Mongolian Startup Translates 'Software Engineer's Guidebook,' Bridging Language Barriers and Fueling Tech Growth

Imagine discovering your self-published book translated into a language you never anticipated, in a country thousands of miles away. That's exactly what happened to the author of 'The Software Engineer's Guidebook,' thanks to Nasha Tech, a dynamic startup based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The company's decision to translate the book wasn't just a whimsical project; it was a strategic move to upskill its team and contribute to the burgeoning Mongolian tech scene.

Nasha Tech, a hybrid startup and digital agency founded in 2018, primarily serves Japanese clients while also developing its own products. Among these is TokTok, a leading food delivery app often dubbed the 'Uber Eats of Mongolia.' Despite the smaller market size, TokTok thrives, demonstrating the potential for localized tech solutions. Recognizing the need to bridge the language gap for its employees, Nasha Tech embarked on the ambitious project of translating 'The Software Engineer's Guidebook.'

The idea originated with a software engineer at Nasha Tech who found value in the book but realized its accessibility was limited to English speakers. Following a successful translation of Matt Mochary's 'The Great CEO Within' the previous year, the company had the translation expertise to execute the plan. Despite the relatively small population of Mongolia (3.5 million), Nasha Tech believed a Mongolian translation would be invaluable to its team and the broader tech community. The translation process, meticulously managed by the company's General Manager, took roughly nine months, culminating in an initial print run of 500 copies.

The author of 'The Software Engineer's Guidebook' was invited to Ulaanbaatar for a book signing event, gaining firsthand insight into Nasha Tech's operations and the Mongolian tech ecosystem. The author noted the company's modern approach, embracing AI tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Claude Code, reflecting a global awareness of cutting-edge technologies. The experience highlighted the universality of tech challenges and the passion developers share for improving their products, regardless of location.

Beyond internal benefits, Nasha Tech views the translation as a contribution to Mongolia's growing tech sector. The company's investment in translating technical literature reflects a commitment to providing accessible resources and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. The book is being sold for 70,000 MNTs (approximately $19 USD) and has been performing well in the local market.

The book launch was held at IT Park, Mongolia's startup hub, showcasing the government's and private sector's commitment to supporting emerging companies. Startups in AI and fintech demonstrated the growing innovation coming from Mongolia. This story exemplifies how small initiatives can have a significant impact, fostering knowledge sharing and driving technological advancement in unexpected corners of the world. It also highlights the increasingly global nature of the tech community and the importance of making technical knowledge accessible to diverse audiences.