Front row, second from left: Advisor of Mathematics Society Dr Goh Yong Kheng, Dr Wong and Wong Boon Khew with participants, committee and visitors

The National Mathematics Competition (NMC) came back for its 14th consecutive year on 15 June 2019 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

Organised by UTAR Mathematics Society, the annual competition was sponsored by Shui-Tai Advocates & Solicitors, Hakem Arabi & Associates and Jie Cheng Trading. A total of RM8,200 cash prize were up for a grab. There were more than 80 participants from schools and institutions, namely Asia Pacific University (APU), Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, KDU College, Kolej Yayasan UEM, Multimedia University Cyberjaya, Sunway College, Taylor’s College, The University of Hong Kong, UCSI University, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UTAR, Universiti Teknologi MARA, EMO Elite Maths Olympiad, Alice Smith International School, Hin Hua High School, SMJK Yu Hua, SMK Raja Mahadi, St. John’s International School and Chong Hwa Independent High School.

“It is crucial to create awareness on the importance of mathematics as it promotes logical and methodological thinking. Mathematics is usually deemed as a complicated and difficult subject but it can actually be fun. The development and advancement of mathematics literacy are the key areas that our country must work on to become a high-income nation,” said 14^th NMC Chairperson Wong Boon Khew, who was also the chairperson for the 13th NMC held in July 2018. During the speech he also stressed the great concern faced by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Agreeing with the concern was Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Head of Mathematical and Actuarial Sciences Department Dr Wong Voon Hee. He said, “In the 21st century, STEM education has become increasingly important. Mathematics exists in every occupation and activities that we do in our lives. It is also incredibly important in our life. We use mathematical concepts in our everyday life. This competition has provided the opportunity to promote and enhance mathematical knowledge as well as creative and critical thinking among the students.”

Wong Boon Khew (left) and Dr Wong during the closing ceremony

Some participants working together to solve the mathematics questions

Booths and exhibition opened for participants and visitors throughout the day

At the end of the competition, the anticipated results were announced and prizes were given away. The results of the competition are as below:

Category: A: Theory of Everything

Champion: Takeda Shigenori (Chong Hwa Independent High School)

1st Runner-up: Sew Qian Hong (Sunway College)

2nd Runner-up: Soo Rong Xun (Hin Hua High School)

Category: B: Math Running

Champion: Wong Kar Fai (Asia Pacific University)

1st Runner-up: Ong Zhi Zhung (German-Malaysian Institute)

2nd Runner-up: Moo Khai Hao (Chong Hwa Independent High School)

Category: C: The Mathketeers

Champion: Takeda Shigenori, Tan Soon Wei, Lee Zhi Yan

1st Runner-up: Sew Qian Hong, Desmond Giam, Thai Zhen Leng

2nd Runner-up: Lim Yuan Huan, Jonathan Foo Jen Ji, Lim Jia Ming

IronMath Award: Takeda Shigenori

Takeda Shigenori from Chong Hwa Independent High School won the IronMath Award after scoring the highest overall accumulated scores. He also emerged as the champion for both category A and C. For him, participating for the day served more than just a competition. “It is also an opportunity for mathematics enthusiasts to gather. This was the time for us to meet up after we parted our ways to different paths in pursuing tertiary education,” said Shigenori, referring to his friends from his school.

Dr Wong and Shigenori (right) with his Iron Math trophy

Participating for the first time, Muhammad Firdaus bin Muhd Al Faraby from UKM sees the competition as a preparatory to participating in other mathematics-related competition. “This competition brings mathematics to a competitive platform. It also encourages the participants to explore mathematics in depth by preparing for this competition,” said the 21-year-old student who is majoring in mathematics.

“I have joined this competition for four consecutive years. This competition truly challenges my limit. My aim every year is to break my achievement from the previous years. The competition this year was definitely tougher than last year,” said Actuarial Science student Wong Kar Fai who is the Category B Champion.

Wong Boon Khew (most left) with Shigenori (fourth from right) and winners of Category A: The Theory of Everything

Dr Goh (fourth from left) with Wong Kar Fai (third from left) and winners of the Category B: Math Running

Dr Wong (fourth from left) with winners of Category C: The Mathketeers

Young mathematics enthusiasts test skills at 14th NMC