Hong Kong students triumph at international physics and mathematical tournaments (with photos)
25.7.2021

Two teams of students representing Hong Kong have achieved excellent results at the 51st International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2021) and the 62nd International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2021). Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, contestants participated in the competitions in their own country or region under online monitoring and joined virtual activities. The IPhO 2021, organised by Vilnius, Lithuania, was held from July 17 to 24 and around 370 students from 76 countries or regions competed for the medals. The Hong Kong team won three gold medals and two silver medals which is the best result in recent years. The five students awarded at the IPhO 2021 are as follows: Gold medal: Chan Tsz-chun (International Christian Quality Music Secondary and Primary School) Cheng Yat-long (Raimondi College) Lau Sze-chun (Diocesan Boys' School) Silver medal: Choi Wai-ching (La Salle College) Leung Chun-fung (GT (Ellen Yeung) College) The IMO 2021, hosted by St Petersburg, Russia, was held from July 14 to 24, with the participation of around 619 students from 107 countries or regions. The Hong Kong team won one gold medal, three silver medals and one bronze medal. The five students awarded at the IMO 2021 are as follows: Gold medal: Chui Tsz-fung (Diocesan Boys' School) Silver medal: Chu Cheuk-hei (St Paul's Co-educational College) Harris Leung (Diocesan Boys' School) Timothy Yau (Ying Wa College) Bronze medal: Lai Wai-lok (St Paul's Co-educational College) The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, congratulated the Hong Kong teams today (July 25) on their outstanding performance in the two competitions. Mr Yeung said, "The remarkable results attained by the Hong Kong teams in the international competitions not only fully showcase the talents of students in physics and mathematics, but also demonstrate their problem-solving skills and high level of creativity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)." He added, "In addition to setting up the Gifted Education Fund to provide gifted students with diversified off-school advanced learning programmes, the Education Bureau (EDB) also updates the curriculum and enhances students' abilities at a macro level, strengthens teachers' professional development, and helps teachers gain a deeper understanding of innovation and technology and its application in daily life. The Government has been striving to promote STEM education and to nurture diverse innovation and technology talents for Hong Kong. It is also important for students to seize the opportunities of Hong Kong's integration into national development and establish an international perspective, thereby maximising their potential." The members of the Hong Kong teams of the IPhO 2021 and the IMO 2021 achieved excellent results in the local selection contests. They subsequently completed enhancement programmes arranged by the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education. The outstanding students in the programmes were then selected as contestants to represent Hong Kong to participate in the above competitions. The Hong Kong teams were fully funded by the EDB to join these competitions.