SCIENCE AND MATHS WHIZS: Three of the four winners with their scholarships worth RM 10,000 to continue their Pre-U studies at UCSI.

CHALLENGING YOUTHS: Vice-chancellor and president of UCSI University, Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff delivering his opening speech.

TEAM WINNERS: The champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up teams from SMJK Katholik PJ (centre), Chong Hwa Independent High School (left) and Sayfol International School (right) with Asst Prof Dr Mabel Tan, Director, Centre for Pre-U Studies.

KUALA LUMPUR: To cultivate an interest in maths and science among Form 4 and 5 school children, UCSI University’s (UCSI) Centre for Pre-U Studies recently organised a Science and Maths Quiz. Four individual winners walked away with a RM 10,000 scholarship each to continue their Pre-U studies at UCSI. 

Held for the second year in a row, the hugely popular quiz saw more than 28 schools send their best and brightest to grapple it out in UCSI University’s KL Campus (South Wing). 90 teams participated in this event – an increase from the 17 teams last year. 

In his opening speech, Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff, vice-chancellor and president of UCSI, applauded the enthusiasm showed by the students. 

“We need science and maths to achieve Vision 2020,” he said, adding that the competition also gave students a platform to compare themselves against their peers from other schools. 

Dato’ Khalid also pointed out that the spirit of excellence and competition is part of the UCSI tradition where UCSI students are constantly reminded to challenge themselves. 

The quiz was divided into three rounds. The first round saw 90 teams being whittled down to eight for the semi-finals. Four teams then competed neck-to-neck in the finals and three teams emerged triumphant. The champions, first runner-up and second runner-up were Catholic High School, Chong Hwa Independent School and Sayfol International School. 

The four individual winners of the RM 10, 000 scholarships are Ng Jia Jen (SM Sains Selangor), Tan Seng Yee (SMJK Yu Hua Kajang), Lim Wei Han (Chong Hwa Independent School), and Ong Kah Seng (Chong Hwa Independent School). 

According to Lim Wei Han, the competition was challenging as it included questions that were out of the syllabus. Nonetheless, he enjoyed the experience. 

“It is a very good way to get us students to learn maths and science as competitions are a refreshing change from classroom lessons.” 

Speaking after the competition, Asst Prof Dr Mabel Tan, Director, Centre for Pre-U Studies noted that the students performed well, despite being more cautious than last year’s. 

She also added that she was particularly proud of the Centre of Pre-U students who made up the approximately 100 volunteers helping out at the event. The leadership skills they gained would further enhance their career prospects in the long run. 

Sharing that the event was initiated and organised seven months ago, Dr Tan also acknowledged the role of the Pre-U staff members who organised it under the leadership of Asst Prof Dr Nalina Thurairajah, the organising chairperson and head of the A-Level Academy. 

This year, the quiz also included a workshop for the teacher advisors who accompanied their students. Conducted by Asst Prof James Yeow, who specialises in psychology and guidance and counselling, the workshop was themed “‘Supporting Multiple Intelligence Learning”. 

The workshop focused on helping teachers identify the different strengths and abilities of each student in order to better understand them. Subsequently, they will be better able to reach out to all their students.