Hanoi is poised to host the 16th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO 2019) contest for the first time from November 27 to 30, said the Hanoi’s Department of Education and Training at a press conference in Hanoi on November 25.

This year's competition will gather 1,725 participants, including 719 contestants as well as 293 international experts, teachers, and observers from 24 countries and territories, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training Le Ngoc Quang said at the press conference.

Hanoi pupils at the 15th International Maths and Science Olympiad. Photo: Trung Anh

Under the theme "Thinking – Innovation – Outstanding Skills", the participants will compete in two tables. They will have the opportunity to take part in cultural exchanges and perform their art shows featuring their national identities.

Group A gathers 352 international candidates from countries and territories such as the United States, Bulgaria, Singapore, Cambodia, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Taiwan. Vietnam will compete with three maths teams and three science teams, with a total of 36 candidates selected from specialized schools and science schools.

Meanwhile, 367 Vietnamese students and teachers from 22 districts across Hanoi will compete in group B. In total the Vietnamese delegation has six teams competing in maths and science.

The organization of the examinations will be carried out in accordance with guidelines set by the International IMSO Olympic Committee.

The event serves as an annual competition for students under the age of 13 worldwide to promote their interest in mathematics and science.

Besides, IMSO aims to create an academic environment for students, encourage renovation and development in researching and studying and create cooperative networks in teaching-learning of mathematics and science among world educational organizations.

The previous edition of this contest was held in China in 2018 with the attendance of over 400 students from 22 countries and territories. Vietnam sent 23 students to the contest with twenty of them from Hanoi and all the 23 contestants garnering medals.

The contest was firstly organized in Indonesia in 2003.