Sri KDU Student Shines at International Mathematical Olympiad, Inspires Future Generations
Sri KDU National Primary School celebrates the remarkable achievements of Leia Mayssa Masyerin, a former student whose passion and dedication to mathematics have brought her international acclaim. At just 16 years old, Leia's journey from a novice competitor to a decorated participant at the recent International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held in Bath, UK, is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the unwavering support from her educators and family.
Shamsiah Anverdeeen, Leia Mayssa Masyerin, Vivienn Lee Siew Fang, Primary Math teacher and Shairina Begum Sulaiman, Deputy Principal of Sri KDU National Primary School
Leia's introduction to competitive mathematics began in Primary 4 when a teacher recognised her exceptional math skills and encouraged her to participate in the Malaysian International Mathematics Olympiad (MIMO). Her debut at MIMO was nothing short of spectacular, earning a gold medal and igniting a lifelong passion for mathematics. "That experience really sparked my passion for Math and ignited a competitive spirit to excel in the subject," Leia shared.
Her mother, Norashidah Wahab, recalls the school's pivotal role in nurturing Leia's talent. "We’re very thankful to Sri KDU and its amazing teachers for discovering Leia’s talent and encouraging her through numerous competitions," she said.
Leia Mayssa Masyerin (middle) with her mother, Puan Norashida (left) and Sri KDU National Primary School Principal, Shamsiah Anverdeen (right) catching up at Sri KDU after her success at IMO
Despite initial successes, Leia faced challenges in subsequent competitions. Her perseverance, however, remained steadfast. "I took these competitions lightly initially, but eventually adopted a mindset of doing my best rather than just winning," Leia reflected. This resilience led her to the prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), where she represented Malaysia for three consecutive years, earning two Honourable Mentions in Norway (2022) and Japan (2023), and a Bronze Medal in the United Kingdom (2024).
Leia's participation in IMO required significant dedication, often taking time away from school for intensive training. Despite the intense demands of IMO, Leia's academic performance was nothing short of stellar. She graduated as Valedictorian with an International High School qualification while completing her SPM exams with 8A+ and 1A. Her commitment to both her studies and her passion for mathematics is remarkable as she even managed to take on a college interview with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) during a short free period between her Physics and Chemistry SPM papers. At just 16 years old and currently on MIT’s waitlist, Leia's extraordinary achievements have opened numerous doors, including a personal invitation to the prestigious "Maths Beyond Limits" camp in Poland and several scholarships offers to pursue her pre-university education.
Rose among thorns - Leia (far left) Malaysia’s only female representative at IMO 2024 with her fellow teammates proudly holding the Malaysian flag at the event. – Photo Credit © Jessica Wang Photography
Leia's success story is a powerful testament to the heights that can be reached with dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, it is not just about personal achievement but also about the impact of a supportive educational environment. "Leia is exemplary of the kind of students who start their success journey at Sri KDU and go on to achieve greater things," said Shamsiah Anverdeen, Principal of Sri KDU National Primary School. "Former students like Leia are role models for our young students who hope to pave their own way to success."
From beginning her journey as a young aspiring gymnast to discovering a passion for math and ultimately becoming an internationally recognized math competitor, Leia’s story exemplifies the transformative power of a nurturing educational foundation. Sri KDU's dedication to cultivating talent and fostering academic excellence is evident in Leia's accomplishments, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars. Her story highlights the profound difference that encouragement and opportunities provided by educators and institutions can make.
Leia Mayssa Masyerin proudly wears her bronze medal which she earned at the International Mathematical Olympiad 2024 held in Bath, UK. – Photo Credit © IMO Malaysia
Leia's advice to aspiring students is simple yet profound: "Be brave, do your research, explore, and be willing to try." Sri KDU National Primary School is immensely proud of Leia Mayssa Masyerin and congratulates her on her outstanding achievements. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours, confident that her talent will continue to shine on the global stage.
