Vietnam Surpasses Japan and South Korea at International Math Olympiad

Vietnam has achieved a remarkable feat at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held in Shanghai, China, securing fifth place overall and surpassing both Japan and South Korea. Two gold medals were awarded to 12th graders Nguyen Dinh Tung from the High School for the Gifted under the Hanoi University of Science, and Nguyen Le Nhat Nam from the High School for the Gifted under Hanoi National University of Education. Tung, who won a silver medal at the 2025 competition, demonstrated significant improvement. Three silver medals were claimed by Pham Dang Nguyen, a 12th grader from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted; Tran Dai Thanh Danh, a 12th grader from the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; and Nguyen Hoang Phuong, an 11th grader from Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted in Nghe An Province. Ha Manh Hung, an 11th grader from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, earned a bronze medal. The 67th IMO saw 666 contestants from 119 countries and territories. The Vietnamese team amassed a total of 168 points, narrowly missing fourth place by just one point to Singapore. The team edged out South Korea, which ranked sixth with 167 points, and finished well ahead of Japan in tenth place. This performance marks a significant advancement from the IMO 2025, where Vietnam ranked ninth with two golds, three silvers, and one bronze for a total of 188 points. This success is seen as a testament to Vietnam's consistent investment in science and technology education and its commitment to nurturing talent, aligning with the nation's broader strategy to enhance its international standing in scientific fields as its economy continues to grow under its one-party system. Outperforming established regional powers like China and South Korea underscores Vietnam's ambition to elevate its global competitiveness in science and technology.