On January 18, 2025, the Mongolian Association of State Alumni (MASA) successfully organized the Seventh National Alumni Conference under the theme “Volunteering Together for Lasting Impact,” with the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia. 

First launched by MASA in 2011, this biennial conference serves as a platform for U.S. alumni associations in Mongolia to report on their achievements and set future goals and priorities.

In her opening remarks, MASA President Ms. Gantsetseg Myagmarjav stated: “Since its establishment in 2007, MASA has grown into a dynamic community of over 1,500 alumni who have graduated from U.S. universities and colleges or participated in prestigious long- and short-term U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Our alumni proudly serve as cultural ambassadors between Mongolia and the United States, using the knowledge and skills gained in the U.S. to contribute actively to Mongolia’s progress and development. Through their volunteer efforts, MASA members have initiated and implemented various projects and programs to advance education, promote equal opportunities for youth, and drive positive societal change.”

U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, His Excellency Mr. Richard L. Buangan, addressed the alumni, congratulating MASA on its 17th anniversary. He commended the alumni of U.S. government-funded scholarships and exchange programs for their crucial role in promoting shared values between the two nations. The Ambassador highlighted MASA members’ unwavering dedication to volunteer initiatives and emphasized the significant educational and social programs implemented over the past two years. He notably mentioned: The successful completion of the National Enrichment Program for the fourth time, which enhanced the professional skills of two-thirds of English teachers in secondary schools across Mongolia; Rural outreach programs that provided career planning guidance and information on U.S scholarship opportunities to over 2,000 students in Mongolia’s western provinces; and the donation of over 350 English and Mongolian books to public school libraries.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions to fostering positive change in Mongolian society and his unwavering support and partnership, MASA presented U.S. Ambassador Mr. Richard L. Buangan with a token of appreciation.

Mr. Jason Thornton, Alumni Coordinator for East Asia Pacific at the U.S. Department of State, also delivered remarks virtually during the conference. He acknowledged the socially impactful projects implemented by Mongolian exchange alumni with funding from the U.S. Department of State and emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of volunteerism within alumni networks.

The Seventh National Alumni Conference featured a panel discussion with former and current MASA Presidents, including Mr. Jargalsaikhan Dambadarjaa, Founder of Defacto Institute, Dr. Undraa Agvaanluvsan, Member of Parliament, Ms. Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar, Deputy Chairman and Member of Parliament; Ms. Bilguun Erdenebat, Consultant at the Asian Development Bank; and Ms. Gantsetseg Myagmarjav, Senior Supervisor at the Bank of Mongolia. During the discussion, panelists shared their experiences with MASA, lessons learned from past projects, and their insights into opportunities to expand MASA’s activities in the future.

Additionally, MASA announced the establishment of an Advisory Board, comprising its former and current Presidents, to provide strategic guidance for the organization’s future endeavors.

At the conference, MASA and other alumni associations of the U.S. Government-funded programs LEAD, FLEX, and ACCESS presented their key achievements from 2022 to 2024 and discussed upcoming initiatives. Representatives of these alumni associations also participated in a panel discussion under the conference theme of “Volunteering Together for Lasting Impact.”

The event brought together over 65 distinguished guests, including U.S. Ambassador Mr. Richard L. Buangan, MASA Presidents and members, and representatives of the LEAD, FLEX, and ACCESS alumni associations. 

Check out MASA’s report on its initiatives, programs, and activities here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yojef/hgku/