History
Held biennially, the Singapore International Mathematical and Computational Challenge (SIMC2.0) is an international mathematical modelling and computational competition jointly organised by NUS High School of Mathematics and Science and the Ministry of Education Singapore.
From 26 participating schools for our inaugural challenge in 2008, SIMC and SIMC2.0 have seen the number of participating schools grow by leaps and bounds. To date, the Challenge has drawn more than 2000 participants and educators. It continues to be a prestigious event eagerly awaited by local and international schools, as a platform to groom talented young mathematicians.
Dynamic and unyielding, the concept and organisation of SIMC have adapted and evolved with circumstances and trends. Undeterred by restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic, SIMC was held online in 2020 and 2022.
Recognising the importance of computational and data skills, computational modelling was included as a key element in the Challenge in 2022. Hence, the Challenge was renamed as Singapore International Mathematical and Computational Challenge (SIMC2.0 ) to reflect the focus on computational modelling in addition to mathematical modelling. This year, we are thrilled to bring back the onsite event after the momentary hiatus.
Making SIMC2.0 2024 especially special is our implementation of 2 tracks – Explore and Endeavour. Our inaugural Explore Track will enable our younger Secondary 1 to 3 students in Singapore schools to venture into the world of computational modelling and AI literacy. The highly anticipated biennial Challenge for students aged 16 – 18 years old is now known as the Endeavour Track.
SIMC2.0 Logo
The SIMC2.0 logo is made up of 4 cubes and a prominent red dot.
The cube can be thought of as the basic mathematical construct for mapping the physical world. With it come measurable units and logical planes by which the world can be quantified. It represents human logic and intelligence by which our world is built. This basic building block of the physical world is quantifiable, yet infinite and boundless (as a grid hypothetically extends beyond the borders of its immediate use), a quality which embodies the wonderment and mystery of mathematical exploration.
In arithmetic and algebra, the cube of a number n is its third. The cubes in the SIMC logo signify the mathematical nature of the SIMC2.0. Etched on the edges of the four stereographic cubes in the logo is the acronym for the Singapore International Mathematics Challenge − SIMC. Keen eyes may observe that the letter ‘M’ is in fact a sigma sign ‘S’ that has undergone a ninety-degree clockwise transformation. Since 2022, the 2.0 is included in the name and logo, to reflect the additional ‘C’ (Computational) that the Challenge focuses on.
The multi-coloured faces of the cubes aptly represent the life and vibrancy that all the SIMC2.0 participants, who hail from various parts of the world, bring to the event.
Singapore, a humble nation which is small yet united and confident, is often represented as a little red dot on the world map. Though small in physical size, we are a thinking nation with a thriving economy. The red dot on the top face of the second cube therefore represents Singapore and her key role in organising this international Challenge.
SIMC2.0 Theme
The theme for SIMC2.0 is Experior. Expono. Excedo, or E3, which encapsulates our hope, our vision, and our expectation for this event
It is our hope that all participants at SIMC2.0 will experience the very best of the Singapore education landscape, particularly within the discipline of mathematics.
It is our vision that the SIMC2.0 be a vibrant celebration of mathematical ingenuity, where prodigious mathematical talents expound creative and imaginative solutions to baffling mathematical conundrums.
It is our earnest expectation that the SIMC2.0 would exceed all potential in spurring the gifted minds present to exceed themselves in this realm of practical mathematical invention and inventiveness.