Probably you won’t easily find an expat, who has witnessed days of empty shelves in the stores and days of luxurious brand names started opening its stores in Ulaanbaatar city. Mongolians all know those days, but there is one person we would like to emphasize. He has been through up and downs with Mongolians since 1991. His name is Yannick Queguiner.
He came to Mongolia back in 1991 as a representative of Alcatel Lucent to work with Mongolia Telecom JSC to lead first fiber optic cable installation project in Mongolia. Many can refer him as one of the first people who made it possible for Mongolians enjoy the mobile network. He was awarded “Peace” Order by former president N.Enkhbayar for his contribution in telecommunication sector.
Awarded "Peace" Order in 2007
HIS CAREER PATH DROVE HIM AROUND THE WORLD
Yannick was born in 1952 in beautiful Tregastel in northwestern France. His father served in Navy and most of his childhood years were spent in Morocco and at the age of 19 Yannick went back to France.
He did not give much thought to his future profession and just chose what seemed popular back then. He joined Alcatel Lucent just because there were many telecommunication companies in his native Bretagne. His co-worker Max Metrich suggested him to transfer to South African branch, which he accepted right away seeing the opportunity to fulfill his dream to travel around the world.
South Africa had opened up many travel opportunities starting with Congo, Qatar, Morocco, Columbia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand, China and so on. Out of his extensive travel history involving over 100 countries his choice laid upon Mongolia for last 23 years. His commitment with Alcatel Lucent continued for 37 years and four years ago he retired and stayed in Mongolia focusing on private business.
PRIVATE BUSINESS FOCUSES ON FRIENDS RATHER THAN PROFIT
Constant customer at his restaurant Le Triskel once mentioned how the ambience there is friendly and referred Yannick as fun to be with. It seems to be true as customers at Le Triskel are warmly greeted and treated as an old friend with heartfelt conversations with each and every one.
Yannick recalls how he thoroughly thought what would be his next step after retiring from his post at Alcatel Lucent. He questioned himself if it was better to go back home or stay. After much thought he decided to stay in Mongolia and preceded with opening up his restaurant, as he was sure he has more friends here.
“I DON’T SAVE EXTRA”
Life is not about money. One should not pursue money. There is no need to save for later. It is better to donate to people in need. That is his philosophy. This is the main reason he became founding member of the Rotary Club in Mongolia. He topped the list of donors last year at the club.
He donates extra money he generates from running his restaurant business, such as assisting Ger-area schools with building bathrooms connected to sewer system and participating in an event to surprise 400 children during Christmas to name a few.
His other passion lies in sports; that is why he sponsored Arvis FC in many competitions. He tries to help if not solve the problems for the less fortunate ones. His friend artist O.Bat-Erdene says that his friendship with Yannick is based on his strives to help the others.
FRENCH NATIONAL OF MONGOLIA TEAM
He was part of team Mongolia at 7th International Tennis Competition held in Jeju, South Korea in October. Many were surprised to know that he was part of team Mongolia, not Russia or any other European country. He joined team Mongolia at Amateur and Elders Tennis Competition in pair category, fulfilling his childhood dream and passion for tennis.
He has established Petanque club, a ball game originated in France in 1907, four years ago. He has passion to build Mongolia team and take part in international competitions.
“ALMOST MONGOL”
Many who know him say he is “almost Mongol”, not because he lived 23 years in Mongolia, but for his passion and heart for Mongolia. He has principle to treat each and every one of his acquaintances in same way, no matter one’s status or affiliation.
Ms E.Chamintsetseg, former co-worker at Alcatel Lucent, describes him as: “Wherever Yannick goes, he always makes sure to promote Mongolia in a very positive light. He says if one can respect and love Mongolian, then one definitely should visit Mongolia. He made almost every Alcatel Lucent representative around the world visit Mongolia. We have so much to learn from him. He knows how to respect human being.”
Awarded "Peace" Order in 2007
His lifelong principle is to “RESPECT AND TRUST” no matter if one is a business partner or a friend.
“Frankly saying, Mongolia is much more democratic compared to France. I can feel safe and sound here in Mongolia. I have more friends here who would understand me here” are his words. May be that is why he looks very familiar to any Mongolian.
Awarded Best Professional of Sector medal in 2008
Yannick says: “May be after three years or so I will go back to France, but I can never do that in one setting. I need more time adjusting; probably will visit Mongolia frequently, so that the transition goes smooth, because there is so much attachment to Mongolia.”
