South East Asian Math Competition (25-27 Feb 2011)

Report by Vipara Rasphone (Sec 4 Integrity)

This year, the South East Asian Math Competition (SEAMC) was held from 25 to 27 February 2011 in Brunei.  The Competition was participated by some two hundred and thirty seven students from forty schools all over Asia.  Countries such as Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia were represented.

Having such a great opportunity to take part in a prestigious international event like SEAMC was an exhilarating experience for my teammates and I.  Along with two very encouraging and supportive teachers Mr.Barry Lim, and Ms.Loh Cheng Yee (an external Mathematics trainer) we were eager and excited to get started.  After countless hours of arduous preparation and drills, the day had finally come.

When we first landed in Brunei, the first thought that came to my mind was, "Wow!  This is an interesting place!"  Yes, Brunei is an interesting country with rich and diverse cultures, not to mention delicious cuisine.

The competition was challenging and we got to pit our talent against some of the best mathematical minds in Asia. There was plenty of brain-racking as we had to solve multiple problem sums and come up with creative solutions.

But it was a journey that was well worth it. At the end of a gruelling competition, our team comprising Lee Hoomin (4Joy), Son Yu Jeen (4Resilience) and myself came in seventh out of eighty participating teams. Not just that, Hoomin had outdoned himself by clinching the fourth position for individual Round with Yu Jeen taking the fifteenth position.

To top the competition may seem important.  But for me, what is more meaningful is the strong bond among the competitors and the unstinting support from the teachers that are truly lasting memories.  We are proud to represent our school and the whole experience was definitely an eye-opener for us, not forgetting, confidence-boosting too!