UPH Won Second Place in Mathematic al Modeling Competition (MMC) ITB 2014

UPH Mathematics varsity team came out in 2^nd place for the category ?Problems in the Optimization of Investment Portfolio? in the ITB Mathematical Modeling Competition 2014. The team members for this competition are Abe Gracia Vallerian Tenno Siswanto (Mathematics 2011), Andrew Maxell (Dual Degree Mathematics & Managements 2011) and Dewi Tanasia Saputra (Mathematics 2010). The three of them were guided by a lecturer from Mathematic major, Kie Van Ivanky Saputra, S.Si., Ph.D.

According to Ivanky, the preparation did not take too much because the competition was the first one to be held and it happened at the same time with the preparation for UPH 2013 Odd Semester Final Exam. Coincidentally, UPH Mathematics also just opened its mathematical modeling classes, at the beginning of 2013 Odd Semester. Thus, the class had helped the students? preparation in some ways for the competition.

Mathematical Modeling Competition Institut Teknologi Bandung (MMCITB) is the first cooperation program by FMIPA ITB and Kelompok Keahlian Matematika Industri dan Keuangan (KK MIK). This event also marks the first ever mathematical modeling competition for varsity to be held in Indonesia. From December 5, 2013 to February 14, 2014, 58 varsity teams from all over Indonesia and 1 team from Nanyang Technology University, Singapore, had been competing in this event.

Out of the three teams that were sent by UPH Mathematics, one team managed to make their way to final round. ?We did not give too much assistances and consultations in the competiton and yet the team succesfuly reached the final round and it made our faculty proud. Even though they lost to Universitas Padjajaran, we all are deeply appreciatieve for their success, they can put up a good fight against many other teams,? Ivanky told.

The competition began with case category selection and then within 5 days (5×24 hours), each of the participant had to create a mathematical model and the solution for the selected cases. At the end of the designated time, each participant collected their results and judges conducted the evaluation. Aside from developing the mathematical skill, students could get valuable experience and knowledge by working on the daily-life setting cases.    

Ivanky, as the team supervisor, hoped that in the next competition UPH can come out as the winner. ?We are also expecting the students to encourage their friends, especially the junior, to join in mathematic competitions either on national or international level so that UPH Mathematics can be more renowned in Indonesia,? he added. (rh)