Politics
Ex-Energy Minister Detained in Probe Over $148.7M Provincial Power Plant Project
Published: 2026-01-16
The Independent Authority Against Corruption detained former Energy Minister N. Tavinbekh and two others on suspicion of abusing office and illicit enrichment tied to a government project to build thermal power plants in 10 provinces. Investigators say that although a $9 million consulting contract had been completed, Tavinbekh extended its term and increased the budget by $2.6 million, allegedly granting advantage to a Mongolian firm linked to his former adviser. Authorities conducted searches at 21 locations. The project was financed under a $148.7 million, 40-year loan agreement between the Mongolian and South Korean governments in 2019. The anti-graft agency also alleges $2.1 million (about MNT 7 billion) was paid for consulting services to the company founded by the ex-minister’s adviser, raising procurement integrity concerns and potential delays for provincial energy infrastructure planning.
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Prime Minister to Host Live Q&A on Public TV as 9,139 Questions Flood In
Published: 2026-01-16
Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar will take live questions from the public on January 17 from 17:00–20:00 on Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB), following a weeklong call for submissions. As of 15:00 on January 16, authorities reported 9,139 questions and suggestions received: 8,303 via E-Mongolia, 774 through D-Gov, and 62 via the government’s 11-11 center. The outreach signals an effort to centralize citizen input across digital platforms commonly used for public services. For viewers, the format offers a real-time gauge of government priorities heading into 2026, with potential updates on service delivery, economic management, and social policy. The government encouraged further submissions through E-Mongolia, the D-Gov site, and the 11-11 hotline ahead of the broadcast.
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Anti-Corruption Agency Detains Thermal Power Plant No. 4 CEO for 48 Hours in Misuse-of-Office Probe
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has detained N. Tavinbekh, CEO of Thermal Power Plant No. 4, for 48 hours under urgent procedure while investigating alleged abuse of office linked to a foreign concessional loan in the energy sector. Authorities are probing whether he illicitly benefited and accumulated assets through the project. The ACA said further details will follow. Tavinbekh previously served as Minister of Energy in 2020 and as State Secretary from 2022, later becoming Plenipotentiary Representative at Thermal Power Plant No. 3 in July 2025 before his December 2025 appointment as CEO of TPP No. 4. Public financial disclosures cited in local media show significant assets, including real estate, livestock, and savings as of 2019. The case centers on potential corruption risks in concessional financing and could have implications for governance and compliance across Mongolia’s energy infrastructure projects.
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Investigations Spotlight Alleged Bribery and Rule-Bending in Ulaanbaatar Land Administration
Published: 2026-01-16
A detailed report alleges persistent bribery and favoritism within Ulaanbaatar’s land administration, highlighting how opaque procedures and ad hoc rules create leverage for officials to solicit payments. Cases cited include former and current officers in Bayanzürkh and Songinokhairkhan districts accused or convicted of taking bribes to allocate or transfer plots, including for high-demand areas and commercial projects. One officer was penalized for transferring two Ar Gunt plots to another person without owners’ requests, while others allegedly demanded millions of tugriks per decision. The report also flags a land certificate expansion in Bayangol that overlaps a wastewater pipeline protection zone, potentially contravening water utility and land laws, and granted without auction or planning basis. The pattern underscores systemic risks: limited public disclosure of applications, inconsistent application of rules (such as forest-zone transfer bans), and reluctance to void unlawful allocations despite higher-agency warnings.
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Draft Law Would Recognize Courtyard and Grounds of Apartment Buildings as Co-owned Property of Residents
Published: 2026-01-16
The Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs presented a draft law to overhaul management of common property in multi-apartment buildings, shifting legal ownership of surrounding courtyards and grounds from homeowners’ associations (SÖKh) to joint ownership by apartment owners. The proposal aims to clarify rights that have remained ambiguous under the 2003 law, which granted SÖKh usage rights but not explicit ownership to residents—fueling disputes and undermining property rights and safety standards. The draft would make land-use rights an integral part of individual apartment ownership and tighten registration, oversight, and transparency of SÖKh. It also envisions engaging professional management firms for maintenance and protection of common assets. Over 20 public and private bodies joined the policy discussion, signaling broad institutional interest.
