WHILE most people enjoy their restful sleep between 1am and 3am, Malaysia International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Committee head coach Ivan Chan Kai Chin is often still awake, training potential participants who will represent Malaysia in the prestigious IMO competition.
Chan, 25, is currently pursuing his Master of Mathematics at the University of Bonn, Germany, but since 2022, he has been volunteering his time to train potential participants for the Malaysia International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team.
“It has been two years since I took over as head coach. Like any commitment, it requires sacrifices, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
“With Malaysia being six hours ahead of Germany, I often have to conduct online training sessions during the early hours of the morning in Germany. One of the biggest challenges has been managing my time between training students and completing my Master’s degree,” he shared.
Despite the demands, Chan remains committed: “This is my unique way of giving back to my beloved country, Malaysia,” he said in an interview with Buletin Mutiara at Komtar today.
Chan went on to explain the rigorous selection process for the Malaysia IMO team.
Participants, aged 19 and below, first compete in the International Mathematical Olympiad National Selection Test (IMONST).
“Last year, around 10,000 students participated in the first round of IMONST. From there, 300 qualified for the second round. Eventually, we selected about 80 students for the IMO training camps, where they underwent extensive training and a series of screenings before we finalised the six participants who represented Malaysia in the prestigious IMO competition,” he said.
Chan encouraged young students to take part in the IMONST, highlighting the potential for early success.
“We have had students as young as 10 or 11 attempting the IMONST.
“Malaysia discovered a rare gem in Yeoh Zi Song, who, at just 12 years old, competed in the IMONST in 2014, joined the national team, and went on to win a Bronze medal in the IMO that same year – on his very first attempt.
“After years of continued success, Yeoh eventually brought home a Gold medal in the IMO 2020,” Chan said.
The Malaysian IMO team achieved remarkable success at the latest IMO 2024, held at the University of Bath, England, from July 11 to 22, bringing home two Silver and four Bronze medals.
“My immediate hope is that next year, we’ll bring home the Gold,” Chan expressed.
He encouraged aspiring participants not to be discouraged by criticism.
“Follow your passion for Mathematics if it is something you love. Do not be disheartened or feel discouraged if others say you are different,” Chan advised.
Chan shared that his journey with the IMO began in 2015 when he was just 16 years old.
“That year, I won the Bronze medal alongside Yeoh Zi Song and another teammate, Tan Kin Aun.”
Reflecting on his early start, he added: “I first started learning algebra when I was in Year 2 or 3.”
Chan expressed his ambition to pursue a PhD in Mathematics after completing his Master’s degree.
“I’m still eager to continue training potential participants for the Malaysian team,” he added.
For more information on IMO Malaysia, visit https://imo-malaysia.org/news/
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad