UTAR hosts 2nd I-NMC 2026, strengthening
international academic collaboration

A group photo session to conclude 2nd I-NMC 2026

UTAR, through its Mathematics Society, successfully organised the 2nd International-National Mathematics Competition (I-NMC) 2026, also the 19th edition of the National Mathematics Competition (NMC), on 20 June 2026 at its Sungai Long Campus.

The competition attracted 83 participants from 18 local and international institutions, reflecting its growing prominence as a platform for mathematical excellence. Since its inception in 2004 as an intra-university initiative, the competition has evolved into a national event and, more recently, an international platform. Following its successful international debut in 2025, I-NMC 2026 marked the second consecutive year of collaboration between UTAR and Tunghai University (THU), further strengthening cross-border academic engagement.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony featuring an address by the advisor of I-NMC 2026 and UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) academic Ts Dr Loh Wing Son, alongside welcome video messages from LKC FES Dean Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon and THU College of Science Dean Prof Dr Lai Ying-Huang. The ceremony was then officially opened with a ribbon-cutting session by Dr Loh, I-NMC 2026 co-advisors Assoc Prof Dr Goh Yong Kheng and Ms Kong Jee Kim, Organising Chairperson Chew Zhi Qi and silver sponsor Dr Lee Ming Jie.

Organised with the aim of fostering interest in mathematics and strengthening problem-solving skills, the competition also provided a platform for participants to demonstrate both individual excellence and teamwork while promoting international academic collaboration.

Clockwise from top left: Dr Loh, Prof Chang and Prof Lai welcoming the participants during the opening ceremony

From left: Dr Goh, Dr Loh, Dr Lee, Chew and Ms Kong officiating I-NMC 2026

Following the opening ceremony, participants engaged in a series of competitions structured across three categories, each designed to challenge different dimensions of mathematical thinking. Category X, Mathketeers, was a team-based challenge in which groups of three participants solved nine open-ended, subjective questions within 60 minutes. Category Y, Theory of Everything, required individual participants to answer twenty multiple-choice questions covering a broad range of mathematical concepts within the same time frame. Meanwhile, Category Z, Running Math, emphasised speed and accuracy, challenging participants to complete two hundred questions involving basic mathematical operations within 20 minutes.

Students collaborating to solve open-ended mathematical challenges in Category X

Participants tackling a series of challenging multiple-choice questions in Category Y

Participants in Category Z demonstrating speed and accuracy in rapid-fire calculations

The closing ceremony featured remarks by Organising Chairperson Chew Zhi Qi, followed by recorded messages from distinguished professors from THU, including Vice Presidents Prof Dr Liu Jeng and Prof Dr Yang Ding-Yah, as well as a live speech by THU academic Prof Dr Huang Huang-Nan. The guest of honour, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, delivered the closing address, highlighting the importance of academic collaboration and the role of such competitions in nurturing future talents.

Chew (left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering speech at the closing ceremony

List of competition winners:
Winners of Category X – Mathketeers

Winner	Name, Institution
Champion	Team7: Tang Dao Mian, Asia Pacific University (APU) Desmond Yong Jia Jiang, Asia Pacific University (APU) Hein Htet Soe, Asia Pacific University (APU)
1st Runner-up	Team 5: Chong Yong Zhi, Sunway College Avan Lim Zenn Ee, Taylor's College Matthew Kung Wei Sheng, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
2nd Runner-up	Team 15: Chuah Jia Herng, Sunway College Ong June Jie, Sunway University Goh Chung Wei, Sunway College

Congratulations to the winners of Category X – Mathketeers

Winners of Category Y – Theory of Everything

Winner	Name, Institution
Champion	Chong Yong Zhi, Sunway College
1st Runner-up	Avan Lim Zenn Ee, Taylor's College
2nd Runner-up	Gan Lih Ying, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)
Consolation	Chuah Jia Herng, Sunway College Low Lik How, UTAR Sungai Long Campus Tang Dao Mian, Asia Pacific University (APU)

Congratulations to the winners of Category Y – Theory of Everything

Winners of Category Z - Running Math

Winner	Name, Institution
Champion	Pang Shi Jie, UTAR Sungai Long Campus
1st Runner-up	Tang Dao Mian, Asia Pacific University (APU)
2nd Runner-up	Matthew Kung Wei Sheng, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
Consolation	Ngo Ji Hang, UTAR Sungai Long Campus Hein Htet Soe, Asia Pacific University (APU) Gan Lih Ying, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

Congratulations to the winners of Category Z - Running Math

IronMath Award & UTTU Award

Winner	Name, Institution
IronMath Award	Tang Dao Mian, Asia Pacific University (APU)
UTTU Award	Tang Dao Mian, Asia Pacific University (APU)

Congratulations to the winner of IronMath and UTTU Awards

The successful organisation of I-NMC 2026 not only provided a vibrant and competitive environment for students to demonstrate their mathematical abilities but also fostered meaningful interactions among participants from diverse academic backgrounds. The continued collaboration between UTAR and THU reflects a shared commitment to advancing academic excellence and international partnership.

Chew (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Dato’ Ewe

Chew (left) presenting a token of appreciation to the judges’ representatives

The winners of I-NMC 2026