Recently, the 2026 International Hope Cup Mathematics Invitational Global Peak Challenge, hosted by the International Hope Cup Mathematics Invitational Organizing Committee and organized by the Asia International Mathematical Research Association and the International (Macao) Institute of Academic Research, was successfully held and concluded in Macao. Returning to Macao once again, this year’s Global Peak Challenge attracted more than 500 mathematics enthusiasts from ten countries and regions, including China, the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines and Malaysia. The organizers hope that through mathematics competitions, the event can help nurture talent and promote diversified industrial development.
The Hope Cup Global Peak Challenge grandly opened on August 5 at the Macao Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Through the Individual Thinking Round, Team Speed Round and Team Thinking Round, the competition comprehensively assessed participants’ problem-solving abilities and capacity for teamwork.
The award ceremony was held on August 6 at the Macao Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ceremony was attended by Ms. Hong Haorong, Acting Head of the Curriculum Development and Assessment Division of the Education and Youth Development Bureau; Mr. Iong Kuok Un, Head of the Business Tourism and Events Division of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Cheong Hung Fat, Deputy Director of the Macao Science Center; Ms. Liu Jing, Director of the Chinese News and Information Program Department of Teledifusão de Macau; Mr. Chan Keng Lim, Secretary-General of the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macau; Ms. Wong Lai Fong, Representative of the Macao Catholic Schools Association; Mr. Cai Minxuan, Secretary-General, Mr. Cai Minhan, Director, and Mr. Ou Junfu, Examination Director of the Chinese Mathematics Association; Ms. Lam Man I, Secretary-General of the Macao Academy of Educational Sciences; Ms. Leong Si Wai, Vice President of the Beijing (College) Macao Students Association; Mr. Mak Chi Chong, Secretary-General of the Fujian Universities Macao Students Association; Mr. Sio Seng Tung, Secretary-General of the Macao Youth League of Renmin University of China; Ms. Chan Chi Cheng, Secretary-General of the Macao Students Association of Beijing Normal University; Mr. Ip Siu Ting, former Chief Education Advisor to the President of Croatia; Ms. Zhou Yue, Chair of the International Hope Cup Mathematics Invitational Organizing Committee; Mr. Chan Hou, Vice President, and Mr. Chan Ka Hou, Vice Chairman of the Asia International Mathematical Research Association. Leaders from participating schools, coaches of participating teams, experts and scholars were also in attendance, bringing the total number of attendees to more than 800.
In her remarks, Zhou Yue noted that competition results are only a stage-based assessment of one’s abilities and should not limit a young person’s long-term potential for development. Drawing on the growth experiences of the two Chinese scholars who received the 2026 Fields Medals, she illustrated that there are many different paths to success and that young people can achieve excellence in diverse ways.
She encouraged young people to recognize the deeper value of academic competitions. The abilities developed through competition—including independent thinking, breaking down complex problems and perseverance—can become core competencies for lifelong development. Compared with medals and rankings, scientific thinking and a spirit of inquiry are the most valuable gains young people can take away from their experience.
She expressed her hope that all young people would take this competition as a new starting point, remain passionate about learning, have faith in hard work and in their own potential, and go on to write their own diverse and fulfilling stories of achievement in different fields.
Chan Ka Hou warmly welcomed participating teachers, students and guests from around the world. He noted that bringing this high-level international mathematics competition to Macao once again provides young people from home and abroad with an international platform for academic exchange and friendship through competition. Through their rigorous logic and determination to pursue truth, the participating students demonstrated the well-rounded qualities of young people in the new era.
With reference to Macao’s “1+4” strategy for appropriate economic diversification, he emphasized that mathematics, as a core supporting discipline of the basic sciences, cultivates logical reasoning, abstract thinking and innovative abilities—key elements for the high-quality development of Macao’s four major industries and an important source of intellectual support for the continued transformation of Macao’s industries.
The event also included visits to the Historic Centre of Macao and the University of Macau, creating a deeper integration of mathematics competition with cultural exchange between East and West and helping to tell Macao’s story to the world. He encouraged young students to build a strong foundation in basic disciplines and strive for the heights of scientific achievement, to cherish and remember their experience of exchange in Macao, and wished the Hope Cup continued success and new achievements in the years ahead.
The Global Peak Challenge produced team and individual champions, runners-up and third-place winners across four divisions, as well as 120 individual gold medalists. The results are as follows:
IHC4: Team Competition—Champion, Nanjing Shanyu Sikao Team; Runner-up, Nanjing Dulan Dianfeng Team; Third Place, Beijing Dream Team. Individual Competition—Champion, Wang Zihan; Runner-up, Huang Zijian; Third Place, Gao Haoran.
IHC6: Team Competition—Champion, Nanjing Shansi Hexagon Team; Runner-up, Guangzhou Yue Education Cloud Team; Third Place, Yingcai Tongxing Shenzhen Representative Team (LV). Individual Competition—Champion, Huang Chuyu; Runner-up, Yu Tianze; Third Place, Li Rui.
IHC8: Team Competition—Champion, Guangzhou Yue Education Rain Team; Runner-up, Nanjing Mingdao School Junior Secondary Team 1; Third Place, Tianjin Juli Xianzhang Team. Individual Competition—Champion, Zhang Honghaoting; Runner-up, Gong Zihao; Third Place, Shen Zequan.
IHCA: Team Competition—Champion, Guangzhou Warren AAA Team; Runner-up, Guangzhou Yue Education Wind Team; Third Place, Hong Kong and Macao Team 3. Individual Competition—Champion, Zhang Yunze; Runner-up, Elaine Gu; Third Place, Ran Yifan.
For the complete list of award recipients, please refer to the announcements released by the organizers.