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Release time：2024-06-15 22:07:54 Source：Comprehensive Chinese media
In a remarkable turn of events, a 17-year-old vocational school student captured the nation’s attention by advancing to the finals of the 2024 Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition. The student, whose name is Jiang Ping, has not only showcased exceptional mathematical talent but also challenged societal stereotypes about vocational education in China.
The Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition, known for its rigorous standards and international prestige, draws participants from some of the world's top institutions. The competition is open to everyone, regardless of their profession or background, welcoming participants ranging from delivery personnel and couriers to doctors, lawyers, and students. This year's competition saw a significant turnout, with 801 individuals advancing to the finals, including Jiang Ping. The average age of the finalists is 22 years, and they come from prestigious institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, MIT, and Cambridge. This year, the competition has seen an unprecedented level of interest and participation, further enhancing its competitive atmosphere.
As news of her success spread, Chinese social media platforms have been abuzz with admiration and support for the young prodigy. Hashtags such as #VocationalSchoolMathWhiz and #AlibabaMathFinalist have trended on Weibo, garnering millions of views and comments.
The student's journey to the finals has also sparked discussions about the value of vocational education in China. Traditionally, vocational schools have been viewed as less prestigious compared to academic high schools and universities. However, this young mathematician's success story is helping to shift public perception, highlighting the potential and talent that exist within the vocational education system.
In an interview with a local news outlet, the student expressed his gratitude for the support she had received and shared insights into his preparation for the competition. "I never imagined that I would come this far," she said. "It's been a challenging journey, but I’m grateful for the encouragement from my teachers and friends. This competition has been a great learning experience."
The Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition is part of Alibaba Group’s broader initiative to promote education and innovation. By recognizing and nurturing young talents in mathematics, the competition aims to inspire future generations to pursue excellence in STEM fields. Interestingly, this year's competition also featured an AI Challenge, where over 500 AI teams from renowned universities, institutes, and enterprises worldwide participated. Despite high expectations, none of the AI teams managed to reach the finals. The highest score achieved by an AI team was 34 points, underscoring the complexity of human mathematical prowess and the current limitations of AI in this field. Yin Wotao, a member of the Alibaba Mathematics Competition Organizing Committee and head of the Decision Intelligence Laboratory at DAMO Academy, remarked, "Mathematics is the crown of human wisdom. The AI Challenge is a positive attempt to help us continue to break through the upper limit of AI's capabilities and bring more possibilities."
As the finals approach, Jiang Ping continues to prepare diligently, balancing his studies with the demands of the competition. Her story has become an inspiration to many young people across China, proving that with determination and hard work, extraordinary achievements are possible regardless of one’s educational background.
The finals of the 2024 Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition are set to take place next month, and the nation eagerly awaits to see how this young prodigy will fare on the global stage. Win or lose, her journey has already left an indelible mark on the hearts of many and has brought much-needed attention to the potential of vocational education in China.