LKC FES student wins third prize in national mathematics olympiad

In a remarkable display of intellectual rigour and perseverance, UTAR student Pang Shi Jie clinched third prize at the prestigious Olimpiad Matematik Kebangsaan (OMK) 2025, held under the Kategori Sulong (Individual). Representing the Department of Mathematical and Actuarial Sciences (DMAS) from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), Pang secured the accolade in a competition that saw participation from approximately 9,000 students nationwide.

The OMK 2025 was organised by Persatuan Sains Matematik Malaysia (PERSAMA) in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), with the competition conducted on 12 August 2025. The official prize announcement took place virtually via Google Meet on 4 October 2025. In recognition of his achievement, Pang was awarded a cash prize of RM300 and a certificate, affirming his standing among Malaysia’s most outstanding young mathematicians.

Founded in 1971, the OMK has long been regarded as Malaysia’s foremost academic competition in mathematics, cultivating excellence and identifying talent capable of representing the nation at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The competition challenges participants to solve complex and innovative mathematical problems, demanding both discipline and ingenuity.

Pang, currently in Year Two of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Applied Mathematics with Computing programme, expressed that he joined OMK 2025 to test his mathematical acumen against the best minds in the country. “This recognition strengthens my confidence and affirms that rigorous thinking and curiosity, core to Olympiad problem-solving, are invaluable assets in my academic journey,” he shared. Reflecting on his experience, he added, “The exposure gained from engaging with participants from diverse backgrounds continues to inspire my approach to learning and appreciating mathematics.”

His achievement was made possible through the support of the university and guidance from Ts Dr Loh Wing Son, Co-Adviser of the UTAR Mathematics Society, who has been instrumental in mentoring mathematically inclined students within the faculty.

The participation of eight LKC FES students in this year’s OMK reflects UTAR’s ongoing commitment to cultivating academic excellence and fostering a spirit of scholarly competition. The University continues to uphold its mission of producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also capable of contributing meaningfully to the global knowledge economy.