Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has once again made headlines with its students excelling in the realm of mathematics at a national level. Competing among the country’s brightest minds, APU students demonstrated not only intellectual prowess but also the values of perseverance and precision that define true academic excellence. 

The recent Integral Bee and Math Olympiad 2025, organised by the UM Mathematical Association (UMMA), brought together students from universities nationwide. 

Held on 14 June 2025 at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, University of Malaya (UM), the event served as a platform for young mathematicians to showcase their analytical talents and problem-solving agility. 

Champions of Logic: Teo Jun Jie and Alexia Ling Ting Ni

Two of APU’s finest emerged as standout performers in the competition. 

Teo Jun Jie, a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology student specialising in Software Engineering, claimed First Place in the Integral Bee. 

Meanwhile, Alexia Ling Ting Ni, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Data Analytics, secured Fifth Place in the Math Olympiad. 

Their achievements not only elevated APU’s name but also highlighted the university’s enduring commitment to nurturing academic brilliance and fostering critical thinking. 

“The way I used to approach mathematics is by focusing on understanding the core concepts rather than memorising formulas,” shared Teo, reflecting on his learning philosophy. 

Alexia, too, found the experience enriching: “This competition taught me to apply mathematics in time-pressured situations and sharpened my critical thinking. It was an eye-opening experience that showed me how math can be both challenging and enjoyable.” 

An Arena of Rigour and Complexity 

The competition comprised two flagship events — the Integral Bee and the Math Olympiad — each designed to test mathematical aptitude at various levels. 

The preliminary round of the Integral Bee, held online on 24 May 2025 via Microsoft Teams, saw four APU students qualify for the final round — a testament to the high standards of preparation at APU. 

While the final round for pre-university students continued online, the undergraduate-level finals for both the Integral Bee and Math Olympiad were conducted physically at the University of Malaya on 14 June 2025. 

The Math Olympiad, in particular, posed a formidable challenge, requiring participants to solve individual questions drawn from Algebra, Number Theory, Combinatorics, Geometry, and Calculus. 

The rounds tested students' logical reasoning, speed, and problem-solving depth, with APU’s representatives rising to the occasion through sharp analytical thinking and resilience. 

Mentorship that Makes a Difference

Behind every student's success is the steady hand of a mentor, and in APU’s case, three dedicated academics from the School of Mathematics, Actuarial and Quantitative Studies (SoMAQS) played a pivotal role. 

Ms Sarah Binti Hj Musa, Ms Hazlina Darman, and Ms Penny Ngu Ai Huong guided the students through their preparation, equipping them with both the technical knowledge and the confidence to succeed. 

Ms Sarah Binti Hj Musa praised the students’ effort: “They’ve demonstrated not only academic excellence but also great discipline and a love for learning. Their success reflects their hard work and APU’s strong academic support system.” 

Echoing this sentiment, Ms Hazlina Darman remarked, “This win proves the importance of cultivating analytical thinking from an early stage. These students showcased the kind of innovation and resilience that we aim to develop in all our graduates.” 

Ms Penny Ngu Ai Huong added, “It’s inspiring to see students take ownership of their learning and excel under pressure. Competitions like these are an excellent platform to connect academic learning with real-life problem-solving.” 

A Culture of Excellence Beyond the Classroom 

This latest achievement underscores APU’s mission to cultivate a dynamic academic environment where students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and shine both within and beyond the classroom. 

These wins are more than medals — they are milestones marking the university’s holistic approach to education, where mathematical theory meets real-world challenge and triumph. 

As APU’s mathletes continue to inspire, their journey reminds us that with the right mindset, guidance, and platform — excellence is not just a goal, but a consistent outcome.