In 1989, Ganbold Khukhuu graduated from the Faculty of Mining and Geology of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, specializing in Economics and Management in Mining. After graduation, he returned to his home country, Mongolia. Thirty-seven years later, he met representatives of the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering during their visit to Ulaanbaatar for the University Global Fair education exhibition. Other Mongolian graduates of VSB from the years 1985-1990 also attended the meeting.
On this occasion, we arranged an interview with Mr. Khukhuu for Akademik Magazine.
Mr. Khukhuu, can we go back some 30 years and recall how you came to study at VSB? From Mongolia to what was then Czechoslovakia?
After finishing secondary school, we took special entrance examinations and were ranked according to our scores. The state offered opportunities to study at various universities abroad, and based on our ranking, we could choose where to go. I selected the field of Economics and Management in Mining. At that time, I knew nothing about VSB. It was only after I arrived in Czechoslovakia and completed a one-year language preparation course that I learned I would be studying at VSB.
What was your study experience like? Which subjects did you find the most difficult, and which teachers do you remember most fondly?
The general subjects, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry, came easily to me. The most challenging courses were the specialized subjects, especially mineralogy, because I encountered them for the first time. Among the lecturers, I particularly remember Ing. Otokar Krajník, who was the closest to me and supervised my thesis. I also fondly remember Jaroslav Dvořáček, Head of the Department, Petr Šnapka, Department Secretary, Mr. Kumpera, a geologist, and Mr. Fojtík, who taught physics.
Were Mongolian students closely connected to one another? Did you organize student events, or were you integrated into the wider student community?
At that time, more than ten students from Mongolia were studying at the university in various fields. From 1985 until graduation in 1989, I served as chairman of the Mongolian Students' Council. We naturally participated in all student activities, including sports events, and as international students we also presented our country at cultural events. If I remember correctly, these events were organized by the B-Club, which was located on the ground floor of the student dormitory.
Every Christmas, the Rector and the Dean of our faculty welcomed us, invited us to lunch, and gave us wonderful gift packages filled with Czech chocolate, fruit juices, cheese, soft drinks, and other sweets. We truly appreciated these gestures.
Mongolian students also built friendships with students from many other countries. Some of these friendships have lasted for more than forty years. Among them are Waheeda Moshref from Afghanistan, Nelson Buitrago Trujillo from Nicaragua, Yared Assefa from Ethiopia, and Mendes Estevão from Angola. Of course, I also remain in contact with my Czech classmates, and I cherish the memories of all these friends and teachers.
Did you work during your studies? Were internships compulsory?
I did not work during my studies, as that was not possible at the time. However, we completed internships. I spent two weeks at the Ostrava Mine, and the experience I gained there later became the basis of my diploma thesis.
What path did you follow after graduation? What has your professional life looked like, and were you able to apply the knowledge and experience gained at VSB?
Graduating from such a traditional and prestigious European university was a great honor for me. Unfortunately, when I completed my studies, Mongolia was still a socialist state experiencing a deep economic and political crisis. Mines were operating at a loss, some were closing, and others had to significantly reduce their workforce. As a result, I began working in the energy sector on a coal gasification project.
As an engineering economist, I was able to work in virtually any industry, which was a major advantage of my degree. Throughout my career, I have worked in energy, the defense industry, and transportation. When Mongolia's democratic movement emerged in 1990 and the country introduced a multi-party political system, young people with European education played a leading role in these developments.
Do you still meet with other Mongolian graduates? Do you have regular reunions?
By 1992, more than twenty Mongolian students had graduated from our university in Ostrava. We are still in regular contact and continue to support one another. VSB alumni have achieved success across Mongolian business, politics, and culture.
We meet twice a year. In spring, around Easter, we organize a sports event for graduates of Czech universities. In autumn, on 28 October, we celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia and organize a formal ball. More than 250 graduates of Czech and Slovak universities attend these events. In addition, we actively participate in business meetings organized by the chambers of commerce and industry of both countries, cooperate across various sectors, and support one another professionally.
Have you visited the Czech Republic and Ostrava since your studies? What do you think about the changes that have taken place, and would you be interested in attending an international alumni reunion at VSB-TUO?
Whenever I travel to the Czech Republic for business, I always make a point of visiting Ostrava and my alma mater. Both my wife and I studied at VSB, and our eldest son was born in Ostrava. For that reason, I return whenever I can to relive those memories. Most recently, I visited Ostrava in August 2024.
A great deal has changed at VSB. A new sports complex has been built, and the university campus has expanded significantly. Because I visited during the summer holidays, I was unable to enter the buildings this time, but every visit brings back wonderful memories of my student years.
I would warmly welcome an international alumni reunion, and if possible, I would be happy to help organize it. International students from my generation remain very close to one another. We stay in touch and exchange experiences about how we have applied the knowledge we gained in Ostrava in our home countries.
What advice would you give to today's students?
Make the best possible use of your time. During our studies, we did not always do so. It is important to get to know one another well and build lasting friendships. In the future, these relationships become invaluable. You will stay connected, exchange experiences, collaborate, and perhaps even do business together.
Focus as much as possible on practical experience while you still have the opportunity to learn from highly experienced and educated lecturers. Today, theoretical knowledge is easily accessible online, but practical skills acquired under expert guidance are exceptionally valuable.
If your university hosts many international students, learn languages from one another. Language is the most important tool for communication and the foundation of friendship. Finally, build relationships with Czech classmates and take every opportunity to learn about Czech history, culture, and way of life.
Thank you for these thoughtful questions. It has been a pleasure to recall events from 37 years ago.
Today, the mining industry accounts for approximately 30% of Mongolia's GDP, and its importance is expected to continue growing. For that reason, I consider cooperation with our university essential for preparing future professionals.
Personally, I see opportunities not only for Mongolian students to study at VSB, but also for VSB students to travel to Mongolia, learn about the country, and participate in internships and joint projects with Mongolian universities. In addition, more than 30,000 Mongolians currently work in the Czech Republic, and around 8,000 of their children attend Czech primary and secondary schools. Dual-degree study programmes could also be developed for them. Our alumni are ready to support such cooperation in every possible way.
We thank Mr. Khukhuu for the interview. More information about the meeting in Ulaanbaatar can be found in the article on the university website.