HSBC supports International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai as Principal Partner
Our Group CEO, Georges Elhedery, joined some of the world’s brightest young minds when he attended the closing ceremony of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Shanghai, China.
The IMO is the ‘world championship’ of maths for high school students, and the 2026 edition, held from July 10-21, marked its return to mainland China for the first time in 36 years.
This year, it brought together 600+ contestants from more than 100 markets and HSBC was the competition’s Principal Partner.
ABOUT THE IMO
Fact: The International Mathematical Olympiad was first held in Romania in 1959. Up to six competitors per country or territory can compete. Competitors solve three maths problems per day, across two days, with up to seven points available for each problem. Competitors must be aged under 20 and not enrolled in post-secondary education
The partnership marks a new step in our continued investment in China and underscores our commitment to supporting young talent to become the next generation of scientists and innovators.
What Georges Elhedery said
Speaking on a panel session at the IMO, our Group CEO encouraged the students to stay curious and open-minded.
“Progress has always depended on people willing to take on difficult problems and keep searching for better answers,” Georges said.
“The International Mathematical Olympiad celebrates the curiosity, persistence and imagination that make mathematical thinking so powerful. Every student taking part has embraced that challenge.
“At HSBC, we are proud to support these remarkable young people and this outstanding competition in Shanghai.”
The IMO view
Professor Gregor Dolinar, President of the IMO, said: “Mathematics… sharpens the logical thinking of youth and cultivates their spirit of exploration. This is becoming even more critical in an era where artificial intelligence is completely reshaping our world.”
He added that Shanghai’s hosting of the competition “provides a vital platform for Chinese mathematics to engage deeply with the world, and serves as a catalyst for Shanghai to establish itself as a world-class centre for scientific innovation and educational excellence”.
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