Local kids put to the test during 5th Smart Math contest

Over 400 children from primary and secondary schools across the country took part in the 5th Smart Math event at ITECC Mall in Vientiane on Sunday to test their skills and knowledge in various calculations.
The contest’s fifth instalment was organised by Smart Math of Vientiane Education and Sports Department. Its goal is to develop Lao students’ maths abilities with the overall aim of lifting local children to on par with their overseas counterparts.

Organisers were delighted with the turnout this year as it represented a significant increase on the around 300 children that attended in 2018.
Director of Smart Math, Mr Surachai Chongchitpaisan said there was now a stronger focus on the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and the subject also developed children’s ability to concentrate.
“Smart Math would like to make Lao children as good as overseas students. We are also providing maths textbooks for disadvantaged children in remote areas,” he said.
The 5th Smart Math comprised 100 events for students across various age groups. Children aged 5-7 were given 15 minutes to complete their tests while 7-9, 9-11 and 11-15-year-olds were allocated 10 minutes.
The event was supported by VR619, Dao-Heuang Group and other companies with category winners taking home a trophy and awarded free study at Smart Math for six months. The second place getters received trophies and four month’s study while third place got two months.
The total studies offered were valued at 24 million kip, and all children received a participation medal.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
(Latest Update September 24, 2019)