UTAR Mathematics Society organised its 15th National Mathematics Competition

On 5 September 2021, an online competition titled “15th National Mathematics Competition Reborn” was organised by UTAR Mathematics Society and Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) via UTAR WBLE and Zoom platform.

The competition aimed to cultivate interest in mathematics, enhance mathematics knowledge and develop creative and critical thinking skills among high school, pre-university, and undergraduate students. It also aimed to seek and encourage mathematically gifted undergraduate students in Malaysia. Besides, this competition offered a networking opportunity for all undergraduate students and thus fostered friendly relationships among undergraduate students from different universities. The annual competition was solely sponsored by the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA). A total of RM5,500 cash prizes were up for a grab.

Cheng

The competition was moderated by its Programme Department member Cheng Zen Qian. Before the competition started, Cheng shared, “UTAR Mathematics Society is a place catered for UTAR students who are interested in Mathematics and it seeks to bring out the best from each of its members. Over the years, since its establishment in 2003, we have organised various events related to Mathematics, such as workshops, exhibitions and competitions like National Mathematics Competition. Our vision is to provide a better platform for all mathematics lovers to come together to share their thoughts and ideas at the university and national levels. It also aims to reach out for more collaboration with other clubs and societies to create a better learning environment in the LKC FES.” He then gave a briefing on the general rules for the competition.

The competition was divided into two categories, namely Category A – Theory of Everything and Category C – The Mathketeers.

Category A (Theory of Everything) consisted of twenty multiple-choice questions that included mathematical questions of all aspects. The total competition time for each participant was sixty minutes. Whereas Category C (The Mathketeers) was a team competition. Each team consisted of three members. It adopted open-ended questions. The total competition time for this category was one day (including submission) from 9 July to 10 July 2021.

There were about 140 participants from various schools and education institutions, namely Asia Metropolitan International School, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Catholic High School PJ, Catholic High School Sibu, Chung Cheng High School (Main), Chung Hua Middle School No.1, Chung Hua Middle School No.3, Chung Hwa High School (Muar), Foon Yew High School, Foon Yew High School-Kulai, Fudan University, Heriot-Watt University, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Kolej Komuniti, Lahad Datu, Sabah, Kolej Matrikulasi Perlis, Kolej Tingkatan Enam Shah Alam, Kuen Cheng High School, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur, Multimedia University (Melaka), Pay Fong Middle School Malacca, Peking University, Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Sekolah Menengah Chong Hwa Kuantan, Sekolah Tinggi Segamat (STS), Segamat, Johor, Sentral College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, SMJK Chung Ling Pulau Pinang, SMKA Syeikh Abdullah Fahim, SMK Aminuddin Baki, SMK Damansara Jaya, SMK Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, SMK Hutchings, SMK Proton City, SMK St Francis, Melaka, SMK St. Gabriel, SMK Tanjong Rambutan, SMKA Sultan Azlan Shah, Southern University College, Malaysia, St Joseph’s International School, STARS International School, Sunway College (KL), Sunway University, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, TAR UC Penang Branch, Tsinghua University, Tsun Jin High School, UCSI University, UiTM Seremban 3, UNISEL, UTAR Kampar Campus, UTAR Sungai Long Campus, Universiti Utara Malaysia and University of Reading Malaysia.

Prof Ewe

In his closing remark, UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “During my time in high school, I was also heavily involved in these kinds of competitions. I must say that all these experiences were in fact valuable.  This experience brings us not just the experience of participation but also tests our own mathematical solving skills and gives us exposure to all the interesting mathematical questions and problems for us to solve. Most of the time, it also helps us to think out of the box, not just focusing on the theories and methods the lecturers or teachers have shared with us in the classroom.”

“Do not be limited by the questions posed in the competition. More importantly, see how we can develop and continue to maintain this curiosity in solving mathematics questions and how all these questions can be related to our daily life experiences. It is very important that continue to maintain and develop this kind of curiosity. I am sure that in years to come, you will be able to not just continue to do well in your studies but also develop your expertise, analytical skills and big data analytic skills so that you can apply them in your work and daily life. I would like to congratulate all participants for participating in this competition. The most important thing, regardless of the results, is the experience and exposure you gained from this competition,” said Prof Ewe. He thanked the sponsor, MARGMA for putting their faith in the students’ talents and capabilities, and also the organising committee and lecturers for making the event a success.

