CEO Insights Magazine

The telecommunications sector plays a vital role in Mongolia's economy, contributing significantly to its growth and development. With a population of over three million, the country relies heavily on telecommunications to connect individuals, businesses, and institutions. However, introducing the right technology, products, and services at reasonable prices is crucial to ensure that the sector continues to thrive. Mobicom Corporation, a world-class information technology and communications service provider, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the telecom industry in Mongolia. With its cutting-edge technology, innovative products, and exceptional services, Mobicom Corporation has played a pivotal role in enhancing the country's telecommunications landscape.

Mobicom Corporation has been at the forefront of this industry for over two decades, delivering worldclass information technology and communication services to its customers. Currently, Mobicom Corporation is led by Koji Kurushima san, a seasoned professional with over two decades of exceptional industry experience. Below is an excerpt of Koji Kurushima san’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

Tell us about the journey of Mobicom Corporation. Where is the company positioned in the industry?
Mobicom Corporation has come a long way since its establishment in 1996. When there was no mobile service in the country, the company took the initiative to establish an international tender to invite participants interested in operating a business in Mongolia. Their joint venture with KDDI Group, Sumitomo Group and NEWCOM Group successfully won the tender, paving way for the launch of mobile telephone services throughout the nation. With over 1200 base station locations, Mobicom has expanded its services to include 2G, 3G, and 4G, and is now looking to expand its business further to include home broadband, internet services, and enterprise connectivity.

In today's world, where connectivity has become an essential part of daily life, Mobicom is becoming an overall ICT company that provides value through technology to both consumers and corporate businesses. With its strong position in the mobile telephone business, the company is now focusing on digital transformation to further enhance its position in the IT industry.

What are the potential skills you look for in fresh candidates? How does the company encourage the employees to use their skills and abilities in the work?
When hiring new employees, technical knowledge and business skills are a plus. However, at the heart of what Mobicom Corporation is looking for in new hires is a positive mindset, adaptability, and a challenging attitude. These characteristics are difficult to change and are highly valued in the company's culture. Mobicom Corporation offers various opportunities for employees to develop these traits further, through workshops, online and physical training, and one-on-one meetings. With the rise of remote working, Mobicom recognizes that proper business ethics are crucial to ensuring delegation and responsibility among employees. The company also encourages its employees to pursue different roles and responsibilities across its different  business domains, giving them a chance to develop new skills and bring back valuable knowledge to the company.

What are the latest industry trends and methodologies adopted in the company to train the employees to extract the best out of them?
In the fast-paced world of IT, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses. Mongolia is no exception, and while 5G has not been implemented yet, we are actively seeking ways to improve its capability. One way we are doing this is by cooperating with business partner network vendors to gain knowhow from established operators in other regions. Additionally, Mobicom is experimenting with trendy technologies like AI and ML through trial cases with business partners. However, adapting to a new agile working style is proving to be a challenge, as it requires a shift in mindset and flexibility. To combat this, the company has established a community club to encourage employees to share experiences and skills, further enhancing their capabilities.

Tell us about the job security policies of the company which makes the employees feel safe in their job.
When considering job security, there are two important aspects to keep in mind: protecting both the company and its employees. As an IT company, we handle a lot of sensitive customer data, so it's essential to have policies and rules in place to ensure that employees follow proper protocols to safeguard this information. While some may view such policies as overly bureaucratic, they are necessary to prevent fraudulent activity that could damage both the company's reputation and the employee's career. At the same time, we aim to encourage employee motivation by allowing for the delegation of responsibilities and providing opportunities to gain valuable experience.

We also prioritize the health and well-being of our employees, especially given the high air pollution levels in Mongolia. Regular medical checkups, access to company doctors and mental health professionals, and workshops to promote healthy lifestyles are just some of the ways we strive to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. By focusing on these elements, we aim to ensure job security for our employees while also protecting our company's assets.

Koji Kurushima san, Chief Executive Officer, Mobicom Corporation
Koji Kurushima brings over 20 years of professional experience from KDDI Corporation, where he served in various business domains like Corporate Strategy, New Business Development, and Marketing. He joined Mobicom in 2017 as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer and later became Chief Marketing Officer in April 2018. Currently, Koji Kurushima has been the CEO of Mobicom Corporation since 2022.