“We will establish that the grounds and surrounding land are not for SÖKh, but are jointly owned by apartment owners, inseparable from their property rights.” - Deputy Minister D. Munkh-Erdene (gogo.mn)
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Published: 2026-01-16
Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar met provincial and Ulaanbaatar assembly chairs and governors on January 15 to hear local constraints and assign tasks. Several governors urged faster decision-making, more devolved authority, and solutions to stalled heating projects after a South Korean contractor on a 10-province boiler program went bankrupt, halting works at roughly 40%. Sukhbaatar Governor M. Iderbat warned parts of his province face emergency heating conditions this winter and is pursuing a 70 MW plant with private investment next year. Dorno-Gobi Governor S. Munkhchuluun flagged the risk of local heating firms failing due to a decade-long tariff freeze and investment delays. Governors from Zavkhan and Orkhon pushed to end “vertical” appointments and transfer quarry licensing to local control to curb construction costs. Darkhan-Uul’s B. Azjargal criticized procurement rules that expose local leaders to anti-corruption probes over contracts and limit product choice in social programs. Selenge’s N. Lkhagvadorj said frozen tariffs are driving utilities into debt and prolonging public works timelines.
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Economy
Central Bank Tightens Consumer Lending Caps and Reserve Requirements to Curb Inflation Risks
Published: 2026-01-16
The Bank of Mongolia’s Monetary Policy Committee held an extraordinary meeting and lowered the consumer debt-to-income cap for new or modified loans to 45%, down from 50%. It also raised banks’ required reserves by one percentage point to 14% for tugrik deposits and 19% for foreign currency, aiming to temper rapid credit growth and demand-driven inflation while bolstering banks’ resilience. Outstanding loans rose 21% year-on-year as of November 2025, with authorities warning consumer lending could crowd out business credit and pressure the exchange rate via higher import demand. Bank of Mongolia Governor S. Narantsogt said structural reforms at the central bank will proceed in two phases to improve efficiency and align with international standards.
“We will implement a two-phase structural reform to create a more efficient, smart organization in line with international central bank practices.” - Governor S. Narantsogt (montsame.mn)
An independent MPC member also highlighted high-risk, unsecured pension loans with relatively high rates, underscoring consumer risk concerns.
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Electric Bills Now Itemize Power Generation Costs and VAT by Category
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s electricity bills will now include a cost breakdown showing how consumer payments are allocated across the power system. The new itemized section details per-kWh costs and totals for fuel/coal, generation, imports, transmission, and distribution/supply, along with VAT, providing greater transparency on how tariffs are composed. An example bill from Khan-Uul District lists fuel at MNT 45.5/kWh, transmission at MNT 54.7/kWh, and a total cost of MNT 280/kWh before 10% VAT, with the tariff schedule last updated in January 2025, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission. The change aims to help consumers understand the structure of electricity prices and what portion of their payments support production, network operations, and imported power. This disclosure may also inform public debate on tariff adjustments and cost drivers such as coal prices and import reliance.
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Leadership Vacancy at Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi Drags On as Board Weighs Charter Changes
Published: 2026-01-16
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi’s board has stalled on appointing a CEO due to political disagreement, with the next meeting expected to address amendments to the company charter rather than the leadership vacancy. An earlier open recruitment—announced for applications through November 25, 2025—was voided after a purported government-favored candidate’s name surfaced publicly, raising questions about political interference despite legal limits on government influence over state-owned enterprise hiring. Interim CEO N. Tserensambuu, formerly head of procurement, remains in place. Debate continues over potential privatization: a proposal reportedly considers selling 10%, drawing criticism from those arguing either for deeper privatization up to 49% or against any sale given the firm’s role as one of the few profitable SOEs. The company faces weaker global coal prices; in 2025 it exported 28.9 million tonnes and contributed MNT 1.7 trillion in taxes, about 6% of state revenue. A new CEO could be named in March.
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Q4 2025 VAT Refunds Scheduled for Late January Payout
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s tax authority will disburse value-added tax (VAT) refunds for Q4 2025 during the final week of January 2026. Eligibility depends on consumers having registered their electronic receipts for purchases made in the fourth quarter by 23:59:59 on January 8. The timing aligns with the country’s ongoing practice of quarterly VAT refund distributions, which aim to formalize retail transactions and encourage e-receipt use. Businesses should anticipate a short-term boost to household liquidity once payments are made, potentially lifting retail and services turnover early in the year. Consumers who missed the registration deadline will not be included in this payout cycle. Further operational details—such as exact payment dates and channels—were not specified in the announcement.
