Malaysian Teen Breaks Record for Fastest 50-Digit Multiplication
By Subaashinee Kupusamy,
23rd October: At just 19, Yap Wen Min has achieved remarkable success in both academics and public speaking. The Kuala Lumpur-based prodigy recently made history by entering the Malaysia Book of Records for the fastest time to solve a 50-digit multiplication, completing the calculation in just 24.61 seconds without a calculator.
Yap, who has won over 1,000 trophies in Mathematics, Science, and debating competitions locally and internationally, said the record was a result of years of personal growth and development. “It’s not just about the recognition,” she shared, “but the lessons and transformation I’ve experienced along the way.”
To accomplish this feat, Yap used advanced mental techniques, breaking the large problem into smaller parts. Her dedication to math is evident, with up to six hours of daily practice.
Balancing schoolwork with leadership roles and competitive tournaments has not been easy, but Yap believes these challenges have shaped her into a stronger individual. She credits her mentors for guiding her and encouraging her to push her limits.
Despite her passion for math, Yap is also interested in economics and sees a strong connection between the two fields. She believes math helps analyze real-world problems and finds it especially useful in economics, which requires analytical and debate skills.
For those struggling with math, Yap suggests viewing it as a puzzle rather than a chore. “Math is everywhere – in sports, music, and art. Once we see how it applies to our interests, it becomes more enjoyable.”
Yap, who is taking a gap year before pursuing a degree in economics, is excited for future challenges and opportunities to continue learning as stated in The Star.
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