KUALA LUMPUR – Nineteen-year-old Malaysian prodigy Yap Wen Min has set a new record by solving a 50-digit multiplication problem in just 24.61 seconds, earning her a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).
Over the past 14 years, Ms. Yap has amassed over 1,000 trophies in various academic fields, including Mathematics, Science, debating, and public speaking, both locally and internationally. Her recent accomplishment of entering the MBR for the fastest 50-digit multiplication marks another milestone in her impressive journey.
For this record-setting feat, Ms. Yap multiplied two 50-digit numbers without the aid of a calculator, demonstrating her advanced mathematical and mental calculation skills. “What excites me the most is not the recognition itself, but the personal growth and transformation that led to it,” she said during an interview with The Star. Ms. Yap emphasized that her success was a natural outcome of focusing on improving her mentality and honing her skills.
Having just completed her foundation studies, Ms. Yap is currently on a gap year before pursuing a degree in economics. She achieved the MBR feat in April, during a period when she was balancing her schoolwork, leadership roles, and participation in national and international debates.
To prepare for the 50-digit multiplication challenge, Ms. Yap used various techniques, such as breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts and applying different mental strategies. Despite the challenges of managing her time and dealing with mental strain, she discovered a stronger version of herself. Ms. Yap credits her mentors for guiding and encouraging her throughout the journey, and she practices Maths up to six hours daily.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ms. Yap is also a mentor for Teach for Malaysia, a non-profit organization. She feels fulfilled knowing that every step of her journey has improved her skills and contributed to her personal and professional development. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the next adventure, solving the next complex challenge, and seeing how far I can contribute,” she said.
Ms. Yap, the younger of two siblings, has always been drawn to Maths because she believes that numbers are one of the most reliable tools to uncover truths and validate ideas. Her passion for Economics further fuels her interest in how Maths helps analyze and solve real-world problems.
Ms. Yap has garnered numerous accolades, including a gold award in China’s ShenMo Cup International Mathematical Arithmetic Olympiad 2023 and a silver award in Thailand’s International Mathematical Olympiad 2022. Most recently, on August 22, she won a silver medal in the Upper Secondary category at the Kijang Economics competition, a national event that tests students on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business.
For those who struggle with Maths, Ms. Yap suggests viewing it as a puzzle or pattern rather than merely a requirement for grades and exams. She encourages students to find the connections between Maths and their interests, whether in sports, music, or art, to make the subject more engaging and less of a chore.