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Taxpayers Can Claim First-Time Homebuyer Refund Through Online Annual Filing
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s tax authority reminds individual taxpayers to submit their Personal Income Tax (PIT) returns online between January 1 and February 15 to qualify for a refund available to first-time apartment buyers. The guidance outlines how to complete the annual PIT filing and attach required documentation in the e-filing system, a key step to access the benefit. While specific forms and supporting documents were not detailed in the article, the advisory indicates that the process is fully digital and time-bound, reinforcing that eligibility hinges on timely submission within the statutory window. For foreign employees with local tax obligations, adherence to the stated deadline and accurate online documentation is essential to secure any first-time home purchase refund entitlement under Mongolia’s PIT regime. No direct official quotes were provided in the source article.
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Diplomacy
US Halts Immigrant Visas for Nationals of 75 Countries, Including Mongolia
Published: 2026-01-16
The U.S. State Department has indefinitely suspended issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Mongolia, effective January 21, 2026. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive to prevent new immigrants deemed likely to rely on public benefits. Consular interviews for immigrant visa applicants from listed countries will continue, but no immigrant visas will be issued until the policy is lifted. The restriction does not affect non-immigrant categories such as B1/B2 tourism/business or F1 student visas. Dual nationals holding a valid passport from an unlisted country may still qualify for immigrant visas. Existing valid immigrant visas will not be revoked, though cases approved but not yet printed could be voided, according to one report. Applicants are advised to monitor official State Department channels for updates as policy and court actions could alter implementation.
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Beijing Meetings Advance Green Mining Cooperation and Long-Term Fuel Supply Plan
Published: 2026-01-16
Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinnyam held talks in China to deepen collaboration on responsible, low-impact mining and to secure more stable fuel supplies. Mongolia and China moved toward a cooperation agreement enabling joint geological and geochemical surveys along the border, capacity building, expert exchanges, and support for developing geoparks. Two joint projects are slated to start in Mongolia’s west and southeast in 2026, alongside work on mine closure standards, rehabilitation, and technology sharing for beneficiating low-grade ores. Separately, Damdinnyam met CNPC to discuss increasing petroleum product deliveries to diversify imports currently dominated by Russia and to ensure steady supply, with both sides signaling readiness for a long-term agreement. They also agreed to actively coordinate on the Russia–China gas pipeline segment transiting Mongolia, indicating momentum on broader energy ties.
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Infrastructure
Earthworks Set for Tuul Expressway in March as Land Clearance Reaches 15%
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar plans to start earthworks on the Tuul Expressway on March 15, followed by bridge and culvert construction in early April. City authorities report 112 land plots are affected, with 17 cleared to date, putting land acquisition at 15%. A 100-strong engineering team and more than 40 machines are mobilized to launch spring works. Temporary facilities and site preparation are 32.4% complete, including worker housing, offices, a testing laboratory, and foundations for a concrete batching plant, alongside industrial staging areas and a technology road. Geodetic surveying is finished, and 40 boreholes have been drilled for detailed geotechnical analysis, which is 56.9% complete. Detailed designs for the roadway, bridges, culverts, and flood embankments are 92.9% finished. The project is positioned as a major urban infrastructure build to ease east–west traffic and flood management along the Tuul River corridor.
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Ulaanbaatar Launches Open Tender for “Selbe 20-Minute City” Public Zones, Targeting 2027 First Occupancy
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar opened a 45-day tender for private developers to build public facilities within the “Selbe 20-Minute City,” a 158-hectare urban development planned for 8,575 housing units and a mixed-use ecosystem. Bids are accepted via selbecity.mn until March 2, 16:00. The project foresees 45,000–50,000 residents and daily footfall of around 250,000, with 12 public zones (27.69 ha) and three single-family housing zones (15.17 ha). Authorities report 94.7% land clearance, 113 housing blocks started, and first handovers in May 2027; average apartment size is 61.72 sqm. Developers will receive support on utilities and permitting, and the scheme is linked to a ring-road congestion project. Plans include adding three schools and five kindergartens to existing facilities and establishing the city’s largest green space.
“This mega project will help deconcentrate Ulaanbaatar and create a comfortable urban environment; overall progress stands at about 21% and initial apartments will be delivered in May 2027.” - U. Baatar, CEO, Selbe 20-Minute City Corporation (news.mn)
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Transit Hotel Planned at Chinggis Khaan Airport to Anchor Hunnu Satellite City Development
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar city officials plan to develop an international-standard transit hotel at Chinggis Khaan International Airport as part of the proposed 315-hectare Hunnu satellite city near Khöshig Valley. The five-story, 25,000 sq m facility would sit on 3.3 hectares, integrate retail, services, and offices, and link to the terminal via a 350-meter enclosed corridor to receive passengers directly. City leaders say the public–private partnership project responds to growing transit traffic, reported at 45,000 passengers in 2025, and aims to position the airport as a regional hub while seeding an aerotropolis with a free economic zone, events venues, data center, and IT cluster. Housing for 600–1,000 households and essential social infrastructure are slated in the first phase to support over 2,000 airport workers. Officials note building height limits due to the airport’s ICAO 4E classification.
“We plan to build the project through a public–private partnership based on the real demand for a transit hotel and the strategy to develop an aerotropolis around the airport.” - T. Davaadalai, First Deputy Governor of Ulaanbaatar (gogo.mn)
“The project will help form the services and business ecosystem that typically emerges around major airports.” - M. Batbayar, Acting Governor of Hunnu City (itoim.mn)
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Slippery Marble Walkways Near Government House Raise Injury Risks as Central Square Awaits Upgrade
Published: 2026-01-16
A long-criticized use of marble and granite paving in central Ulaanbaatar continues to cause accidents, with 5,365 people seeking medical care for slip-and-fall injuries last year, according to a report. City authorities began replacing such surfaces in 2023, swapping 83,000 sq m across 15 locations with natural stone slabs rated for 50 years, at a reported cost of MNT 35 billion—about half the total area targeted. However, the Central Square, resurfaced with marble in 2002–03 over 31,068 sq m, has again been excluded from the latest upgrades despite heavy foot traffic by residents, tourists, and state leaders. Public concern remains high over winter hazards and accessibility, with calls for safer materials and consistent prioritization of the city’s most-used pedestrian corridors.
“On snowy days, walking in the city is truly difficult. Adults can try to prevent slips, but what about people with disabilities and children? Even the new natural stone slabs are slippery. We don’t have the right to walk in peace.” - Local resident quoted by isee.mn (isee.mn)
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Published: 2026-01-16
Parliament Speaker N. Uchral and MPs joined a policy dialogue on enabling laws for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure powered by distributed renewable energy. Following a December 26 parliamentary resolution, the government is tasked with phased implementation of green growth targets, including building infrastructure to support charging for 100,000 EVs and using distributed renewables for public and fast-charging networks. Uchral framed the priority as cutting red tape and aligning investment from the state, private sector, and international finance, citing potential access to global green capital and domestic bank financing. Proposed measures include streamlined permits for household renewable connections (up to 20 kW), planning requirements for chargers in new buildings, and incentives tied to quality standards. Private sector participants urged corporate tax relief for integrated green projects and preferential terms for firms securing green funding.
“Our goal is to remove excessive rules and approvals that hinder real solutions, while improving the legal environment for EVs and their supporting infrastructure.” - N. Uchral, Speaker of Parliament (montsame.mn)
“Building the charging network first is the right sequence to support EV adoption.” - N. Uchral, Speaker of Parliament (montsame.mn)
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All‑Terrain Vehicles and Loaders Delivered to Uvs for Winter Emergency Response
Published: 2026-01-16
The Government of Mongolia and the State Emergency Commission have supplied Uvs provincial authorities with all‑terrain vehicles and a loader to strengthen winter disaster preparedness. The equipment was handed over to the Uvs Governor’s Office and the provincial Emergency Management Agency as part of a broader effort to mitigate risks from severe winter conditions (zud). Authorities previously resolved in December 2025 to provide essential machinery from state reserves to local health centers, governor’s offices, and emergency branches in at‑risk aimags and soums. The assets are intended to improve mobility during heavy snow and blizzards, support rescue operations, and ensure continuity of essential services. This move signals ongoing central support for regional resilience as forecasters and emergency officials prepare for potential winter and spring hardships, which can disrupt transport, livestock herding, and public services in remote areas.
