Taiwan’s young scientific minds have once again proven their excellence on the global stage, winning six gold medals at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) held in Bucharest, Romania, from December 2 to December 11. The nation secured second place overall, finishing behind India and outperforming competitors from 52 nations. Among the standout achievements, Taichung’s Fan Yi-yang earned the prestigious title of “Absolute Winner”, along with multiple individual accolades.
Taiwan’s Stellar Performance at IJSO 2024
Taiwan’s success at this year’s IJSO was a proud moment for the nation. The event, specifically tailored for students aged 15 and under, saw Taiwanese students excel in a wide array of scientific challenges, ranging from practical chemistry and biology tests to theoretical assessments.
In total, the Taiwan delegation secured six gold medals, showcasing the nation’s deep talent pool in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Taiwan finished as the second most successful country, earning impressive recognition for its students’ achievements.
Fan Yi-yang: A Star Shines Bright
One of the most remarkable achievements at the IJSO was by Fan Yi-yang from Taichung, who was honored as the Absolute Winner of the competition. This title was awarded to Fan after his outstanding performance across multiple categories, including practical chemistry and biology, as well as theoretical tests. In addition to his gold medal, Fan also claimed several top spots in the individual rounds, marking him as the highest-scoring participant overall.
In an interview, Fan expressed that his motivation for competing was not to earn academic credits but to challenge himself and work alongside his peers to achieve something meaningful. While uncertain about his future career path, Fan hopes to pursue a career in engineering or chemistry, where he believes he can contribute to advancing mankind through scientific discovery and innovation.
Taiwan’s Participation and Success at IJSO
This year, Taiwan’s delegation was comprised of six students representing different regions, including Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Chiayi. Their success underscores Taiwan’s longstanding commitment to fostering top-tier scientific talent.
As an added incentive, the Ministry of Education in Taiwan guaranteed all participants enrollment in their preferred high school, along with a NT$200,000 scholarship (approx. US$6,150) as recognition of their achievement. This support highlights Taiwan’s dedication to promoting educational excellence and scientific advancement among its youth.
A Legacy of Success at IJSO
Taiwan has a proud history of participation in the International Junior Science Olympiad, having been involved since its inception in 2004. This year’s results continued that legacy of achievement, with Taiwan claiming the “Country Winner” title 12 times since beginning its participation. While India topped the rankings this year, Taiwan’s students have consistently shown themselves to be among the best in the world, further cementing their place as global leaders in science education.
Table: Taiwan’s Key Achievements at IJSO 2024
| Category | Award |
|---|---|
| Gold Medals | 6 |
| Absolute Winner | Fan Yi-yang |
| Top Individual Categories | Practical Chemistry, Biology, Theoretical Test |
| Scholarships Awarded | NT$200,000 per participant |
| Overall Country Rank | 2nd (Behind India) |
| Total IJSO Titles for Taiwan | 12 “Country Winner” titles |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What is the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)?
The IJSO is an international competition for students aged 15 and under, focusing on practical and theoretical science in fields such as chemistry, biology, and physics.
2. How did Taiwan perform at the IJSO 2024?
Taiwan won 6 gold medals and placed second overall, finishing behind India among 52 competing nations.
3. Who was the standout performer from Taiwan at IJSO 2024?
Fan Yi-yang, a student from Taichung, was named the Absolute Winner of the competition, earning multiple accolades in practical chemistry, biology, and theoretical tests.
4. What benefits did Taiwanese students receive for participating in the IJSO?
Students received guaranteed enrollment in their preferred high school and a scholarship of NT$200,000 (approximately US$6,150) from the Ministry of Education.
5. What is Taiwan’s history at the IJSO?
Taiwan has participated in the IJSO since its creation in 2004 and has won the “Country Winner” title 12 times, showcasing a long legacy of excellence in science education.
