In the ever-evolving landscape of education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) stands out as a key player in fostering creativity and innovation. It encourages students to approach challenges with a creative mindset, promoting the exploration of new ideas and solutions. Mathematics, a crucial component of STEM, thrives on continuous practice through various means such as quizzes, exams, and competitions. One such notable competition is the Kangaroo Math Competition, which has emerged as the world’s largest math competition, bringing together millions of participants from around the globe.
Kangaroo Math Competition: A Global Showcase
The Kangaroo Math Competition, established by the Association Kangourou sans Frontieres (AKSF) in France, has grown into a massive event. It is currently the world’s largest math competition with almost 6 million participants from 98 countries in 2023. From Malaysia, there were more than 47,000 participants representing over 1,552 schools.
MCKL’s Success at Kangaroo Math Competition
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) excelled in this year’s competition. 28 students participating in the competition, showcasing their mathematical prowess. The results were impressive, with the MCKL contingent securing 3 Gold Awards, 4 Silver Awards, 3 Bronze Awards, 13 Honourable Mentions, and 5 Certificates of Participation. Lim Ming Zheng Sean, one of the Gold Medallists, expressed his satisfaction, attributing his success to consistent preparation and hard work.
Kangaroo Math Competition 2023’s MCKL Contingent!
Ms. Oh Hui Xin, the lecturer overseeing the competition at MCKL, emphasised the collective effort that led to this achievement. She acknowledged the support from the Math lecturers in MCKL, who played a crucial role in imparting knowledge and motivating students. Ms. Oh also highlighted the students’ dedication and cumulative knowledge in Mathematics as key contributors to their success.
The Beaver Computational Thinking Competition: Nurturing Computer Science Talents
In addition to the Kangaroo Math Competition, MCKL Pre-University students also participated in the Beaver Computational Thinking Competition, designed to introduce computer science concepts and logical problem-solving. With nearly 2.8 million participants from over 60 countries in 2023, the Beaver Competition has become a significant platform for students to showcase their computational skills.
MCKL’s Achievements in Beaver Computational Thinking Competition
Nine MCKL students participated in the Beaver Computational Thinking Competition, achieving notable success with 1 Silver medal and 7 Honourable Mentions. The students were led and mentored by Mr. Jeremy Tan, the Programme Leader for Diploma in Financial Technology. Yap Cheong Young, a Cambridge A Level student, distinguished himself by clinching a gold medal in the Kangaroo Math Competition and a Silver medal in the Beaver Computational Thinking Competition. As he concludes his participation in these competitions, Cheong Young reflects on the invaluable experience that has prepared him for future educational endeavours, aspiring to pursue a degree in either Physics or Engineering.
Yap Cheong Young, the boy that did both! Gold Medalist in the Kangaroo Math Competition & Silver Medalist in the Beaver Computational Thinking Competition.
MCKL’s Commitment to Excellence
The success of MCKL’s Pre-University students in these global STEM competitions exemplifies the institution’s core value to “Celebrate Excellence.” These students not only pursued victory through dedication and honest efforts but also demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of academic and personal achievement. Their resilience and relentless work ethic have not only brought them success but have also set a shining example for their peers, inspiring a culture of excellence within the MCKL community.