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Society
Police Probe Motive Behind Circulating Fake Audio in Teen Homicide Case
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s General Police Department (GPD) is investigating the intent behind a purported “audio recording” linked to the June 2024 homicide of a 16-year-old girl in Ulaanbaatar’s Khan-Uul District. The case itself remains under judicial review, but the recording—shared on social media on January 15—has not been admitted as evidence and is deemed false by authorities. The GPD says it is examining why the clip was disseminated and cautioned the public against spreading unverified materials. The episode underscores how high-profile criminal proceedings are vulnerable to misinformation that can complicate court processes and public perception. With the trial ongoing, officials are signaling closer scrutiny of digital content that risks influencing legal outcomes or sparking social unrest. No suspects or platforms associated with the recording’s release have been formally identified.
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Court Finds Four Guilty in Airport Hostage and Murder Case Following December Incident
Published: 2026-01-16
A Mongolian court found four defendants guilty in a high-profile case involving the hostage-taking and killing of a Chinese national at Chinggis Khaan International Airport on December 5, 2024. The defendants—two Chinese citizens, Liu Bowen and Shui Hanmin, and two Mongolian citizens, A. Dayantömör and A. Tengis—were convicted of kidnapping, causing minor bodily harm, and murder committed as a group to conceal or facilitate other crimes and gain advantage. Prosecutors said the group demanded 1 million yuan from arriving Chinese passengers, assaulting one and fatally shooting another. The court dismissed a separate extortion-related charge, ordered more than MNT 74.3 million in damages, and changed pretrial measures by remanding the two Mongolian defendants into custody. Sentencing deliberations were postponed to January 21 to allow for compensation arrangements.
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Most Drug Cases Involve Youth as Prosecutors Send 297 Defendants to Court
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar prosecutors filed indictments against 297 defendants in narcotics cases last year, with 69.5% aged 18–30, highlighting a youth-driven trend. A nine-year analysis by the General Police Department’s anti-narcotics unit indicates about 91% of those implicated are between 13 and 35. Authorities recorded eight drug-related deaths last year; despite a 20% drop year-on-year, officials warn of rising harm from misusing common medicines, including severe injury and fatalities. Police stress that drug crimes pose national security and public health risks and require coordinated action beyond law enforcement, involving government and NGOs. Prosecutors also sanctioned 380 individuals in 2025 under the Law on Infringements for intoxication-related offenses, reiterating that first-time use is not a legal defense.
“Drug-related crime is tied to national security and the gene pool, posing a future public threat. Combating it requires coordination among state and international NGOs, not only law enforcement.” - Lt. Col. J. Tömörbat, head of prevention and cooperation, Anti-Narcotics Agency, General Police Department (ikon.mn)
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Traffic Police Flag 549 Vehicles with Fake or Missing Plates Using Smart Cameras
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s Traffic Police reported detecting 549 vehicles operating with fake or missing license plates, leveraging intelligent traffic cameras to identify violations. Under the Law on Infringements (Article 14.7.12), drivers participating in road traffic without a state registration plate face a fine of MNT 25,000. The enforcement reflects a broader push to standardize compliance and improve safety through automated monitoring systems in Ulaanbaatar and other urban areas, where plate cloning and unregistered vehicles have posed challenges for congestion management and accident investigations. Authorities also emphasized courteous and rule-abiding conduct in traffic. While the announced penalty is modest, systematic camera-based detection is likely to increase the risk of being flagged, potentially improving compliance as surveillance coverage expands.
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Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolian authorities have extradited a woman identified as B. Enkhmaa, accused of defrauding individuals of MNT 2.4 billion while employed at the non-bank financial institution “Devjikh Nekhii” between 2013 and 2016. Investigators say she fled in November 2016 to Turkey and then moved to Russia, where she allegedly lived for about 10 years under a Buryat identity. Russian law enforcement traced her location and, in coordination with Mongolia’s Interpol National Central Bureau, confirmed her identity and detained her. She was transferred to Mongolia on January 13 to face charges. The case highlights cross-border cooperation in financial crime enforcement and signals heightened scrutiny of identity fraud and illicit flight by suspects seeking long-term refuge abroad.
