APU Student Achieves Remarkable Victory in National Mathematics Olympiad Competition

Tang Dao Mian, a student pursuing a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology at Asia Pacific University (APU), has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the first runner-up position in the prestigious National Mathematics Olympiad Competition.

L-R: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rajasegaran, Prof. Ho Chin Kuan, Tang Dao Mian, Ms. Hazlina Darman, and Ms Sarah Hj. Musa celebrated Dao Mian’s achievement at APU’s campus.

Organised by the Malaysian Mathematical Sciences Association (PERSAMA), this national-level competition took place concurrently on May 13, 2023, at selected centres across Malaysia. Participants from the Kuala Lumpur area competed at the International Medical University (IMU).

The winners of the competition were announced in August 2023, and the award ceremony was held on the 28th of August 2023.

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Mr. Fadhirul Anuar Mohd. Azam (right), the Academic Leader of SoMAQS, represented APU in receiving the prizes from the award presenters, Professor Dr. Daud Mohamad, at the award ceremony held in Hotel Raia, Alor Setar, Kedah.

Tang Dao Mian's outstanding performance in the Sulong (Eldest) category earned him a well-deserved cash prize of RM400. His accomplishment reflects not only his exceptional mathematical prowess but also the dedication and guidance provided by the academic staff at APU.

The National Mathematics Olympiad Competition, established in 1971, is a renowned platform for students across Malaysia to showcase their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. The event attracts participants from various educational backgrounds, including matriculation, university, and Form 6 students, making it a highly competitive arena.

Tang Dao Mian shared his thoughts on his journey to success, saying, "When your approach to a problem doesn't work out, try a different one; you may come out with new ideas that can help you get one step closer to solving a problem. When you are at wit's end, don't be afraid to look at other people's solutions and try to understand them; you may learn fresh new methods and concepts that you can apply to other problems."

APU demonstrated its commitment to fostering mathematical talent by sending 18 students from its Foundation and Diploma programmes to participate in this prestigious competition. Chua Shi Yi, a Foundation of Business and Finance student, was also recognised with a consolation prize, known as the ‘Anugerah Sanjungan Kehormat’.

Tang Dao Mian and Chua Shi Yi were mentored by Ms. Hazlina Darman and Ms. Sarah Hj. Musa from the School of Mathematics, Actuarial and Quantitative Studies (SoMAQS) at APU, who provided invaluable guidance and support throughout their journey.

Associate Professor Dr. Rajasegeran Ramasamy, Head of SoMAQS, expressed his delight at the students' achievement, stating, "I am thrilled to acknowledge our students' achievements in this competition. Their success not only reflects their brilliance but also highlights the incredible support and guidance provided by our academicians. We couldn't be prouder of this accomplishment and are confident that this victory will inspire and motivate other students to reach new heights in the field of mathematics."

During the prize-giving ceremony was held at Hotel Raia, Alor Setar, Kedah, Mr. Fadhirul Anuar Mohd. Azami, the Academic Leader of SoMAQS, represented APU in receiving the prizes from the award presenters, Professor Dr. Daud Mohamad, a Mathematics Professor at the School of Mathematical Sciences, College of Computing, Informatics, and Media, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam.