Five students representing Hong Kong achieved remarkable results in the 51st International Physics Olympiad, which was held online from July 17 to 24, 2021. From left: Leung Chun-fung, Lau Sze-chun, Choi Wai-ching, Chan Tsz-chun and Cheng Yat-long. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMET)
HONG KONG – Two teams of students representing Hong Kong triumphed at the 51st International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2021) and the 62nd International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2021).
The Hong Kong team at the IPhO 2021 won three gold medals and two silver medals, which is the best result in recent years, while the team at the IMO 2021 won one gold medal, three silver medals and one bronze medal.
The 51st International Physics Olympiad 2021 was held from July 17 to 24 and around 370 students from 76 countries or regions competed for the medals
"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)," said Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.
The three students who bagged gold medals at the IPhO 2021, organized by Vilnius, Lithuania, were Chan Tsz-chun (International Christian Quality Music Secondary and Primary School), Cheng Yat-long (Raimondi College) and Lau Sze-chun (Diocesan Boys' School).
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Choi Wai-ching (La Salle College) and Leung Chun-fung (GT [Ellen Yeung] College) won silver medals.
At the IMO 2021, which was hosted by St Petersburg, Russia, Chui Tsz-fung (Diocesan Boys' School) won a gold medal while Chu Cheuk-hei (St Paul's Co-educational College) Harris Leung (Diocesan Boys' School) Timothy Yau (Ying Wa College) had silver medals. Lai Wai-lok (St Paul's Co-educational College) bagged a bronze medal.
Six students representing Hong Kong achieved excellent results in the 62nd International Mathematical Olympiad held from July 14 to 24, 2021. From left: Chu Cheuk-hei, Chui Tsz-fung, Harris Leung, Timothy Yau, Yiu Chun-hei and Lai Wai-lok. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
The IPhO 2021 was held from July 17 to 24 and around 370 students from 76 countries or regions competed for the medals.
Due to the pandemic, contestants participated in the competitions in their own country or region under online monitoring and joined virtual activities.
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On the other hand, the IMO 2021 was held from July 14 to 24, with the participation of around 619 students from 107 countries or regions.
The members of the Hong Kong teams of the IPhO 2021 and the IMO 2021 were chosen after achieving excellent results in the local selection contests.
They completed enhancement programs arranged by the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education and the outstanding students in the programs were then selected to represent Hong Kong. The Hong Kong teams were fully funded by the Education Burea to join these competitions.
"In addition to setting up the Gifted Education Fund to provide gifted students with diversified off-school advanced learning programs, the Education Bureau 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,” Yeung said.
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“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 maximizing their potential," he added.