A promising start for the future of science in the Kingdom
In a historic step reflecting the growing interest in human capital development, the first edition of the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad – Nasmo – kicked off today, Sunday, with an exceptional participation of over 99,000 male and female students from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This major national event represents a leading platform aimed at discovering talented young minds in the fields of science and mathematics, honing their skills, and preparing them to compete on the global stage.
A strategic context that aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The launch of the “Nesmo” Olympiad is not a random event, but rather part of a broader strategic framework adopted by the Kingdom to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. The Vision is based on building a thriving, knowledge-based, and innovative economy, and investing in the education and training of the next generation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is the cornerstone of this transformation. The Olympiad aims to create a stimulating learning environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, and instills a passion for scientific research in students from an early age, thus directly contributing to preparing national talent capable of leading the future in vital sectors.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The “Nesmo” Olympiad holds immense importance on several levels. Locally, it contributes to raising the quality of educational outcomes by enriching curricula with advanced scientific challenges, and it strengthens the role of teachers and educational supervisors by involving them in training and developing students. Nationally, the Olympiad works to build a broad database of scientific talent, enabling institutions like “Mawhiba” (King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity) to attract the best candidates and include them in their advanced programs, which qualify them to participate in international Olympiads. Internationally, “Nesmo” aspires to enhance the Kingdom’s position on the map of scientific excellence and demonstrate the ability of its youth to compete and achieve global accomplishments that raise the nation’s name high.
A comprehensive, multi-stage scientific journey
The “Nasmo” Olympiad is designed as a comprehensive educational and competitive journey targeting students from the first year of middle school through the first year of high school in key disciplines including science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and informatics. The student's journey begins within their school, where teams are formed and trained to compete at the city and provincial levels. Outstanding students then qualify for more advanced stages at the education department level, culminating in the national finals that bring together the elite talents from across the Kingdom. This journey culminates in the nomination of the most outstanding students to join the “Mawhiba International Olympiads Program,” which provides them with intensive preparation to represent the Kingdom in international scientific events.
