Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) participated in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) / Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM) this year and achieved the best result ever. A total of 16 teams from College of Big Data and Internet won awards, including one Finalist, three Honorable Mentions, and 12 Successful Participants.

MCM/ICM, held by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications, is an international contest designed to challenge teams of three students to clarify, analyze and propose solutions to open-ended problems covering economy, management, environment, resources, ecology, medical science, etc. It requires the participants to research, model, and write a solution within four days, which reflects their capacity for mathematical modeling, interdisciplinary problem-solving skills and teamwork. This year, 27,205 teams representing institutions from 22 countries/regions participated in the contest. 44 teams were designated as Outstanding Winners and 684 as Finalists, which account for 0.16% and 2.5% respectively.

Finalist winners Su Yue, Chen Senru and Li Dawei and the certificate [Photo/College of Big Data and Internet]

The Finalist winners Su Yue, Chen Senru and Li Dawei owe their achievements to the training before the contest and their good teamwork. The team chose Problem F “All for One and One (Space) for All!”, which considered the future impact of asteroid mining on global equity. Chen Senru noted that they spent quite a long time researching and collecting data to define and provide a way to measure global equity. Although they were challenged while solving the problem, they always trusted each other and made a good team. “A written solution submitted within four days requires each of us to leverage our own strength”, said Li Dawei.

Honorable Mention winners Zheng Qiaojian, Wei Jia and Wang Shiqi and the certificate [Photo/College of Big Data and Internet]

The problem of asteroid mining is a relatively new topic, which requires extensive research. Honorable Mention winners Zheng Qiaojian, Wei Jia and Wang Shiqi built a reasonable and comprehensive evaluation model and established a unique mechanism to ensure resources. The takeaway message they’ve learnt from the contest is to focus on the essential core of the problems.

Honorable Mention winners Tang Rui, Yuan Ziyang and He Fenggang and the certificate [Photo/College of Big Data and Internet]

Another team designated as Honorable Mention also chose Problem F. Tang Rui, Yuan Ziyang and He Fenggang had a heated debate while validating the model. Through open discussion and communication, they restructured the model to measure global equity. “It is quite normal to have debate during the contest. Mutual support and communication will help solve all problems.”

Honorable Mention winners Tang Zequan, Jiao Zihao, Tan Jiajun and the certificate [Photo/College of Big Data and Internet]

Over the past year, College of Big Data and Internet has opened courses in mathematical modeling and provided training to students participating in the contest during the summer holiday. In order to train students’ mathematical thinking, enhance their teamwork and make them understand the important role of mathematical modeling in solving real world problems, the College also established the Association of Mathematical Modeling and Algorithms and held many related activities.

Drafted by Daisy（姚琦）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office