Loh

Organising Chairperson Loh Wei Chee said, “Today, we have witnessed talents from all over Malaysia gather at this stage to compete with each other; to be the best of the best. Their courage and determination are certainly admirable and this is what we expected from the youth for the development of Malaysia. Mathematics is often deemed as difficult, complicated and confusing and many students shied away from this subject. As Malaysia continues to strive towards becoming a high-income nation, the development and advancement of mathematical literacy are the key areas that the country must work towards to give itself a competitive edge in regional and global economics. The World Economic Forum projected that 65 per cent of children currently in primary schools will secure new jobs that have never existed before but was founded by STEM. Therefore it is obvious that strong mathematical literacy is a pre-requisite for many careers and professions, from engineering and sciences to finance and ICT.”

“I believe that this competition will be a step forward towards handling the negative perspective on Mathematics and encouraging students’ acceptance of STEM. It is a disheartening fact that Malaysia is currently ranked low on mathematical literacy. Therefore, I hope by participating in this competition, students will realise that maths is conquerable and students will be motivated to take their future challenges bravely. On behalf of all the committee, I would like to thank our sole sponsor MARGMA and our advisor Dr Goh Yong Kheng, as well as the panel of judges who have helped in this competition. This spirit that has kept the competition going for the past 14 years would not be possible without them,” said Loh. He also thanked the participants for their support and team members for sacrificing their time to make this event a success.

Ong

Speaking on behalf of MARGMA President Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee Ong Kar Ming said, “It is a great joy for our association to support this beautiful event. On behalf of the president of MARGMA, I would like to congratulate the committee members who worked hard to make this event successful. MARGMA is a non-profit association that extends a range of services to members comprising Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers and associated suppliers and supporting organisations. We provide a common platform for discussion and exchange of views aimed at furthering the commercial objectives of its members and promoting a solid trade fraternity amongst them.”

“Mathematics is essential for all disciplines; it is critical for science and technology, crucial to financial literacy and central to daily life. It is more than just numbers and formulas. It embraces logic and reasoning to resolve complicated interlocking issues. Many decisions made in the public and private sector rely on the use of Mathematics to some extent. That is why Mathematics is an integral part of general application and one of the big four academic disciplines, namely Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, commonly known as STEM. This is the reason for our association to be willing to sponsor UTAR’s Mathematics society,” said Ong.

The results of the competition are as below:

Congratulations to the winners of Category A

The Champion in Category A walked away with a cash prize of RM600 and a certificate. The first runner-up in Category A walked away with a cash prize of RM400 and a certificate. The second runner-up in Category A walked away with a cash prize of RM300 and a certificate.  The five participants who won the consolation prize in Category A walked away with a cash prize of RM100 and a certificate each. 

Prof Ewe (top row, second from left), LKC FES Dean Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min (second row, middle), Head of Department of Mathematical and Actuarial Sciences Dr Wong Voon Hee (top row, third from right), committee members and Category A winners (Photo credit: Lim Wenn Chuaan)

Congratulations to the winners of Category C

The Champion team in Category C walked away with a cash prize of RM1,000 along with a certificate each, followed by a cash prize of RM600 and a certificate for the first runner-up team. The second runner-up team took home RM300 and a certificate each.

Prof Ewe (top row, second from left), Prof Goi (top row, second from right), Dr Wong (top row, far right), the committee members and Category C winners (Photo credit: Lim Wenn Chuaan)

To enlighten the competition, a mini-game session was organised for the participants to win an additional five entries for a lucky draw. The first prize was an HONOR Band 5 (Meteorite Black), the second prize was a gaming headset and the third prize was a Grab Food Gift Card worth RM30.

A group photo session at the end of the competition (Photo credit: Lim Wenn Chuaan)

 

Thank you to the sponsor!