Mongolia Hosts 23rd Asian Physics Olympiad with 29 Teams from 27 Countries
Under the auspices of the President of Mongolia, the 23rd Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) commenced today in Ulaanbaatar as a significant event held under the framework of the "Years to Visit Mongolia" initiative.
The inception of the APhO dates back to 2000 when it was initially organized in Indonesia. Following a successful organization in 2008, Mongolia is proud to undertake this responsibility for the second time after 15 years.
During the opening of the Olympiad, President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh of Mongolia expressed the nation's profound respect for science and scholars. He emphasized the Asian Physics Olympiad as a platform for brilliant students to compete, connect, and exchange knowledge and experiences.
President Khurelsukh highlighted the significance of an Olympiad as fostering friendships among outstanding students, inspiring individuals, generating interest in science among young people, and nurturing future leaders. He wished every participant resounding success in the Asian Physics Olympiad.
During the inaugural ceremony, Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan from the Ministry of Education and Sciences expressed the host country's objectives for the Olympiad. These include assessing the quality of physics education, nurturing young talents in physics, facilitating professional advancement opportunities, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting Mongolian heritage.
The Minister emphasized that the Olympiad serves as a platform to enhance Mongolia's international presence and reputation. Additionally, he announced that physics equipment created by Mongolian scientists specifically for the Asian Physics Olympiad will later be utilized in over 300 secondary schools. Furthermore, he underscored that physics equipment will be provided to more than 600 secondary schools.
President of the Asian Physics Olympiad, Leong Chuan Kwek, said, “I am grateful and glad that Mongolia has decided, this time round, to organize this year's Olympiad face-to-face. APhO is less about getting top honors and more about friendship. Friends who you will establish now and meet years later. I am therefore hoping that you will take this rare opportunity to establish new connections and introduce your own culture. At the end of the day, we are all mere Earthlings.”
The Asian Physics Olympiad is more prestigious and competitive than the International Physics Olympiad because of the high ranking of the competitors. A total of 29 teams from 27 countries, including two teams from Mongolia, are participating in this Olympiad. The Republic of Bulgaria and Malaysia are participating as observers.
