;

• Designating at least 50 percent of the city’s residential zones, as defined by the general development plan, as green spaces;

• Ensuring that, depending on zoning regulations and population density, residents have access to schools, kindergartens, social and cultural institutions, healthcare services, recreational areas, public transportation hubs, parks, and commercial establishments within a distance of 300 to 800 meters from their place of residence;

• Supporting balanced regional development by aligning the new city’s expansion with Mongolia’s broader regional development strategy while fostering economic self-sufficiency within the Khangai region;

• Encouraging the use of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies;

• Establishing designated airspace for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).