BCM OCTOBER 2022 MONTHLY MEETING RECAP

 

BCM OCTOBER 2022 MONTHLY MEETING RECAP 

The Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) held a regular Monthly Meeting on 7 October 2022 at the Shangri-La hotel under the theme of digital transformation and the role of the private sector, with around 100 people in attendance. In his opening remarks, BCM Chair Ts.Tumentsogt briefed the audience on current trends in Mongolia and the world regarding digital transformation as well as the current state of Mongolia’s economy in these post-Covid times. He noted that the government’s Vision 2050 policy document reflects digital transformation goals.

The Minister of Digital Development and Communications, Mr. Uchral Nyam-Osor MP, attended the meeting and delivered a keynote speech. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Mongolia’s communications sector. Having been recently upgraded form a parliamentary standing committee, the new Ministry of Digital Development and Communications will oversee the sector’s future development. The government seeks to turn Mongolia into a “digital nation.” In this quest, the government seeks feedback from professional associations in its decision-making processes.


N.Uchral, Minister of Digital Development and Communications 


One key principle the government will abide by is not competing with the private sector, the MP stated. Instead, it wants to harness the private sector to achieve its goals. In doing so, the government itself must be a “responsible buyer.” The Minister gave an example of a room full of unused servers that the government bought to illustrate the expense of irresponsible purchases that arise from miscommunication between the government and private sector.

The government seeks to purchase end-products, preferably under a subscription-based method. The Digital Ministry is also going to implement a government procurement “app store,” where organizations can apply for tenders.

In addition to traffic congestion, there is a “bureaucratic congestion” where there is too much red tape and tedious necessities in submitting or receiving state documentation. A bill addressing this will be discussed during the fall session of parliament.

The minister lauded the many startups that have now found stable footing in the business world, adding that the government will continue to support the tech sector through various tax incentives.
 

Ms. N.Enkhjargal, Board Member at Gerege Systems and Vice-Chair of the BCM’s Digital Transformation Working Group, delivered a presentation introducing the Mongolian Diaspora Tech Committee. The committee aims to bring in knowledge and experience from Mongolians abroad who work in the tech sector. In May 2023, it is organizing the “Mongolian Diaspora Tech Summit” in San Francisco.
 

Mr. B.Bayartsengel, CEO of TUSSolution, gave a presentation on their in conducting a systems analysis of digital transformation. Seventy percent of digital transformation projects fail, according to McKinsey & Company. Hence, TUSSolution’s researchers set out to answer the question as to why. As with any big undertaking, systems thinking and systems engineering will be an important tool in digital transformation.

After the speeches and presentations, a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Enkhjargal was held. On the panel were:

  • Mr. Ts.Tumentsogt, Chair of the BCM
  • Ms. N.Oyun-Erdene, Head of the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, National University of Mongolia
  • Mr. B.Bayartsengel, CEO of TUSSolution
  • Mr. S.Bauyrbyek, CEO of Steppe Link

A recurring sentiment among the panelists was the issue of human resources. Not only are organizations competing domestically for the small pool of human resources, but also internationally in this sector. Expanding the pool of qualified people is vital for the sector.

After a lively Q&A with the audience, the meeting was adjourned, and attendees were invited a networking event sponsored by TUSSolution.

Photos from the meeting and networking event can be found from the BCM's Facebook page. Follow the BCM to receive updates and info.

More information can be found from the Editor's notes and presentations linked below.

Links:
  1. Editor's notes (English)
  2. "Mongolia: Business Drivers in a Post-Covid Environment" (English) - presentation by BCM Chair Tumentsogt
  3. "Mongolian Diaspora Tech Committee" (Mongolian) - presentation by N.Enkhjargal, Board Member at Gerege Systems and Vice-Chair of the BCM’s Digital Transformation Working Group
  4. "Digital Transformation from a Systems Perspective" (Mongolian) - presentation by B.Bayartsengel, CEO of TUSSolution