Vietnam has made an impressive return to the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO), securing seven medals and three honourable mentions in its first appearance at the competition in 25 years. The achievement highlights the strength of the country’s mathematics education and provides inspiration for students, educators and schools across Asia.
The results also mark the beginning of Vietnam’s new role as the coordinating host country for the APMO from 2026 to 2028, further strengthening its position in regional mathematics education.
Vietnam Returns to the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad
On 9 July, the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) held a ceremony to recognise seven students who earned medals at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad.
The competition took place simultaneously on 10 March across Vietnam and 45 other countries and territories.
Vietnam entered a team of 22 students, including two members of the country’s 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad team and 20 first-prize winners from the 2025 to 2026 National Excellent Student Competition.
Following the examination, Vietnam submitted the scores of its top 10 students to the international jury.
The country was awarded one gold medal, two silver medals, four bronze medals and three honourable mentions, the maximum number of awards permitted under APMO regulations.
Vietnam Ranks Among Asia-Pacific’s Best
The outstanding performance placed Vietnam seventh among the 43 official participating countries and territories.
Notably, this result comes after a 25-year absence from the competition, making the achievement even more significant.
In addition, Vietnam will serve as the coordinating host country for the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad for three consecutive years from 2026 to 2028.
The Ministry of Education and Training assigned VIASM, in cooperation with the Vietnam Mathematical Society, to organise the 2026 competition in Vietnam.
Students Who Brought Home the Medals
Gold Medal
Tran Dai Thanh Danh, a Grade 12 student from the High School for the Gifted at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, won Vietnam’s only gold medal with an outstanding score of 27 points.
Silver Medals
- Pham Dang Nguyen, Grade 12, Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, 25 points
- Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Grade 11, Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted, Nghe An Province, 25 points
Bronze Medals
- Phan Thanh Huy, Grade 12, Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted
- Tran Anh Quan, Grade 12, Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, Dien Bien
- Nguyen Dinh Tung, Grade 12, High School for Gifted Students, Vietnam National University Hanoi
- Nguyen Bao Khanh, Grade 11, Lam Son High School for the Gifted, Thanh Hoa Province
Three additional students received honourable mentions,
- Luu Trong Phuc
- Bui Nhat Minh
- Vo Sy Quoc Anh
Why These Results Matter
The strong performance reflects the quality of Vietnam’s gifted mathematics education and the effectiveness of its national programmes for developing talented students.
Moreover, the results demonstrate the country’s growing strength in international mathematics competitions and reinforce its reputation as one of Asia’s leading performers in STEM education.
For students, these achievements show what is possible through dedication, strong teaching and sustained academic support. Meanwhile, educators can view the results as evidence of the value of investing in specialist mathematics programmes and nurturing young talent from an early age.
Vietnam Takes on a Bigger Regional Role
Vietnam’s success extends beyond the medal table.
By serving as the coordinating host country for the Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad from 2026 to 2028, Vietnam will play an important role in supporting mathematical excellence across the region.
Furthermore, the responsibility reflects growing international confidence in the country’s ability to organise major academic competitions and contribute to the development of young mathematicians throughout the Asia-Pacific.
As Vietnam continues to invest in gifted education, its students are expected to remain strong contenders in future international mathematics competitions.
