Today, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, the Deputy Minister for General Education, Dr. Hassan Kharmi, and the Acting Secretary-General of the Mawhiba Foundation, Dr. Khalid Al-Sharif, inaugurated the 2025 Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. The event will continue until May 12, with the participation of 240 male and female students representing 30 countries. The event will be attended by numerous educational and scientific leaders, representatives of participating international delegations, members of the International Olympiad Committee, and academic figures from inside and outside the Kingdom.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Dr. Khalid Al-Sharif, Acting Secretary-General of the Mawhiba Foundation, explained that the Olympiad is a global platform celebrating intelligence, knowledge, and the limitless potential of youth. He noted that organizing this scientific event reflects the kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth in shaping the future and advancing progress in physics.
Al-Sharif underscored that the kingdom’s hosting of the Olympiad reflects its leadership in the energy industry and aligns with its commitment to investing in human beings and nurturing young minds who represent the true wealth of the future.
For his part, Dr. Kwek Leong Chuan, President of the Asian Olympiad International Board, stated, “This edition of the Olympiad marks a historic milestone as it is the first to take place in the Middle East. I am grateful to the kingdom for this wonderful opportunity, along with its organization and hospitality.” He expressed appreciation to all the entities and institutions that contributed to the success of this scientific event and commended the kingdom’s active participation in the Olympiad since its inception in 1999.
The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation showcasing the kingdom’s growing scientific standing, emphasizing the efforts of the Ministry of Education, the Mawhiba Foundation, and their partners in empowering and nurturing gifted students. The presentation also reviewed the Olympiad’s developmental progress and its local organization and included artistic performances that reflect Saudi heritage.
Specialized committees will begin today to discuss the practical exam and its translation. In the coming days, students will take two main exams—one theoretical and one practical, each lasting five hours—based on precise scientific criteria. The International Olympiad Council will oversee the preparation and evaluation of these exams.
The Olympiad program includes educational excursions, cultural events, and entertainment, enabling participating students and supervisors to explore the cultural heritage and developmental progress observed in the kingdom. This initiative serves as part of an integrated educational experience that promotes communication and cultural exchange among the world’s youth.
It is important to note that the Asian Physics Olympiad 2025 marks the second international Olympiad hosted by the Kingdom, following the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad, which was held in Riyadh in 2024.
