Chinese schools top Chem Challenge 2001

Students from three Chinese schools topped the finals round of the Chem Challenge 2001 held on August 18 at the William Shaw Little Theater.

Sponsored by DLSU-M’s Chemistry Department, in coordination with the Marketing Communication Office, the event aimed to bring together high school students in a friendly competition.

Seventy-one schools from all over Metro Manila and the Cavite area sent their representatives to join the contest. Of the 142 students who responded to the challenge, Timothy Chua of Xavier School emerged the winner in the elimination and final rounds.

Chua brought home P 11,000 as cash prize while first runner-up Conrad Allan Chong of Grace Christian High School bagged P5,000 and second runner-up Mark Rainier Ngo of UNO High School received P2,000.

High school teachers, as well as junior students aspiring to join the contest next year, were given seminars at the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory.

Dr. Eric Punzalan, director of Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research talked on Garbage Chemistry while Chemistry professor Dr. Martin Ilaw spoke on the Chemistry of Antisense Compounds: The Key to the Fountain of Youth.

Spearheaded by Dr. Glenn Alea, under the guidance of Chemistry Department Chair Dr. Wyona Patalinghug, the Chemisty Challenge 2001 seeks to identify and recognize talents in the field of chemistry from among the best and brightest young students in Metro Manila and other provinces. It also serves as venue to encourage them to join the university. Two out of the top three students who won the first Chem Challenge in 2000 are now enrolled in DLSU-M.