INDIVIDUALS from all walks of life, particularly students, should sign up for the Mind Competitions 2025.
Memory training strengthens cognitive abilities, which are especially essential for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), said Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) vice chairman Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Chuah Hean Teik.
Memory training to enhance analytical thinking, problem-solving and data retention, he said, equips students with skills that are crucial for excelling in STEM fields.
“For you to get involved in important areas like artificial intelligence (AI), data science or virtual reality, you need a very good mathematical and scientific background,” he said, adding that how one trains one’s mind to be sharp is equally important, which helps one succeed in these areas.
“Nowadays, when people talk about data science, it’s about how you collect, analyse and retain that information in your mind to put it into an application,” he said during the Mind Competitions 2025 press conference at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long campus on Feb 25.
The Mind Competitions, to be held on April 26, are part of MMLM’s initiatives, established by UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik to promote mental literacy among Malaysians through techniques like memory skills, critical thinking and creativity.
Highlighting the worrying decline in STEM interest, Prof Chuah said the number of students taking up science in the country has dropped to an alarming rate.
He emphasised the crucial role of memory training and cognitive exercises in reigniting students’ enthusiasm for these disciplines.
“Students need a strong scientific and mathematical background and a sharp analytical mind to excel in STEM fields, and competitions like this can help cultivate these essential skills from a young age,” he explained.
He said having strong technological knowledge is essential for career advancement, but the ability to manage time effectively and build strong networks is equally important.
“Events like the Mind Competitions 2025 play a crucial role in sharpening memory skills, helping individuals recall important details such as dates, numbers and names.
“For instance, if I remember a gentleman’s name and greet him the next time we meet, he will feel a sense of familiarity and connection, which is an important skill to have at the workplace,” he said, adding that the Mind Competitions 2025 equip students with memory techniques that go beyond academics, helping them excel in both personal and professional relationships.
To highlight the effectiveness of brain training, demonstrations of mental prowess were held during the press conference.
SJK(C) Yoke Nam, Kuala Lumpur, pupil Tooh Hyo Ee, nine, who showed off her ability to solve a series of mathematical equations quickly and accurately, said English is her favourite subject but she likes remembering numbers and solving equations quickly because it is exciting.
Meanwhile, senior participants Tan Swee Kok, 60, and Chin Kooi Lan, 68, were also on hand to demonstrate their memory skills.
Tan showcased his ability to recall a series of random words in sequence, while Chin displayed her talent for reciting digits of the mathematical constant Pi.
Chin, said one of the competition’s judges, Teo Kim Foo, only learnt the skill a month ago and had already made remarkable progress, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured memory training.
“Their participation shows that memory training is beneficial for all ages and that cognitive agility can be preserved and enhanced through continuous practice,” said Teo.
Mind Competitions 2025
Registration deadline: April 12
> Now in its 16th year, the Mind Competitions 2025 will be held on April 26 across four locations: UTAR Sungai Long, UTAR Kampar, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang, and Catholic High School in Sibu, Sarawak.
> The competition consists of three main categories: Memory, Mind Mapping, and Mental Calculation —each with subcategories like Random Words, Random Numbers, Dates and Events, Random Letters of the Alphabet, Mind Mapping from Written Text, Free-Style Creative Mind Map, Mental Additions and Mental Multiplications.
> Open to all ages, from preschoolers to retirees, participants can compete for prizes totalling RM51,000. Special awards include RM500 for the best school, senior citizens aged 60 and over, and children aged nine and under in all categories.
> All registrations must be completed online.
Details: Log on to mmlm.utar.edu.my / email mmlm@utar.edu.my / call 03-9086 0288 (ext 810) / send a WhatsApp message to +6016-223 3563
