E.Sunjidmaa: Pursuing a Doctoral Degree Abroad as a Strategic Step Towards Achieving Future Goals

Mongolian scholars are engaging in diverse academic disciplines worldwide. Among them is E. Sunjidmaa, a doctoral researcher specialising in Digital Agriculture at The University of Sydney, Australia. She is dedicated to the long-term development of Digital Agriculture, with a vision to enhance its implementation and progress in Mongolia.

-Hello, could you introduce yourself to our readers?

-I was born in Sukhbaatar, Selenge Province, Mongolia, and graduated from Sukhbaatar Secondary School in 2002. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Banking Economics from Khukhtei Khan Institute of Finance and Information Technology, and a Master’s degree in Business Management from the Humanities University of Mongolia. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Digital Agriculture at the University of Sydney, Australia. The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences is one of the leading research institutions in the world and has a significant reputation globally within the agricultural sector. Detailed information on the total number of students and Ph.D. candidates at the institute, as well as specific data on Mongolian students, is not publicly available.

-Purpose of Studying in Australia?

-I am pursuing my studies in Australia to enhance my practical experience in agriculture with theoretical knowledge, specifically in the field of digital agriculture. My long-term goal is to help agricultural practitioners worldwide, particularly in crop farming and livestock management, by providing them with digital solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability. Moreover, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and providing support for agricultural sectors affected by such changes is a key aspect of my academic and professional objectives.

-What is your future goal? What are you working on and studying to achieve it?

-My future goal is to introduce and develop digital technologies within the agricultural sector to enhance productivity, drive technological innovation, and contribute to the sustainability of the industry. I aim to pursue a Ph.D. in digital agriculture, focusing on providing economically efficient and effective solutions to agricultural producers who are affected by climate change. By implementing such solutions, I seek to improve their competitiveness in the market. Furthermore, I am working towards contributing to international projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing environmentally friendly innovations, while also striving to expand the adoption of digital agriculture globally.

-How did you start your career?

-I began my professional journey in 2006 as a clerk at XacBank. Although I initially competed for a position as a loan specialist, I started as a clerk due to the nature of the work, which required frequent travel to rural areas. A year later, I was promoted to positions including teller, senior teller, and client advisor. Subsequently, I started working as an accountant at the Selenge Provincial Administration. This role allowed me to develop a wide range of skills and provided an in-depth understanding of the financial sector. During my time as a credit economist at XacBank from 2014 to 2015, I focused primarily on addressing the financial challenges faced by small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). I observed that many entrepreneurs were operating in risky conditions due to a lack of financial planning, investment, and proper business calculations. SMEs were often unable to access financing from commercial banks because they lacked the ability to conduct financial assessments, keep accurate ledgers, and properly utilise business accounts. These challenges were closely related to deficiencies in financial management knowledge and skills, which adversely affected the accessibility of financing for SMEs. As a result, I simultaneously provided financial education to clients by offering financial advice, promoting the use of business accounts, and encouraging proper ledger practices. Between 2015 and 2016, my role as a Private Banker at XacBank broadened my professional scope and provided me the opportunity to work at the organisational level. During this period, I realised that I lacked the necessary knowledge and experience to support companies seeking financing for international projects. To address this gap, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree at the Humanities University of Mongolia to enhance my ability to participate in international projects.

-Could you share your experience working with international project organisations?

-The Development Solutions NGO, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), successfully implemented the REACH project aimed at ensuring the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and facilitating their access to necessary financing from banks and financial institutions. During my involvement in the project from 2016 to 2018 in Selenge Province, I facilitated a variety of services to expand the financial opportunities and enhance the operational capacity of SMEs. These services included providing business advisory support, offering loan brokerage services to assist businesses in securing financing from banks and financial institutions, training on business project development methodologies, and conducting financial literacy workshops. This project significantly contributed to accelerating the development of SMEs, improving financial inclusion, and ensuring the sustainability of businesses. Under the framework of the REACH project’s Selenge branch, a total of 1,287 hours of advisory services were provided to 342 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a result, 155 SMEs received financial intermediation services, leading to a 45% increase in working capital and a 23% growth in fixed assets among the businesses that benefited from financial intermediation. This enhancement in financial capacity enabled SMEs to expand their operations and improve business sustainability. Consequently, these SMEs collectively generated 69 new jobs and strengthened their market competitiveness, contributing positively to Mongolia’s economic development.

-What experience do you have in introducing new technologies and developing optimal business strategies in the agricultural sector?

