HÀ NỘI — The 16th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad for Primary School – IMSO 2019 – opened in Hà Nội yesterday.

The IMSO is an annual international contest in Maths and Science in English for elementary and secondary school students under the age of 13 worldwide.

The objective is to help students develop their levels of maths and science as well as promoting creativity, research and academic development.

This year’s exam, themed “Thinking – Innovation – Outstanding Skills," drew the participation of 719 contestants and hundreds of experts, teachers and observers from 24 countries and territories.

Việt Nam has 36 contestants divided into three teams for maths and three teams for science.

Dr. Elvira, the IMSO executive committee’s chairwoman, said that the contest was not only a test of theoretical knowledge but it was also meant to challenge creativity of students with practical exams of “Experiment and Discover."

The competition highlighted the value of intelligence and creativity and inspired young people to study science, she said.

The Olympics would also create a positive connection with subjects of maths and science so as to promote student’s creative passion.

She hoped that the contest would not only allow students to test their minds, attention or patience in answering questions but also help to make friends and explore culture diversity among countries and territories.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyễn Hữu Độ said: “The contest boosts the learning movement, especially in maths and science subjects, and is an opportunity to discover and foster scientific talents of young Vietnamese and international people.”

“The IMSO exam opens up new opportunities leading the students to a challenging world and making friends via the common language of mathematics and science,” he added.

Việt Nam has participated in the IMSO since 2015 and has won 101 medals in total. — VNS