The Managing Director of the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS), Girish Gurbani, has called on schools, parents, and policymakers to invest in programmes that not only develop children’s intellect but also prepare them for leadership in the future.

Speaking at the opening of the 14th edition of the UCMAS National Competition at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Kasoa, Gurbani stressed the need to prioritise initiatives that build problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and creativity in young learners.

“This is more than an academic exercise; it equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

The competition, held under the theme “UCMAS: A Requisite Medium for Training 21st Century Students to Solve Global Challenges,” brought together over 140 schools from across the country to test and celebrate students’ mental arithmetic and reasoning abilities.

Echoing this sentiment, Roger Oheme, UCMAS Business Development Director, emphasised the program’s impact over the past 15 years.

“We’ve seen remarkable improvements in children who once struggled academically. The confidence parents place in UCMAS continues to grow, and the results speak for themselves.”

Parents at the event shared glowing testimonials. One mother said, “After enrolling her daughter in UCMAS, her logical reasoning and intelligence have soared. I strongly urge the government to integrate this into the national curriculum.”

Winners of the competition will be awarded trophies in recognition of their achievements.