A team of talented secondary school girls has achieved the best ever result for Hong Kong by winning one gold, one silver and six bronzes at the fifth China Mathematical Olympiad for Girls in Wulumuqui, Xinjiang.

This is Hong Kong's best performance since it began taking part in this contest four years ago, breaking its previous record of seizing three bronzes in a single attempt. Among the medalists, Anna Pun nabbed the first gold for the Hong Kong female team in cross-territory mathematical competitions.

The eight team members are student members of the Education & Manpower Bureau's Support Measures for the Exceptionally Gifted Students Scheme. Three phases of thematic mathematics training, with five to six sessions each, were organised from April this year to enhance their competence and confidence.

Held between August 7 and 11, the fifth China Mathematical Olympiad attracted 38 teams, totalling 142 talented secondary students, from different provinces and cities on the Mailand.

The Hong Kong team was led by mathematics teacher Luk Mee-lin. The bureau's project officer Wong Wan-hand was the deputy leader.

Of the eight team members, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College Form 7 student Anna Pun won the gold award, while the silver award went to St Paul's Secondary School Form 6 student Jennifer Yip.

The bronze medalists are Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School Form 5 student Chan Fong-nei, Belilios Public School Form 5 student Lai Tsz-kwan, The Church of Christ in China Heep Who College Form 6 student Lam Hiu-yi, TWGHs Lee Ching Dea Form 7 student Lee Ka-yee, Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School Form 4 student Leung Wing-pan, and Pui Ching Middle School Form 4 student Wei Xiaoyao.

More details about the Support Measures for the Exceptionally Gifted Students Scheme are available here.