IFM Collaborates with UTAR to Host APhO2024: A Showcase of Excellence in Physics Education The Institut Fizik Malaysia (IFM) is proud to announce its significant role in co-organizing the 2024 Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO2024) alongside Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). This prestigious event, which brings together the brightest young minds in physics from across Asia, will be a landmark occasion, highlighting Malaysia's commitment to advancing science education and fostering international collaboration. About APhO The Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) is an annual event that serves as a platform for pre-university students from across Asia to showcase their talents in physics. Established to encourage the study and application of physics, APhO not only tests the participants' knowledge but also their analytical and problem-solving skills through a series of challenging theoretical and experimental examinations. From June 3 to June 10 this year, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) hosted the 24th Asian Physics Olympiad under the leadership of President Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Ewe Hong Tat and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Pua Chang Hong, welcoming 208 students and 111 leaders and observers from 27 countries and regions. They formed 28 teams, with Malaysia, as the host country, sending 16 students (Team A and B, the latter as an observing team) to participate in this international contest of physical intelligence and experimental skills held on Malaysian soil for the first time. As a result, Team A's Wong Kin Bin (Chung Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur) won a silver medal, while Tan Yi Yun (Kuen Cheng High School) received an Honourable Mention. Team B's Loh Khang Rong (Asia Pacific Smart School, Petaling Jaya) also won a bronze medal; Pan Junxi (Sunway College, Kuala Lumpur) and Liao Kangxuan (Methodist College, Kuala Lumpur) each received Honourable Mentions. APhO2024 opening ceremony held on 4th Jun 2024 in Dewan Tun Dr. Ling Leong Sik, UTAR, Kampar Perak. At the helm of APhO2024's organization is Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Pua Chang Hong, who serves as the General Chair of the event. Dr. Pua, a distinguished council member of IFM, brings extensive experience and a passion for physics education. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring the event's success, from planning to execution, and in maintaining the high standards associated with APhO. Under his guidance, APhO2024 is set to be an exemplary event that continues the tradition of excellence established by previous Olympiads. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Pua Chang Hong, General Chair of APhO2024 delivering APhO opening speech. Supporting the organizational efforts is Prof. Dr. Yeong Chai Hong, one of the advisors and markers for APhO2024. Prof. Yeong, also a council member of IFM, offers invaluable guidance and strategic insights. His expertise in the field and his commitment to fostering young talent make him an ideal advisor, helping to shape an event that is both challenging and inspiring for participants. In the realm of academic rigor, the question design committee is crucial. Prof. Dr. Sithi Vinayakam A/L Muniandy, an esteemed member of IFM, is part of this vital team. Prof. Sithi's role involves crafting the challenging problems (Theoretical Question 1) that participants will tackle, ensuring that the questions not only test knowledge but also encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. APho2024 opening ceremony. VIP from left to right: Dr. Sua Sin Zang (PIC APhO Malaysia), Ts. Dr. Ho Wai Loon (IFM council and representative), Prof. Dr. Kwek Leong Chuan (President of APhO), YB Chang Lih Kang (Minister of MOSTI), Ir. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat (President of UTAR), Tuan Ahmad Suqairy bin Alias (Yang Dipertua, Majlis Daerah Kampar), and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Pua Chang Hong (General Chair of APhO2024). IFM’s Role in Recommending Experts for the Question Design Committee IFM's commitment to the academic integrity and rigor of APhO2024 is further demonstrated by its role in recommending experts for the question design committee. Two distinguished physicists, Dr. Juan Carlos Algaba Marcos and Dr. Chong Wu Yi, have been brought on board through IFM's recommendations. Dr. Juan Carlos Algaba and Dr. Chong Wu Yi have contributed to the question design for Theoretical competition question 2 and question 3. Picture of Question Design Committee. From left Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Pua Chang Hong (general chair of APhO2024, Experiment Question), Prof. Dr. Kwek Leong Chuan (President of APhO), Dr. Chong Wu Yi (Theoretical Question 2), Dr. Juan Carlos Algaba Marcos (Theoretical Question 3), Dr. Lee Yong Hong (Theoretical Co-Chair), and Ir. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat (President of UTAR) Conclusion As APhO2024 approaches, the collaborative efforts of IFM and UTAR are poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for all participants. The contributions of Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Pua Chang Hong, Prof. Dr. Yeong Chai Hong, Prof. Dr. Sithi Vinayakam A/L Muniandy, Dr. Juan Carlos Algebra, and Dr. Chong Wu Yi highlight the significant role of IFM in this endeavor. Together, they are not only organizing a competition but also nurturing the future of physics and inspiring young minds to reach for the stars. By Institut Fizik Malaysia Click Here For more information about APhO2024 Event