MEMORISING facts alone is not enough. Students need to analyse information, interpret data and apply what they know to unfamiliar situations if they are to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related subjects.
Participation in STEM competitions like the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), says Assoc Prof Dr Tang Swee Seong, helps students develop these crucial skill sets, which will serve them well beyond the competition.
Pointing to the nation’s latest IBO medal haul, Tang, from the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Science, said given the right opportunities, quality mentorship, appropriate training and a supportive environment, students can excel at the highest level of international academic competition.
The country achieved a historic milestone in international science education by securing its first-ever gold medal at the 37th IBO 2026, according to Tang, who is also the team leader and coach of Malaysia’s IBO delegation.
The team also returned with one bronze medal and two merit awards, marking the country’s best performance in the competition to date.
Held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19, this year’s IBO brought together 302 of the world’s top pre-university biology students from 78 countries for theoretical and practical examinations.
The Malaysian delegation comprised Goh Jun Thean of Sunway College Kuala Lumpur, who won the gold medal; Jeslyn Jie Ting of Lodge International School, Sarawak, who won the bronze medal; and Wong Ping Hao of Sunway College Kuala Lumpur and Eugene Wong of Kuen Cheng High School, who received the merit awards.
Notably, Goh was ranked 25th overall among the 302 contestants, placing him among the world’s top-performing young biologists.
The IBO requires students to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory competence across a broad spectrum of biological sciences, including molecular and cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, ecology, evolution, plant sciences and animal biology.
“Throughout the journey, our students developed critical thinking, scientific reasoning, practical laboratory skills, communication and resilience as they had to face problems they had never encountered before.
“Our students won through their discipline, curiosity and willingness to keep learning.
“It was their passion, resilience and hard work that made this success possible,” Tang said in a press release.
Behind the team’s success, he added, is a wider network involving students, parents, teachers, trainers, schools, universities and organisations working together to provide opportunities for talented young Malaysians.
The 2026 result built on Malaysia’s breakthrough performance at the IBO 2025, when the national team won one silver and one bronze medal, ending a nine-year medal drought.
Tang said the latest achievement highlighted the growing strength of the nation’s young scientific talent, as well as the importance of sustained efforts to identify and develop it.
However, he stressed that while medals provide an important measure of success, the broader value of programmes such as the IBO lies in exposing students to scientific thinking beyond the conventional curriculum and giving them opportunities to challenge themselves alongside talented peers from around the world.