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Environment
Severe Cold Wave Grips Mongolia Through Jan. 20, With Ulaanbaatar Near -24°C and Deeper Freezes in River Valleys
Published: 2026-01-16
Meteorological agencies forecast an intense cold snap nationwide through January 20, with widespread subzero temperatures and intermittent high winds in southern regions. Daytime highs will remain well below freezing; Ulaanbaatar is expected around -22 to -24°C, while river valleys and basins such as Darhad depression, Uvs lake basin, and the Orkhon–Tuul confluence may plunge to -45°C to -50°C at night during Jan. 16–21. Light snow and blowing snow are possible Jan. 17–18 in western, central, and Gobi areas. Conditions are forecast to ease from Jan. 22, first in the west. Civil defense and weather authorities urge travelers and herders to delay nonessential trips, ensure vehicle readiness, supervise children and vulnerable people, avoid rivers and lakes ice crossings, and limit outdoor work during peak cold. The capital is expected to remain dry with light winds.
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Ulaanbaatar Records –33°C Wind Chill as Authorities Urge Precautions
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar faced severe cold on Wednesday, with air temperatures at –26°C and a wind chill of –33°C, according to the national meteorological service. Officials advised residents to dress warmly, consume hearty, immunity-supporting foods, and limit exposure, noting frostbite risk can arise within 30 minutes at current conditions. The “feels-like” temperature is being driven lower by wind, a common dynamic in Mongolia’s winter where wind speed intensifies perceived cold. Such conditions can strain urban services, increase heating demand, and affect commuting and outdoor work, especially in open and high-wind areas of the capital. Businesses with outdoor operations may need to adjust schedules, and households should plan for higher energy use. Media outlets were reminded that reuse of the report requires prior agreement and proper attribution to ikon.mn.
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Severe Cold Snap Hits Khuvsgul; Jarganatyn River Area Plunges to -44°C
Published: 2026-01-16
Northern Khuvsgul province is experiencing an intense cold wave, with overnight temperatures dropping to -36°C to -44°C across the Jarganatyn River, Darkhad Depression, and major river valleys. Provincial emergency services advised travelers to dress for extreme cold, ensure vehicle reliability, and use certified routes, noting the cold is expected to persist in coming days. Despite hazardous conditions, winter tourism to Renchinlkhumbe is rising; over the past month, more than 8,000 visitors have traveled to the Jarganatyn River, a popular mid-winter destination known for severe temperatures. The site lies about 973 km from Ulaanbaatar, 245 km from Murun, and 5 km from Renchinlkhumbe. Continued extreme cold may disrupt transport and increase risks for inadequately prepared visitors, prompting heightened safety measures and route planning.
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Subcommittees Review 2026 Plan for Hosting UN Desertification COP17
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s National Committee subcommittees for hosting the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 held their second meeting to review 2026 action plans. Leaders of 12 subcommittees assessed progress on this year’s tasks and flagged urgent needs, including improved inter-subcommittee coordination and information-sharing, visa facilitation for certain countries, and ensuring hotels, catering, and food supplies meet international standards. The group also prioritized activating the official event website and addressed several budget and financing questions. Subcommittee heads received specific directives to resolve bottlenecks. The committee instructed that a detailed 2026 plan be presented and approved at the next meeting, signaling a move from broad preparations to concrete operational planning for the high-level conference in Ulaanbaatar.
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Innovation
Primary School Curriculum Overhaul Approved for 2026–2027 Rollout
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s National Council on Education approved a revamped primary (grades 1–5) curriculum to be implemented nationwide from the 2026–2027 academic year. The reform prioritizes foundational competencies in the Mongolian language, literacy, and numeracy, while introducing English, computer studies, and health education from early grades. It seeks continuity between pre-primary, primary, and lower-secondary levels, embeds national heritage and history across learning activities, and emphasizes socio-emotional learning and technology-enabled instruction. The council—formed in 2023 with representatives from government, academia, civil society, and employers—voted unanimously to endorse the program after incorporating member feedback, with 81.8% attendance reported. Education officials frame the shift as aligning with international standards, strengthening competency-based learning, and supporting teacher development and equitable access.
