On July 9, 2025, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan visited Mongol Koosen Technology College. This visit happened during his official state visit to Mongolia. President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa invited the Emperor to Mongolia. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries. During the visit, the Emperor toured the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He also spoke with students and faculty in an open, friendly discussion.
Mongol Koosen Technology College is modeled after Japan’s Koosen system, also known as Colleges of Technology. This system combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills in engineering education. The college admits students after junior high school and offers a five-year integrated curriculum. Graduates earn a diploma-level engineering degree, which prepares them for the workforce.
The college plays a vital role in Mongolia’s plan to advance technical education and industry skills. Since 2014, the Government of Mongolia has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the “1000 Engineers Project.” This initiative aims to train skilled engineers urgently needed in Mongolia’s growing economy. It also strengthens faculty expertise and upgrades teaching and research facilities.
Thanks to this project, more than 1,098 Mongolian students, teachers, and researchers have studied in Japan. These include 292 students in joint bachelor programs, 177 in Koosen programs, 37 pursuing master’s degrees, and 104 doctoral students. Additionally, 488 individuals took part in short-term non-degree training. Impressively, 96 percent of these graduates now work in their trained fields.
Currently, Mongol Koosen Technology College is one of three Koosen colleges operating in Ulaanbaatar. The others are the Technology College of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology and Shine Mongol Technology College. In addition, three more Koosen colleges operate in the provinces of Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, and Umnugobi.
Emperor Naruhito’s visit highlights the growing cooperation between Japan and Mongolia in engineering education. It also emphasizes Mongol Koosen Technology College’s increasing role in Mongolia’s technical training. His Majesty’s direct engagement with faculty and students reflects Japan’s strong commitment to support Mongolia’s development through education.
This visit symbolizes a shared vision for the future. Both nations aim to nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators. Through partnerships like the Koosen system, they will build stronger economic and technological ties.
