Filipino students dominate the Australian Mathematics Competition 2025
More than 1,200 Filipino students took part in the 2025 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), held online on August 9. The event, organized by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) and its partners, is one of the world’s most challenging math contests, drawing tens of thousands of participants from around the globe each year. This year’s Philippine contingent, organized by the Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), not only matched last year’s strong performance but surpassed it, underscoring the country’s growing strength in mathematical problem solving.
Stronger results across the board
MTG head Dr. Simon Chua highlighted that the 2025 results show a clear improvement over 2024, when 723 Filipino students were recognized among the AMC top scorers. “This year, seven students earned Prize Awards—reserved for the top 1 percent of their year level—while 39 attained High Distinction Awards for being in the top 3 percent,” Chua said. A further 234 students earned Distinction Awards (top 20 percent), 466 received Credit Awards (top 55/60 percent in primary/secondary divisions), and 467 earned Proficiency Certificates for strong problem-solving ability.
In total, the MTG reported a robust distribution of recognitions that reflects both breadth and depth of mathematical talent among Filipino examinees.
Top performers and notable awardees
The MTG named seven Prize Awardees: 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 Campus); Shaun Lawrence Poh Leung (St. Stephen’s High School); and Jerome Austin Te (Jubilee Christian Academy). These students sit in the Top 1 percent of their respective year levels, demonstrating outstanding mastery of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, fractions, ratios, statistics, and problem solving.
Equally impressive are the High Distinction Awardees: Cyris Chad Manarang, Thea Paulyn Garcia, Wylexi Gianine Ng, Lance Christian Ty, and many others listed by MTG. The Distinction and Credit tiers include a wide cohort of junior and senior high school students who advanced through increasingly challenging AMC problems—an attribute to the rigorous training program that MTG has honed in partnership with teachers and volunteer mentors.
Understanding AMC and its enduring appeal
The AMC contest paper features 30 multiple-choice questions arranged in increasing difficulty, spanning basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, fractions, ratios, statistics, and problem solving. Dr. Chua has long described AMC as “one of the biggest and most challenging math challenges in the world,” a sentiment echoed by participants and educators who view AMC as a powerful catalyst for mathematical thinking and resilience.
Historical context and ongoing impact
AMT has hosted the AMC since 1978, with more than 53,000 participants worldwide this year. The long-standing competition provides a global platform for young mathematicians to benchmark their skills, celebrate achievement, and gain early exposure to college-level math disciplines. For MTG-trained students, AMC remains a proving ground that often leads to future opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Looking ahead
Chua notes that at least 17 MTG-trained students have achieved perfect scores in past AMC editions, earning the Peter O’Halloran Award in honor of AMT’s founding executive director. The continued success of the Philippine team underscores the importance of sustained mentorship, structured training, and access to high-level mathematical challenges for young learners across the country.
