Filipino Students Thrive in the 2025 Australian Mathematics Competition
More than 1,200 Filipino students took part in the 2025 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), conducted online on August 9. The Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG) reports a standout performance compared with last year’s results, signaling a continuing rise in the number and caliber of Filipino math competitors on the international stage. MTG head Dr. Simon Chua highlighted that the contingent not only matched but improved upon the impressive showing from the 2024 AMC.
In 2024, the Philippines posted a robust tally of 723 top scorers. This year, the results reveal a broader spectrum of achievement across award categories, underscoring the growth of mathematical talent nurtured through MTG’s training and preparation programs.
Award Breakdown: New Heights in Recognition
According to Chua, seven students earned Prize Awards, reserved for the Top 1 percent of their year level. Another 39 students achieved High Distinction Awards, signifying placement in the Top 3 percent of their year level. A further 234 contestants earned Distinction Awards for ranking in the Top 20 percent, while 466 participants received Credit Awards for the Top 55 percent in the primary division and Top 60 percent in the secondary division. Additionally, 467 candidates were awarded Proficiency Certificates for demonstrating strong math problem-solving skills.
The Prize Awards were given to seven standouts: Jenelle Nyka Lee (Chiang Kai Shek College); Jhomson Jencen Chua (Makati Hope Christian School); Theo Chan (MGC New Life Christian Academy); Annette Tiffany Yu (St. John’s Institute); Ethan Caleb Choy (Philippine Science High School – Main); Shaun Lawrence Poh Leung (St. Stephen’s High School); and Jerome Austin Te (Jubilee Christian Academy). The MTG emphasized that these students are among the most capable young mathematicians in their respective year levels.
Spotlight on High Distinctions and Distinctions
The High Distinction recipients include Cyris Chad Manarang, Thea Paulyn Garcia, and a large group of peers such as Wylexi Gianine Ng, Lance Christian Ty, Lucian Niccolo Datu, Elijah Leondre Paloy, and many more who demonstrated exceptional mastery of algebra, geometry, fractions, and problem-solving under AMC conditions. The Distinction awardees feature a wide array of talented students like Abram Mikail Tan, Aston Caleb Lim, Carlo Isaac Tejada, Dazel Jayne Chua, Enzo Sebastian Yeung, and others who have shown consistent performance through the competition’s challenging questions.
What the AMC Involves
The AMC contest paper includes 30 multiple-choice questions that progressively increase in difficulty, spanning basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, fractions, ratios, statistics, and problem solving. MTG’s Chua notes that AMC stands as “one of the biggest and most challenging math challenges in the world.” The competition has a long history, with the Canberra-based Australian Maths Trust (AMT) organizing AMC since 1978 and drawing participation from more than 53,000 students worldwide this year.
Looking Ahead: The Peter O’Halloran Award and MTG’s Role
Remarkably, at least 17 MTG-trained students have achieved perfect scores in AMC to date. Those who reach such heights are honored with the Peter O’Halloran Award, named after AMT’s founding executive director. Dr. Chua affirmed MTG’s ongoing commitment to preparing Filipino students for world-class mathematics competitions, highlighting the organization’s role in identifying, coaching, and mentoring top young talents for international stages.
With a growing cohort of high achievers, the Philippines continues to establish itself as a strong presence in global math competitions. The AMC results point to the effectiveness of targeted training programs, mentoring, and collaborative networks that empower students to excel beyond national boundaries.
