Mathematically gifted students shine at National Mathematics Competition 2024

Second row, seventh from left: Dr Goh, Prof Goi, Dr Wong and Loo with organising committee members and participants

The UTAR Mathematics Society organised the 17th National Mathematics Competition 2024 (NMC 2024) on 6 July 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Around 168 participants joined the competition.

The competition aimed to cultivate interest in Mathematics among high school, college and university students; enhance Mathematics knowledge and cultivate creative and critical thinking skills among the students; encourage mathematically-gifted undergraduate students in Malaysia; promote both undergraduate and postgraduate Mathematics-based courses offered by UTAR; foster friendly ties between high schools, colleges and universities, and foster ties between the members of research centres and students. The competition was solely sponsored by the Olympiad Champion Education Centre. A total of RM5,100 cash prizes were up for grabs.

The participating schools were Arrows International Secondary School, Asia Pacific University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Catholic High School, Chong Hwa Independent High School, Confucian Private Secondary School, Chung Ling Private High School, elc International School, Foon Yew High School, Hin Hua High School, Hua Lian High School, Hua Xia Private School, Inspiros International School, INTI International College Subang, Kolej Tingkatan Enam Pudu Jaya, Kolej Yayasan UEM, Kuen Cheng High School, Kwang Hua Private High School, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur, Pin Hwa High School, Sekolah Menengah Poi Lam (SUWA), SMK Bukit Rahman Putra, Sunway College, Tsun Jin High School, Tenby International School Setia EcoHill, UCSI College, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UOW Malaysia, Sultan Idris Education University, UTAR and Xiamen University Malaysia.

UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Head of Programme (PhD, MSc and Master of Mathematics Programmes) Dr Wong Wai Kuan, Mathematics Society Advisor Assoc Prof Dr Goh Yong Kheng, UTAR Mathematics Society Chairperson Loo Xin Zhi, sponsors, participants, UTAR staff and students were present at the closing ceremony of NMC 2024.

Prof Goi delivering his speech

Prof Goi said, “This competition is an opportunity to challenge yourselves, push the boundaries of your knowledge, and engage with peers who share your passion for mathematics. The experiences and friendships you have forged here will undoubtedly benefit you in your academic and professional journeys. You have demonstrated remarkable talent, creativity, and perseverance qualities that are essential for success in any endeavour.”

Loo delivering his speech

Loo expressed, “Your presence here today, representing various universities and schools, showcases the diversity and depth of talent that our country has to offer. As we close this chapter of the 17th National Mathematics Competition, I am filled with a sense of pride and optimism for the future of mathematics education in our country. Let us continue to nurture the love for mathematics and inspire future generations of mathematicians.”

The competition consisted of three categories: X, Y, and Z, each with distinct formats and time limits. In Category X, known as Mathketeers, groups of three members tackled three to six open-ended subjective questions within a 60-minute timeframe, including submission. Category Y, Theory of Everything, featured twenty multiple-choice questions encompassing various mathematical topics to complete within 60 minutes. Finally, Category Z, Running Math, challenged participants with one hundred questions focused on simple mathematical operations, such as vector and matrix operations. Participants in this category had 20 minutes to answer as many questions as possible correctly, with the fastest and most accurate participant emerging as the winner.

Winner list for each category:

 

 

 

Students in Category X competition

Students in Category Y competition

Students in Category Z competition

Winners of Category X

Back row, from left: Prof Goi, Avan Lim, Siau, Koh and Loo

Front row, from left: Ho, Lim, Chin Jun Yuan, Tee, Lee and Chin Hang Yi

Winners of Category Y

Back row, from left: Ang, Loo, Dr Wong ,Tang and Pang

Front row, from left: Ho, Sim and Yap

Winners of Category Z

From left: Bea, Yong, Loo, Dr Goh, Tee, Chin, Lee and Lim

Iron Math Trophy Winner, Tang (right)

Loo presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Goi

Loo presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Wong (left photo) and Dr Goh (right photo)

Poster of the competition