THE Maths and Languages Mastery Competition 2024 (MEMC24), organised this year by Penang Math Platform and Bright Robin, was a resounding success, attracting 700 students from 87 schools across the state.
Ranging from Year 1 to Year 6, they competed in a series of challenges designed to test their mathematical skills and linguistic abilities. A total of 108 students, or approximately 15% of the participants, qualified for the Grand Final after excelling in the online Qualifying Round on Aug 24.
“The competition, now in its second year, aims to promote arithmetic skills, critical thinking, language proficiency in Bahasa Melayu and English among students, emphasising the importance of a well-rounded education.
“For teachers and parents, MEMC acts as a valuable resource, providing insights into their children’s performance in mathematics and languages. This enables parents to better understand their children’s academic strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a collaborative approach between educators, students, and parents,” said Johnny Ong, general manager of Penang Math Platform.
SJKC Chong Cheng won the Highest Number of Finalists award and received the cash prize of RM1,000.
There were six categories, ranging from Year 1 to Year 6. The first, second and third place in each category won cash prizes of RM200, RM100 and RM 50 respectively.
Zairil Khir Johari, the state Exco for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, officiated the Grand Final at TAR UMT Penang branch on Sept 21.
He said: “The success of this year’s competition highlights the growing interest in interdisciplinary learning, as students are encouraged to develop both Maths and language skills.
“The organisers, Penang Math Platform and Bright Robin, are already planning next year’s event, with the hope of expanding participation and introducing new elements that will further challenge students’ abilities in these subjects.
“Competitions like these are essential in fostering a love for learning. We are looking forward to seeing more events like this that inspire students’ interest in Maths and STEM, helping to build a workforce ready for the high-tech industry, positioning Penang as the Number 1 manufacturing hub for AI and advanced chip making,” Zairil said.
Penang Math Platform (PMP), established in 2017 under the Penang state government, has played an active role in improving Maths and English learning among students since its inception while Bright Robin, founded in 2009, focuses on developing interactive learning content for Maths and languages, with over 30 Bright Robin learning centres in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
The winners:
Year 1:
1: Lew Zhe Yu (SJKC Kim Sen, Bukit Mertajam)
2: Charlotte Yap Zhi Xuan (SJKC Kwang Hwa, Bayan Lepas)
3: Ch’ng Jing (SJKC Jelutong, Georgetown)
Year 2:
1: Daniel Sham Jia Wen (SJKC Perempuan Cina, Georgetown)
2: Chew Wee Keat (SJKC Chong Cheng, Bayan Lepas)
3: Seng Chian Sheen (SJKC Chong Cheng, Bayan Lepas)
Year 3:
1: Teh Ann Jie (SJKC Kwang Hwa, Bayan Lepas)
2: Wong Zhuo Xuan (SJKC Chong Cheng, Bayan Lepas)
3: Chiam Jun How (SJKC Kwang Hwa, Bayan Lepas)
Year 4:
1: Saw Yu Xin (SJKC Chong Cheng, Bayan Lepas)
2: Tan Ze Ern (SJKC Kheng Tean, Georgetown)
3: Caren Bok Cui Xin (SJKC Shang Wu, Georgetown)
Year 5:
1: Alexander Chow Yong Haan (SJKC Han Chiang, Georgetown)
2: Teo Yu On (SJKC Lay Keow, Permatang Pauh)
3: Maadhava Rajagogulerbalan (SK Stowell, Bukit Mertajam)
Year 6:
1: Cheong Jun Ya (SJKC Jelutong, Georgetown)
2: Jovianne Gan Chun Ya (SK Perempuan Methodist, Georgetown)
3: Ang Shuen Ern (SJKC Perempuan Cina, Georgetown)
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of Penang Math Platform