Hong Kong loses 2030 maths congress to Glasgow. Does Asia need a stronger voice?
Field’s Medal winner Shing‑Tung Yau says the region should set up its own body to coordinate action
An award-winning mathematician has called for Asia to set up its own maths union after Hong Kong lost out to Glasgow to host a top international meeting in the field.
“My colleagues and I are deeply regretful about the voting result,” Yau said on Wednesday.
“The voting power within the IMU is relatively entrenched. The European Mathematical Society, as a regional umbrella organisation representing Europe’s national mathematical societies, commands an overwhelming majority of votes, while Asian countries together hold less than a quarter of the total.”
Yau said Europe, North America, Africa and Latin America had regional bodies to coordinate and amplify group action.
“Asia urgently needs a similar organisation,” he said. “An Asian Mathematical Union would better represent the interests of mathematicians in the region, foster collaboration and exchange among them, and promote the coordinated advancement of mathematical sciences across Asia.”