NISC Students Excel at FOBISIA Primary Maths Challenge in Shanghai

By Aidan Stallwood

Head of Primary

At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), education is designed to go beyond the classroom. Through exclusive global and regional programmes, NISC empowers students with the perspective, resilience, and leadership skills rarely found elsewhere in Phnom Penh. The FOBISIA Primary Maths Challenge 2026 in Shanghai is a perfect example of how these opportunities shape confident, globally minded learners.

Held in early March 2026, the FOBISIA Mathematics Competition connected NISC students with peers from leading international schools across Asia. This exposure provides more than just competition. It offers a broader global perspective on problem-solving, collaboration, and learning. Students experience first-hand how others approach challenges, expanding their thinking and deepening their understanding of mathematics.

Reflecting on the experience, Head of Primary Aidan Stallwood shared:
“We were delighted to take part in the FOBISIA Mathematics Competition for the first time this year. As the only school in Cambodia to be members of this organisation, the event provided our students with a wonderful opportunity to challenge themselves, collaborate with peers from across the region and develop confidence in their mathematical thinking. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, resilience and willingness to step outside their comfort zones as they represented NISC so positively.”

The event is intentionally rigorous. Students tackled complex mathematical problems in a high-pressure environment, building resilience beyond the typical classroom experience. These moments of challenge help students develop perseverance, adaptability, and the confidence to overcome uncertainty, key traits for lifelong success.

A defining aspect of the FOBISIA experience is the emphasis on leadership and teamwork. NISC students worked collaboratively, communicating strategies and supporting each other through demanding tasks. Representing the school on an international stage instilled pride, responsibility, and maturity, helping students grow into confident young leaders.

Competing alongside strong mathematicians from across the region also nurtures a growth mindset. Students learn to embrace challenges, view setbacks as learning opportunities, and continuously strive for improvement. This not only strengthens their academic abilities but also builds self-belief and adaptability.

Importantly, the competition reshapes how students view mathematics. At NISC, maths is not just about answers. It is about creativity, inquiry, and collaboration. FOBISIA reinforces this by encouraging students to think critically, explore multiple solutions, and work together to solve complex problems.

Beyond academics, the Shanghai experience provides valuable cultural exposure. Students engage with different perspectives, build friendships, and develop a deeper appreciation for global diversity. These cross-cultural interactions foster international mindedness, an essential quality in today’s interconnected world.

Participation in FOBISIA also cultivates independence. Travelling, competing, and representing NISC encourages students to take ownership of their learning journey. They return more mature, motivated, and inspired to aim higher.

The FOBISIA Primary Maths Challenge highlights how NISC’s exclusive regional opportunities equip students with the skills and mindset needed for future success. By combining academic rigour with global exposure, NISC continues to prepare students to lead with confidence, both in Cambodia and on the world stage.