“Grades 1–5 are a crucial stage for cognitive development, where children learn through hands-on experience and familiar real-world contexts. That is why we have updated the primary curriculum.” - Education Minister P. Naranbayar (montsame.mn)
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Postal Service Warns of Phishing Messages Using Fake Links and Domains
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongol Post has alerted customers to a phishing campaign impersonating the company via email and SMS. Fraudulent messages claim a parcel is held due to an incomplete address and direct recipients to update details through non-official links such as mongolpost.work. The state postal operator emphasizes it does not send notices from free personal email domains like Gmail or Hotmail, does not use “.work” domains, and never asks users to update addresses or personal data via links. Consumers are advised not to click suspicious links, avoid entering personal or card information, report spam, and verify through official channels. The company lists its website (www.mongolpost.mn), hotline (1800-1613), and official Facebook page for confirmation. The alert underscores rising phishing risks targeting logistics notifications.
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Ulaanbaatar High Schools Shift to One Week of Online Classes in Late January
Published: 2026-01-16
High school students in Ulaanbaatar’s public schools will study online from January 19–23, 2026, while their counterparts in provinces are conducting online classes this week. The schedule follows Education Ministerial Order A/95, which stipulates that provincial high schools switch to remote learning in the 20th week of the 2025–2026 academic year and Ulaanbaatar high schools in the 21st week. The directive frames online instruction as a structured component of the school year aimed at fostering independent learning regardless of time and place and encouraging responsible use of digital technologies. For schools and families, the fixed annual online week provides predictable planning for connectivity and instructional delivery. No additional operational details—such as specific platforms, assessment methods, or support for students with limited internet access—were provided in the article.
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AI Traffic Cameras Expand Enforcement as Lane-Discipline Violations Drop
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar’s AI-enabled traffic camera network has detected 404,880 violations so far this year and now issues penalties for improper lane positioning under Traffic Rule 10.5. The Traffic Management and Control Division reports full camera coverage across 150 intersections, using more than 10 camera types per junction to capture both images and stored video evidence reviewed by authorized officials. Authorities phased the rollout: mass warning texts were sent through 2025, totaling 25 million, which officials say helped reduce daily recorded violations from 82,000 to 65,000. The division declined to add more countdown timers to traffic lights, citing crash risks from last-second rushing; only 10 locations currently have timers.
“Citizens often assume every reviewed case results in a fine, but not all reviewed incidents become penalties.” - N. Namu, Head of the Traffic Management and Control Division (eagle.mn)
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Selenge Emergency Service Advises Using what3words for Faster Incident Location
Published: 2026-01-16
Selenge province emergency authorities are urging residents to use the what3words app to report precise locations during emergencies, enabling faster response times. The app, available via Play Store and App Store, generates a unique three-word address for any 3m x 3m square globally and can function with or without mobile internet. Officials note that callers who do not know their address or cannot provide coordinates can share a three-word address from their smartphone, allowing responders to pinpoint the scene accurately and reduce delays. The guidance reflects a broader push by local emergency services to standardize geolocation in incident reporting, which could improve outcomes in rural areas and across Mongolia’s vast, sparsely populated terrain.
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Published: 2026-01-16
New data show only 51.5% (18,300) of Mongolia’s 2023–2024 secondary graduates enrolled in domestic universities, while 2,179 students are pursuing bachelor’s degrees abroad in 2024–2025, intensifying debate on higher education quality and workforce readiness. Human resources experts argue local universities emphasize theory over practical skills, leaving employers to provide on-the-job training.
“Knowledge is not the same as ability; Mongolian universities graduate students with knowledge but without skills, and employers must make them capable at the workplace.” - Prof. G. Tegshbüren, Director, National Institute for HR Research (eagle.mn)
ThinkMongol founder E. Zolbayar contends policy should build domestically grounded human capital, while also criticizing overreliance on sending undergraduates abroad.
“Mongolia’s future is skilled human capital, yet we have not sufficiently developed or supported our universities.” - E. Zolbayar, founder of ThinkMongol (eagle.mn)
Agricultural University (MULS) leaders highlight targeted scholarships tied to rural service and upgraded veterinary facilities, suggesting aligned policy and curricula could improve employment outcomes; a 2021 survey found 68.4% of graduates paying social insurance, indicating reasonable labor absorption.