Probably you won’t easily find an expat, who has witnessed days of empty shelves in the stores and days of luxurious brand names started opening its stores in Ulaanbaatar city. Mongolians all know those days, but there is one person we would like to emphasize. He has been through up and downs with Mongolians since 1991. His name is Yannick Queguiner.
He came to Mongolia back in 1991 as a representative of Alcatel Lucent to work with Mongolia Telecom JSC to lead first fiber optic cable installation project in Mongolia. Many can refer him as one of the first people who made it possible for Mongolians enjoy the mobile network. He was awarded “Peace” Order by former president N.Enkhbayar for his contribution in telecommunication sector.
Awarded "Peace" Order in 2007
HIS CAREER PATH DROVE HIM AROUND THE WORLD
Yannick was born in 1952 in beautiful Tregastel in northwestern France. His father served in Navy and most of his childhood years were spent in Morocco and at the age of 19 Yannick went back to France.
He did not give much thought to his future profession and just chose what seemed popular back then. He joined Alcatel Lucent just because there were many telecommunication companies in his native Bretagne. His co-worker Max Metrich suggested him to transfer to South African branch, which he accepted right away seeing the opportunity to fulfill his dream to travel around the world.
South Africa had opened up many travel opportunities starting with Congo, Qatar, Morocco, Columbia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand, China and so on. Out of his extensive travel history involving over 100 countries his choice laid upon Mongolia for last 23 years. His commitment with Alcatel Lucent continued for 37 years and four years ago he retired and stayed in Mongolia focusing on private business.
PRIVATE BUSINESS FOCUSES ON FRIENDS RATHER THAN PROFIT
Constant customer at his restaurant Le Triskel once mentioned how the ambience there is friendly and referred Yannick as fun to be with. It seems to be true as customers at Le Triskel are warmly greeted and treated as an old friend with heartfelt conversations with each and every one.
Yannick recalls how he thoroughly thought what would be his next step after retiring from his post at Alcatel Lucent. He questioned himself if it was better to go back home or stay. After much thought he decided to stay in Mongolia and preceded with opening up his restaurant, as he was sure he has more friends here.
“I DON’T SAVE EXTRA”
Life is not about money. One should not pursue money. There is no need to save for later. It is better to donate to people in need. That is his philosophy. This is the main reason he became founding member of the Rotary Club in Mongolia. He topped the list of donors last year at the club.
He donates extra money he generates from running his restaurant business, such as assisting Ger-area schools with building bathrooms connected to sewer system and participating in an event to surprise 400 children during Christmas to name a few.
His other passion lies in sports; that is why he sponsored Arvis FC in many competitions. He tries to help if not solve the problems for the less fortunate ones. His friend artist O.Bat-Erdene says that his friendship with Yannick is based on his strives to help the others.
FRENCH NATIONAL OF MONGOLIA TEAM
He was part of team Mongolia at 7th International Tennis Competition held in Jeju, South Korea in October. Many were surprised to know that he was part of team Mongolia, not Russia or any other European country. He joined team Mongolia at Amateur and Elders Tennis Competition in pair category, fulfilling his childhood dream and passion for tennis.
He has established Petanque club, a ball game originated in France in 1907, four years ago. He has passion to build Mongolia team and take part in international competitions.
“ALMOST MONGOL”
Many who know him say he is “almost Mongol”, not because he lived 23 years in Mongolia, but for his passion and heart for Mongolia. He has principle to treat each and every one of his acquaintances in same way, no matter one’s status or affiliation.
Ms E.Chamintsetseg, former co-worker at Alcatel Lucent, describes him as: “Wherever Yannick goes, he always makes sure to promote Mongolia in a very positive light. He says if one can respect and love Mongolian, then one definitely should visit Mongolia. He made almost every Alcatel Lucent representative around the world visit Mongolia. We have so much to learn from him. He knows how to respect human being.”
Awarded "Peace" Order in 2007
His lifelong principle is to “RESPECT AND TRUST” no matter if one is a business partner or a friend.
“Frankly saying, Mongolia is much more democratic compared to France. I can feel safe and sound here in Mongolia. I have more friends here who would understand me here” are his words. May be that is why he looks very familiar to any Mongolian.
Awarded Best Professional of Sector medal in 2008
Yannick says: “May be after three years or so I will go back to France, but I can never do that in one setting. I need more time adjusting; probably will visit Mongolia frequently, so that the transition goes smooth, because there is so much attachment to Mongolia.”