These are two major international math competitions, an attractive playground for students around the world, including the exams: "International Mathematical Thinking Assessment (IMAS 2022-2023)" and "International Kangaroo Math (IKMC 2023)". Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Chi Trung, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee of the IKMC and IMAS exams, said: "The event is organized by the Education Development Foundation (IEG Foundation) to honor and encourage students with high achievements, and to encourage the movement of learning math and English among students. The Organizing Committee has decided that from next year, it will sponsor 1,000 free places to attend the IKMC 2024 exam for disadvantaged students in remote areas to encourage the spirit of learning math and English for children across all regions of Vietnam".

In Vietnam, the 2022-2023 school year, the IMAS exam attracted more than 2,000 candidates. After 2 rounds, this year's exam selected 10 excellent candidates to receive gold medals, 18 candidates to receive silver medals and 32 candidates to receive bronze medals. The organizing committee awarded 8 gold medals, 18 silver medals, and 28 bronze medals to the winning candidates.

In its eighth edition in Vietnam, IKMC 2023 attracted nearly 20,000 participants from more than 500 primary, secondary and high schools nationwide, with a total of 2,100 prize-winning candidates. The exam was given in multiple-choice format in English, compiled by the Kangaroo International Mathematics Association. In Vietnam, candidates took the exam in bilingual English-Vietnamese. The Organizing Committee awarded 24 National Champion Awards, 88 High Distinction Awards and 237 Distinction Awards to the best candidates.

Awarding of Distinction winners.

Tran Hoang Lam, Class 6A7, Newton Secondary School (Hanoi), won the National Champions prize (equivalent to the first prize in Vietnam) and said: “Participating in the Kangaroo International Math Competition, I learned a lot of useful knowledge. To prepare for this competition, I spent time studying and reviewing lessons on the Internet and hoped to win a high prize in the competition. I have attended the study camp for students who won prizes in the competition worldwide twice and each time I found it very fun and rewarding.”

The award ceremony for the winners in the Central and Southern regions will be held in Da Nang on June 24 and in Ho Chi Minh City on June 25.

News and photos: HOANG LAM