It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Singapore International Mathematical and Computational Challenge 2026 (SIMC2.0 2026).

Every two years, SIMC brings together young people who share a curiosity about the world and a willingness to think deeply about its problems. Since its inaugural run in 2008 as the Singapore International Mathematics Challenge, SIMC has grown from a mathematical modelling competition into SIMC2.0 — a challenge that continues to honour the rigour and beauty of mathematics, while recognising the increasingly important role of computing, modelling and artificial intelligence in shaping how we understand and respond to complex issues.

NUS High School of Mathematics and Science is delighted to organise SIMC2.0 2026 in collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Education. Like 2024, we once again offer two tracks: Explore and Endeavour.

The Explore Track invites Secondary 1 to 3 students into the exciting world of AI Robotics for a Smart Nation. We are heartened to welcome teams from 22 local secondary schools for this track.

The Endeavour Track, open to students aged 16 to 18, continues the spirit of the original SIMC by challenging participants to apply mathematics and computing to authentic, complex problems. This year, we warmly welcome participants from 28 overseas schools across 26 countries and regions, together with 13 local schools. We are especially pleased to welcome new participating countries in 2026 — Estonia, Italy, Norway and Slovenia.

These habits of mind matter deeply in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. As AI systems become more powerful and accessible, what will distinguish our young people is not only their ability to use technology, but their capacity to define meaningful problems, exercise sound judgement, think ethically and creatively, and collaborate with others to shape solutions.

I hope that all participants will enter the week with curiosity, courage and humility — curiosity to explore unfamiliar problems, courage to test bold ideas, and humility to listen to and learn from one another.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Associate Professor Xin Tong, our Chief Judge, and Assistant Professor Ne-Te Duane Loh, our Chief Setter, for their invaluable continued guidance and intellectual leadership.

To all our student participants, I wish you a meaningful and inspiring week of learning and discovery. Beyond the satisfaction of completing the Challenge, I hope you will cherish the conversations, friendships and shared experiences.

To our teachers, educators and school leaders, thank you for nurturing the talent, discipline and imagination that have brought your students here.

To our international guests, we hope you will enjoy your time in Singapore and take home warm memories of this shared experience.

Here’s to a wonderful SIMC2.0 2026 ahead!