Student of UPH Mathematics, Stephen Sanjaya, Brought Pride for Indonesia during the 24th ?IMC? in Bulgaria

(second from right) Stephen Sanjaya during ONMIPA-PT National Selection

Stephen Sanjaya, a student of UPH Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Technology (FaST- UPH), was the only one of nine Indonesian students who successfully brought home gold medal from the 24th International Mathematics Competition (IMC) in Bulgaria.

The International Mathematics Competition took place at American University, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, from July 31 – August 6, 2017. In this competition, Indonesian delegates were accompanied by Widyo Winarso from the Directorate of Student Affairs from the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia, and Siti Fatimah from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

The member of this team, who had represented Indonesia in IMC 2017, has gone through a rigorous selection process starting with university level up to a national level selection, through ONMIPA which is held by Dikti. This year, UPH has become the only private university that represented Indonesia in this competition and has also successfully become the first winner. Previously, UPH has also won the 1st Place during IMC 2012 with Yohanes Tjandrawidjaja as its representative.

This competition is one of the most prestigious in its class, and it was followed by 331 participants from dozens of countries from all around the world. This year, Israel and Russia became the ones who made it to the top rank. The test materials are written in English and it covers algebra, analytics problems, geometry and other complex problems which have to be completed in two sessions, five hours each.

This all began with a National Mathematics and Science Olympiad (ONMIPA) which was initiated by the Directorate of Student Affairs, from the Directorate General of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia. The purpose of this competition is as a means for promotion in order to improve people?s interest in Mathematics, Physics, and Biology.

This international achievement hopefully can be a contribution to the improvement of Indonesia?s quality and competitiveness, especially in relation to Mathematics education.

For those who managed to obtain gold medals during ONMIPA, the Directorate of Student Affairs of Kemenristekdikti Indonesia has prepared a number of scholarships for the further extracurricular program which will be given in the next semester, or the next year of their study period. Aside from that, for the winners of the Mathematics branch who are chosen to represent Indonesia in international competition in August 2017 in Bulgaria, they will be given the scholarship to enroll at the best universities all around the world, especially for those who received gold and silver medal. (rh)