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Tuv Province Pilots All-in-One Mobile App for Public Services and Transport
Published: 2026-01-16
Tuv province has launched a trial version of its “Töv aimag” mobile app on Google Play and Apple App Store, aiming to centralize citizen services and information. The app enables users to submit feedback to provincial authorities, receive official updates, post classifieds, and access taxi services for intra-city and intercity travel. The initiative seeks to streamline communication between residents and local administration while improving access to services and real-time information. If fully rolled out, the platform could reduce service fragmentation and enhance responsiveness of local governance, particularly for transport and public notices in Zuunmod and surrounding areas. No launch date for a full release or integration with payment and e-government systems was announced, but the pilot indicates a push toward digitizing local services at the provincial level.
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Health
119 Treated for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as Temperatures Drop in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s National Center for Public Health reported 119 people received medical care for carbon monoxide poisoning between December 23 and January 5, reflecting rising risk during the cold snap. Cases concentrated in Ulaanbaatar: Chingeltei (36), Bayanzürkh (24), Khan-Uul (16), Songinokhairkhan (19), Sükhbaatar (7), Bayangol (6), and Nalaikh (1). Provinces reported nine cases in Bayan-Ölgii and Töv. Half of those affected were adults, with the remainder children aged 0–17. Authorities emphasized proper stove and chimney maintenance, adequate ventilation, and continuous operation of CO detectors. Public health teams inspected high-risk households in Sükhbaatar and Bayanzürkh districts, and a recent incident saw 12 residents in a dormitory-style building exposed while using combined electric and solid-fuel heating. No fatalities were recorded as of January 5, and a central monitoring system oversees CO alarms for more than 150,000 households.
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Ulaanbaatar to Launch “Milk Immunity” Program for Grades 1–5 on Jan 26, Plans Citywide Expansion in 2027
Published: 2026-01-16
Ulaanbaatar will start providing milk three days a week to 189,600 students in grades 1–5 from January 26 under the “Milk Immunity” program, partnering with domestic dairies. The city allocated MNT 8.9 billion this year for milk for primary students and is studying hot milk dispensers (“ATMs”) in school corridors and coupon options for senior students to expand service delivery. Officials aim to extend the program to grades 1–12 next year and increase distribution to five days weekly, with a 2–5 year impact study on growth and development. Authorities also plan concessional loans this spring to support feed cultivation, herd purchases, and farm facilities in targeted districts to strengthen supply.
“Next year we will include all students in grades 1–12 and raise milk distribution to five days a week; we will also study hot milk dispensers in schools and coupons for older students.” - Ulaanbaatar Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar (montsame.mn)
“We are tripling capacity and can process up to 400 tons of raw milk per day, supplying nutritious milk products to the program and markets.” - S. Bolor, CEO of TESO Group (montsame.mn)
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H3N2 Influenza A and RSV Now Dominant as Flu Activity Eases from Autumn Peak
Published: 2026-01-16
Mongolia’s National Center for Communicable Diseases reports that Influenza A (H3N2) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are currently the most prevalent respiratory pathogens, while overall flu-like illness has moderated compared with October–November peaks. Authorities attribute the decline to early circulation of Influenza A and prompt control measures, alongside vaccination of 300,000 high-risk individuals, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children. As of December 9, flu-like illnesses accounted for 13% of outpatient visits. Hospitals are treating 3,271 pediatric inpatients, 75.2% with severe acute respiratory infections; intensive care units have 109 children, 48 with severe respiratory infection, both indicators improving from the previous day. Health officials emphasize distinguishing symptoms across viruses and urge medical consultation for suspected flu, mask use in public, hand hygiene, and avoiding self-medication for children.
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Annual Diaper Subsidy Introduced for Children with Disabilities Starting January 2026
Published: 2026-01-16
The government has updated its assistance rules for persons with disabilities, introducing a diaper subsidy for eligible children from January 2026. Under the revised regulation, children aged two and above who require constant care and are certified by a medical commission as needing diapers will receive MNT 600,000 per year. Authorities estimate 2,500–3,000 children nationwide require daily diaper use; 902 applications have been filed to date. Local intersectoral commissions have produced preliminary eligibility lists, and parents or guardians can apply via ehalamj.mn or in person at local offices, then claim reimbursement through chosen providers or with purchase receipts. The measure complements existing support: an annual MNT 484,000 assistance for families of children needing constant care and a monthly MNT 20,000 transport subsidy for school or preschool attendance.
“Under the newly approved rules, children with disabilities aged two and above who require constant care will receive MNT 600,000 per year.” - T. Badrakhbayar, Director, Social Welfare Policy Implementation Agency (news.mn)
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