-I have actively worked on the implementation of digital technologies and the development of optimal business strategies for companies operating in the agricultural sector, particularly in the fields of crop farming and animal husbandry. For instance, I successfully facilitated the participation of 20 agricultural enterprises in Selenge Province in an international project funded by JICA, which enabled them to access concessional financing. This initiative serves as a concrete example of effective project implementation, demonstrating measurable outcomes in supporting agricultural businesses.This project served as a significant example of successful international cooperation and highlighted the importance of digital agricultural technologies. Additionally, I have been involved in implementing technological innovations in crop farming, improving the efficiency and productivity of livestock farming and food processing industries. These efforts clearly demonstrated the value of digital agriculture technologies and have contributed to improving the overall performance of agricultural enterprises.

-What does Digital Agriculture refer to, and how has it developed in Mongolia? What are the challenges faced?

-One of the major challenges in the development of Digital Agriculture (DA) is the lack of investment and the underdevelopment of infrastructure. For instance, in the crop farming sector, irrigation systems are outdated, soil fertility is declining, and there is a shortage of skilled labor and other resources, which limits the sector’s growth. Research indicates that approximately 70% of Mongolia’s total pastureland has degraded, negatively affecting the adaptability of traditional livestock farming to climate change. There is a lack of comprehensive economic assessments and research that emphasise the importance of natural resources in Mongolia’s economy and prioritise investments in these resources. As part of the Paris Agreement, Mongolia has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7% by 2030. The main sources of emissions are energy (50.1%) and agriculture (48.5%), with coal exploitation and livestock farming being the largest contributors. Therefore, the introduction of digital technologies in agriculture is crucial for adapting to climate change and optimising the use of natural resources.

For example, utilising digital tools in weather forecasting, water resource management, and monitoring plant and animal health can improve production efficiency and promote environmentally-friendly practices. This will enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and contribute to sustainable development. Personally, I am involved in various activities within the field of digital agriculture. One such project is the book titled “Implementing Digital Agriculture Technologies in Pastoral Systems”, published in 2024. This work, for which I was awarded a copyright certificate in January 2025, provides a detailed analysis of the research, equipment, and technological requirements essential for implementing digital technologies in pastoral livestock farming regions. It also provides methodologies for managing projects effectively. This research represents a significant step in identifying practical opportunities for optimally utilising digital agricultural technologies in both Mongolia and Australia. Many international projects implemented in Mongolia have not fully addressed the financial needs of entrepreneurs, limiting the scope of my work. As a result, I decided to deepen my knowledge and skills in international financial projects and am pursuing a doctoral degree in this field. This decision is a crucial step towards achieving my future goals.

-What is the role of the Mongolian Businesswomen’s Association, and what activities does it carry out?

-I became a member of the Mongolian Businesswomen’s Association (MBWA) in 2017 and have been serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Selenge Province branch. As one of the nine members of the board, I am responsible for overseeing finance, investment, and training. In this role, I actively advocate for the interests of businesswomen, address financial issues, and support business growth. In my capacity as a financial advisor and mentor for businesswomen, I have contributed to enhancing their financial capacity and expanding their economic participation. One example of this is organising a successful businesswomen’s forum in Selenge Province, where I presented a lecture on “The Participation of Women Entrepreneurs” to more than 100 businesswomen. This activity has been a significant step towards developing the business capabilities of women, increasing their participation, and fostering broader collaboration in the future.

-As a person studying, working, and living in Australia, what opportunities are available here? What advice would you give to young people?

-As someone studying, working, and living in Australia, I can confidently say that the opportunities here are vast. Australia is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering excellent opportunities to acquire high-level professional skills. It is important to continually learn within your field, generate new ideas, and take initiative. Therefore, my advice to young people is to never delay your personal development and always strive for continuous learning to achieve success.

-Startups in Australia provide financial advisory services. What challenges do they face, and what aspects do you provide advice on?

-Entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in Australia are confronted with three main challenges: a lack of funding, the complexity of the legal and regulatory environment, and insufficient capacity to compete in the business market. To overcome these obstacles, I have provided specialised advisory services to startups, offering guidance on raising capital, utilising programs that support small businesses in Australia, and navigating the financial landscape. I have also organized training sessions, distributed information about tax incentives, and offered support in implementation. As a result, several startups successfully secured the investment they needed. According to a report on the global startup ecosystem, the combined valuation of the startups I facilitated ranges from 700 million to 1.6 billion Mongolian Tugriks. A closer look at the sub-sectors reveals that fintech and health tech have the highest valuations, demonstrating their growth and innovation levels are superior to others. This research and these initiatives have contributed to enhancing the financial and competitive market capacity of startups, playing a significant role in the development of Australia’s startup ecosystem.

-As someone studying and working abroad with a future-oriented mindset, how do you envision your goals and dreams for the future?

– What do you hope to contribute to your home country? “Climate change has become one of the biggest challenges facing the global agricultural sector. To address this issue, international cooperation and the use of project programs are of paramount importance. With the support of institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, my goal is to develop the digital agricultural sector in countries in both the global South and North, and implement innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through green technologies. These initiatives will not only have ecological significance but will also promote economic growth and support sustainable development.”