High school students battle it out in UCSI’s Science and Maths Quiz

KUALA LUMPUR: Lightning fast reflexes, nail biting silence and cheers that brought the roof down. Surprisingly, this was not the atmosphere of a sports tournament; it was the UCSI University (UCSI) Science & Maths Quiz 2015. 297 of the brightest minds in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor battled it out to win the coveted education bursaries and cash prizes up for grabs on that day.

From the semi-finals onwards, the competition was held in a game show format where the science and mathematics questions were read out to the four teams on stage. Proving that Malaysian minds are sharp, the students often slammed the buzzer even before the quiz master finished reading the question. Ever the showman, the quizmaster, would keep the entire hall in nail biting silence before confirming the correct answer. With every correct answer worth three points, the crowd of students and supporters went wild, chanting the respective school names and slogans. Wrong answers received a one point penalty and groans of despair.

The finals was a close battle between teams from Chong Hwa Independent High School, two teams from Kuen Cheng High School and SMJK Katholic PJ. 

Several questions later, Team 66 from Chong Hwa proved their mettle and emerged champions. The team consisted of Yeoh Choon Hong, Ho Jong Yi and Yeap Heng Yii. There was a tie for the first and second runners up, so the two teams had an additional three quiz questions. Team Kuen Cheng (Team 2) managed to edge out the competition and became the first runners up. Kuen Cheng was represented by Chua Tzong Lin, Low Khai Jer and Lim Zi Heng. Third place from the same school was clinched by Gan Zhen Hao, Chan Xian Yang and Lye Yu Xuan.

According to the champions, the competition was tough as everyone were equally good. 

“Our advantage is that each of us is strong in a certain subject either biology, chemistry or maths. We used this, worked together and trusted each other,” said Yeap Heng Yii as he grinned at his teammates.

All three intend to pursue careers in science although Yeap is torn between music and actuarial science. Both Yeoh and Ho intend to pursue engineering.

The boys agreed that Malaysians do have what it takes to do well in science and maths, as long as students get over their preconceived notion that these subjects are boring.

“Students must think that maths and science are interesting so that they get enthusiastic to learn,” said Yeoh. 

The students’ win paid off for their mathematics teacher, Lim Yan Choy who has faithfully brought teams to the Quiz since it was first organised. 

“We have been participating in UCSI’s quiz for three years and we finally won!” he exclaimed.

The Quiz was organised by UCSI’s Centre for Pre-U Studies, led by Choong Wai Seng, the Head of A-Level Academy. The objective of the event is to drive an interest in science and mathematics, in line with the government’s initiative.

The champion team clinched a RM30, 000 education bursary from the Centre. The second prize is a RM15, 000 bursary and RM 500 cash while the third is a RM9,000 bursary and RM300 cash.

For the first time, the Quiz was also held concurrently in UCSI’s Kuching Campus. 32 teams from 17 schools participated in the Kuching leg of the quiz. 

The Quiz was officiated by UCSI Vice-Chancellor and President, Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff.

In his opening speech, Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff shared that the University has always been supportive of science and mathematics education among the young.

“Whatever ambition you have – you’ll need maths and science. Everybody in this room has brains, the question is how much we use our brains,” he said.

The fourth place was won by SMJK Katholik, PJ. The other semi-finalists were SMJK Kwang Hua, Klang SMK (L) Methodist, SMK Bandar Baru Sg Long, and another team from Chong Hwa Independent High School. 

The top 5 individual winners were Choong Ren Jun (SMK Bandar Baru Sg Long), Low Chan Yew (SMJK Kwang Hwa, Klang), Lee Ren Ghee (Chong Hwa Independent High School), Oh Lean Hooi Jasmine (Chong Hwa Independent High School) and Lui Zi Henn (SMK Taman S.E.A). 

The 4^th place winner, semi-finalists and Top 5 individual winners received hampers each.

Also present on that day was Willie Tan, Vice-President, Student Enrolment Centre; Assistant Professor Dr Mabel Tan, Director, Centre for Pre-U Studies ; Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu, Chief Operating Officer UCSI University Kuching Campus; and Choong Wai Seng, Head of Department, A-Level Academy & Organising Chairperson.