Sharp Calculators, in partnership with Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines (MTG) and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), launched the search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians on Friday, September 12, 2014 at the Makati Shangrila Hotel.

Did you know that the Philippines has been ranked 96th out of 142 countries in perceived quality of Math and Science education in the latest World Economic Forum WEF Global Competitiveness Report for 2013-2014? The survey questioned business executives around the world to rate the quality of education, among other things, in their respective countries.

Although the country’s ranking improved 19 places from 115th in 2011-2012, the Philippines is still far behind our Asian counterparts such as Indonesia (35th), Japan (34th), Malaysia (27th), Taiwan (11th), Hongkong (10th), with Singapore on top of the list!

It’s about time that the Department of Education should give greater importance to the study of Mathematics not only because we are being left behind by our neighboring countries but also because it is crucial for a wide array of analytical, technological, scientific, and economic applications that our new generation will face in the foreseeable future.

In this line that Sharp Calculators, in partnership with Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines (MTG) and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), launched the search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians in order to promote the development of science culture among young Filipinos by recognizing their accomplishment in the field of mathematics and inspire more students to be better at Math.

Six years ago, Sharp Calculators through Collins International Trading Corporation launched the SHARP Minds Program to help uplift the standard of education in the Philippines particularly in teaching Math subjects.

Partnering with two of the biggest Mathematics organizations in the country, Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines (MTG) and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), the SHARP Minds Program sponsored Mathematics activities and programs in member schools with the goal of recognizing the sharpest math minds and transforming the pedagogy of mathematics teaching in the Philippines.

This year, Sharp Calculators furthers its advocacy by partnering with more educational institutions such as the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), Philippine Council of Mathematics Educators, Inc. (MathTEd)as it launches the very first search for the TEN OUSTANDING YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS (TOYM) from National Capital Region.

“With TOYM Awards, Sharp Calculators aims to foster the academic excellence of the Filipino Youth in Math as we recognize their extraordinary math skills to motivate them further in becoming the future think tanks of this country. We also hope to raise the status of mathematics in society — to stimulate the interest of the students, the academic and the general public to the significance of Math in the development of the society,” said Collins International Trading Corporation’s Assistant Vice President Mr. Lucero Ong.

“Notable Filipino mathematicians such as Raymundo Favila, Casimiro del Rosario, Gregorio Y. Zara, Amador Muriel, Tito A. Mijares and Jose A. Marasigan have all been recognized for their contributions to diverse fields of physics, astronomy, biophysics and biotechnology. Who knows maybe the next great Mathematician would be among our TOYM awardees,” Mr. Ong added.

The search is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizens, either naturalized or born. The nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal and the award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competitions.

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be the basis of the judges’ questions for the panel interview.

The Deliberation/ Final interview of finalist will be conducted by representatives from Department of Education NCR, DOST-SEI, MTG Philippines, MSP, MathTed

The TOYM awardees will be the first batch of Sharp Calculators’ Youth Ambassadors that will inspire and encourage the Filipino youth to strive and achieve academic excellence through school tours and mathematics symposiums. They will be receiving plaque of excellence, cash prizes and gifts from Sharp Calculators and sponsors.

The deadline for nominations will be on January 5, 2015, with the awarding ceremonies scheduled on February 2015.

Nomination kits are now available at selected National Book Store Branches in National Capital Region or can be downloaded through www.sharpminds.ph For more information please contact Sharp Calculators at 681-6161/646-2867 and look for Ms. Mary Rose Rocha or Ms. Clara Camille Ocampo.

NOMINATION MECHANICS:

1. Open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizen either naturalized or born.

2. Nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal.

3. The award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competition. These competitions must be recognized by the Department of Education or Department of Science and Technology.

4. Presentations or publications of original work in mathematics are desirable.

5. Students who contribute to the promotion of Mathematics and show leadership skills are desirable. Good moral character will be considered

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

Performance in Mathematics Competition – 75%
Research and Publications in Mathematics – 10%
Leadership and Promotion of Mathematics – 15%
TOTAL of 100%

In details:

a. Performance in Mathematics Competitions 75%

Nominee’s performance on international, national and regional mathematics competitions that are recognized by the Department of Education and Department of Science and Technology.

b. Research and Publications in Mathematics 10%

c. Leadership and Involvement in Promotion of Mathematics

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be one of the bases of the judges’ questions for the panel interview

SCREENING PROCEDURES

The screening procedure is summarized in the diagram below. All nominees will undergo a pre-screening process by pre-screening committee. On the basis of a nominee’s performance in mathematics competitions and their research and publications, 20 nominees will be selected for an interview by a panel of judges. Interview questions may be based on the nominee’s involvement in activities that promote mathematics, as indicated in (1) the recommendation from the school principal/mathematics head, (2) the nominee’s essay, and (3) other information submitted.