Taiwan competitors display the national flag at the 19th Asian Physics Olympiad May 12 in Hanoi. (Courtesy of MOE)

Taiwan students won four gold, one silver and three bronze medals to tie for third place at the 19th Asian Physics Olympiad May 5-13 in Hanoi.
 
The team of eight high schoolers competed against over 180 counterparts from 25 countries and territories in subjects spanning electromagnetic radiation, matter, mechanics, quantum physics, relativity and thermodynamics. Mainland China topped this year’s event ahead of Russia, with hosts Vietnam in joint third.
 
Taiwan’s gold medal winners are Chiang Li-yuan, Chung Shang-hsuan and Kao Wei-bo from Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (CKHS), and Tseng Sian-yang from National Experimental High School at Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan. Chung also picked up a special award for outstanding performance in theoretical physics.
 
Chen Chang-han from Taichung Municipal First Senior High School in central Taiwan bagged a silver, while schoolmates Chu Chia-tung and Luo Pei-rui, as well as Wang Wei-en of CKHS each took home a bronze.
 
According to the Ministry of Education, the Taiwan competitors were chosen out of 1,847 students from 143 schools nationwide. The group was led by physics professor Kao Hsien-chung from National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei City.
 
The gold and silver medal winners will each receive NT$100,000 (US$3,357) and NT$50,000, respectively, under an MOE incentive program to encourage participation in international olympiads. According to the ministry, taking part in the competitions raises the country’s profile and helps young talents develop global perspectives.
 
Taiwan is a top performer at the Asian Physics Olympiads, collecting a total 63 golds, 42 silvers and 41 bronzes since the inaugural event in 2000. Taipei hosted the second and 11th editions, with the national team clinching first place on both occasions. (KWS-E)