The 31st National Mathematical Olympiad for students gets underway in HCM City on April 1. — VNA/VNS Photo Thu Hoài

HCM CITY — The National Mathematical Olympiad for students has returned to HCM City after more than two decades.

From April 1 to 5, 649 university students from 90 teams representing academies and universities will compete in algebra and calculus.

High school students completed the competition online from March 8 to 9, with 430 of them from 40 high schools taking a test consists of four to six small problems in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus, or combinatorics.

First held in 1993, the competition has become an eagerly anticipated intellectual platform for students, teachers and enthusiasts passionate about mathematics.

Beyond being a competition, it also brings the students and educational institutions together for exchanging knowledge while discovering and cultivating mathematical talent.

Đoàn Trung Cường, vice chairman of the Việt Nam Mathematical Society and organiser of the competition, said mathematics is not only the foundation of science and technology but also a vital tool for critical thinking and solving real-life problems.

“In today’s era, mathematics has become a key factor in participating in the fourth industrial revolution and leveraging its achievements for national development.”

Participants include students from universities spanning streams such as science, technology, education, healthcare, economics, military, and security.

Phạm Hoàng Quân, rector of Sài Gòn University, described the Olympiad as a prestigious academic event that brings together students from across the country who share a passion for mathematics.

“After 30 editions, many participants have grown into accomplished individuals, achieving great success in international mathematics Olympiads and contributing to enhancing the position of Vietnamese mathematics both regionally and globally.”

This year’s competition was hosted by the Việt Nam Mathematical Society and Sài Gòn University.

The city last hosted it in 2003.— VNS