TAIPEI: Taiwanese students achieved significant success at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Bucharest, Romania, earning a total of six gold medals. The event, held from December 2 to December 11, drew participants aged 15 and under from 52 countries, with Taiwan securing the second-highest number of medals. According to Focus Taiwan, Taichung's Fan Yi-yang emerged as the Olympiad's "Absolute Winner," distinguishing himself with four additional individual accolades alongside his gold medal. Fan excelled in practical chemistry and biology tests, received a theoretical test award, and achieved the highest overall score. In a statement to local media, Fan expressed that his participation was driven by a desire for self-improvement and collaboration with peers rather than academic credits. He is considering a future in science, potentially in fields such as engineering or chemistry. The Taiwanese delegation at this year's IJSO included six students from various regions: Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichu ng, Tainan, and Chiayi. The Ministry of Education announced that participants were guaranteed enrollment in their preferred high schools and awarded a NT$200,000 (US$6,150) scholarship. Since its inception in 2004, Taiwan has been a consistent participant in the IJSO. Although Taiwan placed second to India this year, the nation has claimed the "Country Winner" title 12 times over the years.