UTAR’s 18th Mathematics Competition breaks borders with first international collaboration

The UTAR Mathematics Society organised the 18th National Mathematics Competition (NMC) 2025 on 2 August 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, drawing around 105 participants from high schools, colleges, and universities across Malaysia. The event offered a total of RM4,900 in cash prizes. 

This year also marked a historic milestone as the competition was rebranded as the International-National Mathematics Competition (I-NMC) 2025, through a first-ever collaboration with Tunghai University. For the first time, the competition was held simultaneously at UTAR Sungai Long Campus and Tunghai University, expanding the platform from a national-level challenge into an international exchange of mathematical knowledge and collaboration.

The competition aimed to cultivate interest in mathematics, strengthen creative and critical thinking skills, encourage mathematically-gifted students, and promote UTAR’s mathematics-based programmes. It also provided a platform to build connections among schools, universities, and research centres. The event was sponsored by GradMalaysia and I-Fruits Market. 

Participating institutions included Pin Hwa High School, Confucian Private Secondary School, Foon Yew High School (Johor Bahru & Kulai), Kluang Chong Hwa High School, Sunway College, SMK Setia Alam, SMK Damansara Jaya, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Asia Pacific University (APU), and UTAR. 

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 emerging as the winner. 

The competition, first introduced in 2005 following a successful intra-university contest in 2004, has since grown into a well-recognised event attracting participants nationwide. With the rebranding to I-NMC in 2025, it has taken a bold step forward, establishing itself as a platform for cross-cultural friendships, academic collaboration, and global mathematical exchange.

UTAR Mathematics Society Advisor Ts Loh Wing Son said, “Collectively, these three categories reflect the true spirit of mathematics: creativity, persistence, and the power of working together. Whether solving as a team, diving into complex theories, or racing against the clock, remember that this competition is about more than winning; it’s about learning, sharing, and growing.”

UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong said in his closing remarks, “Today’s competition was more than a contest of numbers and equations. It was a celebration of curiosity, critical thinking, and the spirit of collaboration — qualities that are becoming ever more essential in our rapidly changing and interconnected world.”

Tan Su-Ann, Chairperson of the UTAR Mathematics Society, highlighted the broader significance of the event. She said, “Mathematics is not just about numbers and equations, it is a language that connects people from all walks of life. It challenges us, inspires us, and fuels our curiosity about the world around us. As you compete today, remember that it’s not just about winning but also about the journey of discovery and learning. May you leave with proud memories, new friendships, and a renewed love for mathematics.”

Winners of Category X – The Mathketeers’

Winner	Name, School	Picture
Champion	Group 3: Jason Chong Chia Hang Chuah Jia Herng Chong Yong Zhi School: Sunway College
1st Runner Up	Group 8: Avan Lim Zenn Ee Chia Ming Huan Matthew Kung Wei Sheng School: NA
2nd Runner Up	Group 7: Ang Kyson Kong Hoi Mun Lee Zhe Yu School: Pin Hwa High School, Klang

Winners of Category Y – Theory of Everything

Winner	Name, School	Picture
Champion	Kok Ying Hao, Universiti Malaya
1st Runner Up	Chong Yong Zhi, Sunway College
2nd Runner Up	Chua Jia Herng, Sunway College
Consolation	Pang Shi Jie, UTAR – Sungai Long  Low Lik How, UTAR – Sungai Long  Chai Jing Yang, Foon Yew High School, Kulai

Winners of Category Z - The Running Maths

Winner	Name, School	Picture
Champion	Pang Shi Jie, UTAR - Sungai Long
1st Runner Up	Tang Dao Mian, Asia Pacific University
2nd Runner Up	Peh Yi Hong, TAR UMT
Consolation	Hariz Syahmiy bin Muhammad Hafiz, Monash University  Siow Jing Xiang, Sunway University  Kok Ying Hao, Universiti Malaya

Iron Math Trophy and UTTU Award

Iron Math Trophy Winner: Chong Yong Zhi (centre)
UTTU Award Winner: Chong Yong Zhi  UTTU Award, a new recognition born from the collaboration between UTAR and Tunghai University, was presented to the top scorer of the Iron Math Trophy across both campuses.

Winners from Tunghai University

Category X	Champion   First runner up	何智鈞   鐘仁佑   張庭軒  陳柏熹   史誼琳   林暟琍
Category Y	Champion   First runner up   Second runner up	何智鈞  陳柏熹  張子畇
Category Z	Champion   First runner up   Second runner up	何智鈞   陳柏熹   張子畇
Iron Math		何智鈞