Popular children's math competitions shut down

Two more popular math competitions were cancelled in Shanghai as authorities pledged to improve private training and competition regulations to reduce the burden on students.

The organizers of the Yingchun Cup competition said they cancelled the final session for Shanghai competitors scheduled on January 6 and that students would receive refunds in a week.

The other competition, "Walking into the Wonderful Match Garden," also cancelled its preliminary session in Shanghai, which was scheduled for January 7, and said it would not organize such competitions in the future.

It will also refund students in one week.

The news aroused public attention and many parents worried that all competitions outside of schools will be cancelled.

Earlier this month, the Shanghai sessions of Singapore’s Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools were also cancelled and the website of Elegant English Elementary (3E) Test could no longer be accessed.

These competitions have been so popular that tens of thousands of students took part every year, spending massive amounts of time in cramming schools to prepare.

Parents believe that the award certificates give their children an advantage when applying for popular schools, something training agencies banked on in promotional activities.

While the tests are increasingly popular, parents and students have also been complaining about the burden they place on children.

The authorities have pledged to tighten regulations to help ensure children remain healthy.

A campaign was also launched earlier this year to inspect local training agencies, leading to the closure of illegal ones.