Maldivian Students Sweep Gold at International Young Mathematical Story Authors Competition

Maldivian students have achieved a historic milestone by securing gold awards across all three age categories at the Young Mathematical Story Authors 2026 competition. This marks the first time in the event's history that a single nation has captured the most prestigious prizes in every category, spanning age groups 4-7, 8-11, and 12-16. As the world’s largest annual event dedicated to mathematical exploration through original storybooks, the competition has engaged over 7,000 students from 40 countries since its inception in 2019. In this year's edition, which featured competitors from 34 nations, the Maldives demonstrated significant commitment by fielding more than 650 students. This high level of participation reflects a growing national capability in creative mathematical literacy. The unprecedented success is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, the National Institute of Education, and the Maldives National University. Central to this achievement were joint teacher-training programs that equipped educators with innovative techniques to teach mathematics through narrative storytelling, moving away from traditional rote learning. Technical expertise was provided by Dr. Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai, the founder of MathsThroughStories.org. His training modules were designed to enhance instructional capabilities, creating a supportive academic environment that empowered students to excel on the global stage. This victory is being celebrated across the archipelago as a transformative moment for the country's education system. By merging logic with creativity, the Maldives has established a new pedagogical standard, signaling a creative era in how mathematics is taught and perceived by students nationwide.