Ancient systems make maths fun

Lavanes (second from left), R. Rithessh and Lashwin showing off their awards while their guardians look on.

Students showcase speed, skill at abacus, Vedic mathematics championship

Many students struggle with mathematics but for some, it is a challenge they enjoy.

Lavanes Batumalai, 12, and his twin brother Lashwin Batumalai thrive at mental maths.

The pupils of SJK (T) Pusat Telok Datok in Banting, Selangor, were among 50 students who took part in the Global Abacus and Vedic Maths Championship 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.

“I was introduced to mental maths and now that I’ve mastered it, I find it fun. I can count faster and this enables me to solve more sums,” said Lavanes.

The event was co-organised by several organisations, including South Asian Development Banq Ltd, Ray Foundation, Bal Bikas NCMAS Pvt Ltd and Raise Abacus Academy.

South Asian Development Banq founder, president and chief executive officer (CEO)Muhammad Zarif Abdullah Menon said participants came from all over the world, including Nepal and India, besides Malay­sia.

He said abacus originated from China while Vedic mathe­ma­tics, a system of mental calcula­tion techniques, originated from India.

Participants, their guardians and sponsors of Global Abacus and Vedic Maths Champion­ship 2026 smiling for a group photo.

“Children can easily be taught mental arithmetic and education should also go back to the basics.

“When children are taught to eliminate their fear of mathe­ma­tics, they can master it,” he added.

Coming from a banking background, Muhammad Zarif said mathematics was extremely important.

“When children are taught mathematics in a fun way, such as through mental arithmetic at an early age, it removes their fear of the subject.

“Every child is unique and the same teaching method may not be suitable for all children.

“There should always be fun ways to teach them,” he said.

Bal Bikas NCMAS CEO Tej Baha­dur said mental arithmetic helped children develop good concen­tration and decision-making skills.

“Usually, children take about a year to master mental maths, although some can learn it much faster,” he said.

Tej had accompanied a group of students from Nepal, aged between seven and 12, to the event.

Nepalese participant Rachana Tamang, 11, said she had been learning mental arithmetic for more than two months and practised for about an hour daily.

She added that the ability to solve maths problems was exciting for her and she hoped to become a doctor or a businesswoman.